Random question - When you're doing diagnostic work and you're really stumped, where do you look? Just the forums? Any industry websites? Anything you can get on your phone?

Any help is much appreciated

 

i search here when stumped. if there a problem, someone on here has had it

 

What is the problem?

What is the MM&Y of the car the problem is in?

Are there any "mods" to the car, IE; engine swap, if so what mods from what? 94

 

If you are a professional technician in the independent side of the business, there is tons of training and resource material available. That, along with experience, electrical understanding, and a good arsenal of diag tools(scopes, gauges,etc...) Is really all you need. It also helps to have other experienced techs to bounce ideas off of. Most shops (good ones anyway) will pay for the cost of training(which usually run into $200-$600 a course) If you are in a dealership, brand specific training is also available to you.


If you are a DIY'er, Im not sure what you can do. The training offered to technicians IS open to the public, but it is not basic training and the information will possibly be over your head. Whats more, how much of a return on investment can you really get out of it if you do not do this for a living. I guess the internet is your best resource. Of course you gotta filter through all the BS and determine what will and will not help you.

 

I mean unless you're swapped with a ton of f random mods google is your best friend. Most vehicles have the identical recurring issues between models (ie Honda main relay issues), so googling the issue along with year make and model usually pans out great results. Other than that it's pretty much systematic and helps to know how systems work (ie cranking issues, battery, fuses, starter, etc) and narrowing down the culprit while weeding out items that's aren't involved. Having a manual, a GOOD manual, will save you tons of time. In the end experience and knowledge sharing are king, so forums like this one are priceless