Actron KAL 3840 manual

KAL 3840 A utomotive Scope / GMM User’ s Man ual[...]

Menu Overview MAIN MENU CHANGE VEHICLE COMPONENT TESTS SCOPE GRAPHING MULTIMETER VEHICLE DATA INSTRUMENT SETUP VEHICLE DATA MENU CYLINDERS : 4 CYCLES : 4 BATTERY : 12 V IGNITION : CONV IGNITION MENU CONV (default) DIS DIESEL SENSOR TESTS MENU ABS Sensor (Mag) O 2 S Sensor (Zirc) Dual O 2 Sensor ECT Sensor Fuel Temp Sensor IAT Sensor Knock Sensor TP[...]

Ve hi cl e m an u fa c tu r e r s ha ve h e l pe d you l oca te a dr i v e ab i l i ty pr ob l e m by de si gn i n g El ectr on i c C o n tr o l U n i t s w i th trouble-code generating capabilities. But, the ECUs aren’t perfect because they don’t cover everything (most glitches a n d i n te r m i tte n ts) . On - b o a r d diag n o sti c s y s[...]

WARNING READ “SAFETY INFORMATION” BEFORE USING THIS MANUAL. T h i s i n s tr u m e n t i s d e si gn e d t o be u se d o n l y qu a l i f i e d p er son n e l w h o a r e ( p r op e r l y tr ai n e d ) s ki l l e d pr o f ess i o n a l automotive technicians. It is assumed that the user has a thorough understanding of vehicle systems before usi[...]

• Disconnect the live test lead before disconnecting the common test lead. • Do not perform internal service or adjustment of this instrument unless you are qualified to do so. Avoid Burns: • Do not touch hot exhaust systems, manifolds, engines, radiators, sample probe, etc. • Do not remove radiator cap unless engine is cold. Pressurized en[...]

3.1 PRIMARY SIGNAL TYPES FOUND IN MODERN VEHICLES Once you become familiar with basic vehicle waveforms it will not matter how new or old the vehicle is, or even who manufactured the vehicle. You will be able to recognize signals that do not look right. Direct Current (DC) Signals The types of sensors or devices in a vehicle that produce DC signals[...]

To minimize this possible interference with the oscilloscope, keep these tips and suggestions in mind: Most interference will be picked up by the oscilloscope test leads. • Route the test leads away from all ignition wires and components whenever possible. • Use the shortest test leads possible, since other test leads may act as an antenna and [...]

4.1 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION This instrument is a battery-operated 2-channel lab scope, advanced true rms graphing multimeter (GMM) designed e xpr ess l y fo r u se i n th e au t o m o ti v e s e r v i c e m a r k e t. T h e m ai n p u r po s e o f th i s i ns t r um e nt i s to p r ovi d e ad v a nced troubleshooting capabilities for automotive service[...]

• GRAPHING MULTIMETER • VEHICLE DATA • INSTRUMENT SETUP The fastest way to set up the instrument to test most automotive devices (sensors, actuators...) and circuits is to choose from one of the built in COMPONENT TESTS . Each test places the instrument in a configuration best suited to display signals for the chosen device or circuit. In ord[...]

• Press the SAVE key to save the present screen in the next memory location. • Press the RECALL key to recall the screen last saved in memory. • Press the CLEAR key to clear all the memory locations. • Press the BACK key to resume measuring or to return to the previous display. Power Sources and Charging the Battery The instrument can be po[...]

4.4 MEASUREMENT CONNECTIONS INPUT A (Red) INPUT A is used for all single channel measurements, sometimes combined with use of the other inputs, Various test leads and adapters are required depending on the type of measurement selected. INPUT B (Yellow) INPUT B is used in conjunction with INPUT A. • In COMPONENT TEST mode, for DUAL 02 SENSOR measu[...]

3. Measurement faults or short circuit with the DUAL INPUT SCOPE mode. This occurs when you perform floating measurements with grounding at different points. Instrument Grounding for Measurements on the Ignition System F o r t h e i n s tr u m e nt s a fe t y , con n e c t th e C OM i np u t to en g i n e g r ou n d b ef o r e you p e r fo r m m e [...]

