CHAPTER 16

Using Scopes to Test the Ignition System

Learning Objectives

• 16-01 Investigate primary circuit faults and operation.
• 16-02 Set up a scope for current ramping.
• 16-03 Dissect ignition waveforms to help with ignition diagnostics.
• 16-04 Understand ignition scope secondary terminology.
• 16-05 Interpret secondary ignition system failures and use the tools to diagnose them.
• 16-06 Explore distributorless ignition system testing procedures.
• 16-07 Use an oscilloscope to test and examine ignition systems.
• 16-08 Analyze ignition waveforms for failures.

ASE Education Foundation Tasks

See Appendix A to view the 2017 ASE Education Foundation Automobile Accreditation Task List Correlation Guide.

You Are the Automotive Technician

A 2015 Ford F-150 with a coil-on-plug (COP) ignition system comes in with a Cylinder 6 misfire. When trying to diagnose the misfire, you hook up a digital oscilloscope to look at the spark firing line. What type of spark firing line are you looking for?

1. A flat spark firing line.
2. A wavy spark firing line.
3. An arch spark firing line.