What do doctors and technicians have in common?

Well, for starters, they both diagnose problems. But did you know they sometimes use the same tools? In this video, Mike uses an oscilloscope to diagnose an issue with this Honda’s distributor.

The one in this video is an oscilloscope. This device measures electricity, it’s used for viewing oscillations of electrical voltage or current. 

We use them on cars to diagnose complex electrical issues. In this particular example, Mike is using the device to diagnose a faulty distributor in a Honda. For reference, the distributor disperses electrical currents to the ignition system. 

Similar to how a doctor uses a heart monitor to track heartbeat and rhythm, Mike is using the scope to search for inconsistencies in electrical function. “We’re looking for a square pattern. The square wave that is present shows that the ignitor in the distributor is producing voltage and the computer is pulsing it to ground. The coil that is in the distributor is most likely worm-out and, in this case, we’ll take the distributor apart and check the coil on the ground side using a multi-meter to confirm.”

Grand Opening Bash on Saturday, July 27th!

By jeanie.walker • July 19, 2024
Green Drop Garage Grand Opening Bash Sat, July 27th at 12:00pm - 3:00pm - RSVP The post Grand Opening Bash on Saturday, July 27th! appeared first on Green Drop Garage.

New shop in Vancouver opens July 15th

By jeanie.walker • July 8, 2024
Green Drop Garage opens its doors in Vancouver, WA Monday, July 15th. This expansion marks a major milestone for the company as it continues to provide eco-friendly auto maintenance and repair services to the Pacific Northwest. The post New shop in Vancouver opens July 15th appeared first on Green Drop Garage.

Oxygen sensors are critical

By jeanie.walker • February 1, 2024
Learn about oxygen sensors and how they play an important role in emissions because they monitor fuel consumption – they’re used to determine your car’s proper fuel mixture to ensure optimal performance and fuel economy. The post Oxygen sensors are critical appeared first on Green Drop Garage.

Green Driving Tips

By jeanie.walker • January 2, 2024
Farhad’s Summer Driving Tips What are some things you could do to reduce your impact this summer? Another winter on the books! Those road trips you planned are right around the corner. As you’re gearing up for summer driving travels, there are a few things you should keep in mind... The post Green Driving Tips appeared first on Green Drop Garage.

Replacing a Front Axle Seal

By jeanie.walker • January 2, 2024
There’s a seal on the front axle? The front differential axle allows your tires to rotate. Inside the axle casing is differential fluid – this keeps the parts running smoothly.  Sometimes the seals that keep the fluid trapped leak due to wear and tear. These leaks can cause friction and damage... The post Replacing a Front Axle Seal appeared first on Green Drop Garage.

The Evaporative Emissions Control System

By jeanie.walker • January 2, 2024
What the heck is an EVAP Canister? A rough breakdown of the Evaporative Emissions Control System and what happens when it’s dirty. The Evaporative Emissions Control System. An Evaporative Emissions Control System works to trap emissions and fuel vapors released by your car. If we suspect something is wrong with the... The post The Evaporative Emissions Control System appeared first on Green Drop Garage.

The Cheetah

By jeanie.walker • January 2, 2024
What’s a bead seating tool and when would we use it? Let’s talk tires. Tires come in all sizes and styles. Some are large, some are small. Some are for mudding, some are for the road. Some are meant for summer, some are meant for winter. Some have tread…well…okay if... The post The Cheetah appeared first on Green Drop Garage.