4-11 CHANGE VEHICLE Makes you be able to obtain the pin numbers and wire colors for both PCM and the other component connector from HELP ( ) on the selected vehicle you want to test. COMPONENT TESTS Leads to a series of predefined setups to test most common sensors and circuits. SCOPE Use Single Input Scope mode if you want to measure a single sign[...]

CONTINUTY OHM OPEN CLOSE IGNITION DI SECONDARY VEHICLE WFM CYLINDER BACK RUN DATA ERASE PARADE Function Key Labels Function keys Figure 8. Function Key Labels for SECONDARY IGNITION Figure 8. Single and Dual Input scope in COMPONENT TESTS BACK SELECT HELP MENU PIN # / WIRE COLOR TEST PROCEDURE REFERENCE WAVEFORM THEORY OF OPERATION TROUBLESHOOTING [...]

4.7 SCOPE MODE SC O P E m o d e p r ovi de s a d i splay o f s i g n a l pa tte r n s fr om either CH A or CH B over times ranging from 1 µs to 50 seconds per division, and for voltage ranges from 50 mV to 300 V full scale. T h e dis p l ay m a y b e tr i g g er e d a t a l l ti m e s e tt i ng s, a nd tr i gg e r s l op e an d l e vel m a y be a [...]

5.1 INSTRUMENT TEST MODES From the MAIN MENU, you can choose 3 independent instrument test modes: • COMPONENT TESTS • SCOPE • GRAPHING MULTIMETER The fastest way to set up the instrument to test most devices and circuits is to choose from one of the built in C O M PO N E N T TEST S. T he se te sts p r e s e t th e i nst r u m e nt to ei t he [...]

SCOPE displays are defaulted in “Glitch Detection” mode. This means that all signals are sampled at the full sample r a t e o f th e i n s t r um en t a nd th e m i ni m um a n d m a x i m um e x c u r s i o n s a r e al w a y s s h ow n o n th e d i s p l a y , e ven i f th e horizontal time setting is too slow to show each individual sample i[...]

AUTO versus NORMAL acquisitions If you select AUTO, the instrument always performs acquisitions, i.e., it always displays the signals on the input. If NORMAL is selected, a trigger is always needed to start an acquisition. TRIGGER SLOPE If you select , trigger occurs at a rising(positive) edge of the signal. If you select , trigger occurs at a fall[...]

For VOLTS CURSORS, Reading Test Results on the SCOPE (Component Tests only) Display M ea s u r e m e nt r e s u l ts c an b e di splayed as n u m e r i c v alue s ( r e f e r r ed to a s r e ad i n g s ) an d w a vefo r m . T h e t y p e s of readings depend on the test taking place. For example, during a O2S SENSOR (Zirc) test, MAXIMUM and MINIMUM[...]

Using Graphing Multimeter (GMM) Making Connections INPUT A is used for all GMM tests just except the RPM measurement. The probes and test leads to be used depend o n t he typ e o f tes t pe r fo r m e d . Wh e n y o u s e l e ct cer t ain G M M t e s ts, a c o n n e c t i o n h e l p s cr e en w i l l g u i d e y o u b y pressing HELP ( ). This tel[...]

Testing Frequency, Duty Cycle, or Pulse Width Testing Secondary Ignition Peak Volts, Burn Volts, and Burn Time 5-11 Press to test the signal frequency in Hz. P r e s s t o te s t th e dut y c y c l e o f th e signal. If you select , the duty cycle of the negative-going pulse is displayed. If you select , the duty cycle of the positive-going pulse i[...]

Testing Current Use this menu option to test current with a current probe. (optional accessory) Don’t forget to set the Current Probe to zero before using it for measurements. Testing Temperature Use this menu option to test temperature with a temperature probe. (optional accessory) 5.4 DUAL INPUT SCOPE OPERATION Dual Input Scope U s e th e s cop[...]

DISPLAY OPTIONS MENU USER LAST SETUP: Y o u ca n c h a n g e t h e Po w er - On d i s p l ay f r o m V EH I C L E D ATA M EN U ( d ef a u l t ) to th e l a st display having been displayed just before the instrument was turned off. CONTRAST: This setting, expressed as a percentage, determines the contrast ratio between display text or graphics and [...]

5-17 5.6 FREEZING, SAVING, AND RECALLING SCREENS Hold Mode The HOLD key enables you to freeze the current display. This makes it possible to examine occasional waveform anomalies and to stop the GMM mode at the end of a manual sweep test. The instrument provides eight memory locations to which you can save the current screen along with its setup. P[...]

