In response to way to complex yes they are going overboard. On transit coaches everything is run by the plc. you ask the computer to flash the turn signals and honk the horn, so now there's a delay in the horn. When troubleshooting a schematic is the first step but you have to have the ladder logic also as one switch or input affects many outputs.
What have i worked on let's see. Front reline New Flyer coach, low power on a cummins c8.3 cng powered coach, door bushings on a MCI coach, intermittnet dash gauges, all go to zero on a New Flyer coach. Luckily the days are varied on what i get to do. I would hate to work on an assembly line putting the same part on all day.

excellent idea, let me ask you a question, do some manufactureres seem to be taking basic systems and making them way too complex to you. An example could be IH taking a basic horn with power ground and a switch and turning it into signal from switch to esc to horn. How do people diag these systems without a computer diag to activate and deactivate. It seems they are getting way over complicated. Any opinions???

the problem in emergency buton only veullez vérifier les commutateurs a l'inférieur de tableau de bord

What did you work on this week? was it an engine, transmission, an electrical problem, brake job?

Post your experiences here and tell us a little bit about anything you learned or something that may have frustrated you etc.

Consider this space as "Jimmy's Bar" where you can share your thoughts.

Here's My Story Of The Week

I had this nasty electrical problem that caused major confusion (on a freighttliner bus). The rear exit door alarm would stay on after sitting for a day along with various clearance and dash lights.

The first step is checking grounds, it's a multiplex system so good grounds are important. The next step which sounds really old school is to get underneath and wiggle the harness aggressively and hope the problem either changes or goes away then focusing on that general area checking for an open or short.

well the old school method worked and we found a short circuit at the firewall. A #12 battery feed wire rubbed through on a support bracket.

All is well now and it's time to move on to the next challenge.

I started out sweeping the floor, changing oil and handing tools to journeyman. Depending on the shop and how high paced they are if the apprentice can work with a journeyman or given the opportunity to work alone, have someone close by to ask a question.

Remember that saying "there's no such thing as a dumb question" if they know that they will feel much more comfortable and resist taking chances.

I agree with the other guys here on starting with the basics. It can get boring at the beginning but it's a 4 year journey. Apprentices should do the brake and suspension jobs in the beginning plus oil changes to familiarize themselves with the equipment.

As the foreman you could occasionally work with the apprentice on a technical electronics job or something similar just to get them motivated and stay interested in the trade.

Your're right there, codes just point you in the general direction to where the real trouble is. I've found lots of wrg problems with the allison trans models. we have the New World 3000 series and too much resistance in the wiring causes codes to develop. Good Troubleshooting!