PDi 920 User manual

COMPREHENSIVE
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
AUTOMOTIVE MULTIMETER
Complete "step-by-step" electrical systems
troubleshooting guide included.

DISCLAIMER:
This manual tells you howto use the meter to perform diagnostic
tests andtofindpossiblelocationsof vehicleproblems.
It doesNOT
tell you howto correct the problems.
All information, illustrations, and specifications contained in this
technical manualare basedonthe latestinformationavailableatthe
time of publication. The right is reserved to make changes at any
time without notice.
Introduction
About This Manual
Chapter Description
introduction Table of Contents
Safety Warnings
Getting Started Meter Basics
Meter Functions
Maintenance
Basic Diagnostic Testing Battery Testing
Voltage Drop Testing
Starter Motor Testing
Charging System Testing
Ignition System Testing
Basic Component Testing Computer Controlled Systems
Component Tests (Input)
Component Tests (Output)
Specifications General Specifications
Electrical Specifications

Introduction
Safety Cont'd.. .
Danger
Avoid electrical shock: Do not
touchthetest leads, tips or the
circuit being tested.
Do not try a voltage measure-
ment with the test leads inthe
20A or the mAterminal.
When testing for the presence of voltage or current, make sure the
meter is functioning correctly. Take a reading of a known voltage
or current before accepting a zero reading.
Choosethe proper range andfunctionfor the measurement. Donot
try voltage or current measurements that may exceed the ratings
marked on the FunctionIRange switch or terminal.
When measuring current, connect themeter inseries withthe load.
Never connect more than one set of test leads to the meter.
Disconnectthe livetest leadbeforedisconnecting thecommontest
lead.
The mA and the 20A terminals are protected by fuses. To avoid
possible injury or damage, use only
in circuits limited to400mA or
10A continuous 120A for 30seconds.
See also.. .
Fuse Replacement
r
Introduction
Safety Cont'd. ..
IMPORTANT
To maintain accuracy of the meter, replace the discharged battery
immediately when the battery symbol appears on the meter
display.
Avoid measuring error from outside interference: keep the meter
away from spark plug or coil wires.
Avoiddamagingthemeterwhentestingvoltage: Disconnectthetest
leads from the test points before changing functions.
Do not exceed the limits shown in the table below:
*
10Amp measurement continuous or 20Amp measurement for
30seconds maximun.
t1 I Ohms can not be measured if voltage is present, ohms can be
measuredonly inanon-poweredcircuit. However, the meteris
protectedto 500 volts.

Getting Started
Thischapterwillhelpyougetstarted. It describesthe basicfunctions
of the Meter.
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I Getting Started
Meter Basics
Meter Boot
The meter boot is designed to
protectthe meterduring acciden-
talfalls. Additionally,
it providesa
convenientmethodof storagefor
the meter probes. It also serves
as a probe holder that allows the
operator to hold the meter and
probe in one hand and have the
other handfree for operating the
remainingtest probe.
Meter Stand
The meter stand swings out and
positions the meter at a conve-
nient viewing angle.
\
Meter Stand
Probe Storage
A

Getting Started
I
Getting Started
Meter Basics Con t 'd. . .
1. Digital and Analog display
Dispaly features:
a. Four character digital dispaly
b. Symbols to identify function
c. Analog bar graph
The 'digital display is best for
stable input.The bar graph isbest
for rapidly changing input.
2. Function buttons
Press the buttontoselect afunc-
tion. A symbol will display to
verify your choice.
3. Rotary Selector Switch
Turn this switchto select a func-
AUTO rcm m
tion or turn the meter OFF.
4. Temperature Terminal
Insert the temperature probe in
this terminal.
5. Test Lead Terminals
The Black test lead is used inthe
5. Black (-1
Common (COM) terminal for all
tests. TheRedtest leadisusedto
measure Amps or Volts.
w
5. Red (+ 1
De-activation Features
Automatic Power Off after 30minutes of no activity.
Automatic Power Off Disable must be set when the meter is to
record data over a period of time longer than 30minutes. To disable
the "power off" mode, holdtheyellow
"PWR RST" buttondownwhile
switching the meter ON.
Meter Basics Con t 'd.. .
Digital and Analog dispaly
Press HOLD to hold data Press MAXIMIN to read each
display or resume testing. recording. Minimum or Maxi-
mum reading recorded.
Press
ZERO A stores
the reading and dis-
plays the difference Diodeor Conti-
between stored and nuity test
present reading. lected with the rotary switch.
I
Meter automatically AnalogbarGraphdis- Press OCl°F to
selects best Range play with polarity. alternate De-
grees Celsius
(OC)or degress
Negative Polarity Indicator Fahrenheit
(OF).
\
Press Alt Function to select
Alternating Current (AC) Direct
Current (DC)
\
Press TRIG f to select Positive
( +) or Negative (-) Trigger Slope
' Low Battery
Replace the meter battery when
this symbol displays.
Units of measure:
dwell degrees
(O)
milli (m = 111,000)
seconds (s)
percent (%I
volts (V)
amps (A)
mega (M = 1,000,000)
kilo (k = 1.000)
ohms (Q)
Hertz (Hz)
nano (n)
micro (/I)
farads (F)
multiplied by 10 (x10)
Revolutions per minute (RPM)

Getting Started Getting Started
Meter Basics Con t 'd.. .
Push-button Functions
Function and Range Select
Turn the rotary swich in either
direction to select a function.
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The Range is automatically se-
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DCl
lected bythe meter. But, youcan cGR 00
+TRIGGER 3%
also select a range within afunc-
tionby pressingtherangebutton.
Always selectarangehigherthan
,
you expect the current or voltage
,,
to be. Then select a lower range
if better accuracy is needed.
If the range is too high, the
readings are less accurate.
Iftherangeistoolow,the meter
shows
OL (overlimit).
Alternate Function
The Alternate Function button is
Blue incolor. Press
it totoggleto
the alternate function (AC, au-
dible and capacitance) shown in
Blue on the meter face.
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Zero A Function
Pressthe Zero A Function button
to zero the display and store the
readingas areferencevalue. Press
and hold the button for two
(2)
seconds to exit this mode.
present reading. For example, if
thereferencevalue is
24.00V and
the present reading is
12.50V,
the display will indicate -1 1.50V.
Ifthe newreadingisthe same as
the reference value, the display
will be zero.
I
In the Zero A mode the value
displayedisalwaysthedifference
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betweenthe stored value andthe

Getting Started
I
Getting Started
Push-button Functions Cont'd.. .
Data Record (MAXIMIN)
The Data Record feature stores
the highest or lowest reading in
memory.
First, connect the meter probes
to the test points. Then, press
the MAXIMIN button once to
start MIN recording. The mini-
mum readingwill be displayed.
PresstheMAXIMINbuttontwice
tostartthe MAXrecording.The
maximum reading will be dis-
played.
Press the HOLD button to stop
the recording, press again to
restart the recording.
Range Select
The range is automatically se-
lected by the meter. But, you can
alsomanuallyselectarangewithin
afunctionbypressingthe RANGE
button.
Range Exit
To exit the RANGE mode and
return to autoranging, press and
hold the RANGE button for
2
seconds.
Note:
If the range is too high, the
readings are less accurate.
If therangeis toolow, themeter
shows
OL (over limit).
Push-button Functions Cont'd.. .
Data Hold -
The Data Hold Featurestores the ( ffr 3%) \
last reading in memory.
Pressthe DataHoldbuttononce
to hold the present reading.
I 1: I I
Pressthe DataHoldbuttonagain
to exit and resume readings.
I
Maximum Readina
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Minimum Reading
I
Power Reset (PWR RST)
The PWR RST button turns the
meter back on when the meter
automatically powers off.
Power Off Disable
To disable the automatic Power
Off function, hold downthe PWR
RST button while turning the
meter switch from OFF to ON.
Temperature (OCI0F)
TheTemperaturefeature will dis-
play the data in degrees Celsius
(OC) or Fahrenheit (OF).
Pressthe OCI°F buttontotoggle
back or forward to display de-
grees Celsius (OC) or Fahren-
heit (OF).
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Getting Started
Meter Functions - Resistance (0)
IMPORTANT: If you are testing
anapplicationthathascapacitors
in the circuit, be sure to turn the
power
OFF onthetest circuit and
discharge all capacitors. Accu-
rate measurement isnotpossible
if external or residual voltage is
present.
3 Seiect the resistance (R) set-
ting with the rotary switch.
- Selectthe resistance (R) range
with the button labeled
"RANGEn
if a more accurate
measurement is desired.
Insert:
Black lead inCOM terminal.
Red lead in VIWRPM terminal.
Note:
The resistance in the test leads
can effect accuracy at the
400Q
range. Short the leads together
andpress the "ZERO Anbuttonto
automatically subtract the lead
resistance from the resistance
measurements.
Touchthetest leadprobesacross
the resistor to be tested.
Black
Getting Started
Meter Functions - Audible Continuity I(]))
IMPORTANT:TumthepowerOFF
on the test circuit
3 Select the Audible Continuity
( I(I)) range with the rotary
switch.
Pressthe Blue Alternate Func-
tion button to select Audible
Continuity.
Insert:
Black lead inCOM terminal.
Red lead in VIWRPM terminal.
Connect one test probe to each
end of the circuit to be tested.
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Circuit complete, the meter will
"beep".
Circuitopen, there isno "beep"
and the display shows
400a.
Clrcultcomplete - beep sounds

Gettina Started
Meter Functions - Diode Check U
IMPORTANT:TurnthepowerOFF
to the test circuit
a Select the Diode Check (+t)
settingwiththerotary switch.
Insert:
Black lead in COMterminal.
Red lead in VIWRPM terminal.
Touchthe Blacktest probetothe
negative
(-1 side of the diode.
Touch the Red test probe to the
positive
( + ) side of the diode.
Reverse the probes: Black tothe
positive
(+) side and Red to the
negative
(-1 side.
Note:
A "good" diode will read low in one
directionand high in the other direc-
tionwhentheprobes arereversed(or
viceversa).
A defective diodewillhave the same
reading
in both directions or read
between
1.0 to 3.6 V in both direc-
tions.
Reverse
Probes
1 .O to 3.OV 13.0 to 3.6V
I Bad 1 0.4 to 0.9~10.4 to 0.9VI
Getting Started
Meter Functions - Capacitance {t
IMPORTANT: TurnthepowerOFF
tothevehicle circuitto betested.
Dischargethecapacitor byshort-
ing the capacitor leads together.
Use the DC Volts function to
confirm that the capacitor is dis-
charge.
* Select the it range with the
rotary switch.
* Press the Alternate Function
button to select Capacitance
Measurement
(it).
Insert:
Black lead in COM terminal.
Red lead in VIWRPM terminal.
Attach the test probes to the
capacitor as illustrated.
Note:
Holding the probes with your
hands may charge the capaci-
tance in circuit and generate a
false reading.
Residual voltagecharges on the
capacitor, poor insulation resis-
tance orpoor dielectricabsorp-
tion may cause measurement
errors.
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Getting Started I
Getting Started
Meter Functions - Temperature (Temp)
IMPORTANT: Toavoidheatdam-
Temperature Sensor ,
age to the meter, keep it away
from sources of very high tem-
perature. The lifeof the tempera-
ture probe is also reduced when
subjected to very high tempera-
tures (operating range is -50° to
2,O0O0F)
* SelecttheTemperature (Temp)
settingwiththerotary switch.
Pressthebuttontoselect OC or
OF.
* Insert the temperature probe
connector intotheK-typether-
mocouple socket.
Touchtheendofthetemperature
sensor to the area orsurface of
the object to
be measured.
Temperature Probe
Meter Functions - Frequency (Hz)
* Select the Frequency (Hz) set-
ting with the rotary switch.
Insert:
Black lead in COM terminal
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Red lead in V/Q/RPM terminal.
Connect the Black test probe to
ground.
Connectthe Redtest probetothe
"signal out" wire of thesensor to
be tested.
Note:
For frequencies below
7 Hz, the
display will show 00.00 Hz.
Black -
Slde
1 Ground
"Signal In"
Slde
Out"

Meter Functions - RPMIXIORPM
/
Meter Functions - Duty Cycle (%)
Getting Started
3 Select the RPMrange withthe
rotary switch.
OR
3 Select the X1 ORPM rangewith
rotaryswitch(1,000to 12,000
RPM).
Multiply the displayed
reading times ten toget actual
RPM.
Getting Started
Insert the inductive pick-up con-
necting terminal into the meter.
Ground lead in COM terminal.
Output lead in VICURPM termi-
nal.
Connectthe inductive pickuptoa
spark plug wire. If no reading is
received, unhookthe clamp, turn
it over and connect again.
- Pressthe RPMbuttontotoggle
between RPM 1 for 2-Cycle1
DistributorlessIgnitionSystem
(DIS) or RPM
2 for 4-Cycle
engines.
Note:
Positionthe inductive pick-up as
far away from the distributor
and the exhaust manifold as
possible.
Position theinductive pick-up to
within six inches of the spark
plug or move it to another plug
wire if no reading or an erratic
reading is received.
K AUTO POWER orr
*Select the % Duty Cycle range
with the rotary switch.
Insert:
Black lead in COM terminal.
Red lead in VlQlRPM terminal.
Connect the Black test probe to
the ground.
ConnecttheRedtestprobetothe
signal wire circuit.
* Pressthe *TRIGGER buttonto
toggle betweenthe negative
(-
or positive ( + ) slope.
The illustrationfor amixturecon-
trol solenoid is shown with the
metering rod in the closed posi-
tion.
Inmostapplications, thenegative
(-1 slopeisassigned todisplaythe
percentage of time the plunger is
in the closed position (low duty
cycle) duringone duty cycle. The
positive
( + slope is assigned to
displaythepercentageoftimethe
plunger is in the open position.
Refertothemanufacturer's speci-
fications toverify slope assigned
to position for each component. To
ECM

Getting Started
Meter Functions - ms Pulse
- Select the msPulse range with
the rotary switch.
Insert:
Black lead in COM terminal.
Red lead in VlQlRPM terminal.
connect the Black test probe to
ground.
ConnecttheRedtest probetothe
signal wire that connects to the
component to be measured. (see
illustration).
- Pressthe *TRIGGER buttonto
toggle betweenthe negative
(-
) or positive ( + ) slope.
Note;
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The applied time for most fuel
injectorsis displayed on thenega-
rive
/-I slope.
Getting Started
Meter Functions - Dwell
3 SelecttheDwellrangewiththe
rotary switch.
Insert:
Black lead in COM terminal.
Red lead in VlQlRPM terminal
Connect the Black test probe to
ground.
Connect the Redtest probetothe
wire that connects tothe breaker
points (see illustration).
2 Press the CYLINDER buttonto
toggle between
4, 5, 6 or 8
cylinder engines

Getting Started Getting Started
Meter Functions - AC or DC Current (A)
IMPORTANT: All current mea-
suredflows through the meter.
It
is important that you do not:
Measure current greater than
600 Volts AC or
DC, with re-
spect to ground.
Exceed30seconds when mea-
suring continuous current be-
tween 10A
- 20A. Allow five
minutes for cool-down before
continuing.
* Select the 20A or mA range
with the rotary switch.
=, Press the Blue Alternate func-
tionbuttontoselectACor DC.
Insert:
Black lead in COM terminal.
Red lead in the 20A or mA
terminal (select 20A if you are
unsure of the current draw).
IMPORTANT:
Black
Turn OFF all power tothe circuit
or disconnectthe circuitfromthe
power source.
Red +
A
Connect: power { ,&rw-7~
The Redprobetothe sideof the
Slde
circuit closest to the power Slde \ - )
source.
-
The Black probe to the side of
the circuit to ground.
Note:
Current must always be mea-
Turn the power ON and test.
sured with the meter test probes
connectedin series, asdescribed.
Maintenance
Fuse and Battery Replacement
WARNING:
Avoid electrical shock; remove test leads before opening case.
Do notoperatethe meter or rotatethe meter switchwhen the case
is open.
1. To replace a battery or fuse, loosen the three screws in the case
back and remove the case by lifting up and forward.
Replace the battery with an 9 Volt alkaline battery.
2. Toreplaceafuse, firmly graspthe printedcircuit boards (PCboards)
bythe edges and lift up and out of the case.
Important:
To prevent contamination of the circuits, your hands mustbe clean
and the printed circuit board must be held by the edges.
Replace the fuses with the same type of fuse.
20A is a F20A, 600V high energy, fast acting fuse.
mA is a F500mA. 600V high energy, fast acting fuse.
Make sure the replacement fuse is centered in the fuse holder.
3. Carefully re-insert the PC boards into the case. Re-assemble the
case, then fasten the three screws.
Screws Shown
Loosened
Tab Indent
Battery

