Internal Use Only

Professor -
MPT 4 AST L2 – 3.2.2, 3.5.2, 3.6.3
CRN

Motive Power Programs

Name: ________________________________________________

Student ID: ____________________

Class: ______ Group: ______ Date: __________________

Diagnostic Test Equipment, Electronic Fundamentals and Electronic Ignition

Fundamentals – Electrical and Fuel Systems 2 (ELFL003)

Learning Outcome(s):

Upon successful completion, the learner has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Explain the purpose, principles of operation and usage of diagnostic test equipment
according to the equipment’s manufacturers’ recommendations
• Explain the construction, principles of operation, inspection and testing of electronic
devices according to accepted trade practices
• Explain the construction, principles of operation, inspection and testing of ignition
systems according to manufacturers’ standards

Performance Objective(s):

3.2.2 Perform diagnostic tests using the following equipment.

o Pressure gauges
o Vacuum gauges
o Compression tester
o Hand-held scan tools
o Oscilloscopes
o Smoke generators
o Leak down tester

Electrical and Fuel L2 – 3.2.2, 3.5.2, 3.6.3 Page 1

 o Pressure transducers

3.5.2 Perform inspection and testing procedures for electronic devices.

o Diodes
• Forward and reverse bias
• LED
• Recifying / Zener
• Light emitting
• Photo

o Capacitors

o Sensors
• Permanent magnet pulse generators
• Piezoelectric
• Galvanic
• Hall effect
• Optical

o Variable resistors
• Rheostat
• Thermistors
• Potentiometers
• Piezoresistive

3.6.3 Inspect, test, and diagnose electronic ignition system devices

o Identify and locate electronic ignition system components on various vehicles
• Distributor components
• Coils, modules
• Sensors

o Check and test ignition timing operation using a scan tool

o Diagnose electronic ignition system components

• High tension wires
• Spark plugs
• Distributor cap and rotor

Completion Timeline: 9 Hours

Electrical and Fuel L2 – 3.2.2, 3.5.2, 3.6.3 Page 2

Tools & Materials required:

Tools/Equipment Qty.
DVOM 1
Oscilloscope 1
Spark Plug Tester 1
Spark Plug Gap Tool 1
Shop Vehicle/Engine Stand 1
Scan Tool 1

Materials Qty.
Spark Plugs 1
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1
Throttle Position Sensor 1
Headlight Switch 1

Vehicle #: Repair Order #:

Key # Returned: Yes No Tool Box # Tool Box Inventory: Yes No

Shop
Completed: Yes No Vehicle Condition Satisfactory: Yes No
Clean Up

***Read ENTIRE shop practicum before proceeding to Shop Activities***

In-Class Shop Activities:

Using a Scan Tool

1. Locate the data link connector (DLC) for the BCM. Where is the connector located?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

Electrical and Fuel L2 – 3.2.2, 3.5.2, 3.6.3 Page 3

2. Connect the scan tool to the DLC and turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.
What version is the scan tool software?
____________________________________________________________________________________

3. Select the body computer function. Record the following information about the BCM.
Part Number: ________________________________________________________________
Software Version: ________________________________________________________________
Hardware Version: ________________________________________________________________

4. How is this information useful?

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

5. Retrieve any fault codes that may be in the BCM’s memory. Record the codes below.
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

6. If there are fault codes found, are they hard codes or soft codes? If there are no codes found, what
does it mean for a fault code to be a hard code or soft code?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

7. Create a fault by unplugging an actuator. Is the unplugged actuator sending a hard code, or a soft
code?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

Electrical and Fuel L2 – 3.2.2, 3.5.2, 3.6.3 Page 4

What code(s) did the unplugged the actuator give?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

8. Reconnect the connector and monitor the actuator on the scan tool. Is it operating correctly?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

9. Clear the codes stored in the memory due to testing.

Thermistor Test Measurements

10. Using Shop Key, locate and describe the location of the engine coolant temperature (ECT)
sensor.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

11. What colour of wires are connected to the sensor?

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

12. Using Shop Key, record the resistance specifications for a normal ECT sensor for this
vehicle at operating temperature.
____________________________________________________________________________

13. Disconnect the electrical connector to the sensor.

Electrical and Fuel L2 – 3.2.2, 3.5.2, 3.6.3 Page 5

14. Measure the resistance of the sensor. Record your results in the table below.

TEMPERATURE RESISTANCE

__________ ° __________ ohms

15. If not within specifications, what would be your next step?

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

16. If the resistance in #14 is good, reconnect the sensor wires and carefully back probe the
signal circuit with a lab scope.

