Service Repair

Mastering Diagnostics #23: The Importance of Finding the Tools' Limitations

April 15, 2025

Learning what any tool you implement can do for you is key information...but discovering what it CANNOT do is crucial!

Mastering Diagnostics episode #23 is here! And this time, Motor Age Technical Editor, Brandon Steckler is going to demonstrate the importance of realizing diagnostic tool limitations.

Being a sound diagnostician is all about being a scientist. That is, collecting data to form hypotheses. This naturally leads to collecting further data that will prove or disprove your hypothesis and lead you closer to the root cause fault. But regardless of how well versed you are in analyzing and digesting diagnostic data, if the data is invalid to begin with, there is little change of generating an accurate diagnosis, the first time.

Stick with Brandon on this episode of Mastering Diagnostics and see how Brandon leverages five different circuit analysis tools, showing both the advantages and disadvantages of each:

• Circuit test light (visual work- indicator)

• Ohm meter (static circuit resistance)

• Voltmeter (dynamic testing)

• Hz measurement (frequency of event)

• Digital storage oscilloscope (graphed data over time)

Learn first-hand the importance of pushing the tool to its limitations (learning what the tool can and CANNOT do). Being able to establish these critical operational boundaries before implementing the tools on suspect circuits is crucial to accurate and efficient.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re new to the diagnostic arena or have experience but have encountered some roadblocks. If you want to know more about what it takes to be a proficient diagnostician, this is one episode of Mastering Diagnostics you don’t want to miss!

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Due to factors beyond the control of Endeavor Business Media, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information or improper use of this information. Endeavor Business Media assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Endeavor Business Media recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Endeavor Business Media, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Endeavor Business Media.

The tool and/or equipment featured in this video was supplied by the manufacturer and may or may not be retained by the reviewer at no cost.

About the Author

Brandon Steckler | Technical Editor | Motor Age

Brandon began his career in Northampton County Community College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he was a student of GM’s Automotive Service Educational program. In 2001, he graduated top of his class and earned the GM Leadership award for his efforts. He later began working as a technician at a Saturn dealership in Reading, Pennsylvania, where he quickly attained Master Technician status. He later transitioned to working with Hondas, where he aggressively worked to attain another Master Technician status.

Always having a passion for a full understanding of system/component functionality, he rapidly earned a reputation for deciphering strange failures at an efficient pace and became known as an information specialist among the staff and peers at the dealership. In search of new challenges, he transitioned away from the dealership and to the independent world, where he specialized in diagnostics and driveability.

Today, he is an instructor with both Carquest Technical Institute and Worldpac Training Institute. Along with beta testing for Automotive Test Solutions, he develops curriculum/submits case studies for educational purposes. Through Steckler Automotive Technical Services, LLC., Brandon also provides telephone and live technical support, as well as private training, for technicians all across the world.

Brandon holds ASE certifications A1-A9 as well as C1 (Service Consultant). He is certified as an Advanced Level Specialist in L1 (Advanced Engine Performance), L2 (Advanced Diesel Engine Performance), L3 (Hybrid/EV Specialist), L4 (ADAS) and xEV-Level 2 (Technician electrical safety).

He contributes weekly to Facebook automotive chat groups, has authored several books and classes, and truly enjoys traveling across the globe to help other technicians attain a level of understanding that will serve them well throughout their careers.