5-19 What’s more, by enabling the Auto Save option, each new event to be detected is automatically saved to Memory 1 to Memory 4. By setting the Auto Save option, you can automatically fill up all four memories with the four most recent unusual events. Best of all, Glitch Snare operation is completely automatic. Trigger thresholds are calculated [...]

5-20 6.1 COMPONENT TESTS Preset Operation The instrument provides predefined setups for a variety of vehicle sensors and circuits. To choose a preset test, select COMPONENT TESTS from the MAIN MENU. From the resulting menu, select a test group: • SENSORS • ACTUATORS • ELECTRICAL • IGNITION Then select a specific test from those listed. Each[...]

• Troubleshooting Tips If the amplitude is low, look for an excessive air gap between the trigger wheel and the pickup. If the amplitude wavers, look for a bent axle. If one of the oscillations looks distorted, look for a bent or damaged tooth on the trigger wheel. O 2 S Normal - Zirconia • Theory of Operation An O 2 sensor provides an output v[...]

• Symptoms [OBD II DTC’s : P0420 ~ P0424, P0430 ~ P0434] Emissions test failure, poor fuel economy. • Test Procedure 1. Connect one shielded test lead to the CH A and the other test lead to the CH B. Connect the ground leads of both test leads to the engine GND’s and one lead probe to the sensor 1 (upstream sensor) output or HI and the othe[...]

4. Press the HOLD key to freeze the waveform on the display for closer inspection. 5. To measure resistance, disconnect the sensor before changing to the GMM mode and then connect the Ground and CH A leads to the terminals on the sensor. • Reference Waveform VEHICLE INFORMATION YEAR : 1986 MAKE : Oldsmobile MODEL : Toronado ENGINE : 3.8 L FUELSYS[...]

• Symptoms [OBD II DTC’s: P0110 ~ P0114] Poor fuel economy, hard start, high emissions, tip-in hesitation • Test Procedure 1. Backprobe the terminals on the IAT sensor with the CH A lead and its ground lead. 2. Wh e n th e IAT s en sor s a r e at e ng i ne o p e r at i n g te m pe r a tu r e , s pr a y th e s e n sor s w i th a c o o l i ng s[...]

Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) • Theory of Operation A TPS is a variable resistor that tells the PCM the position of the throttle, that is, how far the throttle is open, whether it is opening or closing and how fast. Most throttle position sensors consist of a contact connected to the throttle shaft which slides over a section of resistance mater[...]

• Reference Waveform VEHICLE INFORMATION YEAR : 1987 MAKE : Chrysler MODEL : Fifth Avenue ENGINE : 5.2 L FUELSYS : Feedback Carburetor PCM_PIN : 5 #1 Org wire + 9 #1 Blk wire STATUS : KOER (Key On Running) RPM : 1400 ENG_TMP : Operating Temperature VACUUM : 19 In. Hg MILEAGE : 140241 • Troubleshooting Tips Make sure the frequency of the wavefor[...]

Optical CranKshaft Position (CKP) Sensor • Theory of Operation These CKP sensors are classified as “CKP Sensors - High Resolution” in industry. T h e o p ti c a l C KP s e n sor s c a n s en s e p o si ti on o f a r o t a ting c o m p o ne n t eve n w i th o ut t h e e ng i ne r un n ing a n d t he i r pulse amplitude remains constant with va[...]

• Reference Waveform VEHICLE INFORMATION YEAR : 1989 MAKE : Acura MODEL : Legend ENGINE : 2.7 L FUELSYS : Multiport Fuel Injection PCM_PIN : C3 OrgBlu STATUS : KOER (Key On Running) RPM : Idle ENG_TMP : Operating Temperature VACUUM : 20 In. Hg MILEAGE : 69050 • Troubleshooting Tips Make sure the frequency of the waveform is keeping pace with en[...]

Optical Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor • Theory of Operation These CMP sensors are classified as “CMP Sensors - High Resolution” in industry. The optical CMP sensors are high resolution (accuracy) digital sensors which generate the CMP signal, that is a high frequency (hundreds of Hz to several kHz) square wave switching between zero and V Re[...]

• Reference Waveform VEHICLE INFORMATION YEAR : 1988 MAKE : Nissan/Datsun MODEL : 300 zx non-turbo ENGINE : 3.0 L FUELSYS : Multiport Fuel Injection PCM_PIN : 12 Wht wire at the instrument cluster STATUS : KOBD (Key On Being Driven) RPM : 1500 ENG_TMP : Operating Temperature VACUUM : 20 In. Hg MILEAGE : 57782 • Troubleshooting Tips If the ampli[...]

Analog Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor • Theory of Operation Almost all domestic and import MAP sensors are analog types in design except Ford’s MAP sensor. Analog MAP sensors generate a variable voltage output signal that is directly proportional to the intake manifold vacuum, which is used by the PCM to determine the engine load. They[...]

3. Make sure that the amplitude, frequency and shape are all present, repeatable, and consistent. Amplitude should be close to 5 V. Frequency should vary with vacuum. Shape should stay constant (square wave). 4. M ake s u r e t h e s e n so r pr o du ce s th e c o r r e c t f r e q ue n c y fo r a g i v e n a m o u nt of v a c u u m , a c cor d i n[...]

• Troubleshooting Tips If overall voltage is low, be sure to check for cracked, broken, loose, or otherwise leaking intake air ducts. IMPORTANT: 0.25 V can make the difference between a good sensor and a bad one, or an engine that is blowing black smoke and one that is in perfect control of fuel mixture. H ow e ver , b ecau s e th e s e n sor ou [...]

4. Make sure that the sensor generates the correct frequency for a given RPM or airflow rate. 5. Use the Glitch Snare mode to detect dropouts or unstable output frequency. • Reference Waveform VEHICLE INFORMATIONS YEAR : 1990 MAKE : Buick MODEL : Le Sabre ENGINE : 3.8 L FUELSYS : Multiport Fuel Injection PCM_PIN : Yel wire STATUS : KOER (Key On R[...]

Differential Pressure Feedback EGR (DPFE) Sensor • Theory of Operation A n E GR ( Ex h a u st Gas R e ci r c u l at i o n ) p r e ss u r e s e n sor i s a p r e ss u r e tr an sdu ce r th a t te l l s t he P C M th e r e l a t i ve pressures in the exhaust stream passages and, sometimes, intake manifold. It is found on some Ford EEC IV and EEC V [...]

Saturated Switch Type (MFI/PFI/SFI) Injector • Theory of Operation The fuel injector itself determines the height of the release spike. The injector driver (switching transistor) determines most of the waveform features. Generally an injector driver is located in the PCM that turns the injector on and off. Different Kinds (Saturated Switch type, [...]

• Test Procedure 1. Connect the CH A lead to the injector control signal from the PCM and its ground lead to the injector GND. 2. S t a r t th e en g i n e a nd h o l d t hr ot tle a t 2 50 0 R P M fo r 2- 3 m i n ut e s u nt i l th e en g ine i s fu l l y w a r m e d up a nd th e Feedback Fuel System enters closed loop. (Verify this by viewing t[...]

• Reference Waveform VEHICLE INFORMATIONS YEAR : 1990 MAKE : Jeep MODEL : Cherokee ENGINE : 4.0 L FUELSYS : Multiport Fuel Injection PCM_PIN : 4 Yel wire at #4 injector STATUS : KOER (Key On Running) RPM : Idle ENG_TMP : Operating Temperature VACUUM : 16.5 In. Hg MILEAGE : 85716 NOTE Some injector spike heights are “chopped” to between -30 V [...]

• Reference Waveform VEHICLE INFORMATIONS YEAR : 1986 MAKE : Nissan/Datsun MODEL : Stanza Wagon ENGINE : 2.0 L FUELSYS : Multiport Fuel Injection PCM_PIN : B WhtBlk wire STATUS : KOER (Key On Running) RPM : Idle ENG_TMP : Operating Temperature VACUUM : 21 In. Hg MILEAGE : 183513 IMPORTANT : O n s o m e E ur op e a n v e hic l e s l i k e Jag ua r[...]

How much and when EGR flow occurs is very important to emissions and driveability. To precise control EGR flow, the PCM sends Pulse Width Modulated signals to a vacuum solenoid valve to control vacuum flow to the EGR valve. When applying vacuum, the EGR valve opens, allowing EGR flow. When blocking vacuum, EGR flow stops. M ost en gi n e con t r o [...]