17. Start the engine and allow it to warm to normal operating temperature. Using a handheld
pyrometer, record your voltage readings at different temperatures in the table below.

TEMPERATURE RESISTANCE

__________ ° __________ ohms

__________ ° __________ ohms

__________ ° __________ ohms

__________° __________ ohms

Electrical and Fuel L2 – 3.2.2, 3.5.2, 3.6.3 Page 6

18. While observing the lab scope. Is the voltage change smooth or erratic?
____________________________________________________________________________

19. Is the ECT a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) or positive temperature coefficient
(PTC) thermistor? Explain.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

20.With the scan tool connected to the DLC, disconnect the sensor, and observe the voltage on
the scan tool with the ignition switch in the RUN position. What happened?
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

21. If the voltage displayed is not correct, what would your next step be?
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

Rheostat Test Measurements

22. Using a DVOM meter on the resistance setting, place leads across the dimmer switch
connector pins. Set dimmer switch to OFF position. Observe meter readings. Rotate dimmer
control switch and observe meter readings. Record results.

OFF position: _____ ohms

Electrical and Fuel L2 – 3.2.2, 3.5.2, 3.6.3 Page 7

 Rotating position: _____ ohms

What did you observe about your findings?

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

Potentiometer Test Measurements

23. Using Shop Key, locate the throttle position sensor (TPS). Identify the purpose of the
potentiometer.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

24. What are the colour of wires going to the TPS sensor?
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

25. Unplug the connector from the TPS. On the harness side, measure the voltage at each
terminal with the ignition switch in the RUN position. Record your findings below.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

Electrical and Fuel L2 – 3.2.2, 3.5.2, 3.6.3 Page 8

26. What is the manufacturer specification?
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

27. Is the voltage reading in #25 match the manufacturer specification? YES or NO
If no, what problem is indicated?
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

28. Using a DVOM, measure the resistance across the potentiometer between the supply and
ground terminals. __________ ohms
What is the specification? __________ ohms

29. Measure the resistance between the signal and ground circuits as you open the TPS.
Describe your results.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

30. Reconnect the harness connector to the TPS. Carefully back probe the signal circuit
terminal. With the ignition switch in the RUN position, what is the voltage on the signal
circuit?
__________ volts

Electrical and Fuel L2 – 3.2.2, 3.5.2, 3.6.3 Page 9

31. Move the potentiometer through its entire sweep while observing the voltmeter. Describe
your observations?
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

32. What is the highest voltage observed? __________ volts

Testing Hall-Effect Sensors

33. Using Shop Key. Identify and locate the crank position sensor (CKP).

34. What is the function of this sensor in the vehicle’s system?

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

35. According to the service manual, what should the voltages be at each of the terminals of the
sensor with the ignition switch in the RUN position?
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

36. Disconnect the sensor connector and measure the voltage to each terminal (harness side)
with the ignition switch in the RUN position.

Are the voltages the same as the manufacturers’ specifications? YES or NO

Electrical and Fuel L2 – 3.2.2, 3.5.2, 3.6.3 Page 10

If not, what is the likely cause?
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

37. Reconnect all disconnected connectors. Connect the lab scope to read the signal from the
sensors to the control module. Select the appropriate voltage level for the sensor.

38. Start the vehicle while observing the sensor signals. Draw the patterns in the table below.
Voltage /DIV: _____ volts

Time/DIV: _____ ms

39. Do the patterns indicate a problem? YES or NO

If so, what is the likely cause?

