NGK Shop Squad Training: Scoping Secondary Ignition Waveforms
A secondary ignition waveform can tell a technician a lot about the condition of the coil, spark plug and even combustion chamber. Learn how to effectively use a scope and probes to view ignition system waveforms for practical diagnostics.
Secondary Ignition Waveforms and Spark Plug Performance
There are at least 500 components in the modern car engine.
VIDEO: Ignition Coil Secondary Ignition Waveforms
Watch this week’s garage video on the “burn line” of a secondary ignition waveform. This video is sponsored by Autolite.
Scoping Ignition Waveforms
The secret to being able to capture and analyze secondary ignition waveforms is understanding what is happening in the coil and at the spark plug and how the scope measures and graphs the voltages and ignition event.
Using Fuel And Ignition Waveforms Together
Fuel injector and secondary ignition waveforms can show the condition of the fuel and ignition system, and combined they can give you new insights on misfires and if they are related to the fuel or ignition system. Scan tools can tell you if there is a misfire and which cylinder is misfiring. Rarely will you be able to determine if it is the ignition coil and spark plug or if the fuel injector is causing a rich or lean condition. With a scope that has the correct probes, it is possible.
Demystifying Scopes: Engine Camshaft And Crankshaft Waveforms
Having to remove valve or front cover of an engine to check engine timing marks can rarely be completed in under an hour on most modern engines. But, capturing the waveforms from the camshaft and crankshaft sensors can be completed in under 30 minutes. This diagnostic approach can also diagnose circuit and sensor problems.
Fuel Injector Circuit Waveforms
The electric fuel injector has been around for more than 50 years. The principles of operation are simple. An electromagnetic coil moves a pintle in a chamber that has pressurized fuel on one side and a nozzle on the other. The coil is typically energized by a driver pulling the circuit to ground. As the coil is saturated by energy, the pintle moves upwards against a spring. This allows fuel to be injected into the engine.
Pulling Codes: A Mercedes-Benz Story – A P0300 Analysis Using Exhaust Waveforms
This article will document the P0300 code for a 1996 Mercedes-Benz. A single cylinder misfire has occurred, and the technician decides to clear the code in my presence. I advised that it is a good strategy to maintain the code information for review. It’s clear that misfire activity can be challenging on some ignition systems, and I’ve found through my research that all of the car manufacturers appear to run their monitors in a similar fashion, but it’s still wise to review their service information for the differences and details of their systems.
Why Alternators Are Subject To Ripple Voltage
The alternator produces an AC current that must be converted into DC current by way of a rectifier.
Using a Scope
Ignition coil and plug diagnostics.
