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2-50

Testing Sensors

Section 2

Observe all safety precautions (see page ii) - engine
may start or backfire.

Note: Some computer systems will store a trouble
code in memory (and turn on the “Check Engine”
light) if engine is cranked with sensor disconnected.
Ignore or erase the code after testing. Refer to
vehicle service manual.

– 

Wheel Speed sensor: 

Raise wheel off ground. Use

jack stands and observe all safety precautions (see
page ii). Give the wheel a quick spin in either
direction to test.

Good sensor

 - TEST lights flicker or stay ON during

testing. Position and range of TEST light activity
varies with sensor type.

Bad sensor 

- TEST lights OFF during testing.

9) Testing is complete.

Set RANGE switch to POWER OFF and remove all test
leads.

TEST

Summary of Contents for CP9087

Page 1: ...GH 2 SET FUNCTION TO OHMS 3 DISCONNECT ALL LEADS O K IF TOPMOST TEST LIGHT IS ON WEAK IF ANOTHER LIGHT IS ON RANGE FUNCTION IGNITION MODULE ENGINE SENSOR TESTER TEST RICH LEAN Select LOW VOLTS HIGH LO...

Page 2: ...le manuals have titles such as Electronic Engine Controls Fuel Injection and Feedback Carburetors Fuel Injection and Electronic Engine Controls Emissions Control Manual or similar titles Chilton Book...

Page 3: ...Position TP 2 6 EGR Valve Position EVP 2 14 Oxygen 2 18 Engine Knock 2 26 Manifold Absolute Pressure MAP BARO 2 28 Mass Air Flow MAF 2 34 Vane Air Flow 2 40 Crankshaft Camshaft Position 2 46 Magnetic...

Page 4: ...ended while running tests Always keep a fire extinguisher suitable for all types of fires handy Always turn ignition key OFF when connecting or disconnecting electrical components unless otherwise ins...

Page 5: ...ance or frequency HIGH Tester powered up for use Voltage from 9 volt battery supplied to RED test lead Selects range for measuring higher levels of voltage resistance or frequency Selects the type of...

Page 6: ...etween 0 1 and 0 59 volts RICH red ON for voltages above 0 6 volts The RICH LEAN lights work along with the TEST lights and are helpful when testing oxygen sensors The RICH LEAN lights may be ignored...

Page 7: ...ester Basics 1 3 Allows test lead to probe sensor circuits when the sensor is connected to vehicle wiring harness Slide the scooped end of adapter next to circuit wire entering rear of connector Conti...

Page 8: ...ly press downwards and outwards on the battery compartment door at the bottom of the tester 3 Slide the battery compartment door away from the tester to remove 4 Attach battery to connector and instal...

Page 9: ...damage Inspect all vacuum hoses for Correct routing Refer to vehicle service manual or Vehicle Emission Control Information VECI decal located in the engine compartment Pinches and kinks Splits cuts...

Page 10: ...aust smoke Location The sensor is usually threaded into the engine block lower intake manifold or cylinder head to provide direct contact with coolant How is It Used The computer needs to know engine...

Page 11: ...tle body rear of air cleaner assembly or elsewhere along the path of air entering the engine Sometimes this sensor is built into a vane airflow meter or mass airflow sensor assembly One connector hand...

Page 12: ...ing On car testing involves running engine Observe all safety precautions see page ii Work in well ventilated area 2 4 Testing Sensors 1 Verify ignition key is OFF Allow engine to cool to outside temp...

Page 13: ...oiling water OR metal sensor housing Heat tip with flame from candle or cigarette lighter OR plastic sensor housing Heat tip with hair dryer 12 On Car test only Turn ignition key OFF Disconnect vehicl...

Page 14: ...er indicating element and thus throttle position The voltage signal increases when the throttle opens and operates the sensor element Throttle position sensors on Asian vehicles may also include one o...

Page 15: ...ocation Fuel injected engines Rotary type sensor usually mounted to outside of throttle body and linked to throttle shaft Computer controlled carburetor engines Linear sliding type usually mounted ins...

Page 16: ...e accuracy of the test or harm the sensor Test A page 2 10 Test B page 2 12 A B Refer to vehicle service manual for connectors not shown Hook up as follows Red test lead to sensor power pin Yellow tes...

Page 17: ...ck Yellow Black Yellow TOYOTA NISSAN B B Yellow Black Black Yellow Not used on some vehicles Perform this test only if vehicle mating connector has 3 wires Some sensors have cable attached here Testin...

Page 18: ...heck Tester battery Refer to page 1 4 Set RANGE switch to POWER OFF when done 3 Disconnect wiring harness from sensor Inspect for damage Some vehicles use a metal snap ring to secure wiring harness to...

Page 19: ...nsor is operated On Car test Slowly move throttle linkage back and forth from idle to wide open position Off Car test Slowly rotate sensor element back and forth from end to end Good Sensor TEST light...

Page 20: ...NGE switch to POWER OFF when done 3 Disconnect wiring harness from switch Inspect for damage Some vehicles use a metal snap ring to secure wiring harness to switch Remove this snap ring before disconn...

Page 21: ...lts On Car test Slowly move throttle linkage back and forth from idle to wide open position Off Car test Slowly rotate sensor element back and forth from end to end TEST TEST Good Switch TEST light sw...

Page 22: ...sed The computer is programmed to provide optimum EGR flow during idle cruise and hard acceleration operating conditions The computer uses the sensor signal to calculate actual EGR flow Then the compu...

Page 23: ...ore disconnecting wiring harness 4 Off Car testing only Remove sensor Note Some sensors are permanently attached to the EGR valve and cannot be removed 5 Connect test leads according to diagram 6 Veri...

Page 24: ...TEST light may go off if it moves to the bottom of the column this is O K Range of TEST light movement varies with sensor type and vehicle mounting Bad Sensor TEST light position does not change duri...

Page 25: ...t the accuracy of the test or harm the sensor FORD Yellow Red Black Red Black Yellow HONDA 2 HONDA 1 Honda uses two sensor types Try hook up 1 first If good test results are not obtained retest using...

Page 26: ...because of too little fuel it will increase fuel delivery NOTE Some vehicles use more than one oxygen sensor What is It The oxygen sensor is a zirconium dioxide ceramic mounted in the tip of a thread...

Page 27: ...poor performance black exhaust smoke Inspection Sensor operation see page 2 21 Poor connec tions at the sensor or computer This sensor often fails because of contamination from fuel oil additives gas...

Page 28: ...dentification Sensor wire is often black 3 Wire Two wires often the same color go to the sensor heating element Third wire different color from the others goes to sensor SIGNAL Sensor housing is conne...

Page 29: ...secure wiring harness to sensor Remove this snap ring before disconnecting wiring harness 4 Connect test leads YELLOW to either sensor HEATER pin BLACK to remaining sensor HEATER pin 5 Verify test cli...

Page 30: ...to POWER OFF when done 3 Connect test leads YELLOW to sensor SIGNAL circuit BLACK to good vehicle GROUND Keep sensor connected to vehicle wiring and use backprobe adapter to contact sensor SIGNAL circ...

Page 31: ...ve throttle from idle to partially open 2000 RPM position then back to idle This attempts to create a momentary rich or lean engine operating condition Repeat this throttle action several times while...

Page 32: ...disconnecting wiring harness 4 Remove sensor 5 Firmly grasp sensor with a pair of locking pliers 6 Connect test leads YELLOW to sensor SIGNAL pin BLACK to sensor GROUND 7 Verify test clips make good...

Page 33: ...ame so oxygen can reach sensor tip Keep sensor tip hot with flame See Fig 1 Good Sensor LEAN light turns ON within 3 seconds indicating a lean high oxygen condition Bad Sensor LEAN light takes longer...

Page 34: ...ion Usually threaded into or bolted on the engine block intake manifold or exhaust manifold Often near the cylinder heads How it is used The computer or other spark timing controller is designed to re...

Page 35: ...either sensor pin BLACK test lead to remaining sensor pin 5 Set RANGE switch to LOW 6 Set FUNCTION switch to VOLTS 7 Operate sensor Watch TEST light for results Note Ignore any RICH LEAN light flashe...

Page 36: ...and operate the wastegate accordingly How it is used What is It This sensor is an electronic module which sends a signal to the computer indicating atmospheric pressure and or engine vacuum Depending...

Page 37: ...ome Honda engines locate the MAP sensor inside a control box containing several vacuum hoses and solenoids When to Test Related trouble codes sent by computer No start hard starting stalling rough idl...

Page 38: ...ct test leads Keep sensor connected to vehicle wiring YELLOW to sensor SIGNAL circuit Use backprobe adapter BLACK to good vehicle GROUND 4 Verify test clips make good contact Make sure unused clips ar...

Page 39: ...th sensor type and applied vacuum Note if test results are O K but a computer trouble code indicates a bad sensor signal the wire between the sensor signal pin and the computer may be open Testing is...

Page 40: ...ircuit Same set up as previous step but move YELLOW test lead to sensor GROUND circuit Use backprobe adapter Good ground circuit TEST light OFF Go to next step Bad ground circuit Any TEST light ON Rep...

Page 41: ...est lead to good vehicle GROUND Good circuit no short TEST light ON in any position Go to next step Bad circuit shorted TEST light OFF Repair short in signal circuit wiring then retest 15 Testing is c...

Page 42: ...body How it is used The computer needs to know incoming air flow to properly adjust air fuel mixture and ignition timing for varying engine load and operating conditions What is It This sensor is an e...

Page 43: ...OLTS POWER MAF SIGNAL GROUND MAT SIGNAL MAT RTN POWER GROUND MAF SIGNAL 1988 and Older RANGE on LOW FUNCTION on FREQUENCY 1988 2 8L only RANGE on LOW FUNCTION on FREQUENCY GROUND MAF RETURN POWER BURN...

Page 44: ...ower Ground MAF Return MAF Signal Power Ground MAF Signal Power Ground MAF Signal 1987 88 Maxima 1987 88 200SX SE 1987 89 300ZX 1987 Pulsar NX 1987 Sentra E16i 1988 Pulsar NX XE 1988 Sentra Power Grou...

Page 45: ...cle GROUND 4 Verify test clips make good contact Make sure unused clips are not touching any thing 5 Set switches refer to hook up diagram 6 Turn ignition key ON but DO NOT START ENGINE 7 Note TEST li...

Page 46: ...nition key OFF 10 Check for air intake problems Air leaks around MAF sensor ductwork or throttle body Obstructions in air duct Clogged air filter Repair as necessary then retest If no trouble found go...

Page 47: ...ad wire crimps or improper seating in connector Repair as necessary then retest If no trouble found go to next step 14 Check MAF signal wire for short to ground Verify ignition key OFF and MAF sensor...

Page 48: ...he engine incoming air duct between the air cleaner and the throttle body How it is used The computer needs to know incoming air flow to properly adjust air fuel mixture and ignition timing for varyin...

Page 49: ...ok up 2 before judging sensor Yellow Red Black Black Black A 2 A 1 Red Yellow B A B Red Black Yellow Yellow Black Nissan Nissan uses two sensor types Try hook up 1 first If good test results are not o...

Page 50: ...testing sensor on vehicle 1 Verify ignition key is OFF 2 Check Tester battery Refer to page 1 4 Set RANGE switch to POWER OFF when done 3 Disconnect wiring harness from sensor Inspect for damage Some...

Page 51: ...et FUNCTION switch to VOLTS 6 Operate sensor Watch TEST light for results Slowly move the sensor element pivoting door or sliding cone back and forth from fully closed to fully open position Use a pen...

Page 52: ...ature sensor is located either In a small tube extending into the air intake passage in front of the closed vane door OR In its own housing threaded into the side of the air flow meter assembly Heat s...

Page 53: ...h to HIGH 5 Set FUNCTION switch to OHMS 6 Operate sensor Watch TEST light for results Slowly move the sensor element pivoting door or sliding cone back and forth from fully closed to fully open positi...

Page 54: ...into a single sensor usually camshaft position and cylinder 1 identification The most common sensor types are Magnetic Reluc tance and Hall Effect These are described below along with Optical types w...

Page 55: ...und connections are required for operation A small air gap separates the sensor and the magnet The magnetic field causes the Hall switch to turn on and send out a low voltage signal If a metal strip i...

Page 56: ...cuits Magnetic Reluctance Too much gap between sensor coil and reluctor ring Cracked broken or missing teeth on reluctor ring Note Some rings may normally have a gap or irregular tooth space This give...

Page 57: ...this snap ring before disconnecting wiring harness 4 Connect test leads Refer to vehicle service manual for sensor pin identification Some connectors handle more than one sensor Test all sensors YELLO...

Page 58: ...he code after testing Refer to vehicle service manual Wheel Speed sensor Raise wheel off ground Use jack stands and observe all safety precautions see page ii Give the wheel a quick spin in either dir...

Page 59: ...fore disconnecting wiring harness 4 Off Car testing only Remove sensor 5 Connect test leads Refer to vehicle service manual for sensor pin identification Some connectors handle more than one sensor Te...

Page 60: ...erase the code after testing Refer to vehicle service manual Off Car test Slide a flat piece of iron or steel in and out of the sensor slot Use a scrap piece of sheet metal knife blade steel ruler or...

Page 61: ...flanges and chassis for clean contact surfaces and snug attachment Inspect wiring for Contact with sharp edges Contact with hot surfaces such as exhaust manifolds Pinched burned or chafed insulation P...

Page 62: ...es 3 2 Section 3 1 Locate module diagram on proceding pages 2 Connect test leads as shown Begin with the Test 1 hook up if more than one test is shown Always make sure metal clips make good contact an...

Page 63: ...r test results Flashing light means good module There may be a short delay before flashing starts No flashing means bad module Ford modules with two test hook ups Reconnect test leads as shown for Tes...

Page 64: ...Testing Ignition Modules 3 4 Section 3 GM 4 and 5 pin BASE PLATE BUSHING Test clip must touch both base plate and bushing Yellow Red Green Black Black Yellow Red Green...

Page 65: ...M 7 pin BASE PLATE BUSHING Test clip must touch both base plate and bushing Black Yellow Red Green Blue Jumper Test 2 Black Yellow Red Blue Jumper Black Green Test 1 Yellow Red Black Yellow Red Green...

Page 66: ...Testing Ignition Modules 3 6 Section 3 GM 8 pin P N GBRE C C G B R E Test 1 P N GBRE C C G B R E Test 2 Black Yellow Red Green SIDE VIEW END VIEW Green SIDE VIEW END VIEW Yellow Red Black Blue Jumper...

Page 67: ...ack Note Dura Spark ignition modules come in several versions with different connector types Make connections based on ignition module wire colors Other module wires not used for testing Ford TFI Blue...

Page 68: ...leads as shown Test 2 Move Green lead to pin 5 Other leads remain in original position Yellow Black Green Red END VIEW SIDE VIEW Green END VIEW SIDE VIEW Red Yellow Black Test 1 Connect leads as shown...

Page 69: ...3 9 Chrysler 4 and 5 pin 5 pin type shown 4 pin uses same hook up Magetic Reluctance Pick up 5 4 3 2 1 Hall Effect Pick up 1 2 3 5 4 Red Black Red Yellow Green Green Black Yellow...

Page 70: ...2 1 4 Testing Ignition Modules 3 10 Section 3 Red Black Yellow Red Yellow 1 2 3 4 Honda Connect BLACK test lead to igniter mounting holes or a metal ground inside distributor Green Red Black Yellow Gr...

Page 71: ...good ground inside distributor Black Yellow Red E B I Yellow Red Black Connect BLACK test lead to a good ground inside distributor E B C I Red Yellow Black Connect BLACK test lead to a good ground ins...

Page 72: ...ypes of connector wiring Module is good if either hook up tests O K Black Base plate Test clip must touch both base plate and bushing Bushing Yellow Red 1987 1989 300ZX only Green Yellow Black 1 4 2 3...

Page 73: ...em Photo pick up Not present on some modules Green Yellow Black 1 4 2 3 1 4 2 3 OR Black Green Yellow Green Yellow Black Nissan uses two types of connector wiring Module is good if either hook up test...

Page 74: ...d refer to vehicle service manual and connect as follows Red lead to battery pin Yellow lead to coil pin Black lead to module ground Green lead to IGT pin Red Yellow Green Black Connect BLACK test lea...

Page 75: ...BLACK C Ext B I T F BROWN 3 15 Toyota Black Red Yellow Green Connect BLACK test lead to igniter mounting hole or good vehicle ground Red Yellow Green...

Page 76: ...Testing Ignition Modules 3 16 Section 3 Toyota Green Red Yellow Use a paper clip to connect test lead Yellow Green Connect BLACK test lead to igniter mounting hole or good vehicle ground Black...

Page 77: ...3 17 Toyota Green Red Connect BLACK test lead to igniter mounting hole or good vehicle ground Use a paper clip to connect test lead Yellow Black...

Page 78: ...Testing Ignition Modules 3 18 Section 3 Toyota Black Green Red Yellow Connect BLACK test lead to igniter mounting hole or good vehicle ground Use a paper clip to connect test leads...

Page 79: ...3 19 Toyota Yellow Red Green Yellow Red Green Connect BLACK test lead to igniter mounting hole or good vehicle ground Black...

Page 80: ...Testing Ignition Modules 3 20 Section 3 Toyota Yellow Green Red Black Connect BLACK test lead to igniter mounting hole or good vehicle ground...

Page 81: ...3 21 Toyota C SG B C SG B T B C F B C T F Black Connect BLACK test lead to igniter mounting holes Yellow Green Red Yellow Red Green Red Yellow Green Yellow Green Red...

Page 82: ...3 22 Notes...

Page 83: ...ning Do not connect to secondary ignition circuits dangerous voltages present 5 TEST light position indicates measured voltage Each light represents a 0 5 volt step along a span of 0 5 to 5 volts Top...

Page 84: ...nd of wire switch or relay RANGE HIGH LOW POWER OFF FUNCTION VOLTS OHMS FREQUENCY 5 TEST light position indicates amount of continuity All TEST lights OFF Short Circuit measured resistance is 200 ohms...

Page 85: ...for the Ignition Module Sensor Tester 4 3 Continuity Checks cont 12V 12V TEST TEST Yellow Black Yellow Black Ground Connection No Ground Connection TEST TEST Yellow Black Yellow Black Switch Closed Sw...

Page 86: ...ht is on or all lights are off the diode is defective 5 Reverse test lead connections as shown in Figure 2 YELLOW to cathode BLACK to anode 6 The top TEST light should be ON If a different TEST light...

Page 87: ...ations or improper or unreasonable use Expendable items such as batteries fuses lamp bulbs and flash tubes are also excluded from the scope of this warranty Actron Manufacturing Company disclaims any...

Page 88: ...Actron Manufacturing Company 9999 Walford Avenue Cleveland Ohio 44102 4696 1997 Actron Manufacturing Company Made in the U S A Part No 2 221301...

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