1. Diagnostic Equipment and Special Tools
Chapter 5
Diagnostic Equipment
and Special Tools

2. Engine Compression Tester
Compression gauges are used to check cylinder compression pressures.

3. Cylinder Leak Tester
Used if a compression gauge indicates low compression.
Cylinder leak testers apply air to cylinder to locate the leak.

4. Oil Pressure Gauge
Oil pressure can provide information about the internal condition of an engine.

5. Stethoscope
Used to pinpoint engine and other noises
Can be electronic

6. Engine/Transaxle Support
Used when removing an engine or transaxle from a FWD vehicle.

7. Valve Spring Compressor
Used to safely compress the valve spring for removal and installation.
Some can be used on-vehicle.

8. Torque Angle Gauge
Many torque specification are in both force (ft. lbs. or NM) and in torque angle.
Provides more accurate torque.

9. Cooling System Pressure Tester
Used to apply pressure to the cooling system to inspect for leaks.

10. Coolant Hydrometer
Used to determine the protection factor provided by the coolant.

11. Circuit Testers
Also called test lights, can be either self-powered or un-powered.
Never use a test light on a computer circuit unless directed to in the service information.

12. Voltmeter Voltmeters measure voltage.
Professional meters measure both DC and AC voltage.

13. Ammeter Used to measure the current flowing through a circuit.
Can be inductive or direct.

14. Multimeters
Also called volt-ohm meters (VOM), digital multimeter (DMM), or digital volt-ohm meters (DVOM).
Combine many functions into one tester.

15. Lab Scopes Used to display a visual image of an electrical signal.
Can be a “live” scope or a digital scope.

16. Lab Scope Display

17. Wire and Terminal Tools
Used to repair wiring and remove and install terminals.

18. Generic Scan Tools
Generic scan tools can communicate with a wide variety of vehicles.
May not provide all of the available information or bi-directional functions.

19. Manufacturer Scan Tools
Offer the same capabilities as the vehicle manufacturer or dealer.
Not normally compatible with other vehicle makes.

20. Engine Analyzers
Often combine several diagnostic tools into one package.
May have an ignition scope and exhaust gas analyzer.

21. Spark Tester
Provides a calibrated load on the ignition system while checking for spark.

22. Exhaust Analyzer
Samples exhaust gases and displays in percentages and parts per million (PPM).
Often combined with other equipment such as an engine analyzer.

23. Chassis Dynamometer
Often called a “dyno,” used to simulate a road test in the shop.
Used for I/M 240 emission tests.

24. Hybrid Vehicle Tools
Hybrid vehicles require special tools and procedures to be serviced safely.
HEV batteries can supply 300 to over 500 volts.

25. High-Voltage Gloves
High-voltage gloves should be covered with heavy leather gloves.
High-voltage gloves should be inspected and certified.

26. Clutch Tools
Alignment tools align the pressure plate, disc, and flywheel.
Pilot bearing pullers remove the clutch pilot bearing.

27. Tire Equipment Tire dismounting and mounting equipment
Tire balancing equipment

28. Suspension System Tools
Tie-rod and ball joint tools separate ball socket joints.

29. Coil Spring Compressors
Coil springs store a large amount of energy.
Spring compressors allow for safe removal and installation.

30. Brake System Tools Trap and control asbestos dust.
Used to properly and safely remove brake springs.
Retract rear caliper parking brake pistons.
Hydraulic system bleeding.
Measure brake drum and rotor size.
Recondition drums and rotor.

31. Asbestos Containment

32. Drum Brake Tools

33. Brake Hydraulic System Tools

34. Brake Measurement

35. Drum and Rotor Refinishing

36. Heating and Air Conditioning Tools
Manifold gauge sets are used to test A/C system pressures and perform A/C service.

37. A/C Service Station
Reclaims, recycles, and recharges the air conditioning system.