Automotive Library

Engine Management

These tutorials explain the operation of various systems and components, and how you can use an automotive oscilloscope to check that they are operating correctly.

• Tutorial 1: Ignition primary circuits
• Tutorial 2: Trigger signals (part 1)
• Tutorial 3: Trigger signals (part 2)
• Tutorial 4: Trigger signals (part 3)
• Tutorial 5: Primary versus secondary circuits
• Tutorial 6: Electronic fuel injection (part 1)
• Tutorial 7: Electronic fuel injection (part 2)
• Tutorial 8: Electronic fuel injection (part 3)
• Tutorial 9: Emissions related components and actuators
• Tutorial 10: Miscellaneous sensors and actuators waveforms

Real-Life Diagnostics

In this series professional motor mechanic Nick Hibberd gives you his real-life experience of diagnosing faults. Fault-finding procedures, detailed explanations of components and systems, and high-performance automobiles make this high-octane series a must read.

• Real-Life 1: Ferrari 360 with intermittent non-start
• Real-Life 2: Lotus Elise II: High idle speed and cutting out
• Real-Life 3: Troubleshooting a knock sensor
• Real-Life 4: Misfire most severe
• Real-Life 5: Diagnosing ABS
• Real-Life 6: One bit at a time
• Real-Life 7: Diagnosing poor interior temperature control
• Real-Life 8: Is it possible to determine the fault just by the vehicle owner?
• Real-Life 9: Double trouble...
• Real-Life 10: BMW X5 misfire
• Real-Life 11: Diagnosing a no-start problem on a SEAT Arosa
• Real-Life 12: Batch no. F R I D A Y / A F T E R N O O N
• Real-Life 13: Zafira intermittent stalling
• Real-Life 14: You CAN do it — Corsa no start
• Real-Life 15: The versatile scope - part 1: BMW X5 battery drain
• Real-Life 16: The versatile scope - part 2: Fiat speedometer
• Real-Life 17: Electronic Control Module (ECM) failure
• Real-Life 18: Tackling the DIY expert * NEW *

Everyday Diagnostics

In this series you tell us how you’ve used a PicoScope automotive oscilloscope to diagnose vehicle faults in your everyday life. Everyday diagnostics — anything but everyday faults.

• Everyday 1: Audi S2 intermittent and progressive failure to start
• Everyday 2: Timing issues – misleading MIL?
• Everyday 3: Got me under pressure
• Everyday 4: BMW braking issues
• Everyday 5: Direct injection – poor performance
• Everyday 6: Toyota Avensis – system too lean
• Everyday 7: Ford Focus – hard starting
• Everyday 8: A battery discharge problem with a happy ending!
• Everyday 9: Audi TT Quattro CAN Bus fault
• Everyday 10: Smart – misfire on the commute
• Everyday 11: Diagnosing a catalytic converter * NEW *

Best of the Rest

All About Lambda Sensors
This application note describes the main difference between two common types of lambda sensors, sample waveforms and problems that can be caused by faulty sensors.

A QC Success Story With The Michigan Army National Guard’s Diesel Engine Rebuilding Programme
This case study looks at how the National Guard uses a PicoScope lab scope and the FirstLook sensor to maintain a large fleet of heavy diesel equipment.

Aston Martin Selects The Best In Diagnostics (press release)
Aston Martin has joined the growing list of vehicle manufacturers that have chosen to equip their dealers with Pico Technology oscilloscope diagnostics kits.

Crest of a Wave
This application note, first published in Professional Motor Mechanic magazine, looks at how oscilloscopes can be used for fault finding on modern vehicles.

Electronic Throttle Control
This application note by Auto-Solve looks at why electronic throttle actuation is preferable to a conventional throttle cable

Injection Detection
This article, published in the June 2005 issue of Professional Motor Mechanic, shows you how you can track down faults in electronic fuel injection systems using an automotive oscilloscope.

Pico Technology Ensures Triumph Engines Don’t Miss a Beat
This application note by Wilcox Competition Engines looks at how Pico data loggers and oscilloscopes have been used in the development and testing of engines.