The Trainer #30: Learning The Automotive Lab Scope

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There is no question that a modern automotive labscope, in the hands of someone who is willing to learn how to use it, is a powerful diagnostic tool.
Many of the technicians we've met around the country tell us that they (or the shop) own a scope but are unsure of how to use it or when to use it. The answer to "when" is pretty simple. You can only get comfortable using any diagnostic tool or process by doing it a lot, and doing it first on cars you know are OK. As we've said in these pages many times over, troubleshooting problems is similar to that old game where you compare two pictures to one another, looking for the differences. If you look at lots of good "pictures" then when you see a bad one, it will stand right out!
How to use it is another story, and one we intend to try and help you with right now. In the June 2013 edition of "The Trainer" video, we'll show you the basic settings and how to choose the ranges you want dependent on the signal you intend to capture. We'll also show you some common testing procedures and how to connect your scope to perform them. And we'll also show you why these connections are made they way they are so you can apply that knowledge to future challenges on your own.

[@spelunkerd]

You hit the nail on the head by the qualifier that one has to put in the work to learn how to use it. Gaining experience is all about mileage, ha ha.

[@stuzman52]

Nice video Pete. You'll probably fine a lot of followers in showing them how to use a scope. Keep up the good work Pete!

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

We'll do that! And we may just share some of them with our readers if that's OK with you!

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

Glad you liked it! Based on the responses we've gotten, we'll be doing more on learning the scope soon.

[@golfnut533]

Also, with the single channel uscope, you can’t tell which cylinder is what because you don’t have another channel to use.

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

We'll try to add more soon!

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

Glad to hear it! It takes a little time to get comfortable with any new diagnostic tool, but in the long run you'll find it time well-spent.

[@robe5000]

More scope training please

[@mechanicshaficug9456]

Thanks for the explanation.but still looks tricky for me tel me how to conect a scope to pick a crank shaft siginal

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

The Vantage is a graphing multimeter. I'll try to see if I can get my hands on one, but unfortunately can't promise anything. Shouldn't matter, though. The basics apply to all scopes. It's just the set-up procedures that vary.

[@golfnut533]

Pete, you forgot to mention for the relative compression test, that you have to disable the car from starting.

[@trainer2018]

I have started a electrical troubleshooting channel also. I have 3 videos up so far. Let me know what you think.

[@mrghiax]

Great video Pete. I too have a Uscope with an amp probe and although I got a relative compression sign wave it was very small in comparison to the sign wave you achieved. New to scope so I'm not sure how you achieved more detail? 2) Which probe calibration did you set the Uscope to? (1:1, 10:1, 10:1 A or 100:1 A). My amp probe was set to the 60 amp setting. Thanks Stephen

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

+mrghiax I play with the voltage settings and increase the scaling to expand the pattern, rather than use the presets. I'm not worried about actually measuring the current flow for this test, just want to see the variations between peaks (cylinders).

[@James-fs4rn]

👍 good stuff as always Pete !

[@BlackBlade0001]

I just picked up an inexpensive Hantek 1008C scope for use at the shop where I apprentice. Got many years of hands on experience but just lately had a career shift and now getting my license as an AST. The shop I work at is small and really just does upkeep and repairs to their fleet off vehicles, so they can't afford the high priced equipment a regular shop could. I will be needing to get some attenuators before I begin using the scope on fuel injectors and ignition wires but would I be able to connect the basic test leads that came with the unit to say ABS sensors, TPS, etc that are only smaller voltages and signals going back to the PCM or BCM? Is Crank and Cam sensor readings ok without attenuators?

[@mrbadpliersstripbolt2696]

Yes, crank and cam sensors are fine without attenuators. Systems that have coils or solenoids that can cause voltage spikes from collapsing magnetic fields are the ones that cause concern. You can also get a low amp probe for ignition and fuel injection, which is great for looking at things like current ramps on coils and injectors.

[@McCuistian]

Great video, Pete!

[@35son]

I would like to know how to find out what the test leads colors yellow ,Green ect. cause I watched all or most no all the video but none show how to hook the leads to a Otc Pegisys. 2nd the manual how can I get that like a download or pdf.

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

+Joe simpson With a multi-channel scope, each channel has it's own color lead to help the user distinguish what he's connecting to wear. If I remember correctly, the Pegisys scope uses a single common ground lead. The connectors should be labeled accordingly. As for a manual, check with OTC or Google it.

[@jackjones8914]

Can you post the brand, model, and price of the scope you were using with the laptop.? Is it wireless or USB? Maybe a video on choosing a scope would help. Thanks! Your video was very helpful.

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

Jack, This is an older model Pico scope, a PC-based USB platform available from several vendors. Choosing a scope is a matter of preference, skill level and cost. Our friends at AESWave (dot) com have several different options and would be glad to help you find one that best fits you.

[@nassirdaoud716]

where can I get some hands on training in Chicago

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

If you live in Chicago, then you live in a town where some of the nation's best trainers live! Contact ASA Illinois and ask them about training opportunities and how to contact these guys. One that immediately comes to mind is driveabilityguys.com/ and if you don't mind a drive to NY, my friend G. Truglia holds classes at his shop. You can contact him at www.tstseminars.org. I also have a new series started that will take you from the very beginning in learning scopes. You can see the first in the series here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJCnoJSvfdxpoNk

[@serchmarc]

do you recommend use a laptop just for the pico? i mean,,, use a laptop just for the pico, and info and not for other webs to avoid virus and screw all the expensive programs?

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

I would recommend you have a separate work laptop from any home PC that you use for general work. Both require due diligence to avoid virus infection, though. A good antivirus software is a must for both.

[@serchmarc]

aw ok sir, thnank you very much for your time to reply. keep the techs table live chat . :)

[@petruandreascondurachi7648]

Superb video ! Thank you

[@skycoolflare213]

what settings did you use on the uscope to get that relative compression wave form?

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

I don't recall the exact settings I used on the UScope, but think about it a minute. I'm cranking the engine over without it starting, so it's spinning about 300-400 rpm. That's 5 revolutions a second (300 rpm). So set your initial time base for a total sweep of 1 second to start and work down from there. Set the voltage scale to AC with a total sweep of +/- 100 to see only the variance on a single screen. Other scopes (like the PICO) allow me to set the limits high and then zoom in on what I want to see. HTH!

[@abdulirbaleh9049]

You have really nice content . Keep it up.

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

Thank you!

[@erikowens9446]

Where is the video?