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

Electrical and Fuel L2 – 3.2.2, 3.5.2, 3.6.3 Page 11

Testing Spark Plugs

40. Using Shop Key, a shop vehicle, or an engine stand, remove each spark plug and check
gap, colour and condition according to manufacturers’ specifications. Record results in the
table below. Set spark plugs to correct gap and reinstall spark plugs and set at correct
torque value.

NOTE: The gap of iridium spark plugs should not be measured. This can cause damage to the
delicate electrode.

What is the correct specified GAP for the spark plugs? _______________________

What is the correct torque specification for the spark plugs? _______________________

Cylinder 1 2 3 4

Gap

Colour

Condition

41. Measure the resistance between the spark plug terminal and the center electrode.

What is your measurement? __________ ohms

Why would a spark plug have resistance?

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

42. Reinstall the spark plugs and torque them to manufacturers’ specifications.

Electrical and Fuel L2 – 3.2.2, 3.5.2, 3.6.3 Page 12

43. Using a spark tester, check for spark at each spark plug wire end. Record results.

Cylinder 1 2 3 4

Spark
Yes or No

44. Using a DVOM meter on resistance, check the resistance of four spark plug wires and wire
condition. Place red lead on spark plug wire end and black lead on internal contact in
distributor cap. Record results.

Wires 1 2 3 4

Resistance

Length

Wire Condition

45. Check manufacturer’s specifications and procedures for coil testing. Record results.

NOTE: Some Coil-On-Plug (COP) ignition coils have built-in modules and resistance checks are
not possible, especially those with three or more wires to each coil. Check with the service
information you have for details.

Primary coil winding resistance: __________ ohms

Secondary coil winding resistance: __________ ohms

46. Reassemble and install all ignition components.

Electrical and Fuel L2 – 3.2.2, 3.5.2, 3.6.3 Page 13

47. Remove coil connections. Using a DVOM meter on DCV, check the voltage of the primary
circuit.

Primary circuit voltage: __________ volts

48. Using a shop vehicle with a distributor less (DIS) ignition system, locate and identify each of
the primary and secondary ignition components. List components below.

Ignition Components

49. Using a shop vehicle with DIS ignition, perform primary and secondary ignition system tests.
List component tests performed and results. Record your results.

System Component Test Performed Results

Electrical and Fuel L2 – 3.2.2, 3.5.2, 3.6.3 Page 14

50. Using Shop Key, a scan tool, a timing light, and either a shop vehicle or an engine stand,
record the ignition timing value in the table below.

According to the manufacturer, what conditions must be met before checking the timing?
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

What should the idle speed be? __________ rpm

Idle Speed (rpm) Timing Specification (°) Actual (°)

Electrical and Fuel L2 – 3.2.2, 3.5.2, 3.6.3 Page 15

Scope Testing an Ignition System

51. Using Shop Key, a shop vehicle or engine stand, and an oscilloscope capable of measuring
primary and secondary ignition pattern, connect the scope leads to the vehicle/engine stand.

NOTE: Carefully read the instructions on properly operating the oscilloscope. Improper
operation can cause damage to the scope or give false readings. Make sure to refer to the
service manual for the values that you should see, so that you can set up the oscilloscope to
record within the parameters.

a) Set the scope to look at the secondary ignition circuit in the display or parade pattern.

b) Start the engine and observe the firing lines.

c) Are they within 3kV of each other? __________

If not, which cylinders are the most different from the rest?
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

d) Are the heights of the firing lines all below 13kV? __________

e) Is the height of the firing lines above 7kV? __________

Based on your findings, what can you conclude?

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

Electrical and Fuel L2 – 3.2.2, 3.5.2, 3.6.3 Page 16

 ***Examples of the Firing Line and Display or Parade pattern***

f) Switch the scope to show the patterns in raster. Observe the length, height, and shape
of the spark line for each cylinder. Describe them.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

g) Describe the general appearance of the intermediate section of the pattern for each
cylinder.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

h) Describe the general appearance of the dwell section for each cylinder.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

Electrical and Fuel L2 – 3.2.2, 3.5.2, 3.6.3 Page 17

 i) Based on the appearance of all sections of the scope pattern for each cylinder, what are
your recommendations and conclusions?
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

Electrical and Fuel L2 – 3.2.2, 3.5.2, 3.6.3 Page 18

Shop Homework:

1. BCM system troubleshooting is being discussed.

Technician A says if the BCM “sees” a problem with any of its input sensors or output devices it
will always command the “Check Engine” lamp to illuminate.
Technician B says most diagnostic charts cannot be used to diagnose intermittent problems.
Who is correct?
a) A only
b) B only
c) Both A and B
d) Neither A nor B

2. The diagnosis of BCM-controlled output actuators is being discussed.

Technician A says if the actuator works during the activation test, the problem is probably
associated with a faulty BCM.
Technician B says some scan tools can control the operation of output actuators.
Who is correct?
a) A only
b) B only
c) Both A and B
d) Neither A nor B

3. An actuator that receives direct battery feed and is controlled by a low-side driver has a
short to ground in the control circuit.
Technician A says this may cause the battery to drain overnight.
Technician B says the BCM will no longer have control of the system and may set a DTC.
Who is correct?
a) A only
b) B only
c) Both A and B
d) Neither A nor B

Electrical and Fuel L2 – 3.2.2, 3.5.2, 3.6.3 Page 19

4. The flashing of a computer is done to perform which task?
a) Repair hardware problems within the computer-controlled system.
b) To update the software within the computer to correct or enhance operation.
c) Determine if driver habits contribute to EEPROM issues.
d) Correct for faulty input signals.

5. Which method may be used to check a computer-controlled actuator?

a) Use a lab scope to monitor voltage levels.
b) Use an ammeter to monitor current flow.
c) Use a scan tool to activate the component.
d) All of the above.

6. When measuring the voltage on the power feed circuit to the computer, the voltmeter reads
12 volts with the connector unplugged. When load tested with a test light, the voltmeter
reads 12 volts. When the computer is plugged back in and back probed, the voltmeter
reads 9.5 volts.
Technician A says this may be due to an internal problem in the computer.
Technician B says this may be due to an open computer ground circuit.
Who is correct?
a) A only
b) B only
c) Both A and B
d) Neither A nor B

7. The scan tool indicates that an actuator is being turned on and off; however, the actuator
does not operate. What is the least likely cause?
a) Faulty computer.
b) Open in the control circuit of the actuator.
c) Open in the ground circuit of the actuator.
d) Defective actuator device.

Electrical and Fuel L2 – 3.2.2, 3.5.2, 3.6.3 Page 20

8. Using the figure below, of a BCM-controlled headlight system, what is the most likely cause
that the headlights operate dimly on both sides?
a) Poor battery feed connection to the BCM.
b) Worn or corroded relay contacts.
c) Faulty BCM.
d) High resistance in the headlight ground circuits.

Electrical and Fuel L2 – 3.2.2, 3.5.2, 3.6.3 Page 21

9. Technician A says when diagnosing intermittent faults, it is good practice to substitute
control modules to see if the problem goes away.
Technician B says a circuit performance fault indicates that the continuity of the circuit is
suspect.
Who is correct?
a) A only
b) B only
c) Both A and B
d) Neither A nor B

10. The scan tool displays 5 volts for the ambient temperature sensor. This indicates:
a) An open in the sensor return circuit
b) An open in the signal circuit
c) An open in the sensor
d) All of the above

11. A customer states that their air-conditioning system does not work. It is observed that the
A/C clutch does not turn on when the A/C button is activated.
Technician A says this can be caused by an open in the high-pressure cutout switch circuit.
Technician B says this can be caused by a faulty A/C pressure transducer.
Who is correct?
a) A only
b) B only
c) Both A and B
d) Neither A nor B

12. Technician A says the MAP sensor reading with the key on, engine off should equal
barometric pressure.
Technician B says when the engine is started, the MAP sensor signal voltage should increase.
Who is correct?
a) A only
b) B only
c) Both A and B
d) Neither A nor B

Electrical and Fuel L2 – 3.2.2, 3.5.2, 3.6.3 Page 22

13. A vehicle with four-wheel ABS has a problem with the right rear wheel locking during heavy
braking.
Technician A says this could be caused by a bad speed sensor mounted at the wheel.
Technician B says the speed sensor mounted at the differential could cause this problem.
Who is correct?
a) A only
b) B only
c) Both A and B
d) Neither A nor B

14. A parasitic battery drain test is being performed.

Technician A says the ammeter must be connected in series between the battery’s negative
post and the negative cable.
Technician B says all circuits must be off (open) for this test to be valid.
Who is correct?
a) A only
b) B only
c) Both A and B
d) Neither A nor B

15. Technician A says a rheostat cannot be tested with an ohmmeter.

Technician B says a potentiometer cannot be tested with an ohmmeter.
Who is correct?
a) A only
b) B only
c) Both A and B
d) Neither A nor B

Electrical and Fuel L2 – 3.2.2, 3.5.2, 3.6.3 Page 23

16. A jumper wire has been used to energize the coil of a relay, and an ohmmeter has been
connected across the contacts of the relay.
Technician A says an infinity resistance reading across the contacts indicate a good relay.
Technician B says a zero resistance across the contacts indicates the problem is elsewhere in
the circuit.
Who is correct?
a) A only
b) B only
c) Both A and B
d) Neither A nor B

17. A diode is being tested with a digital multimeter equipped with a diode check function. The
meter reads very high resistance in one direction and 0.20 in the other direction.
This indicates a(n):
a) Shorted diode.
b) Open diode.
c) Normal germanium diode.
d) Additional testing is needed.

18. Technician A says that before checking a charging system, the battery should be charged to
provide a charging rate of 20 amps or less.
Technician B says a charging rate of zero may indicate an open in the AC generator field.
Who is correct?
a) A only
b) B only
c) Both A and B
d) Neither A nor B

Electrical and Fuel L2 – 3.2.2, 3.5.2, 3.6.3 Page 24

19. While discussing the comparison between spark duration and firing kV.
Technician A says that is firing kV is high, duration will be short.
Technician B says that if firing kV is low, duration will be long.
Who is correct?
a) A only
b) B only
c) Both A and B
d) Neither A nor B

20. Technician A says that Chrysler EI systems use a crankshaft timing and camshaft reference
sensor that are modified Hall-effect switches.
Technician B says that these sensors should output from 0 volt and 9-12 volts with a DMM
when the engine is cranked over in small increments.
Who is correct?
a) A only
b) B only
c) Both A and B
d) Neither A nor B

21. Technician A says that if the spark plug wire terminal ends are not clean and bright, the
terminals should be cleaned and re-crimped.
Technician B says that the spark plug wires need to be replaced.
Who is correct?
a) A only
b) B only
c) Both A and B
d) Neither A nor B

Electrical and Fuel L2 – 3.2.2, 3.5.2, 3.6.3 Page 25

22. Technician A says that the crankshaft position sensor can be a Hall-effect switch.
Technician B says that the crankshaft position sensor can be a magnetic pulse generator.
Who is correct?
a) A only
b) B only
c) Both A and B
d) Neither A nor B

23. While discussing spark plugs.

Technician A says that iridium spark plugs should not have the gap checked by the technician.
Technician B says that platinum spark plugs should not have the electrode filed.
Who is correct?
a) A only
b) B only
c) Both A and B
d) Neither A nor B

Electrical and Fuel L2 – 3.2.2, 3.5.2, 3.6.3 Page 26

 Summarize and record ‘Key’ learning’s:

Evaluation

Advanced Intermediate Beginner

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
0 Mark
(100%) (90%) (80%) (70%) (60%) (50%) (40%) (30%) (20%) (10%)

Practicum
Performance

Practicum
Homework (%)

Shop
Preparedness

Instructor summative feedback:

Electrical and Fuel L2 – 3.2.2, 3.5.2, 3.6.3 Page 27