Apparatus and method for training a technician to diagnose internal combustion engine malfunctions

Abstract

A method for training technicians to diagnose certain induced electronic faults using an internal combustion on a test stand engine capable of having faults inserted into electronic circuits. The faults are inserted into the engine by the instructor using switches concealed from the trainee. While the engine is operating the trainee, using diagnostic equipment, the trainee attempts to locate the electrical fault using a combination of observing symptoms and signal tracing.

Having thus described the invention, we claim: 
     
       1. A training apparatus for inducing malfunctions in an automobile engine which has a plurality of electronic devices for monitoring and controlling the operation of the automobile engine which are interconnected by a plurality of electrical connections, comprising: (a) a plurality of concealed switches electrically connected to at least one of said plurality of electric connections for inserting at least one unobservable simulated fault in at least one of said plurality of electronic devices;   whereby a technician, observing symptoms of the faults in the operation of the automobile engine can determine the location of any one of the plurality of unobservable simulated faults.   
     
     
       2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein certain of said plurality of switches are manual switches. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein certain of said plurality of switches are electronic. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said plurality electronic devices further comprise pollution control devices. 
     
     
       5. A method for training automobile technicians to diagnose certain induced electronic faults using an engine capable of having unobservable faults inserted in electronic circuits by the instructor, comprising: (a) inserting an unobservable electrical fault into an electronic device which is attached to the automobile engine for monitoring and controlling the operation of the automobile engine;   (b) providing diagnostic equipment to the technician for locating the fault;   (c) allowing the technician to connect diagnostic equipment to the engine;   thereby allowing the technician to diagnose and locate the flaw.   
     
     
       6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the steps of: (a) providing a plurality of sensors used in sensing the operating parameters of an automobile engine;   (b) providing a means for controlling one of the operating parameters being sensed by one of said plurality of sensors;   (c) providing the technician with test equipment for measuring the output of said one of said plurality of sensors;   (d) allowing the technician to connect the test equipment to said one of said plurality of said sensors;   thereby allowing the technician the opportunity observe the effect of engine operating parameter changes on each of said plurality of said sensors.