Bosch LSU 4.2 Wideband O2 Sensor - Technical note

In this Technical note (and future Guided Test), Steve Smith gives a detailed diagnostic procedure for testing and diagnosing these troublesome sensors...

The purpose of this test is to evaluate the operation of the Bosch LSU 4.2 oxygen sensor (Pre-Catalyst) in relation to the air/fuel ratio using the Volt Drop method.

Note: The correct operation of the oxygen sensor is dependent upon: the temperature of the sensing tip, the mechanical condition of the engine, fuel quality, engine temperature, the external environment of the sensor (contamination) and the integrity of the engine management system.

The following procedure assumes the conditions mentioned above are all in order and the oxygen sensor to be functioning correctly. Any failures identified with the operation of the oxygen sensor whilst conducting these tests does not necessarily indicate a fault with the oxygen sensor itself.

Often the oxygen sensor will display operational characteristics that are inconsistent due to fuelling or mechanical errors. The results obtained are therefore symptoms of underlying conditions and not the cause.

It is therefore paramount to evaluate the engine mechanical condition and management system beforecondemning the oxygen sensor...

To continue reading Steve's Bosch wideband O2 sensor technical note, please view it on on our website.

Scope School - Part 1

Steve Smith gives a basic introduction to PicoScope, in this first of 4 Scope School articles...

PicoScope has given technicians the facility to reveal details hidden deep inside vehicle control circuits, accessing a level of detail that could not have been envisaged just 20 years ago. When we think back to the late 80s and early 90s looking at waveforms displayed on small screens with little colour options, I do wonder how we managed to diagnose anything with reasonable ease and conviction.

Today the sky would appear to be the limit with widescreens, colour monitors, multi channels, high-speed capturing, zooming, and more. With the ability to save, share, and store what we have captured for future reference, the advance in the tools of our trade is fantastic.

All these features have made the automotive oscilloscope (scope) user-friendly and more importantly, the essential companion to the scan tools found in virtually every automotive workshop around the globe. So how do we harness the power of this essential tool and use it to our advantage, not only to assist with diagnosis but to develop our own personal understanding of control circuits and systems?

To continue reading Steve Smith's Scope School Part 1 article, please visit our website.

New: Coil-on-plug and signal probe

The latest design of Coil-on-plug (COP) and signal probe from Pico Technology is the fastest way you can check coil–on–plug ignition coils and spark plugs.

• Find misfires fast
• Displays scope patterns of the secondary, faster than scoping the primary
• Works on all automotive scopes capable of displaying ignition patterns
• Can also be used to investigate injectors and other inductive actuators
• Flexible design allows for easier access to hard-to-reach components
• No batteries required

Compatible with any Pico Automotive scope, the COP and signal probe can also pick up injector and actuator waveforms on a wide variety of vehicle makes and models. You can buy the probe on its own or with a special grounded cable.

To order or for more information, please visit the Coil-on-plug and signal probe page on our website.

Upcoming events and exhibitions

AMR Beijing Boasting 1200 exhibitors, 100 000 square meters, and an estimated 55 000 visitors AMR Beijing 2015 continues to boast of pride globally and maintain its unique prominence in high quality and professionalism; with a diversified mix of new products altogether, constant waves of wonderful events and overwhelming highlights. Manufacturers, distributors and end users of auto maintenance and repair industry from all over the globe will gather in again in Beijing. 9th-12th April, 2015 AMR Beijing New China International Exhibition Center, Beijing, China
Automechanika Istanbul The dynamic Turkish automotive market requires good preparation and smooth entry conditions. Bringing the major players in the Turkish and European industries together, this fair has become a meeting point, for Turkey as well as for the surrounding regions. Automechanika Istanbul is Eurasia's number one OEM and Aftermarket event. It brings together all relevant professionals from the Automotive Manufacturing, Distribution and Repair sectors in the region and it provides opportunities for Small and Middle Enterprises to step up in the market. 9th-12th April, 2015 Automechanika Istanbul Istanbul, Turkey
CV Show Close to 19 000 business visitors attended the 2014 Show and three out of every four was a fleet owner, director, senior manager or engineer. The CV Show provides a massive audience of decision makers who have purposely left their businesses to see what is on offer. The Commercial Vehicle Show is by far the best attended, largest and most diverse road transport and logistics event staged in Britain, catering for every operator's requirements. For well over a decade the CV Show has provided the industry with the best sourcing opportunity found anywhere in the UK. 14th-16th April, 2015 CV Show NEC Birmingham, UK
Automechanika Chicago Automechanika, known across the world as putting on some of the biggest automotive specific shows - has decided the states shouldn't be left out. This year, the brand is expanding and adding a location to the US. Automechanika Chicago, if judging by the other events they put on, will quickly become one of the must go to events for automotive tools and training. There will be scope training classes available as Pico Technology will be at the trade show in booth #1305, showing the latest scopes and accessories. 24th-26th April, 2015 Automechanika Chicago Chicago, IL USA
Stahlgruber show Trade visitors from the automotive industry will gain a comprehensive overview of innovations, new legal regulations, current products as well as services and support offered. The STAHLGRUBER exhibitions have more to offer than just information about day-to-day business: The growing market for vintage cars and modern classic cars or approaches to saving energy at car repair businesses are just some of the issues that are put in the limelight! New exhibitors, additional topics and the new STAHLGRUBER Centre of Excellence are other special features of the new 2015 exhibitions. A total of 180 well-known exhibitors from the industry make sure that a wide and interesting spectrum of information will be provided - for workshop owners and employees. Stahlgruber Show 24th-26th April, 2015 Chemnitz, Germany