A guide to oscilloscope diagnostics

1 oscilloscope diagnostics powered by PicoScope . Where to start. What to do. How to succeed. 1. Foreword By Alan Tong, Founder and Managing Director, Pico Technology When I started designing and building Pico oscilloscopes over 25 years ago, I could not have imagined how technology within the automotive industry would develop. Today I am proud that Pico Technology is at the forefront of diagnostics in this industry. We now work very closely with vehicle manufacturers like FCA, and their global parts and service provider MOPAR , . to help meet their customer care objectives through advances in technology. We do this with continuous product development at our headquarters near Cambridge, UK, and in our offices in Tyler, Texas, USA, and near Hannover, Germany. As such, PicoScope is no longer limited to just electrical systems, but can also test and diagnose pressure.

2 Noise, vibration and harshness issues like never before. It is this heritage that allows us to create products for the aftermarket that expand your capabilities and help you deliver leading-edge, scope-based vehicle diagnostics . We hope that this guide will show you how the power of PicoScope can help you build your business as we demonstrate the simplicity and efficiency of your new MOPAR Scope. Your first step into oscilloscope diagnostics This document (MOPAR oscilloscope diagnostics , powered by PicoScope) is a brief introduction to the main concepts that are foundational to advanced automotive diagnostics using an oscilloscope . Becoming truly proficient, as with any new skill, requires practice, patience and a desire to continue learning. The good news is, help is available whether you need assistance downloading software for your scope, technical support or additional learning resources (discussed in more detail later).

3 To find these resource, as well as online user forums, manufacturer and user videos, case histories, guided tests, a well-stocked library of reference waveforms and more, visit the link below: Contents Contents The diagnostic journey 1. Finding and testing the root cause with your MOPAR Scope powered by Pico- 1. Scope Expertise begins with understanding 2. What can your MOPAR Scope do? 3.. PicoScope 7 for MOPAR - the software designed for your scope 4.. PicoDiagnostics for MOPAR 4. Scope diagnostics is only for the experts right? 5. Guided Tests 6.. Our Top 10 Tests with PicoScope 7 for MOPAR 8. TEST 1: Relative compression - gasoline 9. TEST 2: Coil-on-plug - secondary voltage (probe) 10. TEST 3: Wiggle test 11. TEST 4: CRD (Bosch) solenoid injector circuit current 12.

4 TEST 5: Lambda (oxygen) sensor testing 13. TEST 6: Wheel speed sensor (Magnetoresistive) 14. TEST 7: Crankshaft and camshaft position sensor comparison 15. TEST 8: Air flow meter - air vane 16. TEST 9: CAN bus physical layer 17. TEST 10: In-cylinder pressure during cranking (gasoline) 18 19. Pressure testing with a MOPAR Scope powered by PicoScope PicoDiagnostics for MOPAR 20. Charging System Test 21. Compression Test 21. Propshaft Balancing 22. NVH 23. Taking the step beyond Guided Tests 25. The Waveform Library 26. Understanding waveforms 27. Analyzing waveforms .. 28. So is that all PicoScope 7 for MOPAR can do? 29. Online resources from 31. 31. Your MOPAR Scope kit 33. Accessories available separately 34. Accessories available separately 35. Accessories available separately 37.

5 NVH accessories 38. Storage solutions for your MOPAR Scope and accessories 39. The diagnostic journey To understand how you ultimately get the very best out of oscilloscope diagnostics with your MOPAR Scope powered by . PicoScope , it is helpful to understand where a scope fits into the diagnostic process. Our aim is to help you provide your . customers the very best diagnostic service. Let's start with an example. A customer arrives with a rough- running engine. Like all forms of mechanical diagnostics , the first step is to ask the customer about the problem. This is often (but not always) accompanied by a dashboard warning light. Next, you will often attach a serial diagnostic tool to the vehicle. In our example, this gives the fault codes P1345 Cam/Crank Synchro fault' and Camshaft Sensor Open Circuit'.

6 With a degree of knowledge, you might assume that the most likely cause of these codes would be a faulty camshaft sensor. The camshaft sensor is replaced, the fault code is erased, and the vehicle is returned to the owner. In this example, the customer returns the next day with the same fault. Finding and testing the root cause with your MOPAR Scope powered by PicoScope .. The above scenario is oversimplified, but let's contrast it with your shop that invested in a MOPAR Scope powered by PicoScope and is using it as an everyday tool for diagnostics . In this case, following the fault code read-out from the serial diagnostic tool, it would be common practice to connect the scope to the camshaft sensor to test it before it is removed. When you capture data with the MOPAR Scope, it stores data in the Waveform Buffer.

7 Its PicoScope 7 for MOPAR software allows you to scroll through frames of data post-test and to review your waveform captures. Zooming in on the camshaft waveform, it soon becomes clear there is an intermittent fault. 1. Running the test again, while gently wiggling the wiring loom, quickly demonstrates that there is a wiring issue. Further inspection of the wiring reveals chafing between the camshaft sensor wires. This fix is quick and simple to resolve without replacing any components. Following the wiring repair, you repeat the same test with your MOPAR Scope which verifies a clear fix. The fault codes are . erased and the vehicle is returned to the customer. You are confident that the root cause has been found and fixed. The customer leaves satisfied with a successful repair.

8 And with no recurrence, your shop gains a loyal customer. This is just one example of where your MOPAR Scope fits in the diagnostic journey. Obviously you have many tools at your disposal, including technical information, training, knowledge, serial diagnostic tools, gas analyzers, and of course, your MOPAR Scope powered by PicoScope. It is your ability to use these together that ensures your shops success in the future. Armed with a MOPAR Scope and the knowledge that you are able to see, analyze and understand the electrical signals that vehicle components produce, you will be confident that you can discover the root cause of a problem. This, in turn, will enhance the reputation of your business as a professional diagnostic provider. And you are in good company. More than twenty of the world's leading vehicle manufacturers already use Pico Technology oscilloscopes in their dealer diagnostics .

9 We remain committed to making your MOPAR Scope powered by PicoScope a powerful tool that stays current with the emerging advances in vehicle design and repair for years to come. Expertise begins with understanding As you begin to use your MOPAR Scope, the idea of connecting to vehicle components and reading their signals can feel daunting. At Pico Technology, we've spent over 20 years breaking down the myths about scope diagnostics and helping our customers become some of our industry's leading diagnostic experts. Taking the time to read this guide will give you the foundation for a much wider knowledge and understanding of vehicle systems and analysis, leading to a more reliable and professional diagnosis of your customers' vehicles. 2. What can your MOPAR Scope do? . With ever more complex diagnostic problems facing vehicle repair organizations, a tool to get to the real root of a service issue has never been more valuable.

10 Your MOPAR Scope powered by PicoScope can give you that kind of high- .. level help, as well as lightning-fast capture rates to cope with the most advanced modern-day vehicle signals. Pico Technology is unique within the automotive industry, both in the way we specialize in the manufacture of PC- based scopes for automotive use, and how we work with an ever increasing number of the world's leading vehicle manufacturers for dealer-level oscilloscope diagnostics . This experience ensures the equipment you buy from us stays current with the fast-paced developments within the automotive industry. In the following pages, you will find a summary of what your MOPAR Scope can do. This will give you some basic knowledge and confidence that you can become proficient in advanced vehicle diagnostics and successfully deliver the highest level of automotive service.