In 1966 when I first started turning wrenches, my toolbox was about the size of a small suitcase and the only test equipment I needed to tune almost any automotive vehicle was a dwell/tach, timing light, compression gauge, test light, vacuum gauge, and an analog multi-meter. At that time, a tow truck with conveyor belt rests and J hook chains were capable of towing most any vehicle. Repair parts were interchangeable between many makes and models. Engine and transmission swaps of different sizes — between different vehicle years and models were commonplace because they bolted right in.

1960s-70s: Introducing Technology

Even though few cars were specially equipped in the ’60s, the ’70s inaugurated the full introduction of electronic ignition, air conditioning, disc brakes, and fuel injection. The late ’60s and ’70s vehicles also required smog/emission-control devices. These new devices required the addition of tools and test equipment normally not seen earlier, such as exhaust gas analyzers. Mechanics had to learn new acronyms, for example, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation), PCV (positive crankcase ventilation), TPS (throttle positioning sensor), O2S (oxygen sensor), and many others. They also had to learn to test and diagnose all these new components.

The 1980s Renaissance

The 1980s brought a renaissance of new technology. Throttle body fuel systems, anti-lock brakes (ABS), power door locks, and power windows became almost standard equipment. Electronic control devices such as electronic control modules (ECM) were used to monitor and adjust everything from engine timing, and transmission shift to brake pedal application. Mechanics had to add another laundry list of acronyms and test procedures to their portfolio. MAFS (mass air flow sensors), EVAP (evaporative emissions), and (FICM) fuel injection control module, to name a few. Scan tools (failure code readers), engine analyzers, and digital testers were just a few of the new tools mechanics had to add to their toolboxes. Failure codes were not industry-universal so mechanics had to research each diagnostic scan to ensure they were interpreting the code properly based on the make, model, and year of vehicle they were working on.

1990s: Vehicle Diagnostics

The ’90s introduced OBD-OBDII (onboard diagnostic and onboard diagnostic second generation). Laptop computers that plug directly into vehicle wiring harness access jacks became a necessary tool for the mechanic’s bench. Vehicle diagnostics and systems parameter adjustments could be performed using either OEM-specific software or aftermarket software. Mechanics now must become highly computer literate to perform these tasks. Standard failure codes were developed during the ’90s that simplified the mechanic’s job.

2000s: The Alternative-Fuel Revolution

Alternative-fuel technology, driven by the cost and availability of crude oil, is influencing the vehicle market. New energy sources such as hydrogen, hybrids, natural gas, and biodiesel demand new technologies. Mechanics now must have skill and knowledge in sciences that in the past were not necessarily associated with automotive repair. A recent new technology is the 42-volt electrical system, which is revolutionizing vehicle electrical systems, as we know them today. In order to gain better fuel economy and emissions, we must lighten the engine’s workload. The way to do this is to transfer some of that work to the electrical system. Today’s current 12-volt systems cannot technically supply those requirements. This will be an entirely new learning curve for today’s and tomorrow’s mechanics. Another new technology associated with the new energy sources is regenerative braking. In this technology, the electric motor applies resistance to the drivetrain causing the wheels to slow down. In return, the energy from the wheels turns the motor, which functions as a generator, converting energy normally wasted during coasting and braking into electricity, stored in a battery until needed by the electric motor, which assists in powering the vehicle.

Keeping Up with Advancing Technology

Motorcars are no longer purely mechanical machines. Electronic equipment accounts for 30 percent of the value of some luxury cars. In fact, a top-of-the-line car has more electronic computing power onboard than a 1982 Airbus A310 commercial aircraft. Most modern cars have more computing power onboard than the Apollo spacecraft, which put the first men on the moon. (Donal Heffernan & Gabriel Leen; Electronics in the Car 2003.)

As you can see, technologies have been evolving rapidly in the automotive industry over the past 40 years. The mechanic has had the burden of trying to keep up with technological advancements. Today’s mechanic skills and knowledge and the measurement and diagnostic equipment mechanics must use bear resemblance to a medical operating room. Respect the motor vehicle mechanic, he may not wield the knife in the operating room, but he may prevent you from having to face the knife by providing you and others a safe car to drive.