GxT Ferret 173 KV Probe - Manual

LED Segment is
Momentarily ON
LED Segment is
Momentarily OFF
LED Segment is
Always ON
Testing Methods
The Ferret 173 can be used to measure Kilovolts on both DIS and Conventional
ignition systems. The Bargraph LED Segments will indicate Firing KV. All testing
methodology and diagnostic techniques that apply to an oscilloscope, will apply to
the Ferret 173.
Testing Procedures
1. Connect the battery clips to the battery. Red to Positive, Black to Negative. The
LED Segments will light up momentarily to indicate that the unit is on.
2. Start and Run the Engine. Note: Some tests may require the operator to snap
accelerate or change the RPM of the engine.
4. Press the tip of the KV probe on the spark plug, coil or coil wire of your choice.
It is likely that the closer you get to an ignition source, you will begin to see an
indication of the fi ring KV on the bargraph. One you have come in contact with
the ignition source, you are getting an accurate reading. Disregard KV indications
when not touching a source of an ignition signal.
5. Read the KV reading on the Bargraph. Make a note of the reading and continue
testing on the next ignition source.
Test Results
Technical Support
Questions or inquiries about service can be answered by contacting GxT, Inc., at:
Toll Free (800) 627-5655. Fax: (231) 627-2727, Toll Free (231) 782-0616, or
[email protected]. When sending an item to the factory address it to:
GxT, Inc., 520 MM Riggs Drive., Cheboygan, MI 49721-1061Include a note describing
the problem.
Safety Precautions
Always wear eye protection when testing ve hi cles. Be extra care ful near batteries
and moving parts. Do not lay tools on a battery.
Battery gas is highly explosive. If a battery explodes fl ush the acid away from skin
with generous amounts of water. Follow up with a neutralizing so lu tion of baking
soda and then more water.
Never use a wrench on the ungrounded battery terminal until the grounded one has
been disconnected. Contact between the ve hi cle body metal and the hot terminal
can cause sparks to ignite gas or even weld tools into a battery short circuit.
Keep area around a battery well ventilated. Do not make sparks or allow fl ames near
batteries. Keep your work area well ventilated and free of exhaust.
Before working on a vehicle set the brakes and block the wheels. Beware of automatic
parking brake releases.
Avoid electrical shocks caused by getting close to live ignition wires or touching the
coil TACH terminal. A person's reaction near a live engine can be more dam ag ing
than the shock.
Keep spark producing devices at least 0.5m (18") above the fl oor to reduce the hazard
of igniting gasoline vapor.
Do not let test leads wind up in a moving fan or pulley. Route leads away.
Remove fi nger rings and metal wrist bands. They can short ter mi nals and become
very hot from electric current.
Analysis of Test Results
If KV is low for one or more cylinders the cause could be one of the following:
• Open Plug Wire at the Coil (KV will be very low downstream of the open)
• Narrow or Fouled Plug Gap
• Rich Mixture
If KV is High for one or more cylinders, the cause could be one of the following:
• Open Plug Wire at the Plug (KV will be very high upstream of the open)
• Wide Plug Gap
• High Resistance in Plug or Wire
A momentary high KV reading could be an indication of an ignition miss.