Assessment Sheet

Student ID : SAE 5317

5 – AURTTR001 – Diagnose complex faults in engine
Unit Code & Name :
management systems

8)
`
Pressure sensors measure the air pressure in the intake manifold behind the throttle valve to
determine air intake. This information is extremely important for calculating the amount of fuel to
be injected to ensure the correct air-fuel mix. For this reason, the dynamic measurement capability
of these engine management components is crucial in reducing vehicle emissions.

Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor provides instantaneous manifold pressure information
to the engine's electronic control unit (ECU/ECM). The data is used to calculate air density and
determine the engine's air mass flow rate, which in turn determines the required fuel metering for
optimum combustion and influence the advance or retard of ignition timing. A fuel-injected engine
may alternatively use a mass airflow sensor (MAF sensor) to detect the intake airflow.

Common rail pressure sensor is located on the fuel rail. Its function is to monitor the fuel
pressure in the common rail. It reduces evaporative emissions coming through automobiles by
providing the engine only a specific amount of fuel required to run in the proper manner. This way,
there is no fuel left in the fuel line, which can be used for evaporation. It is the internal pressure of
the rail that is read by the fuel pressure feeler and this is how the sensor senses the exact amount of
fuel present in the fuel rail. Next, there is an electronic message sent by the sensor to the
Powertrain Control Module indicating the exact amount of fuel required to be provided into the
engine.

11)
a.
Dynamic testing is testing the vehicle through the integration of diagnosis equipment and analysis
software while the engine is running to reflect the real situation. It helps in real-time detection of
test results and comparing with manufacturer specifications.

b.
Static testing is a type of test conducted when the engine is not running but the battery power is on.
It enables us to retrieve the freeze frame data, which helps the technician to diagnose the problem.
For performing a static test, connect the scan tool and access the menu data logger and go on to
accessing the menu and engine management system ECU/ECM/PCM. Choose freeze frame data or
set DTC to detect the fault or problem.

c.
Component failure analysis is performed in two ways i.e. either by interpreting freeze frame data
or retrieving the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCS) along with the code description. It is used to
diagnose the faults with the sensor or actuator.
While performing component failure analysis using freeze frame data, the ECM/PCM uses this
data for identification and comparison of similar operating conditions. It also enables technicians
to identify the cause of intermittent problems. The action of sensors or actuators, when the code
was set, can be reviewed which can be of great help in identifying the cause of a problem.
While performing component failure analysis using DTC, compare the test results obtained with
manufacturer specifications to arrive at the conclusion of component failure.

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12)

Using Scan tool:

A MAP sensor can be monitored with a scan tool through specific PIDs. For checking MAP sensor
using scan tool while engine is running i.e. while performing dynamic testing, using the Scan tool,
access the menu data logger and go on to accessing the Menu and engine management system
ECU/PCM.

Using labscope:
For checking MAP sensor using lab scope while engine is running i.e. while performing dynamic
testing – Connect the scope to the MAP output and ensure good ground. When the engine is
accelerated and returned to idle, the output voltage should increase and decrease.
If the engine is accelerated and the MAP sensor voltage does not rise and fall, or if the signal is
erratic, it is an indication that the sensor or sensor wires are defective.

13)

OBD – 11 Scanners and Readers or Scan tool

Function:
1. Used for on-board diagnostics.
2. Can be used to easily read and display live data, display the meaning of the code, display freeze
frame data, readiness monitor status and helps in resetting readiness monitors.

Operation:
A software which is often used to take readings of different systems in the car is placed at the
centre of the engine whereas the sensors for chassis, frame and other parts of the car are present in
OBD-II. A computer is then attached to the port so that the information present in the OBD-II
system can be easily retrieved. For each reading, this software records a code representing the
functionality of that system, which are then downloaded and translated by the mechanic to decide
exactly what happened at every inspection point. Thus, the damage occurred to a part of the car can
be easily detected.

Limitation:
1. Small display screens and slow sample rates of live scan data.
2. Only query-response mechanism is used to represent the data.

Oscilloscope

Function:
- It is a visual voltmeter.
- It converts electrical signal to a visual image representing voltage changes over a specific
period. With a scope precise measurement is possible.

Operation:
When an oscilloscope's probe is connected to a power source, the device immediately displays its
waveform on the screen. The waveform is a visual representation of the signal's peaks and valleys.
By viewing the waveform in real time, one can quickly calculate its frequency, and watch for dips
and spikes in the power source.

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Limitation:
- Repairing is expensive.
- Very sensitive to interference from nearby circuits.

14)
a.
DTC’s are automotive computer codes stored by the on-board computer diagnostic system
(OBD) in a vehicle. These codes are intended to help determine the root cause of the failure.
The diagnostic codes that are required by law on all OBD-II systems are standardised and all
vehicle manufacturers use the same common code list. For systems like ABS, manufacturers
can make up their own DTCs and they are not obliged to give code access to non-proprietary
scan tools (though many do).

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Assessment Sheet

Acumen Education Pty Ltd ©

Assessment Sheet

Acumen Education Pty Ltd ©

Assessment Sheet

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