Diagnostic Milestones & Standards
SAE standards, emissions rules and industry milestones that changed tooling.
When did Cadillac introduce the electric self-starter?
Short answer: Cadillac introduced the electric self-starter on its 1912 models.
Cadillac introduced the electric self-starter on its 1912 models. Charles Kettering and his Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company (Delco) developed the system, which eliminated hand cranking.
What was Delco?
Short answer: Delco, short for Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company, was founded by Charles Kettering and Edward Deeds.
Delco, short for Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company, was founded by Charles Kettering and Edward Deeds. It developed electrical systems for cars, including the self-starter and ignition systems.
What was the first electronic fuel injection system?
Short answer: Bosch D-Jetronic, introduced in 1967 on the Volkswagen Type 3, was one of the first mass-produced electronic fuel injection systems.
Bosch D-Jetronic, introduced in 1967 on the Volkswagen Type 3, was one of the first mass-produced electronic fuel injection systems. It used electronic controls to meter fuel.
How did electronic fuel injection change diagnostics?
Short answer: Electronic fuel injection introduced sensors, injectors and control units that could not be checked with traditional carburetor tools.
Electronic fuel injection introduced sensors, injectors and control units that could not be checked with traditional carburetor tools. As it spread in the 1980s, technicians needed meters, fuel pressure gauges, scopes and scan tools. Shop safety rules apply whenever this equipment is used.
When did computer engine controls become common?
Short answer: Computer engine controls became common in the late 1970s and early 1980s to meet emissions standards.
Computer engine controls became common in the late 1970s and early 1980s to meet emissions standards. They managed fuel, ignition and emissions systems.
What was the impact of catalytic converters on diagnostics?
Short answer: Catalytic converters were introduced widely in 1975 in the United States.
Catalytic converters were introduced widely in 1975 in the United States. They required unleaded fuel and precise engine control, increasing the need for diagnostic tools.
When were oxygen sensors introduced on cars?
Short answer: Oxygen sensors were introduced on production cars in the late 1970s to support closed-loop fuel control.
Oxygen sensors were introduced on production cars in the late 1970s to support closed-loop fuel control. They became key diagnostic inputs and were later monitored under OBD-II.
When did closed-loop fuel control become common?
Short answer: Closed-loop fuel control uses oxygen sensor feedback to adjust the fuel mixture.
Closed-loop fuel control uses oxygen sensor feedback to adjust the fuel mixture. It became common in the late 1970s and 1980s with computer engine controls and three-way catalytic converters.
What was ALLDATA?
Short answer: ALLDATA was founded in the 1980s and provided electronic repair information.
ALLDATA was founded in the 1980s and provided electronic repair information. It helped shops move from printed manuals to digital information.
How did repair manuals evolve?
Short answer: Repair manuals evolved from printed books to CDs and online databases.
Repair manuals evolved from printed books to CDs and online databases. Digital systems made it easier to access wiring diagrams and procedures.
What was Chilton?
Short answer: Chilton published repair manuals that became popular with mechanics and do-it-yourselfers.
Chilton published repair manuals that became popular with mechanics and do-it-yourselfers. Its manuals covered many vehicles.
What was Motor manual?
Short answer: Motor manuals were published repair guides used in professional shops.
Motor manuals were published repair guides used in professional shops. They provided specifications and procedures.
How did technical service bulletins become an important repair resource?
Short answer: Automakers issue technical service bulletins to describe known problems and fixes.
Automakers issue technical service bulletins to describe known problems and fixes. As vehicles grew more complex, TSBs became key repair resources, and access expanded through online databases and right to repair efforts.
When was electronic ABS introduced on production cars?
Short answer: Bosch introduced a production electronic anti-lock braking system in 1978 with Mercedes-Benz.
Bosch introduced a production electronic anti-lock braking system in 1978 with Mercedes-Benz. ABS later spread across the industry, creating new diagnostic and brake service procedures.
When did traction control become common?
Short answer: Traction control, which reduces wheel spin by cutting power or applying brakes, became common in the 1990s.
Traction control, which reduces wheel spin by cutting power or applying brakes, became common in the 1990s. It built on ABS hardware and added new diagnostic needs.
General guidance only. Follow the vehicle and tool manufacturer's procedures, and confirm vehicle coverage on the tool maker's list before buying.