self diagnosis

all right...i have completed my course...and am now a certified sensor technician, lol! AS IF. all right now, so far from what i have learned from the course is a lot on self diagnosis and understanding fault codes. in this blog i will be talking more about understanding and self diagnosis. so shall we begin.
since the mid 1980's an increasing number european and japanese market vehicle have been equipped with some form of self diagnosis system integrated in that particular vehicle.self diagnosis systems have in fact been used much earlier on some mainly american cars i think, lol.
self diagnosis systems is generally fitted to the fuel and ignition systems and has become more popular increased fitment of the integrated engine management systems. even now from in my extended knowledge is already being used in some bikes or should i say more to superbikes to ascertain that much torque and power coming from that four carburettors. back to cars, in addition self diagnosis systems have is now even found on other vehicles such as ABS, automatic gearboxes. self diagnosis is a function of the system computer called the ECM or some people call it ECU. this ECM has the ability to recognise fault codes on the same system that is controlling.
self diagnosis is used to overcome a number of potential problems. one aim is to help overcome the problem of working and diagnosing faults associated with the 'new technology'. this is very important for the manufacturer dealer . it is also certainly an aid to diagnosis when faults occur, which of course should reduce diagnostic time for the franchised dealer workshop. fast and accurate diagnostics should therefore reduce warranty costs but additionally help retain customer loyalty and satisfaction. this self diagnosis system can also help with the vehicle assembly process to ensure that the vehicle leaves the assembly plant without detectable faults.
very importantly, modern engine management systems and emission control systems are fitted to ensure that the emission levels remain low and within legislated limits. there can be many faults or problems that can remain undetected by the driver and only detected by the emissions. by providing a self diagnostic systems it helps and is now possible to provide the driver, workshop or technician a warning by giving out an MIL(malfunction indicator light) of what type of problem or fault exists. so, by providing the self diagnostic system it reduces trouble shooting time or fault detecting time shorter.
in fact the self diagnosis system. forms only a small part of the total facility. my next blog i will further explain on how this system can help the system computer to further assist in other sorts of things like reducing emmision levels when faults occur.