In this video, I break down how to perform a Relative Compression Test using an oscilloscope. This fast, non-invasive diagnostic method lets you check engine health without removing spark plugs. You’ll learn how to set up the test, connect a current clamp, record the...
Secondary ignition diagnostics are often overlooked in modern vehicles due to coil-on-plug systems—but the waveform still tells a powerful story. In this video, secondary ignition waveforms are captured and analyzed using an oscilloscope to reveal what is actually...
Today we’re rebuilding the rear brake calipers on a DeLorean — a job that solves common issues such as dragging brakes, uneven pad wear, sticking pistons, and handbrake imbalance. The DeLorean’s rear calipers have some unique design quirks, including the integrated...
Learn practical lab-scope workflows you can use today. We reinforce the basics with real-world tests: checking primary ignition current with a low-amp probe, verifying an entire bank of coils via the common power feed, reading fuel-pump current through a fuse-loop...
Everyone’s talking about how bad the automotive industry is right now — low pay, burnout, lack of respect, and technicians leaving the trade. But that’s only half the story. In this video, I talk about what’s really going on in the automotive world — and why it’s not...
Automotive Lab Scope Basics | Understanding the uScope In this video, we walk through the fundamentals of using a lab scope (automotive oscilloscope) — what it does, how it works, and why it’s one of the most powerful diagnostic tools you can own. Using a signal...
Dont forget to check out our website - sixstarautomotive.com Is your DeLorean suffering from unreliable electrics, random stalling, or cooling fan problems? In this video, I install the K111168A Improved Relay Update Kit and show you exactly how to upgrade the...
In this video, I go in-depth on how the LOADpro Dynamic Test Leads work and how I pair them with the Power Probe for faster circuit testing. I build a simple circuit to demonstrate real-worldish conditions and show why a circuit can appear to have full voltage—but...
Alternators Explained – What They Do and How to Spot Failures Early
The alternator is an amazing piece of automotive technology. The fact that we always seem able to overcome every hurtle placed in front of us astounds me. Your car’s alternator is more important than you think—it’s not just for charging the battery. In this video, we explain how alternators work, how to spot early signs of failure, and why a bad alternator can leave you stranded with a dead battery and no warning.
🔋 Covered in this video:
What the alternator does and how it works
Symptoms of a failing alternator (dim lights, warning lights, dead battery)
Difference between a bad alternator and a bad battery
How to test alternator output
Charging system warning lights and what they mean
What causes alternators to fail
How long alternators typically last
Why jump-starting might not fix your issue
Tips to extend alternator and battery life
Whether you drive a Subaru, Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevy, or anything in between, knowing how your alternator works can save you time, money, and headaches down the road.
⚠️ Don’t get stuck with a no-start—learn how to spot the signs early.
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