Easy tips

Do you need an oscilloscope for a crank and cam sensor?

Do you need an oscilloscope for a crank and cam sensor?

Now, in case you’re wondering if you need an oscilloscope to test these crank and cam signals the answer is no. You don’t need an oscilloscope and you definitely don’t need an automotive scan tool to test the CKP sensor or CMP sensor signals.

How to test a crankshaft position sensor using a DMM?

Testing a Hall Effect Type CKP Sensor Testing a Hall effect type sensor is best using an oscilloscope. But not many DIYers own one. Still, you can use a DMM to test this type of CKP sensor in your vehicle.

What do you need to know about Crank and cam sensors?

The car or truck’s battery must be fully charged. A digital multimeter that can read Hertz frequency. A good repair manual. The repair manual will probably be just one of many information resources that you’ll use to diagnose the CKP or CMP sensors on your car or truck.

How many turns does a crankshaft sensor capture?

Adjust your time scale to capture at least three turns of the crankshaft on a screen. Like wheel speed sensors, engine position sensors can be passive (floating) or active. In the case of engine position sensors, inductive (floating) or hall effect. Inductive sensor setups typically have two signals.

How to check the camshaft and crankshaft position?

Start the scope to see live data. Start the engine and run at idle. With your waveforms on screen stop the scope. Turn off the engine. Use the Waveform Buffer, Zoom and Measurements tools to examine your waveform. A digital CKP sensor signal ( Channel A) switching from just above 0 V to just below 5 V.

Adjust your time scale to capture at least three turns of the crankshaft on a screen. Like wheel speed sensors, engine position sensors can be passive (floating) or active. In the case of engine position sensors, inductive (floating) or hall effect. Inductive sensor setups typically have two signals.

How to compare camshaft and crankshaft sensor waveforms?

The purpose of this test is to directly compare the relative positions of the Crankshaft position (CKP) and Camshaft position (CMP) sensor waveforms and features. View connection guidance notes. Use manufacturer’s data to identify the crankshaft and camshaft sensor signal circuits. Connect PicoScope Channel A to the crankshaft circuit.

Where can I find the crankshaft position sensor?

No variation in the waveform pattern positions with respect to each other (they should not shift with time), given fixed engine operating conditions. Go to the drop-down menu bar at the lower left corner of the Waveform Library window and select Crankshaft sensor (Hall effect) or Camshaft sensor (Hall effect).

Author Image
Ruth Doyle