Updated Guided Tests

This month we have two updated Guided Tests for you to browse, and we would love to hear your feedback on them. These tests refer to an Inductive Crankshaft Position Sensor, and whilst they have not yet made it into our software, you can find them on our website.

The two tests can be found on our Automotive Guided Tests page, under: Sensors > Crankshaft > Inductive - Running, and Inductive - Cranking. Alternatively you can follow the links below:

• Inductive CPS - Running

• Inductive CPS - Cranking

We appreciate the feedback we received last month, and once again ask that you let us know your thoughts on these, and indeed any of our Guided Tests. Feedback should be sent via email to gtfeedback@picoauto.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

Fiesta misfire

Steve Smith discusses diagnostic techniques in this Ford Fiesta misfire investigation.

The topic of this case study is not so much "How we managed to diagnose the fault in question" but more about the multiple options at our disposal when it comes to diagnosing component failure.

With scan tools, scopes, multimeters, vacuum/pressure gauges, gas analysers, jump wires, neons, power probes, clamps and smoke machines to name just a few, we are often faced with a dilemma of what tool to select for the right test, to bring the right conclusion at the right time (to quote James Dillon).

Here we have a 2001 1.3 16 V Ford Fiesta, with a complaint of misfire under all engine run conditions. The vehicle arrived at local business Ives Garage (owned and run by Kevin Ives) where we are often invited to experiment with vehicles demonstrating a variety of faults in order to gather real life data.

To read this interesting look into the various techniques, and Pico tools available to you please view the Ford Fiesta misfire investigation case study on our website.