GxT Ferret 63 DIAGNOSTIC ENGINE ANALYZER - Manual (Page 14)

“HARD START” KEY
If there is a problem with the engine ignition or analyzer
hookup, the analyzer will give messages
of the likely causes. Use this test before
other tests to confirm that the ignition
hookup is working by seeing that the
RPM and Ignition Energy readings are
normal. See the next page for using Aux-
iliary Volts to search out connection problems.
IGNITION ENERGY
The signal comes from the ignition coil primary minus
[TACH] terminal through the green Coil Primary Clip
connection. The engine must be cranking or running to
produce a readable signal.
As the figure shows, Ignition Energy strength is the volt-
age times the spark duration milliSeconds, as measured
at the coil primary. This indicates the coil "kick" in mil-
livoltSeconds (mVS) and is displayed as "IgEgy".
"IgEgy" is proportional to the primary energizing current
and the quality of the ignition coil inductance. Typical
standard ignition coils produce 25 to 40 mVS. High
energy ignitions have 40 to 60 mVS. Readings below
20 mVS suggest that an inadequate ignition charge is
being delivered by the coil. Low coil current may be the
reason, caused by a bad primary connection, bad drive
module, worn points, low dwell time, low battery voltage,
or an open ballast resistor bypass switch. Use IGNITION
PRIMARY to check the coil drive voltage, dwell, and coil
oscillations.
SENSOR
TEST
02 TPS
SETUP AMP ZERO SELECT MESSAGE
PRINT
DISPLAY
PRINT
AUTOTEST
CHARGING
STARTING
AMPS VOLTS
IGNITION
PRIMARY
COIL MODULE
DWELL VARIATION
AUXILIARY AUXILIARY PER CYLINDER
CRANKING
ANALYSIS
COMPRESSION
BAT. STARTER ALT.
POWER
BALANCE
% RPM DROP
AUTO MANUAL
PER CYLINDER
SPARK
BURN
SECONDARY
MSEC SLOPE
PER CYLINDER
HARD
START
IGNITION VOLTS
AUXILIARY
FUEL
INJECTION
MSEC, % DUTY, HZ
AUXILIARY
START
PAPER
ADVANCE
-12-
If "msg" appears, press MESSAGE. The following mes-
sages may be set after the engine has been cranked or
run several seconds. These are suggested problems
indicated by the combination of signal measurements.
Refer to the vehicle specific service manual for tests
to confirm the suggested defects. Visual inspection
and direct component measurement should be used to
confirm that there is an actual problem.
Investigate the following messages further using SPARK
BURN.
Plugs GAP Narrow ?
? Coil - Distributor ?
or Plugs: Wide GAP?
Shorted
? Coil - Distributor ?
Check the following messages further using IGNITION
PRIMARY.
POINTS RESISTANCE High
COIL PRIMARY-DRIVE Bad? GROUND
SPARK
BURN
TIME
COIL
IGNITION ENERGY
AREA
BATTERY
VOLTAGE
COIL PRIMARY (TACH) SIGNAL
356 RPM msg Bat 10.34
IgEgy 38 Aux>POS- 1.34