The timing light uses the stroboscopic effect for working. Therefore, as you pull the trigger of the timing light with the engine running, each time the spark plug Number 1 fires you see a flashing beam from the timing light. The inductive nature of the timing lights allow them to detect when the spark plug fires by detecting the jolt of electricity on the plug. However, most of the currently available light units work with their signal wire clipped right on the spark plug wire itself. Some of the older type of timing lights needs the signal wire to be connected directly to the tip of the spark plug. Look up the service manual or the owner's manual for your vehicle in case you are not sure of which of the spark plugs is the first one. Lastly, connect the signal wire of the timing light and clamp it to the directly to the wire of spark plug number 1. Then, locate the BLACK wire of the timing light and clamp it to the negative terminal of the battery. Next, locate the RED wire of the timing light and clamp it to the positive terminal of the battery. First, you must switch off the engine of your car. As long as you have a working car battery, the timing light will also function.Ĭonnecting a timing light is very simple. Timing lights are different from normal flashlights because they do not require separate batteries to power them up and you do not need to worry about them running out of juice. However, if you prefer one that is easier to read in bright conditions, it will likely be more expensive. The pistol grip type is more ergonomic to hold inside the close confines of a car's engine. While the smallest and the least expensive timing light fits into the simple shape of a pen, people generally prefer a timing light that is in the shape of a ray gun. These features range from bare-bones functionality to a plethora of bells and whistles. There are various types of timing lights available in different shapes and sizes. A timing light helps to find out if the sequence and timing of the firing is correct and if not, helps to fine-tune it. However, spark plugs must fire at the right time and in the proper sequence for the engine to operate at peak power and efficiency. In general, cars have spark plugs that ignite the fuel in the engine, generating energy for driving the car. If your car has a distributor, using a timing light is enough to let you know what is wrong with the car. However, if your car is not the latest type with computerized controls, you could probably save some money by diagnosing the problem on your own. Your local auto repair shop will likely charge you for telling you exactly what is wrong with your car during the estimate process and he will charge you for fixing it up. At moments such as this, you have only two choices – take your car to your local auto repair shop or take it home and diagnose it yourself. This is commonly known as knocking and it could be the result of the engine's timing being a little off or it could also mean something more serious. When your car engine suddenly starts to thump and shudder, you are naturally concerned and do not feel very confident. U-Joint/Slack Adjuster/Bearing Cup Etc.Nut Drivers, Star/Hex Handrivers & Screwdrivers.Professional Sockets, Ratchets, Adapters.Automotive Gas Specialty Tools & Diagnostic.Pullers 2 Jaw/3 Jaw/Slide Hammer/Posi-Lock/Bar.View All Legacy Diagnostic Equipment & Software."Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. Of course, if you want a full diagnosis, by a certified ASE auto mechanic, you're not going to get that at an auto parts store.īut for basic issues it might be worth trying them so you don't waste your money. So your best bet is to pull over to a safe spot and call for help. In both cases do not keep driving, or your engine could possibly seize up. Two is the red oil-can light. This means your oil level is dangerously low.It's a red thermometer that means your motor is low on coolant and overheating (or has a leaking head gasket, where coolant is running into the oil). No AutoZone nearby? Advance Auto Parts, O'Reilly and Pep Boyswill also perform many of these services for free, so be sure to ask.īut there are two dashboard lights where you should not try to drive to an auto parts store for a free check. Read the codes on your check engine light.Many drivers don't realize that AutoZone,the nation's largest auto parts chain, will do the following services free of charge: It can cost $200 at the dealer just to have the problem diagnosed.īut you may not realize you might be able to get that problem checked for free at AutoZone or your other local auto parts stores. You know it's going to be a bad day when your car struggles to start or the check engine light comes on.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |