How to Diagnose and Repair Automotive Electrical Systems

About the Author Tracy Martin writes for Motorcycle Consumer News, RoadBike, Friction Zone, PowerSports, and Dealer News magazines. He is the author of six books, including the Motorbooks titles How to Diagnose and Repair Automotive Electrical Systems (2005), Motorcycle Electrical Systems: Troubleshooting and Repair (2007), How to Tune and Modify Motorcycle Engine Management Systems (2012), and How to Troubleshoot, Repair, and Modify Motorcycle Electrical Systems (2014). Tracy lives in Baltimore, Maryland. Product Description In How to Diagnose and Repair Automotive Electrical Systems, author and ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Certified Master Technician Tracy Martin explain the principles behind automotive electrical systems and describes how they work, with a focus on cars of collectible and classic eras. Now, readers no longer need fear that jumble of wires beneath the dash or hood of their vehicle. Automotive electrical systems can seem a mystery, if not a black art, to the weekend mechanic and even to a number of experienced pros. From Ohm's Law and an explanation of 12-volt systems to specific electrical scenarios and more, Martin thoroughly dissects the automotive electrical system and explains the various tools needed for diagnoses and repairs, such as multimeters, voltmeters, timing lights, coil testers, lab scopes, and more. Also included: Storage batteries Charging and starting systems Ignition systems Fuel injection Reading wiring diagrams TroubleshootingWhen it comes automotive electrics, readers need never fear being lost in lost in the dark again. Whether you have a bad ground, an amp draw, or some other gremlin, How to Diagnose and Repair Automotive Electrical Systems is the best tool available for understanding and diagnosing electrical problems. The Motorbooks Workshop series covers topics that engage and interest car and motorcycle enthusiasts. Written by subject-matter experts and illustrated with step-by-step and how-it's-done reference images, Motorbooks Workshop is the ultimate resource for how-to know-how. Review I have always been able to fix electrical problems on cars but sometimes at much wasted expense and effort. Tracy Martin's book is simply the best book I have ever read on this subject. It is a "nuts and bolts" book that tells you why and how to test a certain way. Suddenly automotive electrical systems make sense to me. This book will save much wasted effort. My father was an electrical engineer and he figured out electrical problems for me. When he died I had to figure this stuff out for myself and I wish I had paid more attention. Tracy Martins book is great, not only do I recommend it ... if Tracy Martin ever writes another one I will buy that too. --Custom Car I'm your average "Tim The Tool Man" type -- stuff like fixing cars & bikes comes naturally to me, and I'm even pretty good at fabrication stuff like welding, but when it comes to electricity, I scratch my head, grunt, and hope nothing catches fire. Tracy Martin's book actually makes a lot of sense to me, and each chapter builds on previous chapters, which is a big help to me. He doesn't assume you know a lot about electricity, but he doesn't speak down either -- just clear and accessable language. I really like how there aren't a bunch of crazy-looking engineering schematics & symbols, instead, he uses really straighforward illustrations. Good photos too. Everyone from a DIY type to a professional mechanic can learn something from this book. --Rod and Custom Wow! I never thought I could learn car electrical repair from one book - but I did! This book is great. Easy to understand & easy to locate information. Very user friendly & laid out well. Good tests for your car, and helps you test your car yourself. Now I don't feel like such an idiot when an electrical malfunction occurs in my car - a good guide & resource! Highly recommend --Motorbar