The car has finally died...
Troubleshooting in unhelpful territory
“The car finally broke…what a terrible day to do so.
I have stuff to do, and this is getting in my way.
She’s stranded and frustrated.
and now we’ll have to buy a new car. “
The thoughts went through my head when I got the call saying my wife’s car wouldn’t start. The short 5-minute drive to get her was filled with
What if’s…
worst case scenarios…
internal whining about how inconvenient this is.
But what is it, really?
As she showed me what was happening, it was clear that the battery was not working. Maybe the alternator…ignition system…this will be expensive.
Let’s pop the hood and see if we can jump-start it.
I wiggle the battery cables—there is strong movement on one of them. My wife says, “Something just happened.”
She turns the key, and the car starts.
Troubleshooting - a.k.a - It wasn’t what we thought.
It was a loose battery cable. A few turns of the wrench, and all is well again.
What stayed in my mind?
When we initially hear a problem, we play out all the scenarios. The scenarios that stick - the worst case.
That’s where objective troubleshooting is a skill. It ignores the feelings about worst-case scenarios and focuses on ruling out some of these scenarios.
Troubleshooting requires openness, objectivity, and confidence.
And with these competencies, you find that many times, the actual issue is as simple as a cable that just needs a couple of turns of the wrench.
May all your troubleshooting find a quick and easy solve,
Your friends at OutsmartChaos.
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