Pinpoint Test Notes

NOTE:
1. Do not connect the positive lead of the Electronic Ignition (EI) diagnostic harness or Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor tee until directed to do so.
2. The SPark OUTput (SPOUT) and Ignition Diagnostic Monitor (IDM) detectors in the diagnostic harness will not work unless the positive and negative leads of the EI diagnostic harness are connected.
3. The vehicle battery voltage must be at least 12.0 volts DC.
4. Be careful not to bring a fluorescent trouble lamp close to the vehicle wiring. If the key is ON and the CKP sensor is disconnected, the ICM may fire the coil.
5. When using a DVOM to measure DC voltage readings, connect the positive lead to the jack identified with a (+) sign and the negative lead to the jack with a (-) sign.

IMPORTANT NOTE
Most DVOM's used by auto technicians belong to a class or type known as "averaging." Examples are the Rotunda Digital Volt-Ohmmeter 007-0001, Fluke 70, 20 series and Fluke 88. Recently technicians have started to use DVOM'S of a different class (True RMS, DVOM's, Fluke 87, 8060A, 8062A, etc.). True RMS DVOM's should not be used with the Pinpoint Tests because they may display different voltage readings depending upon if the DVOM is turned on first and then the test leads are connected, or if the leads are connected first and the DVOM is turned on. Also they may not auto range to the same range every time and some display significantly different values depending on the range selected. It would be impossible to list all of the meters and how to use each, so we are requesting that you perform the following test to verify your DVOM is compatible with the Pinpoint Tests.

Using a known good EI vehicle, install the EI diagnostic harness, connect the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Breakout Box to the diagnostic harness, start the vehicle and measure the AC voltage between J51 (RC1I) and ground. The battery should be charged and the engine must be idling between 700 and 900 RPM. The value should be between 1.0 and 2.0 volts AC (1.5 volts AC is typical). If you have the EI (Low Data Rate) hand held testers they may be used instead of the Diagnostic Harness/EEC Breakout Box to gain access to J51 (RC1I) and J43 (PIP I). Next, with the engine idling, measure between PIP and ground. This reading should be between 6.0 and 8.0 volts AC.

If the readings you get agree with our test, your DVOM is OK to use with the Ignition Pinpoint Tests. If not, do not use it, it will lead to false parts replacement and the root cause will be difficult or impossible to find.