INDEX 1

Analog signals, dynamic Battery

WARNING amplitude 22-3 2-2
dynamic analog signals 22-2 absorbed glass mat (AGM) 2-15
Your common sense, good judgment and measuring 22-2 brands 2-16
general alertness are crucial to safe and frequency 22-3, 23-6 buying 2-13
successful electrical work. Before alternate tool option 23-11 cables 2-6, 2-7
attempting any electrical service work on how a meter calculates 23-2 charging 2-8
your vehicle, be sure to read chapter using a fluke 88V 23-5 chargers, choosing 2-9
1 Safety and the copyright page at the introduction 22-2, 23-2 checking voltage 2-2
non-periodic 22-2, 22-8, 23-8 cleaning connectors 2-7
front of the book. Review these warnings
parameters 22-3 cutoff switch, installing 20-3
and cautions each time you prepare to periodic 22-2, 23-10 disconnecting precautions 20-2
work on your car. Please also read any rapidly changing signals 22-8 flooded cell 2-15
warnings and cautions that accompany sine waves 22-3, 23-2, 23-10 group numbers 2-14
the procedures in the book. amplitude and frequency 22-4 how a battery works 2-2
devices that use sine waves 22-5 how dead? 2-5
measuring 23-2 jumper pack 2-12
A slowly changing signals 22-8 jump starting 2-12
square waves 22-5, 23-11 lithium ion 2-15
ABS wheel speed sensor amplitude and frequency 22-5 load testing 2-9
see Wheel speed sensors (WSS) devices that use 22-7 maintaining voltage 2-9
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) duty cycle 22-6 ratings 2-13
measuring 23-3 registration / coding 2-16
see Battery
parameter table 22-7 venting 2-16
AC voltage Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) voltage test 2-3
see Multimeter 22-6, 22-7
Battery hazards
terminology 22-2
Actuators see Safety
see Solenoids Antenna
BST (Battery Safety Terminal)
see Audio, head unit
Adding new wiring see Fuses
see Circuits Audio, head unit
Bump starting
21-2
Alternator antenna connections 21-2 see Starter motor
AC ripple 14-7 building a harness 21-5 Buses
amperage measurement test 14-7 buying a harness 21-8 see Digital data
basics 14-2 DIN
battery warning light 14-3 single 21-3 Burn hazard
testing 14-4 double 21-3 Can electricity in my car hurt me 3-21,
broken wires, bad connectors 14-8 16 Pin Connector 21-4 3-22
charging system testing 14-4, 14-12, ISO 10487 connector 21-5 Electromagnet 3-4
14-13 Quadlock connector 21-7 Short circuit 3-14
determining type 14-8 removal 21-2
dim lights 14-4 wire colors, aftermarket standard 21-3
DIN terminal numbers 14-2 C
diodes 14-7 Automotive multimeters
health test 14-5 23-3 Camshaft position (CMP) sensors
internal short test 14-10 see also Multimeters 33-5
regulator 14-8, 14-13 location 33-5
AWG (American Wire Gauge) multimeter test set-ups 33-2, 33-3,
bypassing 14-10
see Wire 33-4
failure modes 14-13
upgrading 14-9 pinouts 33-6
testing 14-8, 14-10, 14-11 B signal 33-5
technical notes 33-8
voltage drop test 14-6
wiring test 14-10 Ballast resistor testing 33-5
see Ignition, mechanically-timed supply voltage test 33-2, 33-6
Air fuel ratio sensor cranking signal test 33-3, 33-7
see Oxygen sensors running signal test 33-4, 33-7
supplemental 33-7
Amplitude
types 33-5
see Analog signals, dynamic
AMR (Anisotropic MagnetoResistive)
see Sensors
2 INDEX

Crankshaft position (CMP) sensors Current DTCs

32-8 measuring 5-14 see OBD-II
additional information 32-12 how a measurement works 5-15
location 32-8 see also Safety Duty cycle
multimeter test set-ups 32-12, 33-3, see also Wire 23-11
32-4, 32-5, 32-6, 32-7 see also Analog signals, dynamic
Current draw
pinouts 32-9 Dynamic analog signals
signal 32-8 see Parasitic drain
see Analog signals, dynamic
supplemental testing 32-11 Continuity
technical notes 32-12 measuring 5-10
testing 32-8 E
supply voltage test 32-2, 32-10 Circuit breakers
cranking signal test 32-3, 32-6, 32- see Fuses ECT (Engine Coolant Temperature)
10, 32-11 sensors
running signal test 32-4, 32-7, 32- 28-2
10, 32-11 D circuit 28-4
resistance test 32-5, 32-11 multimeter test set-ups 28-2, 28-3
Data
operation 28-4
CAN bus capturing and graphing 23-7 pinouts 28-5
see Digital data see also Digital Data reference voltage, testing 28-2, 28-5
Capacitive Discharge Ignition (CDI) DC voltage resistance, testing 28-3, 28-6
see Ignition, electronic see Multimeter signal 28-4
supplemental tests 28-6
Cautions Dead battery
see Battery Engine coolant temperature sensor
see Safety
see ECT (Engine Coolant Temperature)
Charging system Diagnostic data link Sensors
see Alternator see OBD-II
Electrical circuits
Check Engine Light Diagnostic tools amperage 3-2, 3-3
see OBD-II see also OBD-II circuit, malfunctions 3-13
classes of diagnostic tools 26-2 component failure 3-14
Circuits code readers 26-2 conservation of energy 3-9
see Electrical circuits OBD-II tools 26-2 current 3-2, 3-3
Circuits, adding new PASSTHRU vehicle programming diagrams 33-4
(SAE standard J2534) 26-6 dynamic resistance 3-9
13- 2
scan tools 26-2, 26-4 illustrations 3-4
connecting at battery 13-3
brand-specific 26-4 kinds 3-11
connecting at fuse box 13-3
DIY-level 26-5 Kirchhoffs Laws3-10
piggyback connector 13-2
factory knock-off 26-6 loads 3-2, 3-4
wire taps 13- 2
factory-level diagnostics 26-6 Ohms Law 3-7, 3-8
wiring through firewall 13-3
handheld 26-4 open circuit 3-13
Circuit diagrams laptop 26-4 overview 3-3
see also Electrical circuits professional-level 26-5 resistance 3-2, 3-6, 3-15
short to ground 3-13
Circuit protection Diagrams, wiring
short to power 3-15
see Fuses see Wiring diagrams simple circuits 3-6
CKP sensor Digital data static resistance 3-9
see Crankshaft position (CKP) sensors 24-2, 24-3 units 3-3
buses and protocols 24-3 voltage 3-2, 3-3
CMP sensor CAN bus signals 24-4 voltage drop testing 3-16, 3-20
see Camshaft position (CMP) sensors computers and emission controls 24-2 voltage sag 3-20
Coding, battery computers in cars 24-2 Electrical Diagnostic Tools
networks 24-2
see Battery 4-10
topology 24-4
Code readers physical layer 24-4 Electric vehicles
see Diagnostic tools 1-2
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Coil, ignition see OBD-II Electricity in my car, can it hurt me?
see Ignition, mechanically-timed 3-21
Dim lights
see Stick coils see safety
see Alternator see also Electrical circuits
Coolant temperature sensor
DIN (Deutsches Institut fr Normung)
see ECT (Engine Coolant Temperature) Electromagnet
6-2
Sensors As a load device in a circuit 3-4, 3-9,
see also Audio, head unit 3-21
Computers
Distributor cap In a relay 7-3, 7-4, 7-5
see Digital data In a solenoid 38-5
see Ignition, mechanically-timed
Condenser, ignition Energy Diagnosis
Drain
see Ignition, mechanically-timed see Parasitic drain
see Parasitic drain
Crimping, wires Engine speed sensor
Drive cycle
see Wire repairs see Crankshaft position (CKP) sensors
see OBD-II
 INDEX 3

Fuses Ignition, mechanically-timed

WARNING 10-2 ballast resistor 16-6
blade fuses 10-3 basics 16-2
Your common sense, good judgment and BST (Battery Safety Terminal) 10-10 cap 16-8
general alertness are crucial to safe and ceramic fuses 10-2 coil 16-5
successful electrical work. Before circuit breakers 10-6 testing 17-3, 17-4, 17-5
attempting any electrical service work on circuit protection 10-2 components 16-3
your vehicle, be sure to read chapter fuse box 10-3 condenser 16-8
1 Safety and the copyright page at the bad connections 10-5 testing 17-6
hot side 10-4 DIN terminal numbers 16-4
front of the book. Review these warnings
other fuse boxes 10-5 distributor 16-8
and cautions each time you prepare to fusible links 10- 7 functions 16-3
work on your car. Please also read any glass fuses 10-2 ignition relay 16-4
warnings and cautions that accompany inspecting 10-6 ignition switch 16-4
the procedures in the book. mega 10-8 points 16-5, 16-8
replacing 10-6 replacing 17-4
safety 10-10 testing 17-3
F testing (with multimeter) 10-6
unprotected circuits 10-6
primary circuit 16-5
rotor 16-8
Fire extinguisher secondary circuit 16-6
spark plugs 16-9
see Safety G spark plug wires 16-9
Fluke 88v checking 17-8
Graphing meters
23-5 troubleshooting 17-2
frequency, measuring 23-5 23-7 arcing 17-8
checking for spark 17-2
Freeze frame data
see OBD-II H rough running 17-7
voltage source 16-4
Frequency Hall effect sensors
see Analog signals, dynamic see Sensors
J
Fuel injectors Heat shrink tubing
see Wire repairs Jump starting
36-5
additional information 36-8 see Battery
Heated oxygen sensor
circuit 36-5
see Oxygen sensors
misfiring 36-6 K
multimeter test set-ups 36-2, 36-3, High voltage vehicles
36-4, 1-2 Kirchhoffs Laws
operation 36-5 see Electrical circuits
pinouts 36-6 How to jump start a dead battery
signal 36-5 see Battery
technical notes 36-8 How to measure voltage drop 5-12
L
testing 36-5
see Multimeter Lambda sensor
resistance test 36-2, 36-7
solenoid test 36-7 Hybrid vehicles see Oxygen sensors
supplemental 36-8 1-2 Lifting the car
trigger signal test 36-4, 36-7 see Safety
voltage test 36-3, 36-7 Human body, voltage dangers
noid light 36-8 see Safety Lithium Ion
see Battery
Fuel pump
37-6 I Live data
additional information 37-10 see OBD-II
circuit 37-6 Ignition coil
multimeter test set-ups 37-2, 37-3, see Ignition, electronic Logging meters
37-4, 37-5 see Ignition, mechanically-timed 23-7
operation 37-6 see Stick coil
Luggage compartment
pinouts 37-7 Ignition, electronic 18- 2 see Cargo compartment
technical notes 37-10 direct ignition 18-5 see also Trunk
testing 37-6 Capacitive Discharge Ignition (CDI)
supply voltage 37-7 18-3
direct battery connection 37-8 Motronic 18-4 M
resistance 37-8 cap and rotor 18-4
PWM signal 37-8 MAF sensor
scope traces 23-11
current draw 37-9 see Mass airflow (MAF) sensors
stick coils 18-5, 35-5
supplemental 37-10 timing advance 18- 4
types 37-6 triggering 18-2, 18-4
troubleshooting 18-6
4 INDEX

Mass airflow (MAF) sensor Multimeter test set-ups N

34-5 2-A Measuring battery voltage 2-3
additional information 34-9 5-A Measuring DC voltage 5-5 Narrow band sensor
circuit 34-6 5-B Measuring AC voltage 5-7 see Oxygen sensors
multimeter test set-ups 34-2, 34-3, 5-C Measuring resistance 5-9
34-4 5-E Measuring voltage drop 5-10 Networks
operation 34-5 5-F Measuring current 5-16 see Digital data
signal 34-5 23-A Measuring frequency 23-6 Noid lights
pinouts 34-7 28-A ECT reference voltage test 28-2 23-11
supplemental 34-8 28-B ECT resistance test 28-3 see also Solenoids
technical notes 34-9 29-A TPS reference voltage test 29-2
testing 34-6 29-B TPS resistance test 29-3
supply voltage test 34-2, 34-7 29-C TPS signal voltage test 29-4 O
analog sensor signal test 34-3, 34-7 30-A Oxygen sensor heater test 30-2
digital signal test 34-4, 34-8 30-B Oxygen sensor signal test 30-3 OBD-II
types 34-5 31-A Active WSS supply voltage test 25-2
31-2 Check Engine Light (CEL) 25-3
MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)
31-B Active WSS signal test 31-3 Data Link Connector (DLC) 25-8
see OBD-II 31-C Passive WSS supply voltage test diagnostic connector 25-8
Misfire 313 protocols 25-8
see Stick coils 31-D Passive WSS signal test 31-5 Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
see also Fuel injectors 32-A active CKP sensor supply voltage 25-9
test 32-2 how to scan for 25-10
Modules 32-B Active CKP sensor starting signal using for diagnostics 25-10
see Digital data test 32-3 1 drive cycle 25-6
32-C Active CKP sensor running signal freeze frame data 25-9
Monitors
test 32-4 introduction 25-2
see OBD-II 32-D Passive CKP sensor resistance live data 25-9
Motronic test 32-5 monitors 25-4
see Ignition, electronic 32-E Passive CKP sensor cranking wont run 25-5
signal test 32-6 readiness 25-3
Multimeter 32-F Passive CKP sensor running
Ohms Law
AC voltage, measuring 5-6 signal test 32-7
accuracy 4-5 33-A Active CMP sensor see Electrical circuits
anatomy 4-2 supply voltage test 33-2 Open circuit
autoranging 4-4 33-B Active CMP sensor see Electrical circuits
back probing 4-8 starting signal test 33-3 see also Troubleshooting
bar graph 4-6 33-C Active CMP sensor running
configuration table 5-3 signal test 33-4 On-board diagnostics
continuity, measuring 5-10 34-A MAF sensor supply voltage test see OBD-II
cigarette lighter voltmeter 4-9 34-2
Oscilloscopes
circuit testers 4-10 34-V Analog MAF sensor signal test
current clamps 4-7 34-3 23-7
DC voltage, measuring 5-4 34-C Digital MAF sensor signal test analog bench type23-8
definition 4-2 34-4 digital bench type 23-8
features 4-4 35-A Stick coil resistance test 35-2 pc-based 23-8
frequency measurement 4-7 35-B Stick coil voltage test 35-3 hand-held scope meters 23-8
key concepts 5-2 35-C Stick coil signal test 35-4 pocket 23-9
measurements, voltage, resistance, 36-A Fuel injector resistance test 36-2 Oxygen sensors
and amperage 4-4 36-B Fuel injector voltage test 36-3 additional information 30-9
min/max 4-5 36-C Fuel injector trigger signal test circuit 30-5
precision 4-5 36-4 heated narrow band 30-9
remote display 4-7 37-A Fuel pump supply voltage test heater 30-2
resistance, measuring 5-8 37-2 test 30-2, 30-7
temperature probe 4-6 37-B Fuel pump resistance test 37-3 multimeter test setups 30-2, 30-3
test lights 4-10 37-C Fuel pump PWM signal test 37-4 operation 30-4
tests 5-2 37-D Fuel pump current test 37-5 pinouts 30-7
true RMS 4-6 38A Solenoid voltage test 38-2 signal 30-3, 30-5
voltage drop, measuring 5-12 38-B Solenoid resistance test 38-3 test 30-3, 30-7
38-C PWM solenoid trigger signal test supplemental testing 30-8
38-4 testing 30-6
technical notes 30-9
types 30-4
resistive-jump (Titania) 30-10
wide band 30-9
Zirconia sensors (narrow band) 30-9
 INDEX 5

Rotor, ignition Soldering, how to

WARNING see Ignition, mechanically-timed see Wire repairs

Your common sense, good judgment and Square waves

general alertness are crucial to safe and S see Analog signals, dynamic
successful electrical work. Before SAE standard J2534 Soldering
attempting any electrical service work on see Diagnostic tools see Wire repairs
your vehicle, be sure to read chapter
Safety Solenoids
1 Safety and the copyright page at the
1-2 38-5
front of the book. Review these warnings
12 volt battery hazards 1-2 additional information 38-7
and cautions each time you prepare to circuit 38-5
eye protection 1-6
work on your car. Please also read any multimeter test set-ups 38-1, 38-2,
fire extinguishers 1-8
warnings and cautions that accompany footwear 1-7 38-3
the procedures in the book. hand protection 1-7 noid light 38-7
hearing protection 1-8 operation 38-5
how much current is too much? 1-4 signal 38-5
P lifting the car 1-8 pinouts 38-6
testing 38-5
safety as a state of mind 1-2
Parasitic drain safety equipment 1-6 solenoid voltage test 38-2, 38-6
20-2 voltage, current and the solenoid resistance test 38-3, 38-6
amp gauge 20-3 human body 1-3 PWM solenoid trigger signal test
finding drain 20-5 warnings and cautions 1-5 38-4 38-7
measuring drain 20-2, 20-3 working under the car 1-8 supplemental 38-7
power management 20- 2 working under the vehicle safely 1-9 technical notes 38-7
sleep mode 20-2 Spark plugs
Scan tool
Passtthru (SAE standard J2534) see Diagnostic tools see Ignition, mechanically-timed
See Diagnostic tools see also Sensors Starter motor
Points, ignition Scopes bench testing 15-12
see Ignition, mechanically-timed see Oscilloscope DIN terminal numbers 15-2
hot wiring 15-6, 15-11
Power management Schematics, wiring mechanical restriction 15-10
see Parasitic drain see Wiring diagrams pop starting 15-12
powering directly 15-11
Pulse trains Sensors
repair 15-14
see Analog signals, dynamic 27-2 replace 15-14
see also ECT (Engine Coolant
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) solenoid 15-2
Temperature) sensors
see Analog signals, dynamic terminal 50 voltage 15-6
actuators 27-2 testing 15-3, 15-12
AMR (Anisotropic MagnetoResistive) voltage drop test 15-
Q 27-5
frequently used 27-3 Stick coils
Quadlock connector Hall effect 27-4 35-5
see Audio, head unit circuit testing 27-4 additional information 35-9
introduction 27-2 circuit 35-5
reference voltage27-5 misfiring 35-7
R scan tools for diagnosing 27-2 multimeter test set-ups 35-2, 35-3,
signal types 27-5 35-3
Readiness supply voltage 27-5 operation 35-5
see OBD-II test tools 27-2 pinouts 35-7
Registration, battery variable resistors 27-5 signal 35-5
voltage 27-5 swapping 35-8
see Battery
VRT (Variable Reluctance Transducer) technical notes 35-9
Relays sensor 27-3 testing 35-7
7-3 circuit testing 27-3 resistance 35-8
bypassing, how to 7-12 voltage 35-8
Shock hazard
current consumption 7-6 trigger signal 35-9
circuits 3-21
DIN terminal numbers 7-4, 7-12 supplemental 35-9
mechanically-timed ignition 17-2
electrical structure 7-4, 7-9 types 35-5
safety 1-4
interchangeability 7-9
stick coils 35-7 Switches
physical appearance 7-4
reading relay schematic 7-7 types 7-2
Short circuits
SPST (single pole single throw) 7-7 poles 7-2
see Electrical circuits
testing 7-10 throws 7-2
see Troubleshooting
troubleshooting flowchart 7-14 see Wire harnesses
types 7-7
not so common 7-8 Sleep mode
see Parasitic drain
Resistance
measuring 5-8 Sine waves
how a resistance measurement works see Analog signals, dynamic
5-8
6 INDEX

T Voltage sag Wiring diagrams

see Electrical circuits 19-2
Tests, multimeter see also Electrical circuits
Audi, Volkswagen (late models) 19-5
checking battery voltage 2-3
W VW example 19-6
Throttle position sensors (TPS) common symbol set 19-9
29-2 Warnings and cautions
wire colors 19-9
additional information 29-7 1-5 BMW (late models) 19-10
circuit 29-5 see also Safety BMW example 19-10
multimeter test set-ups 29-2, 29-3, Wheel speeds sensors (WSS) common symbol set 19-10
29-4 wire colors 19-10
additional information 31-10
operation 29-5 German cars (early models) 19-3
circuit 31-6
pinouts 29-6 Mercedes-Benz (late models) 19-12
multimeter test set-ups 31-2, 31-3,
signal 29-5 common symbol set 19-14
31-4,
technical notes 29-7 Mercedes-Benz example 19-13
operation 31-6
testing 29-5 wire colors 19-14
pinouts 31-7
supplemental 29-7 Porsche (late models) 19-15
signal 31-6
TPS reference voltage test 29-2, abbreviations and acronyms 19-16
technical notes 31-10
29-6 option codes 19-16
testing
TPS resistance test 29-3, 29-6 Porsche example 19-16
active WSS supply voltage test 31-2,
TPS signal voltage test 29-4, 29-6 wiring color codes 19-15
31-8
Timing active WSS signal test 31-3, 31-8 relay schematics
passive WSS resistance test 31-4, 31- see Relays
see Ignition, electronic
9 where to find 19-2
Wide band sensor passive WSS signal test 31-5, 31-9 Wiring harnesses
see Oxygen sensors supplemental 31-10 12-2
types 31-6
Tools for dynamic analog signals buying used 12-7
23-2 Wide band sensor connectors 12-7
choosing tool based on signal type 23- see Oxygen sensors correctness 12-7
10 damage12-3
tools for common sensors, table 23-11 Wire accidents 12-3
9-2 chafing 12-4
TPS AWG (American Wire Gauge) 9-2 fatigue, breaks 12-5
see Throttle position sensor (TPS) current 9-2 insulation 12-5
heat 9-2 rodents 12-5
Trickle charger
insulation 9-2 exposing damaged section 12-6
20-2 multi-stranded copper 9-2 grommets 12-8
Troubleshooting shielding 9-2 light repairs 12-6
basics 8-3, 8-4 sizing 9-3 replacement 12-7
blown fuses 8-9 using Ohms law 9-3 sub-harnesses 12-8
chart, relay 7-14 worksheet 9-4 things that go wrong 12-2
open circuit, finding 8-11 voltage drop index method 9-4
Working under the vehicle
sample circuit 8-3 Wire repairs see Safety
short to ground 8-10 11-2
tips 8-2 crimp connectors 11-2
voltage drop test 8-9 crimping, how to 11-5 Z
cutting 11-4
Zirconia sensor
U heat shrink tubing 11-7
see Oxygen sensors
insulated connectors 11-4
Undervoltage quick disconnect connectors 11-2
see Alternator ring terminals 11-3
soldering, how to 11-8
spade terminal 11-3
V stripping 11-4
tools 11-4
VRT (Variable Reluctance Transducer)
weather-resistant connectors 11-7
see Sensors
Voltage
see Electrical circuits
see also Safety
see also Battery
Voltage drop
see Electrical circuits
see also Alternator
see also Multimeter
see also Starter motor
Voltage, measuring
5-4