IMPORTANT : Before diagnosing IAC motor, several things must be checked and verified; the throttle plate should be free of carbon buildup and should open and close freely, the minimum air rate (minimum throttle o p e n i n g) s h ou l d b e s e t a c c o r ding to m a n u f actu r er ’ s s pe c i fic at i o n s, a nd c h e c k f or v a c u u m l [...]

• Symptoms Slow and improper shifting, engine stops running when vehicle comes to a stop • Test Procedure 1. Connect the CH A lead to the transmission shift solenoid control signal from the PCM and its ground lead to the chassis GND. 2. D r i v e t h e veh ic l e a s n e e d ed t o m ake t h e d r i vea b i l i ty p r ob l em o cc ur o r t o e [...]

Diesel Glow Plug • Theory of Operation St a r ti n g c o l d die s e l en g i n e s ar e n o t e a sy b e cau se Bl ow b y pa st th e p i sto n r i n gs an d th er m a l l oss e s r e du c e th e a m o u n t o f c om p r e ss i o n p o s si b l e. C o l d s t ar t i ng ca n be i m pr o v e d b y a s h ea t h e d e l e m e nt g l ow p l u g i n t [...]

3. Exercise the sensor, device, or circuit while watching for the amplitude of the signal. The amplitude should stay in a predetermined voltage range for a given condition. 4. In most cases, the amplitude of the waveform should stay at the battery voltage when the circuit is on, and go to 0 V when the circuit is off. • Reference Waveform VEHICLE [...]

• Test Procedure 1. Connect the CH A lead to the GND pin of the grounded device or the one side of the suspect junction and its ground lead to the chassis GND or the other side of the suspect junction. 2. Make sure power is switched on in the circuit so that the sensor, device, or circuit is operational and current is flowing through the circuit.[...]

Alternator Field/ VR (Voltage Reference) • Theory of Operation A voltage regulator (in the PCM) controls alternator output by adjusting the amount of current flowing through the rotor field windings. To increase alternator output, the voltage regulator allows more current to flow through the rotor field windings. The field control current is vari[...]

• Reference Waveform VEHICLE INFORMATIONS YEAR : 1986 MAKE : Oldsmobile MODEL : Toronado ENGINE : 3.8 L FUELSYS : Multiport Fuel Injection PCM_PIN : B+ post at alternator STATUS : KOER (Key On Running) RPM : Idle ENG_TMP : Operating Temperature VACUUM : 18 In. Hg MILEAGE : 123686 • Troubleshooting Tips If the waveform has very noticeable dropou[...]

3. Exercise the switch while paying attention to the amplitude of the signal. It should stay in a predetermined voltage range for a given condition. In most cases, the amplitude of the waveform should stay at B+ or battery voltage when the circuit is on, and go to 0 V when the switch is activated. • Reference Waveform VEHICLE INFORMATIONS YEAR : [...]

• Reference Waveform VEHICLE INFORMATIONS YEAR : 1993 MAKE : Ford MODEL : F150 4WD Pickup ENGINE : 5.0 L FUELSYS : Multiport Fuel Injection PCM_PIN : CH A 56 GryOrg wire CH B 36 Pnk wire STATUS : KOER (Key On Running) RPM : 3000 ENG_TMP : Operating Temperature VACUUM : 21 In. Hg MILEAGE : 66748 • Troubleshooting Tips If changing manifold vacuum[...]

Look for the burn line to be fairly clean without a lot of hash (“noise”). A lot of hash can indicate an ignition misfire in the cylinder due to over-advanced ignition timing, bad injector, fouled spark plug, or other causes. Longer burn lines ( o v e r 2 m s) can i n d i c a t e a n ab n o r m all y r i c h m i x tu r e an d s h o r t er b u r[...]

1. Connect the capacitive type ignition secondary probe to the CH A input terminal. 2. Connect the Inductive Pickup to the COM/TRIGGER input terminals and connect the COM input of the test tool to vehicle ground by using a Ground Lead (black) in order to avoid electrical shock before clamping the capacitive secondary pickup and the inductive pickup[...]

• Reference Waveform VEHICLE INFORMATIONS YEAR : 1994 MAKE : Ford MODEL : Explorer ENGINE : 4.0 L FUELSYS : Multiport Fuel Injection PCM_PIN : 10 Coil A YelBlk at ignition STATUS : KOER (Key On Running) RPM : Idle ENG_TMP : Operating Temperature VACUUM : 19.5 In. Hg MILEAGE : 40045 • Troubleshooting Tips L o o k fo r t he dr op i n t he w a vef[...]

1. Connect the capacitive type ignition secondary probe to the CH A input terminal. 2. C o nn e ct th e C O M i np u t o f th e te s t t o ol to v e h i cl e gr o u nd b y u si ng a G r ou n d L ea d ( b l ack ) i n o r de r t o avo i d electrical shock before clamping the secondary probe on the coil secondary lead wire. 3. Clip the secondary probe[...]

Some tips to keep in mind : • Always position the piezo pickup on the fuel line at about the same distance from the injector. • Place the pickup on a straight part of the fuel line. Don’t place it on a bent part of the line. • Always compare results with a reference waveform from a good diesel engine to get acquainted with the signal shape.[...]

Diesel Advance D i ese l p u m p te ste r s a r e u s e d to c ali br a te p u m p s exa c t l y to t h e e ng i ne ’ s r eq u i r em e nt s. T he te st er s mo n i t or the signals from the reference on the engine’s flywheel. The start of the delivery is monitored and timing adjustments can be made at different speeds. We can reveal problems i[...]

General Specifications Operation temperature : 32 ˚F to 104 ˚F (0 ˚C to 40 ˚C) Storage temperature : -4 ˚F to 140 ˚F (-20 ˚C to 60 ˚C) Relative Humidity : 0 % to 80 % at 32 ˚F to 95 ˚F (0 ˚C to 35 ˚C), 0 % to 70 % at 32 ˚F to 131 ˚F (0 ˚C to 55 ˚C) Temperature Coefficient : Nominal 0.1 x (Specified Accuracy) / ˚C (< 18 ˚C or &g[...]

Trigger Trigger Source : CH A, CH B, TRIGGER (External trigger) Sensitivity (CH A) : < 1.0 div to 5 MHz Sensitivity (Trigger) : 0.2 V p-p Modes : Single shot, Normal, Auto Coupling : AC, DC Slope : Rising and falling edge Others Glitch Snare : SCOPE Mode (Component test only) Acquire Mode : SCOPE Mode Setup memory : 8 Waveform & Setup Refere[...]

Continuity Test Diode Test Temperature Measurement DC Ampere Measurement (Current Probe Output) AC Ampere Measurement (Current Probe Output) 8-5 (AC+DC) Voltage Measurement RPM Measurement Frequency Measurement Ohm Measurement 8-4 Mode 4 cylinder 2 cylinder Range 120 - 20000 RPM 60 - 10000 RPM Accuracy 2 RPM Range DC 500 mV DC 5 V DC 50 V DC 500 V [...]

ABS Antilock Brake System AC Alternating Current AC Coupling A mode of signal transmission that passes the dynamic (AC) signal component to the input (INPUT A or INPUT B), but blocks the DC component. Useful to observe an AC signal that is normally riding on a DC signal, e.g. charging ripple. Acquisition The process of gathering measurement data in[...]

Function Key Labels Labels shown on the bottom display that indicate the function of the function keys to . Function Key Menu The function key labels listed on the bottom display. Glitch A momentary spike in a waveform. This can be caused by a momentary disruption in the circuit under test. Glow plug A combustion chamber heat generating device to a[...]

Scan Tool A device that interfaces with and communicates information on a data link. Sample A r e ad i ng ta k e n fr om an electr i c a l si gn a l . A w ave f o r m i s cr e a t e d f r om a succ e ss i v e number of samples. Sampling Rate The number of readings taken from an electrical signal every second. Saturated Driver Fuel injection circuit[...]

Menu Overview Voltage Drop Voltage lose across a wire, connector, or any other conductor. Voltage drop equals resistance in ohms times current in amperes (ohm’s Law). Wastegate A val ve u s ed to l i m it c h a r g e a i r p r e s s u r e b y al l o w i ng e xh a u st g a se s to b ypa ss th e turbocharger. Waveform The pattern defined by an elec[...]