Basic Automotive Manuals

This manual discusses the theory and operation of internal combustion engines and the various terms associated with them.

It is an excellent "first course" for future auto techs.

This manual introduces the construction of internal combustion engines and their many moving and stationary parts, including the materials they are made of.  The information provided in this lesson will also help you to diagnose malfunctions and to correct the problems.

As a licensed mechanic, you will be working with different types of fuel systems for the internal combustion engine. It is important to know how these components function to provide fuel to the engine and how to service those systems. You will need to be able to identify the properties of gasoline and the components of a fuel system. The information provided in this course will help you identify the different systems and understand how they operate.

In these lessons, you will learn the major components of the diesel fuel system and how they operate so you may better maintain or have the knowledge to repair a diesel engine.

The cooling and lubricating systems discussed in these lessons, along with their respective components and maintenance requirements, are representative of the types of systems you will be expected to maintain.

Knowing the basic principles of automotive electricity is essential for the mechanic to understand the operation of all automotive electrical systems and components. Unless you have a clear understanding of these fundamental principles, you will find it difficult to service the various electrical components and systems encountered in today's world. This is where it begins ...

Automotive electrical systems are designed to perform a variety of functions. These systems contain five electrical circuits: charging, starting, ignition, lighting, and accessory. Electrical power and control signals must be delivered to electrical devices reliably and safely. By carefully studying this handbook, you will understand how these circuits work and the adjustments and repairs required to maintain the electrical systems in peak condition.

This manual covers the basic principles associated with hydraulics and pneumatics, followed by coverage of various system components. The purpose of this information is to give you an analytical understanding of the interrelationships of principles and the components of hydraulic and pneumatic operating systems.

Clutches, Transmissions, and Transaxles

When you have completed the work in this manual, you will understand the operating principles and identify the components and the maintenance for a clutch, a manual transmission, an automatic transmission, and a transaxle.

In this manual you will learn the fundamentals of operation and upkeep of the drive lines, differentials, drive axles, and power takeoffs.

In this manual we will discuss the operational characteristics and components of the hydraulic and air brake systems that are common to today's vehicles.

This manual introduces the automotive chassis and its components. You will  learn about the springs, shock absorbers, and other components that allow the vehicle to pass over uneven terrain. You will also learn about the steering mechanism and how it controls the direction of vehicle travel. We further discuss how to complete some body repair and the techniques used to restore body panels. You will also learn about how these systems operate and how to make adjustments and some repairs.

Advanced Automotive Manuals

This manual discusses the troubleshooting and overhaul of an engine. You first learn about horsepower, including a brief discussion on dynamometers and their role in engine overhaul.

Other topics include graphs and diagrams, engine troubleshooting, valve maintenance, servicing of cylinder heads, crankshafts, cylinders, and pistons and rings, and the operational testing of the engine after the overhaul has been completed with pre-startup, initial startup and run-in.

In this manual, we are going to discuss fuel systems overhaul. The topics to be covered will include gasoline fuel injection systems, small engine carburetors, diesel fuel injection systems, air induction systems, cold starting devices for gasoline and diesel fuel injection systems, and emission systems.

This manual discusses troubleshooting vehicle electrical systems. Automobiles, trucks, power generation equipment, and construction equipment are as much electrical and electronic as they are mechanical. Knowledge of specialized diagnostic equipment, such as the use of on-board diagnostics, is also essential for today's mechanic to troubleshoot equipment systems.

The first topic discussed is alternators, rectifiers, and voltage regulators, their nomenclature, and their function; then troubleshooting the charging system and its various tests. Other topics include  troubleshooting the alternator with emphasis on diodes and windings, the cranking system and its various tests, the ignition system and its components, lighting systems, and electrical accessories.

Note:  If you find you are having difficulty understanding the discussions of electrical theory, circuits, and components, you might try working with these basic, apprentice-level manuals:

• Basic Automotive Electricity
• Basic Automotive Electrical Circuits and Wiring

This manual provides information about the clutch and the automatic transmission, enabling you to   understand the operation of these units, to diagnose problems, and to prescribe corrective action.

This manual covers the troubleshooting and overhaul of the systems and assemblies of the drive train, to include the transmission, transfer case, power takeoff, propeller shaft assembly, and differential. The information is intended as a general guide since there are a number of different models for all the assemblies presented, but it will provide you enough background information for troubleshooting and overhaul for each assembly.

This manual discusses the basic principles associated with hydraulics, followed by coverage of various system components. The purpose of this information is to give you an analytical understanding of the interrelationships of principles and components in an operating system. When you understand the operation of a system, it is much easier to analyze a malfunction and make the proper repairs.

Note: This is an advanced version of the topic. If you find you are lost in the discussions, you should consider taking the basic version first. Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems