GxT Ferret 54 User Manual

ENGINE DIAGNOSTIC CENTER

FEATURES...............................

Introduction Printer Clock/Calendar Program Cartridges Stand

CONNECTIONS .......................

Leads Emissions Hoses Road Test

DIAGNOSTIC CENTER

OPERATION .............................

Test Keys / Menus Control Keys Setup

ENGINE TESTING ..................

Ignition Power Electrical Sensors AutoTest

TYPICAL READINGS .............

FUEL SYSTEM /

GAS ANALYSIS .......................

Fuel Injectors O2 Sensor Emissions Printed Reports

GAS THEORY ..........................

Sampling Combustion Theory AFR, Lambda, Catalysts Understanding Results

MAINTENANCE .......................

Zero Purge Calibrate Leak Test Sensor Replacement Filter Replacement Cleaning

TECHNICAL SUPPORT...........

Service Information Troubleshooting Parts List Specifications Safety Precautions Warranty

Introduction........................... 1-2

Printer................................... 1-3

Clock/Calendar ..................... 1-4

Program Cartridges ............... 1-4

Stand.................................... 1-5

1-1

INTRODUCTION

The Ferret 54 Engine Diagnostic Center is a professional grade tool for diagnosing automotive ignition, fuel injection, electrical, and emissions systems. Programmed sensor tests, including O2 and TPS, augment a meter function capable of reading a variety of AC, DC, and frequency sensor outputs.

Four or two stroke engines powered with gasoline, propane, gasohol, or compressed natural gas, with DIS or distributor ignitions can be tested. Diesel tests are possible with an adapter.

Diagnostic messages, based on test results, suggest probable engine defects. A built-in printer records current readings or data saved from tests.

A large, backlit LCD display with four lines of forty characters shows test readings, bar graphs, messages, and help screens.

A 12 volt power cable connects to the vehicle battery , so no AC power is necessary . Test leads are non-intrusive and include a cylinder #1 inductive pickup, a coil negative clip for distributors, a coil primary inductive pickup for DIS, an auxiliary meter lead for general troubleshooting and sensor testing, an inductive amp probe, and a temperature probe.

A multi-clip capacitive KV harness allows quick connection to DIS engines. Cylinder order and polarity are automatically detected for fast, foolproof hookups.

Engine timing can be measured with the digital-advance stroboscopic timing light or with a magnetic timing detector.

The attractive, functional stand has large wheels for easy, stable transport. An adjustable boom and large hooks allow easy management of leads and hoses. Storage is provided by a drawer and shelves.

The optional Gas Analyzer, designed to BAR 90 and O.I.M.L. (International) accuracy standards for measurement of vehicle emission systems, is ideal for PreCertification Emission Testing, Shop Diagnostic Testing and Post-Repair Emission Testing. Included with the Gas Analyzer are a calibration gas bottle with regulator, sampling hose assembly, power/data cable, and a road test kit.

Other options include:

Magnetic TDC Detector V acuum/Pressure T ransducers Diesel Injection Detector 10 Cylinder DIS Ignition Adapter

READ SAFETY PRECAUTIONS BEFORE USING THE

ENGINE DIAGNOSTIC CENTER

The information presented in this manual is believed to be accurate and correct. Individual test procedures should be viewed as representative. The reader is cautioned to become familiar with the manufacturer's procedures and should always use them when they differ from those presented here.

9-97

1-2

INTRODUCTION

Four or two stroke engines powered with gasoline, propane, gasohol, or compressed natural gas, with DIS or distributor ignitions can be tested. Diesel tests are possible with an adapter.

Diagnostic messages, based on test results, suggest probable engine defects. A built-in printer records current readings or data saved from tests.

A large, backlit LCD display with four lines of forty characters shows test readings, bar graphs, messages, and help screens.

A multi-clip capacitive KV harness allows quick connection to DIS engines. Cylinder order and polarity are automatically detected for fast, foolproof hookups.

Engine timing can be measured with the digital-advance stroboscopic timing light or with a magnetic timing detector.

The attractive, functional stand has large wheels for easy, stable transport. An adjustable boom and large hooks allow easy management of leads and hoses. Storage is provided by a drawer and shelves.

The optional Gas Analyzer, designed to BAR 90 and O.I.M.L. (International) accuracy standards for measurement of vehicle emission systems, is ideal for PreCertification Emission Testing, Shop Diagnostic Testing and Post-Repair Emission Testing. Included with the Gas Analyzer are a sampling hose assembly, power/data cable, and a road test kit.

Other options include:

V acuum/Pressure T ransducers Magnetic TDC Detector Diesel Injection Detector 10 Cylinder DIS Ignition Adapter

READ SAFETY PRECAUTIONS BEFORE USING THE

ENGINE DIAGNOSTIC CENTER

2-97

1-2

PRINTER

The Diagnostic Center employs a 40 column thermal dot matrix printer. Reports and individual screens may be printed, and results are formatted to provide easy reference when comparing before and after conditions.

The Paper Advance button advances blank paper. A single press advances the paper 2 lines. Holding the button feeds the paper continuously.

Printer

Paper

INSTALLING PAPER

The outside surface of the paper is covered with a heat sensitive coating. The paper must be fed so that the coated outside surface is fed upward, facing the back of the compartment. Press the release buttons on each side of the compartment to remove the empty core. While holding the buttons, insert the new roll until it is approximately centered. Release the buttons and adjust the roll until the holding pins snap into the core of the paper roll. Make a clean square cut across the end of the paper. Feed this end into the opening formed by the plastic and metal guides. Gently push the paper in 2 to 3 cm (1 to 1.5") and press the Paper Advance button until paper appears under the cutting bar at the top of the compartment.

Use BLUE or BLACK thermal paper 80mm (3.15") wide. The printer contrast can be adjusted for paper with differing thermal sensitivities. If characters are too dark or too light, see Print Contrast in the

Center Setup

setting that works best with the paper being used.

section to select the contrast

Diagnostic

Paper

Release

Button

Cartridges

Roll

Optional

System

Paper

Advance

Button

1-3

PROGRAM CARTRIDGES

Contained within the printer compartment are the System Program Cartridge and slots for additional Program Cartridges. Programs needed to communicate with other devices require use of these slots which also allow for future software applications.

The System Program Cartridge must be installed in the lowermost slot for the unit to operate.

Each Cartridge has its own menus and HELP messages. Refer to literature provided with the cartridge for more information.

CLOCK / CALENDAR BATTERY

The internal clock/calendar requires a separate power source to keep time when the Diagnostic Center is off. The battery holder is located below the System Program Cartridge in the printer compartment. Polarity is marked on the holder. Use three 1.5 volt AAA alkaline batteries.

Battery

Holder

See Date & Time in the

Setup

section to set the date and time.

DO NOT REMOVE OR INSTALL CARTRIDGES

POWER IS APPLIED TO THE DIAGNOSTIC

WHILE

CENTER.

Diagnostic Center

DO NOT APPLY POWER TO THE DIAGNOSTIC

CENTER WITHOUT A CARTRIDGE IN THE SYSTEM

PROGRAM SLOT.

1-4

STAND

The Diagnostic Center's Control Module may be hung on the stand at any of four positions on the top and front of the columns.

When fully closed, the drawer has a gripping mechanism that reduces the chance of opening while the stand is being moved. Ample room is given for operators manual and supplies such as printer paper, replacement filters and leak test cap.

An adjustable boom is provided for lead management. The boom may be mounted on either side of the stand and has convenient clip bars for lead storage. There are also hooks on the rear of the stand for hanging the emissions Sample Hose Assembly.

Inside the magnetically latched door are the Calibration Gas bottle compartment and the Gas Detector shelf. The Gas Detector cable can be routed inside either column and out through a hole above the Gas Detector shelf.

The Control Module may be mounted in any of four positions.

1-5

Gas Detector (Optional)

Drain holes are provided on both sides of the back storage compartment. A strap holds the drain and exhaust hoses in place.

The calibration gas bottle can be mounted with the valve on either side. The regulator and valve should be to the front for ease of use.

1-6

1-7

CONNECTIOCONNECTIONS

Leads.................................... 2-1

Emissions Hoses ................... 2-6

Road T est ............................. 2-8

LEADS

˚C/˚F

CLIPS

PROBE

BLUE

GRN/WHT

Two eight foot extension harnesses plug into labeled ports on the back of the Control Module and are routed along the boom. Test leads plug into color-coded connectors on the harnesses.

REMOTE

PRIMARY

"NEXT"

AMPS

WHITE

RED/WHT RED/YLW RED/GRN

MAGNETIC

TIMING

STROBE

TIMING

VACUUM

PRESSURE

YELLOW

AMP

PROBE

GREEN

CYLINDER

# 1

RED

COIL

(-)

12 VOLT

BATTERY

GAS

DETECTOR

FERRET

NETWORK

ONLY

AUXILIARY

LEAD

12V BATTERY LEAD

The Power Lead has Red (+) and Black (-) battery clips that connect to the vehicle 12 volt battery at one end, and a 4-blade connector that connects to the Control Module at the other.

Black

12 Volt

Red

COIL PRIMARY CLIP - Distributor

This multipurpose clip connects to the ignition coil primary winding minus (-) terminal, sometimes labeled “T ACH”. It is the signal source for the ignition primary circuit measurements, and it is necessary for ignition suppression. This lead is not used when testing DIS ignitions.

CYLINDER #1 PICKUP

The red Inductive Cylinder #1 Pickup connects around the #1 cylinder spark plug wire on both DIS and distributor ignitions and provides synchronization and tachometer signals.

Place the pickup around the cylinder #1 spark plug wire as far from the plug as possible, with the “Spark Plug” label pointing toward the spark plug end of the wire. Also, see the note in the lower left corner of this page.

For Coil-Per-Plug DIS engines with no Cylinder #1 spark plug wire, a sync signal, can be acquired by placing the Cylinder #1 Pickup around the driver wire for the Cylinder #1 coil.

To Cylinder #1 Position of KV

Harness

Coil

Primary

Clip

#1 Cyl

Pickup

WHEN THE CYLINDER #1 OR PRIMARY AMPS

PICKUPS ARE NOT BEING USED,

LEAVE THE JAWS OPEN.

THE MAGNETIC CORES ARE MADE OF FERRITE

CERAMIC

AND, WHEN KEPT APART, THEY ARE

LIKELY TO BREAK IF THE PICKUP

LESS

DROPPED.

2-1

Distributor Connections

KV PICKUP PLATES

Pickup plates are provided for GM, Toyota, and Nippondenso systems that have the coil located within the distributor. To read KVs, clip the appropriate pickup plate to the distributor housing, attach a Sparkwire KV Clip to the bar or post on the pickup plate, and plug it into the Cylinder #1 position of the KV Harness.

Toyota

SPARKWIRE KV CLIPS

The capacitive sparkwire clips sense ignition secondary voltage. Connect the center clip

to the Cylinder #1 spark plug wire.

The rest of the clips may be connected to any cylinder.

The clips are made to fit 8 and 7 mm sparkwire. The silicone grease provided (or equivalent) is helpful for putting them on the sparkwires and for getting good coupling.

The sparkwire clips are designed to be sensitive, so it is important to separate them to prevent picking up signals from an adjacent wire.

Center

Wire

GM HEI

To Engine

Block

Cyl. #1

DIS Connections

Nippondenso

Cylinder

Always connect the grounding clip to the engine to reduce interference effects from ignition defects. Failure to do so may result

in false readings.

FOR 10 AND 12 CYLINDER ENGINES: An adapter kit is available for connection to DIS engines with more than 8 cylinders. The kit includes two "T" connectors and two additional sparkwire KV clips. Use one kit for 10 cylinder engines or two kits for 12 cylinders.

To use the adapters, connect one "T" to any position on the KV Harness, except Cylinder #1. Plug two Sparkwire KV Clips into the "T" and connect them to any two spark plug wires of the same polarity.

DISTRIBUTOR KV LEAD

This lead connects to the coil secondary wire on distributor ignitions. It is provided to simplify hookup and is used in place of the DIS KV Harness. If desired, the center clip of the DIS KV Harness may be connected to the distributor coil secondary wire instead.

2-2

PRIMARY AMPS PICKUP - DIS

Put the black Primary Amps Pickup around the wire that provides 12V power (B+) to the ignition module and all coils. You may hookup around the wire anywhere in the wiring harness, but be sure the pickup is around the wire that carries only the ignition pulses, and not the fuel injector pulses. The pickup label must face toward the battery plus end of the wire (away from the coil). See the chart on page 4-4 for typical wire colors.

Refer to the manuals or car wiring diagrams to find the correct wire for the Primary Amps Pickup hookup.

For Distributor engines, this probe is needed only when a clip connection to the coil (-) wire is not available, as with some integral coil ignitions.

12 V

INDUCTIVE AMP PROBE

The primary application for the Inductive Amp Probe is the measurement of starter draw and alternator output current during battery testing. For these tests, connect the probe around the negative battery cable with the arrow pointing away from the battery.

The arrow on the probe indicates the direction of conventional amps that will give a positive display reading. Reversed amps will show a minus reading. For example, if the probe is on a negative battery cable with the arrow pointing away from the battery, the reading will be negative when discharge amps flow.

For accurate readings, the amp probe must be zeroed while being held away from wires, alternators, or other sources of magnetic fields.

The probe has a reading range of ±600 amps DC in 1 amp steps and can also be used to measure vehicle accessory currents. Placing the probe on the battery cable, while the engine is off, and then watching the change when operating switches, allows the checking of many loads rapidly.

COIL DRIVER MODULE

BATTERY

Primary Amps Connection

PRIMARY

AMPS

AMP

PROBE

BATTER Y

Amp Probe Connection

2-3

˚C/˚ F

PROBE

GRN/WHT

CLIPS

BLUE

REMOTE

PRIMARY

"NEXT"

AMPS

RED/WHT RED/YLW RED/GRN

WHITE

MAGNETIC

TIMING

STROBE

TIMING

VACUUM

PRESSURE

YELLOW

AMP

PROBE

GREEN

CYLINDER

# 1

RED

COIL

(-)

12 VOLT

BATTERY

GAS

DETECTOR

FERRET

NETWORK

ONLY

AUXILIARY

LEAD

STROBE TIMING

The Timing Light will flash when a spark signal and power from the Diagnostic Center leads are present and the Strobe Timing test is selected. Flash delay is adjusted with the fingertip control buttons on the handle. The digital display shows advance angle of the flash, or RPM, depending on the position of the switch on the rear of the light. Both readings appear on the Control Module screen.

12 VOLT BATTERY

ELUMINATOR™ OPTIC

856

LIGHT

min

OFF FLASH

RPM ADV

SAVE DATA

MAGNETIC TIMING

As an alternative to using the timing light, some engines provide for the use of a magnetic probe for timing readings. This Top Dead Center (TDC) signal detector is for those who want the convenience of metered measurements. You may use one of the standard offset angles provided, or you may enter a custom angle. To time diesel engines, a diesel injection detector is necessary to provide a cylinder #1 reference.

Plug the TDC Detector into the Control Module's magnetic timing port, and connect the magnetic probe to the detector. Then insert the magnetic probe into the engine bracket.

2-4

AUXILIARY METER LEAD

The Auxiliary Meter Lead is used to read the output of a variety of sensors. It is the signal input for the O2 Sensor and Throttle Position Sensor tests, and can be used to measure "Solenoid Control" Dwell, reluctor outputs, and other AC and DC signals. It is also the signal input for the Auxiliary Meter and Volt/ Amp Meter functions. The multipurpose clip includes a bed of nails and a sharp prod for use when direct connection to a terminal is impossible and/or an adapter is unavailable.

V ACUUM / PRESSURE SENSORS

The vacuum and pressure sensors allow measurement of vacuum and pressure in PSI, millibars, kiloPascals, or inches of mercury. Instructions for connection and use are packed with the sensors.

GAS DETECTOR

The Gas Detector module receives power from, and communicates results to the Control Module through a 9 conductor cable. It uses DB-9 male and female connectors and is wired specifically for this system. This connection is necessary for emissions testing. Do not connect this cable or port

to anything except the Gas Detector.

FERRET NETWORK ONLY

This communications connector provides power and serial communications to external equipment.

THIS IS NOT A CONNECTION THAT CAN BE MADE

DIRECTLY

TO A COMPUTER!

TEMPERATURE PROBE (°C/°F) Plug the temperature probe and extension lead into the labeled port on the back of the Control Module. Set the length-limiting stop to match the length of the dipstick when measuring oil temperature. This prevents inadvertently placing the probe tip in the path of moving engine parts.

Temperature will be displayed on appropriate screens when the probe is connected. Use

Diagnostic Center Setup

to select whether temperature is displayed in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.

Temperature Probe (°C/°F)

REMOTE "NEXT"

The Remote "NEXT" button is plugged into this port. Pressing the button has the same effect as pressing the NEXT Key on the Control Module.

Special leads and program cartridges are required to utilize this connection. Since power is applied to some of the connector pins, this is not intended for direct connection to a computer without using leads made specifically for that purpose.

DIESEL INJECTION DETECTOR

Plug the Diesel Injection Detector into the Cylinder #1 port. Instructions for use are packed with the detector.

2-5

EMISSION HOSES AND ROAD TEST KIT

SAMPLE HOSE

A flexible metal probe tip, a spring handle and a reinforced polyurethane hose combine to make up the Sample Hose Assembly. This assembly is responsible for getting an accurate sample from the exhaust stream. It should be placed into the tailpipe as far as the handle will allow. This assures that the sample is taken from the actual exhaust stream, with no outside air diluting the sample. For reliable readings, the hose assembly should be properly cared for. Avoid pulling, kinking, crushing or piercing the hose. Be sure that all connections and fittings are tight. Frequently run a leak test to determine if any air leaks are present in the assembly that could dilute the exhaust sample.

Basic Emissions Test Hookup

2-6

DRAIN HOSE

The drain hose channels water vapor, that has been removed from the exhaust gas, out of the Gas Detector system. There are holes in the floor of the stand to allow the hose to be routed out the bottom. For road testing, a vented bottle is used to collect the water. The vent is routed outside the vehicle to prevent build up of exhaust gases that are present in the drain output.

When the Gas Detector pumps are not running, as in the case of the LEAK TEST, leakage can occur through the drain hose. If the leak check fails, retest with the drain hose clamped.

CALIBRATION GAS HOSE

During calibration, the calibration gas is fed into the CAL GAS port. The calibration gas hose comes from the regulator, which is connected to the calibration gas bottle. The maximum pressure from the regulator supplied with the Diagnostic Center is approximately 25 PSI (1700 mBars).

ONLY CONNECT THE CALIBRATION GAS THROUGH

REGULATOR TO THE CAL GAS PORT.

UNREGULATED BOTTLE PRESSURES CAN CAUSE

DAMAGE

TO THE GAS DETECTOR!

EXHAUST HOSES

Two fittings on the Gas Detector are labeled as exhaust hoses. One is labeled 'BENCH' and is the outlet for most of the gas sample. The other is labeled ‘NOx’ and is a lower flow outlet for the remainder of the sampled gas.

Be sure all exhaust hoses are open and unrestricted, providing free flow of the sample gas. Restrictions in the exhaust hoses can cause measurement errors.

The output of the exhaust ports contains CO (carbon monoxide) and other toxic components of automobile exhaust! Even though the quantities are small, the same safety precautions should be observed that apply to automobile exhaust.

ON A ROAD TEST

THE EXHAUST HOSES OUTSIDE

VENT

THE VEHICLE !

If no hose is connected to this port, it should be capped with the sample hose leak test cap to prevent contaminants from entering the Gas Detector.

Gas Detector

2-7

ROAD TEST

Unplug and remove the Control Module and Gas Detector from the stand (leaving the exhaust and drain hoses with the stand), and place them in the vehicle as shown below. Connect the Gas Detector cable between the Gas Detector and the Control Module. Route the power and RPM leads from underhood through a window. Secure the Sample Hose Assembly to the vehicle with chain and route the sample hose to the Gas Detector. Make sure the Sample Hose is kept clear of wheels and potential road obstacles. Connect the three black hoses on the collector bottle to the exhaust and drain ports on the Gas Detector, and route the collector bottle's center hose outside the vehicle, making sure it is not pinched or restricted.

Route sample hose

across trunk and

away from wheels

Secure sample

probe to vehicle

with chain

Place Gas

Detector

on floor

Route Collector Bottle center hose to outside

Route exhaust

and drain hoses

from Gas

Detector to

Collector Bottle

Route leads

through window

and under hood

Operate Control

Module from passenger seat while assistant

drives vehicle.

WARNING

Exhaust gas is toxic! All

exhaust and drain hoses

MUST be routed to the

outside.

Collector

Bottle

2-8

Connect the three

Collector bottle exhaust

and drain hoses to the Gas Detector, and route the center hose outside

the vehicle

2-9

DIAGNOSTIC CENTER OPEGNOSTIC CENTER OPERATION

Test Keys / Menus................. 3-1

Control Keys .......................... 3-2

Setup.................................... 3-3

CONTROL MODULE

IGNITION MENU: Primary, Secondary, and Hard Start tests

are reached with this key. Timing can be measured with the Digital Advance Stroboscope or with the Magnetic Detector Kit.

TEST KEYS / MENUS

FUEL SYSTEM / GAS ANALYSIS MENU: The Emissions, O2 Sensor, Fuel Injector Drive, Vacuum Meter, and Solenoid Duty Cycle tests are available on this key.

Gas readings can be recorded for later review.

FAST FWD: Allows rapid review of recorded data in PLAYBACK mode. First press shows results twice normal speed; second press shows results at much faster speed. Additional presses toggle between the two speeds.

REWIND: Shows recorded data in rapid reverse order in PLAYBACK mode. First press shows results twice normal speed; second shows results at much faster speed. Additional presses toggle between the two speeds.

RECORD/PAUSE: Starts and stops recording of data. Only functions when live data is being displayed.

To playback recorded data, press Fuel System-Gas Analysis, and select

Examine - view saved data

of data to review, and press Next.

. Select a section

POWER MENU:

Measure relative cylinder compression with the Electronic Compression test. The Power Contribution test measures relative cylinder power without spark suppression. The Power Balance test offers automatic or manual suppression.

EMISSION TESTS ENGINE TESTS

FUEL SYSTEM GAS ANAL YSIS

FAST FWD

REWIND

RECORDﬂP AUSE

ELECTRICAL MENU: Select Starting/Charging History, VoltAmp Meter, or Auxiliary Meter. Amp Probe

zeroing is also available on this key.

SENSORS MENU: Dedicated tests for TPS, Oxygen Sensors, Solenoid Duty Cycle and Vacuum are found on this key. There is also an Auxiliary Meter function for measurement of AC and

DC voltages, frequency, and duty cycle. A Logic Trace Scope function shows voltage changes through a selectable threshold.

IGNITION

POWER

ELECTRICAL

SENSORS

3-1

HELP: Help screens are related to the test or procedure you are doing and are available in most circumstances. Test screens have specific Helps to explain the readings and how the test works. Menus have Help to explain the choices. Press Help until the orignal screen has been restored.

SETUP: Engine Setup tells the Diagnostic Center about the engine being tested. Diagnostic Center Setup includes setting of date and time, custom headers, and other preferences. The Gas Detector Service and Program Cartridge menus are also found here.

CONTROL KEYS

MESSAGE ✻

The MESSAGE key is active when the flashing message symbol '✻' is on the screen. Messages may span several screens. Press the MESSAGE key until all messages have been viewed, and the original screen has been restored.

SELECT <-- -->

Flashing arrows indicate that a selection can be made. The two SELECT keys are used to make menu selections or to move between different screens available in a test.

CONTROLS

HELP

SETUP

REPORTS AUTOTEST

PRINT: Prints the contents of the display or

the results of the current test. REPORTS - AUTOTEST: Press this key to

print reports of previously saved data or to create and print a Visual Inspection Report.

The AutoT est sequence is also initiated with this key, providing a fast way to create and print a comprehensive engine data report.

<-- SELECT will move the flashing selection arrow or brackets up or to the left. It will also decrease numbers.

--> SELECT will move the flashing selection arrow or brackets down or to the right. It will also increase numbers.

NEXT N

The NEXT key is used to go on to the next step in a test or procedure or to act on an item that is selected. In some cases the NEXT key will clear minimums or maximums and restart a measurement. In the emissions RECORD or PLAYBACK modes, the NEXT key may be used to mark data for printout.

Generally, if the display requests that an action be taken, the NEXT key must be pressed to continue the process. Sometimes a flashing diamond 'N' will indicate that NEXT should be pressed.

If the Remote NEXT Button is connected to the Control Module, it may be used anywhere the NEXT key would be used.

3-2

SETUP

The setup menus provide an easy way for you to tell the Diagnostic Center about the engine being tested and to set preferences. Menus will change according to choices already made. For example, if a 5-cylinder engine is selected, ignition type. Available tests will also depend on the engine described during

Use SELECT to move the cursor to your selection. Pressing NEXT will enter the selection and move to the next menu. If an error is made, press SETUP and reenter your selections.

Engine Setup

The

Engine Setup

to be tested. Use the SELECT keys to move the cursor , and press NEXT to enter the selection.

SELECT the number of cylinders, and press NEXT. A new screen will appear, offering a choice

of ignition type.

provides the Diagnostic Center with information about hookup and the vehicle

Cylinders : 2 3 4 5[ 10 12 2R 3R Ignition : Separate Coil Strokes : 4 Firing Order: 1-2-3-4-5-6

DISTRIBUTOR NON-DISTRIBUTOR Separate Coil Diesel Integral Coil DIS Coil/Plug No Coil (-) Wire DIS Dbl

DIS Double End

will not appear as an available

Engine Setup

Distributor ignitions will have a distributor housing (like GM HEI). In some cases, as with many Nippondenso ignitions, the Coil (-) wire is not accessible. In that case, SELECT

Non-Distributor ignitions include or output) where each coil fires two plugs at the same time.

SELECT the ignition type, and press NEXT. Select 4 or 2 strokes, and select the firing order. Choosing a firing order causes test data to be displayed in cylinder block number sequence. If the default is accepted, e.g., 1 2 3 4, the results will be displayed in firing order sequence.

Separate Coil

Diesel

engines,

or an

Integral Coil No Coil (-) Wire.

DIS Coil/Plug,

, where the coil is inside the

and

DIS Dbl End

(double end

Emissions Setup

If the Gas Detector is connected, two more screens will appear:

Fuel Type

Air-Fuel ratio and Lambda are calculated from the gases measured. Both calculations are dependent upon what fuel is being used.

Vehicle Year and Size

Bar graphs in the emissions test are scaled to the expected range for the vehicle being tested. For the best scale, choose the category that most closely matches year and size of the car.

3-3

Diagnostic Center Setup

The

Diagnostic Center Setup

properly display and print information

provides the Diagnostic Center with information it needs to

LCD Contrast

Choose from four levels of display contrast for best viewing. Contrast choice may vary with lighting and temperature.

Print Contrast

Thermal printer paper is available in a variety of sensitivities. Some types of calculator paper require more heat to make a dot. A higher number works best in such a case. Others, similar to fax machine papers, require much less heat to leave a mark. Smearing will occur if too high a setting is selected.

Custom Header

Instructions for setting a custom header appear on the next page.

Messages

Choose whether the Diagnostic Center displays standard or short messages. Select

YES

while becoming familiar with the

Diagnostic Center.

Setup Default

This option allows the most frequently used engine setup to be saved in permanent memory. The saved setup will be loaded whenever power is applied to the Diagnostic Center.

Date & Time

Use the SELECT keys and press NEXT to alter the date and time. The digits will begin blinking. Use the SELECT keys to change the number. Press NEXT to set. The SELECT keys may be held to rapidly move through the numbers.

Temperature °C / °F

Select whether temperature is displayed in Fahrenheit or Celsius degrees.

System Diagnostics

Built-in tests allow you to check the operation of various test leads. Select the lead to be tested and follow the screen instructions.

Program Cartridges

This selection accesses installed Program Cartridges. Each Program Cartridge will have its own help screens and messages.

If two Program Cartridges are installed, a menu will appear giving the name of each cartridge. SELECT a cartridge, then press NEXT.

The menu from the chosen cartridge is presented. Use the SELECT and NEXT keys to enter a test.

Gas Detector Service

The choices available under this heading are described in the MAINTENANCE section of this manual.

3-4

CUSTOM PRINTOUT HEADER

This function provides a way to place a four line header on printed reports. A business address or a message may be placed in the header.

Control Characters

MAKING A CUSTOM HEADER

Select the CUSTOM HEADER function in the

Diagnostic Center Setup

four lines of header information can be entered. The header is created in the top two lines of the screen. The bottom two lines contain the characters that may be used in the header and the control characters. There are two cursors. The Placement Cursor is the flashing box that indicates where the next character will be placed. The Selection Cursor is the flashing underline. The arrows are control characters used to move the placement cursor on the header lines, and are not printable.

MOVING THE PLACEMENT CURSOR

Use the SELECT keys to move the Selection Cursor to one of the arrows, and press NEXT to move the Placement Cursor left, right, up or down. To show the remainder of the header, use the up and down control characters to move the Placement Cursor to the next line.

menu. Up to

CHOOSING A CHARACTER

Use the SELECT keys to move the Selection Cursor under the character that you want to add. In the example above, it is located under the 'S'. Pressing the NEXT key places the character in the header at location of the Placement Cursor. The Placement Cursor then moves one position to the right. The SELECT keys may be held to move rapidly among the character choices. The NEXT key may be held to rapidly place many copies of the same symbol or, in the case of arrows, to rapidly repeat the selected movement.

SAVING THE HEADER

When the header is completed, it must be saved. Selecting the special control character ' ', and pressing NEXT saves the header in memory and returns to the

Diagnostic Center Setup

test key is pressed before selecting the save symbol, the header will not be saved.

CHANGING THE HEADER

Select the CUSTOM HEADER function in the

Diagnostic Center Setup

Placement cursor to the position of the character you want to change. Choose the new character, and press NEXT. The placement cursor will move one position to the right, ready for placement of the next character.

menu. If any other

menu. Move the

3-5

Ignition ............................4- 1

ENGINE TESTENGINE TESTING

Power ..............................4-13

Electrical..........................4-19

Sensors............................4-22

Reports - AutoT est............ 4-25

IGNITION

IGNITION PRIMARY — DIS

The

Ignition Primary

first will verify the connections as well as the condition of the coil primary. If the coil primary circuit is bad, data in secondary and other ignition tests may not give results. If there are no

readings, or they are obviously wrong, check to see that the label on the pickup faces toward the battery feed (away from the coil). See the table on page 4-4 for typical primary

wire colors.

test measures the input power and response of the coil. Doing this test

Press IGNITION, SELECT

Engine Setup

Measurements include:

RPM & BATTERY VOLTAGE

RPM is read by the black Primary Amps probe from the current pulses drawn by the ignition coils. RPM can be read on any inductive ignition system. Battery voltage comes from the red and black Battery Clips.

PEAK AMPS, and BUILD TIME

The next display line shows the average ignition primary amps and the average milliSeconds it took for all coils to build up the current during dwell.

, this screen will appear.

~ IGNITION PRIMARY 832 RPM 190û Battery 14.25 Volt

9.5 PkAmp Build 3.0 mS 2 Multispark Ign. Drive 4.6 mS

Primary

and press NEXT. If a DIS ignition was selected during

DRIVE MILLISECONDS

The Drive MilliSeconds reading is the total dwell time from the time the coil begins to charge to the time of plug firing. In current-limiting electronic ignitions, the difference between drive and build time is the “hold” period.

MULTISPARK

Some ignition systems spark more than once during each power stroke. If so, the words “Multispark Ign.” will appear with the number of sparks per ignition.

ENGINE TEMPERATURE

Temperature, sensed by the engine temperature probe, is shown if the probe is connected to the Control Module. If not, the temperature display will not appear. The reading may be shown as degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius, as selected in

Diagnostic Center Setup.

4-1

+ 72 hidden pages

GxT Ferret 54 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual