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    The Trainer #139: Ignition waveform analysis using the DSO

    July 17, 2023
    Many of you have written to ask for a more detailed tutorial on using the Autel scope as a diagnostic tool. This is the third in a 3-part series!

    Today’s technologically advanced vehicle powertrains bring huge rewards to us as consumers. Compared to previous vehicles, they have remarkable fuel economy, abundant power output, and significantly reduced tailpipe emissions. But access to components for testing hasn’t gotten any easier, I’m sure you’ll agree.

    When facing driveability faults, it’s the symptoms felt by the consumers that drive what we are usually addressing as technicians. But a major factor in today’s vehicle powertrain analysis is what we face under the hood. There is little room to conduct the testing we’ve grown to trust in pursuit of the symptom exhibited. This means carrying out those same tests can be extremely time-consuming. Of course, if the test is justified, it’s worth the investment of time to conduct the test. But it may not be prudent to commit to that test first because of the amount of time that is needed to be invested.  

    However, there is an alternative approach, a test that offers great preliminary driveability data about what is happening inside the combustion chamber. Even more significant is that this test can be applied to almost any vehicle with a spark ignition internal combustion engine. This type of testing is known as Ignition waveform analysis. 

    In this edition of “The Trainer,” I will show you how to use the Autel DSO and related accessories to acquire and analyze these ignition waveforms. Even if you don’t own an Autel scope, these techniques apply to whichever scope you have.

    Due to factors beyond the control of Endeavor Business Media, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information or improper use of this information. Endeavor Business Media assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Endeavor Business Media recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Endeavor Business Media, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Endeavor Business Media. The tool and/or equipment featured in this video was supplied by the manufacturer and may or may not be retained by the reviewer at no cost.

    About the Author

    Brandon Steckler | Technical Editor | Motor Age

    Brandon began his career in Northampton County Community College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he was a student of GM’s Automotive Service Educational program. In 2001, he graduated top of his class and earned the GM Leadership award for his efforts. He later began working as a technician at a Saturn dealership in Reading, Pennsylvania, where he quickly attained Master Technician status. He later transitioned to working with Hondas, where he aggressively worked to attain another Master Technician status.

    Always having a passion for a full understanding of system/component functionality, he rapidly earned a reputation for deciphering strange failures at an efficient pace and became known as an information specialist among the staff and peers at the dealership. In search of new challenges, he transitioned away from the dealership and to the independent world, where he specialized in diagnostics and driveability. 

    Today, he is an instructor with both Carquest Technical Institute and Worldpac Training Institute. Along with beta testing for Automotive Test Solutions, he develops curriculum/submits case studies for educational purposes. Through Steckler Automotive Technical Services, LLC., Brandon also provides telephone and live technical support, as well as private training, for technicians all across the world.

    Brandon holds ASE certifications A1-A9 as well as C1 (Service Consultant). He is certified as an Advanced Level Specialist in L1 (Advanced Engine Performance), L2 (Advanced Diesel Engine Performance), L3 (Hybrid/EV Specialist), L4 (ADAS) and xEV-Level 2 (Technician electrical safety).

    He contributes weekly to Facebook automotive chat groups, has authored several books and classes, and truly enjoys traveling across the globe to help other technicians attain a level of understanding that will serve them well throughout their careers.  

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