Camera technology has changed all of our lives over the last couple of decades. It was not that long ago that a 35mm camera was something that a lot of us wanted to own. Then came the camcorder, followed by the cell phone, and finally a cell phone with a camera and video capabilities. It was not too long before the 35mm camera became obsolete.
Like other technologies, the military had a lot of bearing on the development of the camera technologies we appreciate today. In 1978, a company named Flir was founded in Tigard, Oregon. FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared) is a worldwide imaging company that took some of the technology developed by Texas Instruments in the 1960s to another level. Flir’s goal in life was to develop low-cost infrared imaging technology for aircraft. The government saw the advantages that thermal imaging offered and wanted to explore its use in military settings.
Fast forward a couple of decades, and the thermal imaging technology that was once used by governments is quickly making its way into many new industries, including automotive. The night vision systems that some automotive manufacturers started using in the late 1980s were actually thermal imaging systems.
Today, thermal imaging systems are making their way into the toolboxes of many technicians around the world. Like the handheld temperature guns that everyone uses on a regular basis, the thermal imaging system is simply a natural progression to a slightly more sophisticated tool. OEMs like GM are making the imaging camera an essential tool for all their dealerships.
Unlike the handheld temperature gun that everyone uses today, the thermal imaging camera will give you a visual representation of the temperature that you are measuring (Figure 1). At this point, you are probably wondering what type of systems the camera technology can help you diagnose.
- Electrical: Problems with poor connections, shorted wires, and parasitic battery drain issues. Keep in mind that a poor connection creates resistance and current flow across a connector or pin, and resistance issues will create heat. Monitoring the fuses, relays, and modules after the vehicle has “gone to sleep” can help identify components that are staying active, drawing current, and leading to dead battery concerns.
- Engine: Like other tools, the thermal camera system can help you identify a misfiring cylinder, a Catalytic converter issue, or cooling system restrictions, such as a radiator or heater core flow issues. The tool can show you cold spots in the radiator or transmission cooler, indicating an issue with flow through the core. In addition, many technicians use the tools for thermostat diagnostics to be sure it is fully opening and closing. Devices such as alternators and a failing coil pack can often be spotted due to their high heat signature. In addition, the cameras work great for finding exhaust leaks.
- Brakes and Suspension: You can monitor for uneven brake temperatures, which indicate issues with sticking calipers or rotor/pad/hydraulic-related concerns. Many technicians use the camera system to help them diagnose wheel bearing-related issues long before the failure actually occurs.
- HVAC: You can use the system to help diagnose seat heaters, rear window defrosters, and A/C door and motor operational issues.
- EV and Hybrid Battery Packs: Thermal cameras are a great tool for monitoring overheating cells and high-resistance connections.
The truly great advantage of this technology is that you typically do not need to disassemble components for diagnosis. By looking at the image, you can have visual proof of your diagnosis, as many of the systems have snapshot capabilities that you can share with your customer.
As I previously indicated, the OEMs see enough benefit from this technology that they deem it a necessity for their dealerships. I have had access to one of these systems for many years, and it has gotten me out of a couple of jams over the years where I was not quite sure which way to go. While this technology is not the ‘be all, end all,” it is something that you may want to explore.
Programs are available for your smartphone, like Flir One Edge, as well as handheld imaging systems from companies like Snap-On, Flir, Autel, and Klein, to mention a few (Figure 2). The price varies from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on your needs.
Technology, such as the thermal imaging systems available today, can significantly enhance your diagnostic skills, leading to greater success for you and your business. Take a look, it may be something that you want to invest in. Until next time, remember “The only thing that ever sat its way to success was a hen.”
