The noid light is an excellent "quick and dirty" tool. It can
usually be hooked to a fuel injector harness fast and the flashing
light is easy to understand. It is a dependable way to identify a no-
pulse situation.
However, a noid light can be very deceptive in two cases:
* If the wrong one is used for the circuit being tested.
Beware: Just because a connector on a noid light fits the
harness does not mean it is the right one.
* If an injector driver is weak or a minor voltage drop is
present.
Use the Right Noid Light
In the following text we will look at what can happen if the
wrong noid light is used, why there are different types of noid lights
(besides differences with connectors), how to identify the types of
noid lights, and how to know the right type to use.
First, let's discuss what can happen if the incorrect type of
noid light is used. You might see:
* A dimly flashing light when it should be normal.
* A normal flashing light when it should be dim.
A noid light will flash dim if used on a lower voltage
circuit than it was designed for. A normally operating circuit would
appear underpowered, which could be misinterpreted as the cause of a
fuel starvation problem.
Here are the two circuit types that could cause this problem:
* Circuits with external injector resistors. Used predominately
on some Asian & European systems, they are used to reduce the
available voltage to an injector in order to limit the
current flow. This lower voltage can cause a dim flash on a
noid light designed for full voltage.
* Circuits with current controlled injector drivers (e.g. "Peak
and Hold"). Basically, this type of driver allows a quick
burst of voltage/current to flow and then throttles it back
significantly for the remainder of the pulse width duration.
If a noid light was designed for the other type of driver
(voltage controlled, e.g. "Saturated"), it will appear dim
because it is expecting full voltage/current to flow for the
entire duration of the pulse width.
Let's move to the other situation where a noid light flashes
normally when it should be dim. This could occur if a more sensitive
noid light is used on a higher voltage/amperage circuit that was
weakened enough to cause problems (but not outright broken). A circuit\
with an actual problem would thus appear normal.
Let's look at why. A noid light does not come close to
consuming as much amperage as an injector solenoid. If there is a
partial driver failure or a minor voltage drop in the injector
circuit, there can be adequate amperage to fully operate the noid
light BUT NOT ENOUGH TO OPERATE THE INJECTOR.
If this is not clear, picture a battery with a lot of
corrosion on the terminals. Say there is enough corrosion that the
starter motor will not operate; it only clicks. Now imagine turning on
the headlights (with the ignition in the RUN position). You find they
light normally and are fully bright. This is the same idea as noid
light: There is a problem, but enough amp flow exists to operate the
headlights ("noid light"), but not the starter motor ("injector").
How do you identify and avoid all these situations? By using
the correct type of noid light. This requires that you understanding
full load. The Kent-Moore J-39021 is such a tool, though there are
others. The Kent-Moore costs around $240 at the time of this writing
and works on many different manufacturer's systems.
The second method is to use a lab scope. Remember, a lab
scope allows you to see the regular operation of a circuit in real
time. If an injector is having an short or intermittent short, the lab
scope will show it.
Checking Available Voltage At the Injector
Verifying a fuel injector has the proper voltage to operate
correctly is good diagnostic technique. Finding an open circuit on the
feed circuit like a broken wire or connector is an accurate check with
a DVOM. Unfortunately, finding an intermittent or excessive resistance
problem with a DVOM is unreliable.
Let's explore this drawback. Remember that a voltage drop due
to excessive resistance will only occur when a circuit is operating?
Since the injector circuit is only operating for a few milliseconds at
a time, a DVOM will only see a potential fault for a few milliseconds.
The remaining 90+% of the time the unloaded injector circuit will show
normal battery voltage.
Since DVOMs update their display roughly two to five times a
second, all measurements in between are averaged. Because a potential
voltage drop is visible for such a small amount of time, it gets
"averaged out", causing you to miss it.
Only a DVOM that has a "min-max" function that checks EVERY
MILLISECOND will catch this fault consistently (if used in that mode).\
The Fluke 87 among others has this capability.
A "min-max" DVOM with a lower frequency of checking (100
millisecond) can miss the fault because it will probably check when
the injector is not on. This is especially true with current
controlled driver circuits. The Fluke 88, among others fall into this
category.
Outside of using a Fluke 87 (or equivalent) in the 1 mS "min-\
max" mode, the only way to catch a voltage drop fault is with a lab
scope. You will be able to see a voltage drop as it happens.
One final note. It is important to be aware that an injector
circuit with a solenoid resistor will always show a voltage drop when
the circuit is energized. This is somewhat obvious and normal; it is a
designed-in voltage drop. What can be unexpected is what we already
covered--a voltage drop disappears when the circuit is unloaded. The
unloaded injector circuit will show normal battery voltage at the
injector. Remember this and do not get confused.
Checking Injector On-Time With Built-In Function
Several DVOMs have a feature that allows them to measure
injector on-time (mS pulse width). While they are accurate and fast to\
hookup, they have three limitations you should be aware of:
* They only work on voltage controlled injector drivers (e.g
"Saturated Switch"), NOT on current controlled injector
drivers (e.g. "Peak & Hold").
* A few unusual conditions can cause inaccurate readings.
* Varying engine speeds can result in inaccurate readings.
Regarding the first limitation, DVOMs need a well-defined
injector pulse in order to determine when the injector turns ON and
OFF. Voltage controlled drivers provide this because of their simple
switch-like operation. They completely close the circuit for the
entire duration of the pulse. This is easy for the DVOM to interpret.
The other type of driver, the current controlled type, start
off well by completely closing the circuit (until the injector pintle
opens), but then they throttle back the voltage/current for the
duration of the pulse. The DVOM understands the beginning of the pulse
times by increasing injector pulse width accordingly.
NOTE: Never apply battery voltage directly across a low resistance
injector. This will cause injector damage from solenoid coil
overheating.
Fig. 1: Injector Driver Types - Current and Voltage
CURRENT CONTROLLED CIRCUIT ("PEAK & HOLD")
The current controlled driver inside the computer is more
complex than a voltage controlled driver because as the name implies,
it has to limit current flow in addition to its ON-OFF switching
function. Recall, this driver typically requires injector circuits
with a total leg resistance of less than 12 ohms.
Once the driver is turned ON, it will not limit current flow
until enough time has passed for the injector pintle to open. This
period is preset by the particular manufacturer/system based on the
amount of current flow needed to open their injector. This is
typically between two and six amps. Some manufacturers refer to this
as the "peak" time, referring to the fact that current flow is allowed
to "peak" (to open the injector).
Once the injector pintle is open, the amp flow is
considerably reduced for the rest of the pulse duration to protect the
injector from overheating. This is okay because very little amperage
is needed to hold the injector open, typically in the area of one amp
or less. Some manufacturers refer to this as the "hold" time, meaning
that just enough current is allowed through the circuit to "hold" the
already-open injector open.
There are a couple methods of reducing the current. The most
common trims back the available voltage for the circuit, similar to
turning down a light at home with a dimmer.
The other method involves repeatedly cycling the circuit ON-
OFF. It does this so fast that the magnetic field never collapses and
the pintle stays open, but the current is still significantly reduced.
See the right side of Fig. 1 for an illustration.
The advantage to the current controlled driver circuit is the
short time period from when the driver transistor goes ON to when the
injector actually opens. This is a function of the speed with which
current flow reaches its peak due to the low circuit resistance. Also,
the injector closes faster when the driver turns OFF because of the
lower holding current.
NOTE: Never apply battery voltage directly across a low resistance
injector. This will cause injector damage from solenoid coil
overheating.
THE TWO WAYS INJECTOR CIRCUITS ARE WIRED
Like other circuits, injector circuits can be wired in one of
two fundamental directions. The first method is to steadily power the
injectors and have the computer driver switch the ground side of the
circuit. Conversely, the injectors can be steadily grounded while the
driver switches the power side of the circuit.
There is no performance benefit to either method. Voltage
controlled and current controlled drivers have been successfully
implemented both ways.
However, 95% percent of the systems are wired so the driver
controls the ground side of the circuit. Only a handful of systems use
the drivers on the power side of the circuit. Some examples of the
latter are the 1970's Cadillac EFI system, early Jeep 4.0 EFI (Renix
system), and Chrysler 1984-87 TBI.
INTERPRETING INJECTOR WAVEFORMS
INTERPRETING A VOLTAGE CONTROLLED PATTERN
NOTE: Voltage controlled drivers are also known as "Saturated
Switch" drivers. They typically require injector circuits
with a total leg resistance of 12 ohms or more.
NOTE: This example is based on a constant power/switched ground
circuit.
* See Fig. 2 for pattern that the following text describes.
Point "A" is where system voltage is supplied to the
injector. A good hot run voltage is usually 13.5 or more volts. This
point, commonly known as open circuit voltage, is critical because the
injector will not get sufficient current saturation if there is a
voltage shortfall. To obtain a good look at this precise point, you
will need to shift your Lab Scope to five volts per division.
You will find that some systems have slight voltage
fluctuations here. This can occur if the injector feed wire is also
used to power up other cycling components, like the ignition coil(s).
Slight voltage fluctuations are normal and are no reason for concern.
Major voltage fluctuations are a different story, however. Major
voltage shifts on the injector feed line will create injector
performance problems. Look for excessive resistance problems in the
feed circuit if you see big shifts and repair as necessary.
Note that circuits with external injector resistors will not
be any different because the resistor does not affect open circuit
voltage.
Point "B" is where the driver completes the circuit to
ground. This point of the waveform should be a clean square point
straight down with no rounded edges. It is during this period that
current saturation of the injector windings is taking place and the
driver is heavily stressed. Weak drivers will distort this vertical
line.
Point "C" represents the voltage drop across the injector
windings. Point "C" should come very close to the ground reference
point, but not quite touch. This is because the driver has a small
amount of inherent resistance. Any significant offset from ground is
an indication of a resistance problem on the ground circuit that needs
repaired. You might miss this fault if you do not use the negative
battery post for your Lab Scope hook-up, so it is HIGHLY recommended
that you use the battery as your hook-up.
The points between "B" and "D" represent the time in
milliseconds that the injector is being energized or held open. This
line at Point "C" should remain flat. Any distortion or upward bend
indicates a ground problem, short problem, or a weak driver. Alert
readers will catch that this is exactly opposite of the current
controlled type drivers (explained in the next section), because they
bend upwards at this point.
How come the difference? Because of the total circuit
resistance. Voltage controlled driver circuits have a high resistance
of 12+ ohms that slows the building of the magnetic field in the
injector. Hence, no counter voltage is built up and the line remains
flat.
On the other hand, the current controlled driver circuit has
low resistance which allows for a rapid magnetic field build-up. This
causes a slight inductive rise (created by the effects of counter
voltage) and hence, the upward bend. You should not see that here with
voltage controlled circuits.
Point "D" represents the electrical condition of the injector
windings. The height of this voltage spike (inductive kick) is
proportional to the number of windings and the current flow through
them. The more current flow and greater number of windings, the more
potential for a greater inductive kick. The opposite is also true. The
less current flow or fewer windings means less inductive kick.
Typically you should see a minimum 35 volts at the top of Point "D".
If you do see approximately 35 volts, it is because a zener
diode is used with the driver to clamp the voltage. Make sure the
beginning top of the spike is squared off, indicating the zener dumped
the remainder of the spike. If it is not squared, that indicates the
spike is not strong enough to make the zener fully dump, meaning the
injector has a weak winding.
If a zener diode is not used in the computer, the spike from
a good injector will be 60 or more volts.
Point "E" brings us to a very interesting section. As you
can see, the voltage dissipates back to supply value after the peak of
the inductive kick. Notice the slight hump? This is actually the
mechanical injector pintle closing. Recall that moving an iron core
through a magnetic field will create a voltage surge. The pintle is
drivers. They typically require injector circuits
with a total leg resistance with less than 12 ohm.
NOTE: This example is based on a constant power/switched ground
circuit.
* See Fig. 3 for pattern that the following text describes.
Point "A" is where system voltage is supplied to the
injector. A good hot run voltage is usually 13.5 or more volts. This
point, commonly known as open circuit voltage, is critical because the
injector will not get sufficient current saturation if there is a
voltage shortfall. To obtain a good look at this precise point, you
will need to shift your Lab Scope to five volts per division.
You will find that some systems have slight voltage
fluctuations here. This could occur if the injector feed wire is also
used to power up other cycling components, like the ignition coil(s).
Slight voltage fluctuations are normal and are no reason for concern.
Major voltage fluctuations are a different story, however. Major
voltage shifts on the injector feed line will create injector
performance problems. Look for excessive resistance problems in the
feed circuit if you see big shifts and repair as necessary.
Point "B" is where the driver completes the circuit to
ground. This point of the waveform should be a clean square point
straight down with no rounded edges. It is during this period that
current saturation of the injector windings is taking place and the
driver is heavily stressed. Weak drivers will distort this vertical
line.
Point "C" represents the voltage drop across the injector
windings. Point "C" should come very close to the ground reference
point, but not quite touch. This is because the driver has a small
amount of inherent resistance. Any significant offset from ground is
an indication of a resistance problem on the ground circuit that needs
repaired. You might miss this fault if you do not use the negative
battery post for your Lab Scope hook-up, so it is HIGHLY recommended
that you use the battery as your hook-up.
Right after Point "C", something interesting happens. Notice
the trace starts a normal upward bend. This slight inductive rise is
created by the effects of counter voltage and is normal. This is
because the low circuit resistance allowed a fast build-up of the
magnetic field, which in turn created the counter voltage.
Point "D" is the start of the current limiting, also known as
the "Hold" time. Before this point, the driver had allowed the current
to free-flow ("Peak") just to get the injector pintle open. By the
time point "D" occurs, the injector pintle has already opened and the
computer has just significantly throttled the current back. It does
this by only allowing a few volts through to maintain the minimum
current required to keep the pintle open.
The height of the voltage spike seen at the top of Point "D"
represents the electrical condition of the injector windings. The
height of this voltage spike (inductive kick) is proportional to the
number of windings and the current flow through them. The more current
flow and greater number of windings, the more potential for a greater
inductive kick. The opposite is also true. The less current flow or
fewer windings means less inductive kick. Typically you should see a
minimum 35 volts.
If you see approximately 35 volts, it is because a zener
diode is used with the driver to clamp the voltage. Make sure the
beginning top of the spike is squared off, indicating the zener dumped
the remainder of the spike. If it is not squared, that indicates the
spike is not strong enough to make the zener fully dump, meaning there
is a problem with a weak injector winding.
If a zener diode is not used in the computer, the spike from
\003
WIP ER /W ASH ER S YSTE M
1991 M it s u bis h i M onte ro
1991 ACCESSORIES & SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Chrysler Motors/Mitsubishi Wiper/Washer Systems
Dodge; Ram-50
Mitsubishi: Montero, Pickup
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
All models are equipped with a 2-speed wiper motor with an
optional intermittent wiper feature. Some models are equipped with a
rear wiper/washer.
ADJUSTMENTS
FRONT WIPER ARM ADJUSTMENT
Ensure wiper motor is in park position. Position wiper arm
and blade assembly so tip of blade is specified distance above front
window trim. See FRONT WIPER ADJUSTMENT SPECIFICATIONS table.
FRONT WIPER ADJUSTMENT SPECIFICATIONS TABLE
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Model Driver Side: In. (mm) Passenger Side: In. (mm\
)
Montero ............ 1.5-1.9 (37-47) ............. 1.5-1.9 (37-47\
)
Pickup & Ram-50 ........ .6 (15) ........................ 1.0 (25\
)
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REAR WIPER ARM ADJUSTMENT
NOTE: Pickup and Ram-50 are not equipped with rear wipers.
Ensure wiper motor is in park position. Position wiper arm
and blade assembly so tip of blade is specified distance from edge of
window. See REAR WIPER ADJUSTMENT SPECIFICATIONS table.
REAR WIPER ADJUSTMENT SPECIFICATIONS TABLE
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Model In. (mm)
Montero ....................................... ( 2) *
( 2) - Blade parallel with lower edge of window.
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TESTING
FRONT WIPER MOTOR
Checking Wiper Motor Operation ( Montero, Pickup & Ram-50)
Disconnect wiring connector from wiper motor. Connect battery
voltage to appropriate wiper motor terminal, and ground other
terminal. See WIPER MOTOR OPERATION CHECK table. See Fig. 1. Ensure
wiper motor operates in both low and high speeds.
WIPER MOTOR OPERATION CHECK TABLE
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Model & Ground Apply Voltage
Application Terminal No. To Terminal No.
Low Speed Operation
Montero ...................... 3 ............................. 1
Pickup & Ram-50 .............. 1 ............................. 3
High Speed Operation
Montero ...................... 4 ............................. 1
Pickup & Ram-50 .............. 2 ............................. 3
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Fig. 1: Front Wiper Motor Terminal ID (Montero, Pickup & Ram-50)
Courtesy of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America.
Checking Automatic Stop (Montero, Pickup & Ram-50)
1)Operate wiper motor at low speed. See CHECKING WIPER MOTOR
OPERATION. Disconnect battery voltage to stop motor in any position
except park.
2) Using a jumper wire, connect 2 terminals indicated. See
AUTOMATIC STOP CHECK table. See Fig. 1. Connect 12 volts to terminal
indicated in table, and ground wiper motor bracket. Ensure motor parks
wiper arm.
AUTOMATIC STOP CHECK TABLE
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Model Jumper Pin Nos. Apply Voltage To Pin Nos.
Montero ................ 3 & 2 ................................. 1
Pickup & Ram-50 ........ 1 & 4 ................................. 3
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FRONT WIPER RELAY
NOTE: On Pickup, Ram-50,intermittent wiper relay is incorporated
into wiper switch. See STEERING COLUMN SWITCHES article in
the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIP Section. Precis does not have a
front wiper relay.
Continuity Check (Montero)
Remove relay. Relay is located behind driver's kick panel.
Make sure continuity is present between terminals No. 2 and 5. See
Fig. 2 .