Case study: Subaru flat four engine

This month we have another case study from our very own Steve Smith (pictured left).

"The owner of this vehicle had noted that the warning light illuminated when the engine was at normal operating temperature at low road speed. As ever, vehicle history is all important and so a further interview with the customer confirmed starting and driveability to be normal (hot or cold) with no loss of performance, but did reveal his vehicle had been seen by another garage where No. 2 cylinder Spark plug, Ignition coil, and Direct injector had already been replaced!

A basic visual inspection confirmed no issues with hoses, harness, connections, fuel quality, or fuel level.

Looking at the freeze frame data accompanying the fault code P0302, it did indeed support the customer’s version of events, recording a hot engine, low road speed, and a misfire count of 44 on number 2 cylinder!"

You can read the Subaru flat 4 port and direct injection, non-turbo | Cylinder misfire online.

PicoScope Automotive Top Tips

The PicoScope top tips now has a number of useful tips, so why not take a look? Perhaps you can suggest something to assist other users?

View the 'PicoScope Automotive Top Tips' thread on our forum.

Best of the web - Scanner Danner Videos

Here we have a two part Case Study video on YouTube with ScannerDanner. If you have seen Paul's videos before you will know their value, and that it is worth taking the time to watch them.

Paul has been asked to take a look at a Nissan Maxima which has a misfire problem. Paul uses his knowledge and experience with PicoScope to investigate, explaining every step as he goes, covering possible areas of concern and noting any observations.

View the Nissan Maxima Misfire, Part 1 and Nissan Maxima Misfire, Part 2 videos on YouTube.

Application note: WPS500

In this application note we will cover a possible use of the WPS500 pressure transducer: The WPS500 pressure transducer has become one of those essential tools that cannot be underestimated when it comes to diagnostics. Just like an oscilloscope it has revealed a whole new world of measurement techniques that now enable us to see beyond static readings and analyse what is actually taking place at a precise point in time. Just like the current clamp reveals the flow of current inside a conductor, the WPS500 allows us to visualize and capture the dynamic pressure changes inside cylinders, fuel lines, intake manifolds, crankcases and even exhaust gas pulsations. Here at Pico we are constantly looking at ways to utilise and expand our accessories and the WPS500 is always one such accessory that end users are asking us "What else can I do with it?". Below is an example of the WPS500 in action looking at the diesel fuel priming pressure of a VW Golf TDI PD. Using a "sight block" we are able to analyse the fuel for aeration whilst the WPS500 monitors the various stages of fuel priming from KEY OFF to START-IDLE-WOT-IDLE and finally KEY OFF. The waveform obtained clearly reveals so much more than the traditional gauge as we can now see the transition of pressure under the various stages of operation.
You can view our WPS500 Pressure Transducer, and WPS500 Pressure Transducer kit on our website.

Employment opportunities

Do you want to work at the leading edge of automotive diagnostic and test equipment design? Or perhaps know someone that would thrive in our industry and the environment Pico Technology provides?

We are always on the lookout for talented individuals to join our expanding team. Based in St Neots, Cambridgeshire we are a growing company with fantastic employee benefits and prospects. Why not visit (or recommend) our pico.jobs web page, and see what we have to offer?!

Training courses

If you own, or are thinking of buying, a PicoScope Automotive Diagnostics Kit, you mustn't miss the Professional Diagnostics Ltd engine management diagnostics course. This two-day official Pico Technology course introduces the basic working principles of engine management systems, component testing and system diagnostics using oscilloscopes. The course is split between class-based theory sessions, and practical demonstrations in a workshop using the PicoScope Automotive Diagnostics Kit. The two day course includes everything you need to get the best from an oscilloscope.

Please contact Professional Diagnostics Ltd via their contact form to register interest. Please state your location and training needs when completing the form. Alternatively you can call 07881 555385 or visit www.prodiag.co.uk for more information.

A certificate of completion from Pico Technology Ltd will be presented to qualifying delegates. The courses run from 9am to 5pm with an hour for lunch (lunch is included in the booking fee).

The following dates are available:

PicoScope Diagnostics Course
Bedford, England
22nd and 23rd February 2014

PicoScope Diagnostics Course
Glasgow, Scotland
15th and 16th March 2014

PicoScope Diagnostics Course (Hosted by MPD)
Honiton (Exeter), England
24th and 25th March 2014

PicoScope Diagnostics Course
Spennymoor, County Durham, England
29th and 30th April 2014

Autonerdz, a Pico distributor based in North America, delivers PicoScope Oscilloscope Training both at its headquarters located in Olympia WA, and online. The following date is currently available:

PicoScope Hands-On Class
7th March, 2014
4715 Fir Tree Rd SE, Olympia, WA USA 98501 (Autonerdz Training Center)

For further information, or to register early call Autonerdz on 877-628-4899 FREE (Toll Free USA and Canada) or via email.