Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This product was just received a few days ago. As I begin to read through it's pages, I'm impressed by the amount of information, both regarding OBDII, trouble shooting test equipment and how to use the mentioned test equipment. When you first order/receive this book, you think that it's going be all about OBDII scanner codes. Instead you find a rather complete information set regarding various test equipment and how to apply this gear to what's happening underhood. There's so much information regarding general test equipment and engine repair that I have to keep looking at the cover to see that indeed the book is about OBDII code scanners. Stating the obvious, today's automobile engines are far more technical than what us old guys worked on in the 50's and 60's. All this technology required abandoning the personal satisfaction of fixing one's vehicle troubles. This book helps bring an old shadetree mechanic up to speed with today's engine technology and between this book and an OBDII scanner, I once again can get back under the hood. After more time with this book, I'll post more impressions. I gave it four stars but only because I need more time with this book. In the interim, I can write that the amount of information in the few pages I've read, the book is well worth having. I might add that this book, without a doubt, makes for a fine inexpensive gift to give to a loved one who likes to do their own vehicle repairs. ----------------------------------------------- First addendum: I've now had time to spend a couple of sessions perusing the first five chapters of this book. The book is a veritable wealth of basic automotive information for both the novice and the more experienced. Chapter one and two are intro and warranty chapters. Chapter three is a nice primer on basic diagnostic tools and their use. Chapter four is a troubleshooting chapter which deals with a wide range of information on basic vehicle systems. This chapter starts with basic system checks and moves onto battery starting/charging, spark plugs, EGR/EVAP systems, to testing of vacuum systems, to troubleshooting. Wow! Chapter five deals with Powertrain management: fuel injection systems, fuel pumps, the "Powertrain Control Module" (PCM) and has a plethora of information regarding various sensors the OBDII system is dependent upon. Double wow! It's not until chapter six that the book finally starts to write about OBDII monitors. Lastly, all chapters come with lots and lots of annotated B&W photos to help the reader visualize what's being written about. More to follow, as I've had more time with the pages of this book.