Hi everyone. Can you tell me where I can do diagnostics with an oscilloscope? I know this is a very cool diagnostic tool and it can show problems that dealer scanners won't show.Thanks a lot!

 

Used an oscilloscope when I wrote software for various devices. Never used one for any automotive work. Well, when I wrote automotive test software I used a scope to view communication of the OBD2 protocols and USB and serial communications. But this was not to troubleshoot a problem with a car but just to confirm my software was making the right signals to ensure proper communication with the vehicle or the USB device or serial devices

Since 1996 and the arrival of OBD2 all issues I encountered were flagged by a CEL and one or more error codes along with freeze frame data.

You could use the scope to view the output from the crankshaft position sensor, and voltage signals to the fuel injectors, and of course O2 sensor voltages -- to name at least 3 possible uses that come to mind -- but it is rare one needs to do the above.

 

Using certain techniques, an oscilloscope can check
- Compression ratio
- Losses
- Checking all injector cylinders
- Compressions
- The condition of the candles
- clogged exhaust
- Condition of the timing chain (stretched or out of marks)
- Not accurately setting the ring gear
- Insufficient filling of cylinders
Of course this cannot be a definitive diagnosis but this information gives the mechanic the direction in which he needs to move. Naturally, all this can be done mechanically. But how long will it take you? For example, a car arrived with uneven idling, the error scanner does not show errors, but we see a long-term correction.