Ferve F-1860 User manual

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FERVE F-1860
WARNING
♦ Engines produce carbon monoxide which is odourless, causes slower
reaction time, and can lead to serious injury through inhalation. Keep service
areas WELL VENTILATED while the engine is running!
♦ Activate the handbrake and block the wheels be ore testing or repairing the
vehicle. It is especially important to block the wheels on ront-drive vehicles,
as the handbrake does not lock the drive wheels.
♦ Wear an eye shield when testing or repairing vehicles. Exceeding the limits
o the F-1860 is dangerous. It will expose you to serious or possibly atal
injury. Care ully read and take heed o the precautions described in this
instruction manual, and make sure that the established limits o the F-1860
are never exceeded.
♦ Under absolutely no circumstances must voltage exceed 1000 VDC or 750
VDC between any terminal or ground.
♦ Extreme caution must be exercised when measuring voltage above 25 VAC
or VDC.
♦ Circuits to be tested must be protected by a 20A use or circuit breaker.
♦ Do not use the F-1860 i it has been damaged.
♦ Do not use the test leads i the insulation is damaged or the cable is
exposed.
♦ Use adequate current clamps when measuring circuits in excess o 10A.
♦ To avoid electrical shock, never touch the test leads, tips or circuit while
testing.
♦ Do not make a voltage measurement with the test leads in the 20A or mA
terminal.
♦ When testing or voltage or current, make sure that the corresponding
unction o the F-1860 is the correct one. We recommend you take a test
reading o a known voltage or current be ore carrying out a speci ic unction.
♦ Choose the proper range and unction or the measurement. Do not try to
take voltage or current measurements that may exceed the ratings marked
on the unction /range switch or terminal.
♦ When measuring current, connect the F-1860 in series with the load.
♦ Never connect more than one set o leads to the F-1860.
♦ Disconnect the live test lead be ore disconnecting the common test lead
(COM).
♦ The mA and 20A terminals are protected by uses. In order to avoid possible
injury or damage, use only in circuits not exceeding 400mA, 10A continuous
or 20A or a maximum15 seconds.
IMPORTANT
♦ In order to maintain the accuracy o the F-1860, replace the battery as soon
as the battery symbol appears on the display.
♦ Avoid measuring errors rom external inter erence: keep the F-1860 away
rom spark plug cables or wire coils.

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♦ Avoid damage to the F-1860 when testing: disconnect the test leads rom
the test points be ore changing unctions.
♦ Do not exceed the limits shown in the table below:
Function Terminal Input Limit
AC Volts 750 V AC rms
DC Volts V/ Ω / RPM 1000 V DC
Frequency
Ohm (resistance)
Diode
V/ Ω / RPM 500 V AC/DC
AC/DC 400 mA mA 400 mA AC/DC
AC/DC 20 A 20 A *20 A AC/DC
RPM
Duty Cycle (%)
Dwell angle
V/ Ω / RPM 500 V AC/DC
*10A continuous measurement or 20A or a maximum15 seconds
Ohms cannot be measured when voltage is present. They can only be
measured in a non-powered circuit. However, the F-1860 is protected up to
500V.
MEASURING BASICS
Protecti e Rubber Casing
The rubber casing has been designed to protect the F-1860 when accidentally
dropped. Additionally, it provides a convenient storage method or the test
probes. It is also use ul or holding one o the test probes, while leaving another
hand ree to operate the other test probe while holding the F-1860 in the other
hand. (see igure x).

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1. Digital and Analogue Display
Display eatures:
a. Four character digital display
b. Symbols indicating unctions
c. Analogue bar graph
2. Function buttons
Press the button to select the desired unction. A
symbol con irming your selection will appear.
3. Rotary Selector Switch
Use this switch to select a unction or to turn o
the F-1860.
4. Temperature terminal
Insert the temperature probe into this terminal.
5. Test lead terminals
The black (-) test lead is used in the COM terminal
or all tests. The red (+) test lead is used to
measure Amps or Volts.
Automatic Deactivation eature
♦ Automatic Power O a ter 30 minutes o inactivity.
♦ Automatic Power can be disactivated. This eature must be set when the
F-1860 is to record data over a period o time in excess o 30 minutes. In
order to disactivate the “Power O ” mode, keep the yellow “PWR RST”
button pressed while switching on the F-1860.
Digital and Analogue Display
∗ Press HOLD to maintain data on the display
∗ Press MAX/MIN to read maximum or minimum stored values
∗ Press REL∆ to read the di erences between currently displayed reading
and stored reading.
∗ Press CYL to select number o cylinders a ter DWELL has been selected
with the rotary switch.
∗ Diode or continuity test.
∗ The F-1860 automatically selects the best range.
∗ Analogue bar graph with polarity display
∗ Press ºC / ºF to choose between degrees Celsius (ºC) or degrees
Fahrenheit (ºF).

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∗ Negative Polarity indicator
∗ Press the blue button to choose between AC or DC current
∗ Press TRIG± to select positive (+) or negative (-) Trigger level
∗ Low battery: change the F-1860 battery when this symbol is displayed
Function and Range Selection
Turn the rotary switch in either direction to select desired unction.
The F-1860 automatically selects the range. However, you can also manually
select a speci ic unction by pressing the range button.
Always select a range higher than the expected current or voltage. A terwards a
lower range can be selected or improved accuracy.
♦ The higher the range selected, the lower the accuracy
♦ I the range is too low, the F-1860 blinks “OL” (Over Limit) and beeps.
PUSH-BUTTON FUNCTIONS
Alternate Function
The blue-coloured button is the Alternate Function button. Press this button to
alternate between AC, audible and capacitance unctions, shown in blue on the
ront o the F-1860.
REL∆
∆∆
∆ Function
Press the REL∆ Function button. The F-1860 will display the reading and store
it as a re erence value. Keep the button pressed or two seconds to exit this
mode.
In REL∆ mode, the indicated value is always the di erence between the stored
reading and the present reading. For example, i the re erence value is 24.00 V
and the present reading is 12.50 V, the F-1860 will show -11.50 V. I the new
reading is the same as the re erence value, the F-1860 will display 0.
DATA STORING
The Data Storage eature stores the highest or lowest reading in the memory.
♦ First connect the F-1860 test leads to the points to be tested. Press the
MAX/MIN key once to start MIN data storage, which will be displayed.
♦ Press the MAX/MIN key twice to start MAX data storage, which will be
displayed.
♦ Press the HOLD button to stop data storage; press again to restart the
storage.

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Range Selection
The range is automatically selected by the F-1860. However, should you wish to
select the range manually, this can be done by pressing the RANGE button.
Range Exit
To exit the manual RANGE unction and return to automatic mode, keep the
RANGE button pressed or 2 seconds.
NOTE:
♦ I the range is too high, the readings will be less accurate.
♦ I the range is too low, the F-1860 will blink and show OL (Over Limit)
DATA HOLD
The Data Hold eature stores the last reading in the F-1860’s memory.
♦ Press the DATA HOLD button once to hold the present reading.
♦ Press the DATA HOLD button again to exit and resume readings.
Power Reset (PWR RST)
The Power Reset button switches the F-1860 back on when it has automatically
switched itsel o .
Power Off Disable
To disable the automatic power o unction, keep the PWR RST button pressed
while switching on the F-1860.
Temperature (ºC/ºF)
The temperature can be displayed in degrees Celsius (ºC) or in degrees
Farenheit (ºF).
Press the ºC/ºF button to choose between degrees Celsius (ºC) or degrees
Farenheit (ºF).
CYL Cylinder
Select the DWELL unction, then press the cylinder button to choose between
the 4, 5, 6 or 8 cylinder scale.
Trigger
Select the Duty Cycle and Pulse Width unction, then press the ±Trigger button
to choose between the negative (-) or positive (+) slope.

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RPM / DIS
In the RPM unction the F-1860 de aults to RPM (2) or conventional 4-cycle
engines.
BASIC DIAGNOSTIC TESTING
This section takes you through a systematic series o tests that check the
vehicle’s electrical system. These tests should be carried out be ore testing
individual components.
Electrical System Diagnostics
It is important to diagnose vehicle electrical problems thoroughly and e iciently.
The series o tests that ollow check primary areas that are responsible or the
majority o the electrical problems ound in an automobile. These basic tests
should always be carried out, even i the vehicle has a trouble-shooting code
set in the computer. A component mal unction can be caused by a basic
problem in the electrical system. Simply replacing a ailed component will not ix
the problem i a de ective ground caused the component ailure.
The tests begin by checking the main source o power and the chassis ground
circuit connections. Ground circuits are are one o the least understood but
potentially most troublesome areas o automotive electronics. An excessive
voltage ground in a circuit a ects the entire electrical circuit. That is why it is o
the utmost importance that the basic circuit is checked be ore consulting
computer trouble codes and individual components.
Battery Testing
(1) Battery Surface Discharge Test
IMPORTANT:
The ignition must be switched OFF in order to avoid damage to the vehicle’s
computer while connecting or disconnecting battery cables.
Remove the positive and negative battery cables and clean the cable clamps
and the battery terminals. Reassemble and begin testing.
This ollowing test checks or a low current discharge on the battery sur ace:
♦ Set the F-1860’s rotary switch to the voltage position (V).
♦ Insert the black lead o the F-1860 into the COM socket, and the red
cable into the V/Ω
ΩΩ
Ω/RPM socket.
♦ Connect the negative (-) test lead to the negative (-) battery terminal.

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♦ Press the F-1860’s MAX/MIN button.
♦ Move the positive (+) test lead o the F-1860 around the positive (+)
battery terminal, without touching the terminal, but skimming the
surrounding battery sur ace. Readings o more than 0.5 V indicate
excessive battery sur ace discharge. Dirt, dust, moisture and corrosion
are all common causes o battery discharge. Clean the battery sur ace
with a baking soda and water solution, taking care that none o the
solution makes its way into the battery.
(2) Static Battery Test (No load)
This test checks the battery charge state.
Turn the vehicle’s headlights on or 15 seconds to dissipate battery sur ace
charge.
IMPORTANT:
The ignition must be switched OFF in order to avoid damage to the vehicle’s
computer while connecting or disconnecting battery cables.
Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable rom the battery.
♦ Set the F-1860’s rotary switch to the voltage position (V).
♦ Insert the black lead o the F-1860 into the COM socket, and the red
cable into the V/Ω
ΩΩ
Ω/RPM socket.
♦ Connect the positive (+) test lead to the negative (-) battery terminal.
Readings under 12.4 V indicate an undercharged battery. Recharge the battery
be ore urther testing.
NO LOAD TEST FOR STANDARD BATTERIES
F-1860 Reading Battery charge
12.70 V 100%
12.54 V 75%
12.30 V 50%
12.18 V 25%
NO LOAD TEST FOR GEL BATTERIES
F-1860 Reading Battery charge
13.00 V 100%
12.75 V 75%
12.50 V 50%
12.25V 25%

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(3) Battery Test (Parasitic Load)
NOTE:
Keep the battery disconnected for this test.
This test is or excessive parasitic drain on the battery.
Keep the ignition OFF.
IMPORTANT:
Do not start the vehicle during this test; the F- 860 may be damaged as a
result.
♦ Set the F-1860’s rotary switch to the 20A position.
♦ Insert the black lead into the COM socket and the red cable in the F-1860’s
20 A terminal.
♦ Disconnect the positive (+) cable rom the battery.
♦ Connect the positive (+) test lead o the F-1860 to the positive (+) battery
terminal.
♦ Connect the negative (-) test lead o the F-1860 to the negative (-) battery
terminal.
♦ Press the MAX/MIN button on the F-1860.
Parasitic readings should not exceed 100 mA.
I parasitic readings are in excess o this value, remove the circuit uses one by
one, until the ault is located. Also check all non- used applications such as
headlights, relays and capacitors in the instrument panel.
Reconnect the battery cable or the next test.
(4) Battery Test (Load)
This tests the battery’s capacity to deliver su icient cranking voltage.
♦ Set the F-1860’s rotary switch to the voltage position (V).
♦ Connect the positive (+) test lead to the positive (+) battery terminal.
♦ Connect the negative (-) test lead to the negative (-) battery terminal.
♦ Press the MAX/MIN button on the F-1860.

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♦ Disable the ignition; crank the engine or 15 seconds.
Check the Min. reading. I this reads less than 9.60 V at 21ºC, the battery is
weak. Recharge or replace be ore urther testing.
F-1860 Minimum reading Ambience temperature
10.0 V 33ºC
9.8 V 27ºC
9.6 V 21ºC
9.4 V 16ºC
9.2 V 10ºC
9.0 V 4º C
8.8 V -1ºC
8.6 V -7ºC
NOTE:
For each 6ºC above or below 2 ºC, add or subtract 0.2 V.
Voltage Drop Testing
Resistance; what is it?
Resistance is an opposing orce to the low o electrical current, created by a
circuit or component.
A small amount o natural resistance is encountered when voltage lows through
wires, switches, grounds, or connections. This resistance increases beyond
acceptable limits i corrosion develops, ittings become loose or wires ray.
Resistance increases every time that something is added to the circuit, such as
wire, switches, connections, ground, etc.
Voltage Drop; what is it?
Voltage drop is the di erence in voltage potential when measured across a
circuit or component creating resistance.
The resistance decreases the amount o voltage available. Bulbs will not light
up nor will the engine turn over i the voltage is too low.
Maximum Voltage Drop
Maximum voltage drop should not be more than 0.1 V per wire, ground,
connection or solenoid.
What should be tested?
Each wire, ground, connection or solenoid as well as the complete circuit should
be tested. Each connection point is a potential source o increased resistance.
Voltage Drop Testing
(1) Negati e (-) Engine Ground

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This test checks or e iciency o engine ground.
♦ Set the F-1860’s rotary switch to the voltage position (V).
♦ Insert the black lead o the F-1860 into the COM socket, and the red
cable into the V/Ω
ΩΩ
Ω/RPM socket.
♦ Touch the positive (+) lead to the positive (+) battery terminal and the
negative (-) lead to the negative (-) battery terminal. Take note o the
reading, which will be the starting re erence or uture readings.
♦ Conect the positive (+) lead o the F-1860 to a clean screw on the engine
block.
♦ Connect the negative (-) lead o the F-1860 to the negative (-) battery
terminal.
♦ Press the MAX/MIN button on the F-1860.
♦ Disable the ignition so the engine doesn’t start; crank the engine or 2-3
seconds.
A voltage drop in excess o 0.5 V indicates de ective ground.
Clean and inspect the battery cable connections and the ground, and test again.
IMPORTANT:
Repeat this test when the engine is completely warmed up. Heat expansion
may cause increased resistance.
(2) Negati e (-) Chassis Ground
This test checks or chassis ground e iciency.
♦ Set the F-1860’s rotary switch to the voltage position (V).
♦ Insert the black lead o the F-1860 into the COM socket, and the red
cable into the V/Ω
ΩΩ
Ω/RPM socket.
♦ Keep in mind the commented re erence reading rom the previous engine
ground test.
♦ Connect the test lead to the point in the wheel arch or wherever the
vehicle’s ground is connected.
♦ Connect the negative (-) lead o the F-1860 to the negative (-) battery
terminal.