Fuel Injector Testing: Noid Light vs Power Probe vs Test Light (Honda)

In this video I show you how I test the circuitry on an older Honda fuel injector using a noid light, a test light and a Power Probe. The vehicle shown in the video is a 2000 Honda Civic LX. These are not the only ways to test a fuel injector system.
Please note: This is a conventional multi port fuel injector system that I am testing. It is NOT one of the newer Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) systems that use much higher pressures and have the fuel injector inside the cylinder. Do not unplug a fuel injector on a system you are not familiar with, you can do severe engine damage.
Misfires and fuel systems can be tricky to diagnose. If you are unsure about anything you might want to have a trusted mechanic diagnose it for you.
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[@BigDog50001]

*Tools* This channel earns a small commission using some of these links - at no additional cost to you. PowerProbe IV: amzn.to/2zQqcFL OTC Noid Light Set: amzn.to/2NOWRDI OTC 3636 Test Light: amzn.to/2zPEnei OTC Leak Down Tester: amzn.to/2NMtIcf The Big Dog 50001 Automotive Channel Store can be found here: www.amazon.com/shop/bigdog50001automotive

[@LoudBarkDesigns]

My miss fire just started and is sporadic. P0204 jeep liberty. At times I turn on the vehicle it acts normal and other times on start is misfires cylinder 4. I swapped the coils and spark plugs to see if it would follow and it doesn't. Now I believe it comes down to the injector acting sporadic or from the the electrical plug. Any thoughts?

[@HobbyistsBoley]

V.

[@Behold876]

I watched so many videos just to get this one answer.. Thank you..

[@bernardocisneros4402]

Thanks for the bonus footage! I thought you were gonna leave us hanging. It would've been like watching a movie and not showing us the ending.

[@sankar7055]

The kind of explanation I never saw in the period of 25 years, it's awesome .The tools and way you trouble shooting fantastic and perfect.

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thanks!

[@wyattoneable]

My Jeep is a "crank, no start" and I needed a refresher on how to use a Noid light. I learned more than I was looking for by watching this video. Thanks Dave.

[@docimastic]

Absolutely loved the bonus footage showing the leak down test. I was wondering what the problem was up until that point. Thanks for taking the time and trouble of making this excellent, nay, Superior video, and sharing your skill and knowledge with us! Thanks again, David

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thank you!

[@GreatDataVideos]

I've looked at a lot of videos about misfire diagnosis and using the Power Probe and this is by far the best that I've seen. Clear, simple instructions. You've taken out some of the mystery and confusion that others gave.

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thank you!

[@scottmartin2361]

Excellent Video, your ability to make things easy to understand for an amateur mechanic is unmatched. Please keep them coming!!

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you, I appreciate the comment!

[@spelunkerd]

I'm not sure why it took me so long to find your channel, you earned a sub today for sure. We have many similarities, not least of which is our addiction to quality automotive tools. What I really like about your channel is the way you explain how these systems work first, which gives a reliable compass to look for solutions. It was fun to see you use PP4 for the fuel injector. Eric O sent me one of those but I've never used the fuel injector feature. Once I see the test light flashing, I tend to follow the ScannerDanner blueprint of looking at current waveforms. There are lots of right ways to get to the answer.

[@fcbrants]

Thank you for giving us the final diagnosis - not having it would have been a "tough itch to scratch."

[@gambinoanthony1618]

The bonus made the difference between this video and the others. Excellent job .

[@charliefirpo8471]

Found this video while searching for noid lights. Thanks for this very clear explanation! Subscribed right away to your channel.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment and welcome!

[@arthurfricchione8119]

Your videos are really very informative. Lots of info and professionally explained. Like the way you stay on topic and explain what is going on. Excellent

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you!

[@woodybear8298]

Excellent explanation of how a fuel injector fires; I did not know that. Thank you.

[@rplayer9969]

Enjoyed the video. Really glad you showed the bonus showing the problem. Thank you for doing the video.

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you for the comment, I really appreciate it!

[@BeADad2447]

Damn! You just doubled my knowledge on computer controlled injection system! I have a 93 accord! Yours looks almost exactly like mine! Great video!

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@cockasorrus7475]

Thank you for taking the time to educate! I really appreciate it!!

[@jasonfestner9242]

Great video and information. You got me towards the end. I was thinking dude what do you check next if the darn injector is getting power and fuel. Then right before I was about to type you the ?, you jumped in with the bonus video of checking the compression and leak down. After that I was saying out loud in my garage to the point my neighbor looked over as I was yelling this guy is awesome and very knowledgeable and lest us lay people know each step to achieve results. I am working on a 2012 dodge caravan with the 3.6 pentastar engine but it looks like your steps will work. I replaced a ton of stuff that requires relearn but I can’t get the van to barely run. I don’t think bank 2 cylinders are firing. I am going to start at your step 1. Thank you Sir for helping out us little people who can’t afford to send the vehicle to a shop.

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you, I appreciate the comment!

[@wespatterson6595]

Great video, really most helpful one out there on injectors. Thanks!

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks!

[@dennisgruba4792]

Really liked the video and explanations being simple and easy to understand. Thank you.

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you, I appreciate the comment!

[@tnamen1307]

@@BigDog50001 will not the reverse voltage spike flows back to the power feed side and cause short circuit?? Analogy to a diode in a relay, is similar diode or capacitor necessary to absorb the reverse spike and protect the circuit and the solenoid itself?? Please kindly elaborate a bit more.

[@derrickanderson2783]

Calling someone out within the first second of a video; now thats a bold move... I LIKE IT! :)

[@BigDog50001]

lol

[@joseburgos5106]

Super explanation 👌. Thanks for the time to put it together and sharing.

[@BigDog50001]

You bet 👍!

[@brandonmunoz6931]

stumbled across this. you sir are THE MAN!. I have been fighting a no start on a Harley for weeks. It started off with a broken wire going to the throttle body then turned into a mess.

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thank you!

[@pedrorojascervantes3928]

What was the problem ?

[@streetfighters805]

Where have this guy been all my life great stuff! Just subbed

[@BigDog50001]

lol, thank you for the comment and welcome!

[@train4905]

Dear sir,ive just come across this video. A most exellent video.very clear and precise and methodical. Keep up the great videos.steve from the uk.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks 👍!

[@RoadRunnerMeep]

Thank you, I'm faimilar with diesels but petrols are a completely different headache. I enjoy the knowledge for troubleshooting :)

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment!

[@driversresponseauto]

Excellent display and knowledge of work!

[@BigDog50001]

Be sure to subscribe for more tool and car repair videos! kzbin.info twitter.com/BigDog50001 instagram.com/bigdog50001/ Disclosure: This channel earns a small commission using some of these links - at no additional cost to you. The Big Dog 50001 Automotive Channel Store can be found here: www.amazon.com/shop/bigdog50001automotive

[@kevinburke9111]

The best yet. Keep em coming

[@Okie-Tom]

Very nice video. Thank you very much. I wish there was a scope out there that wasn't so expensive that would show the fuel injector opening.

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you for the comment. Here is a scope I have that is not too much money: goo.gl/FU9AAA

[@aldicroce6505]

Excellent!! Great work, very helpful, to the point!, keep it up the good work!!

[@woodybear8298]

Excellent presentation.

[@bobs74xlch]

Great tutorial video, from beginning to the end............... Thanks!

[@Okie-Tom]

Nice work! Of course the owner is sick to hear the news! Thanks for the video!

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@robswrenches9501]

Thanks for the excellent demonstration. This was very good.

[@BigDog50001]

Rob's Wrenches Thank you!

[@coycarlson4979]

Another EXCELLENT instruction video - YES , I did GREATLY ENJOY . You are indeed and EXCELLENT Technician. Many thanks for sharing 😊👍👍👍✌️✌️✌️

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you, I appreciate the comment!

[@mattockman]

Really excellent, clear and very usefull. Well done sir.

[@Z.Islander]

Thank you so much. Best video out there on the topic!

[@nigelnkunzi6414]

This is one of the best vid it explains very well n easy to understand wht need to be done if you myb only hv test light or noid light thnks for the video u gained a follower n a subscriber

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks and welcome!

[@antegas]

Thank you very much! Easy and clear explanation. I Like it in this way.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment!

[@themechanic6117]

This was a great video. I need to get a power probe...just haven't pulled the trigger on it yet.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks! It is a nice tool to have, I definitely use mine a lot.

[@zbynekm2918]

Nice and easy, good demo.

[@Bootes1]

A Great job, very informative. Off to price up some kit. Thank you.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks!

[@michaelvega562]

I infact did enjoy the bonus footage

[@BigDog50001]

Awesome, thanks 👍!

[@SooperKewl]

Excellent troubleshooting

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks 👍!

[@EM-df6mo]

Love that Bonus footage. that told the tail.

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you for the comment!

[@isaackauffman5478]

Great video. Keep it up

[@rapskallion]

This must be as good an instructional video for any automotive troubleshooting as I have ever seen. Great job, Big Dog50001 Automotive

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thank you!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Good bonus with scope

[@rsbharley4766]

Excellent video, thanks for sharing. Cheers

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you for the comment!

[@jimmyhall9593]

Best video on injectors!

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks!

[@AbuDujana692]

Excellent and thorough

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment 👍!

[@majordog85]

You've got yourself a new subscriber my friend 🎉

[@BigDog50001]

Welcome!

[@tomclark3592]

really great diagnosing!

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks 👍!

[@UzumakiGarage]

Subscribed. Great video thanks. Hello from Australia

[@Wishbone799]

Clear and concise , well explained.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks!

[@martinmoffitt4702]

Thank you sir, very well done, very informative .

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thanks!

[@gregmcarthur9735]

Keep them coming mate the info is good .

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thanks!

[@keenowl1410]

Great video 👍

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Love my power probe 4 is a great tool

[@josephmchugh9866]

Thanks, helped a lot !!

[@Thomas-ll1lu]

Very good video and explanation.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks!

[@karmicmessenger]

I use a scope often but I didn't know about the pintle hump on the waveform; thanks.

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you for the comment!

[@TheDisgruntledMechanic]

good comparison! and nice tools!

[@BigDog50001]

The Disgruntled Mechanic Thanks Mike!

[@richardmwale7772]

Super indicative video, keep it up bro,,

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@orestino6212]

Great, clear video. Thank You

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thanks!

[@chananielwizman2401]

Im a stingy sob. U direct to point and thorough.

[@billyyoder8171]

Thank you for the video. Good job.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks!

[@wholebarto]

Very helpful video. Wanna more!

[@BigDog50001]

lol thanks!

[@davidcherrington878]

I just love this site brilliant. THANKS..

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@Shunpall]

Amazing tutorial!

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks 👍!

[@anthonynicholls8010]

Great video ✌️✌️

[@billlincoln6087]

VERY GOOD EXPLANATIONS.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks!

[@charlesmarseille123]

This is quality content. Keep it up.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks 👍!

[@gsr2envy]

nice video, refreshed my memory. good will always over come the bad. thats for the people that gave a thumbs down.

[@BigDog50001]

I appreciate the comment, thank you!

[@proanswers]

Thank you for the video. I am trying to diagnose a Misfire cylinder 1 P301 hyundai v6. I am at the fuel diagnosis stage. My suspicion is not ignition (spark) based on maintenance and tests of ignition. Timing seems not an issue as cylinder specific on this DOHC timing would cause entire bank issues (misfires P300). Assuming that not seeing the pintile spray pattern through these tests is an issue however your stating that the Power probe 4 showing more data compared to a known good injector shows simpler pulse pattern thus not injector issue.

[@13Sala13]

This is a really good video! Thanks Big Dog.

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment!

[@waiting4aliens]

Very good thank you.

[@randycremeans6096]

just got a power probe 4 love it

[@BigDog50001]

I like mine, I think they are a good little tool to have in the tool box. Thanks for the input!

[@chumadoshi6987]

Thankyou. Do more on test light

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@ashraftoumia7213]

Thank you for Brilliant video, one question please, can I carry out same test using power probe 4 for testing Diesel injector?

[@adictiveadictive]

I'm glad you explained the "no start" part at about 7:15 Edit: but what about using the power probe? Same thing?

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great video

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks!

[@jhuntosgarage]

Well done!!

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks!

[@NURsMec]

I just subscribed your channel. Thanks for sharing your video. I just have a question for the power probe. Where do you connect the power probe to test the injector? Is it in the connector or to the injector directly? And also the NOID will it work to mercedes benz injectors connector

[@bikerrealengo]

Good info!! Thanks

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment!

[@turbochevelle5641]

Time to upgrade, thanks

[@KevinRapkochFishing]

Great video, thank you. My 1994 Dodge Dakota 5.2 is driving and running, but throwing an intermittent code for the injector output signal circuit. Even when running fine, I get power (test light bright on all injectors power side), but no ground (no pulsating light to ground side on any injector). Do you know what may cause this... And how is the truck running with no ground to the injectors??

[@rudyseloterio]

Thank you ❤

[@50sKid]

Good video

[@BigDog50001]

I have watched some of your vids too, great content! Thanks for the comment!

[@joelaplnski5394]

That was nice, thanks

[@BigDog50001]

Thank you for the comment.

[@dwaynemathias3834]

I'm wondering if the plug in the #2 cylinder showed a rich condition.

[@erickrayos]

I've been having this flooding issue on my 2004 BMW M3, cylinder 6 at first was floodying, throttle body was full of fuel and having misfire on that cylinder along w/ cylinder 5 and 4 having pending codes for misfires as well. At first we thought its just pre-cat o2 sensor since it was only happening after the car has warmed up but after switching pre-cat o2 sensor it started doing right off the bat, checked the values I am getting for pre-cat o2 sensor and it was good. that's when I found the fuel in the throttle body, plugs were changed, coils were changed and still happening and at one point the "flooding" went to cylinder 5 for a little bit then went back to cylinder 6. Checked compression ratio on cold engine (Since I didn't really want it to run misfiring like crazy dumping fuel in the cylinder). everything actually checked out, 10psi lower than minimum but it is to be expected on a cold engine compression check. injectors was sent out for testing/cleaning/rebuild and everything came back great there was no note of sticking injector in the report sheet that I got. what else could it be? I was thinking maybe either wiring harness or DME, how can I check if the harness is shorted out on the injector w/o turning on the car?

[@BigDog50001]

A test light should show if a control wire to the fuel injector is shorted to ground (on all the time). I would try and narrow it down to whether it is a rich condition due to inputs that the ECM uses to control fuel delivery (O2/MAF etc) or is it a symptom due to mechanical problem (faulty or shorted injectors/wiring/air flow issue etc). Long term and short term fuel trims using a scan tool are where I would start (is ECM adding fuel and creating a rich condition or taking it away trying to control a rich condition). Upstream and downstream oxygen sensor readings at different RPMs and engine loads are also something I use to diagnose (do sensors go rich/lean like they are supposed to and are they responding properly). Sometimes sensor/solenoids only act up at certain temps too. I would look for engine trouble codes too. I believe cylinders 4, 5 and 6 are next to each other on the vehicle, so I would look for things they may have in common that could effect them all. Also, if the alcohol content in the fuel is not correct, it can create fuel delivery issues but that would probably effect all cylinders.

[@erickrayos]

@@BigDog50001 I tried using test light, clipped it on the power side of the battery and identified the ground cable on my injector harness and had someone crank the car while doing it, both cylinder that had the flooding problem was doing what they supposed to do, pulsing faintly. tested the power side clipped the test light on a ground and put the test light on the power side while the ignition is on and both got power. So far things I've done, New plugs and coils, New Pre-cat o2 sensor Injector rebuilt compression checked and passes checked injector harness w/ test light and passes. And cylinder 6 floods w/ fuel as if there were no spark. and sometimes it jumps to cylinder 5, codes that is out right now is multi misfire code and cylinder 6 misfire with two pending codes for cylinder 4 and 5. Thanks for your time helping me figure this out.

[@lucasellyson6872]

Excellent

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks!

[@MEANSTREETAUTO454]

Nice !

[@vincentdanangwijaya5467]

Terimakasih, sangat membantu👍

[@BigDog50001]

👍

[@64impalaSSRealMechanic315]

Great video So if i back probe plugged in injector with my power probe 4 and i get data like rest of cylinders does that mean injector is good ? Or just circuit system to injector is good

[@balloney2175]

I always watch your videos and I love them, all of them, but on index 2:49... do you expect us to buy that equipment?

[@cyrilleenelrutherford2410]

The best video

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks!

[@dalebabbitt6185]

That was a GREAT explanation, thank you!!! I'm doing the same thing on my 2009 Escape with the 2.5L. Cylinder 1 is misfiring. Injector, coil, and plug are all good. Compression is good but I'm going to do a leak down test anyway. Have you ever had any experience with good compression but a failed keak down? Thank you again!!!

[@BigDog50001]

Thanks for the comment 👍!

[@israelmondragon2664]

What if you are checking for ground pulse when you cant turn engine on?