Getting Started
Trouble Shooting
1. Meter will not turn ON.
Check the battery contacts for a tight fit.
Check for a minimum battery voltage of 8.0 volts
Make sure the battery wires are not pinched in the case
2. Ampere reading is erratic or there is no reading at all.
Disassemble the meter back cover and test the fuses for
continuity.
3. Meter reading is erratic.
Printed circuit board contaminated from handling with hands.
Low battery.
a Open circuit in a test lead (fravedor broken wire).
Wrong range selected.
For frequencies below 1 Hz, the display will show 00.00 Hz
"Blown" fuse.
4. Meter readings do not change.
"Hold" feature is still toggled ON
Basic Diagnostic Testing
This chapter leads you through a systematic series of tests that
check the vehicle electricalsystem. Thesetests should be performed
before testing individual components.
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Basic Diagnostic Testing
Battery Testing Cont 'd.. .
[2] Static Battery Test (No Load)
This test checks for battery charge state.
Turn the headlights onfor 15 seconds todissipate battery surface
charge.
IMPORTANT: The ignition
switchmust be
OFF when con-
necting or disconnecting bat-
tery cables to prevent damag-
ing the vehicle computer.
Disconnectthe negative (-1 bat-
tery terminal.
Set the rotary switch to
Voltage.
Connectthepositive ( + leadto
the positive
( + battery post.
Connectthenegative (-) lead to
the negative
(-) battery post.
Set the MinIMaxfeature onthe
meter.
A reading of less than
12.4V
indicates an undercharged bat-
tery. Recharge before testing.
NO LOAD TEST
Note:
Leave the battery cable unhooked
andproceed to thetest on the follow-
ing page.
Basic Diagnostic Testing
Battery Testing Cont 'd.. .
[3] Battery Test (Parasitic Load)
This tests for excessive parasitic
drain on the battery.
Turn the ignition switch and all
accessories OFF.
Important: Do not start the
vehicle during this test;
meter damage may result.
Set the rotary switch to 20A.
Insertthe positive ( + 1 lead into
the 20A meter terminal.
Disconnect the battery positive
( + ) cable.
Connectthepositive ( + ) leadto
the positive
( + ) battery termi-
nal.
Connect thenegative (-1 lead to
the disconnected positive ( + 1
battery terminal.
Set the MinlMaxfeature on the
meter.
Parasitic drawshould notexceed
1 00mA.
Ifthere is excessivedraw, removethecircuitfuses, oneatatime, until
the excessive draw islocated. Also check the non-fusedapplications
such as head lights, computer relays and capacitators in the instru-
ment panel.
Reconnect the battery cable for the next test.

Basic Diagnostic Testing Basic Diagnostic Testing
Battery Testing Con t 'd.. .
Voltage Drop Testing
[4] Battery Test (Load)
This tests the battery's capacity
todeliver sufficientcranking volt-
age.
Settherotary switchtoVoltage.
Connectthe positive
( + 1 leadto
the positive
( + 1 battery termi-
nal.
Connect the negative (-1 leadto
the negative
(-1 battery termi-
nal.
Set the MiniMaxfeature on the
meter.
Disable the ignition; crank the
engine for
15 seconds.
ChecktheMin.display. A reading
of less than
9.60V@ 70° indi-
cates a weak battery. Recharget
replace before testing.
VOLTAGE LOAD TEST
Note:
For each 10 O above or below 70 O,
add or subtract 0.1 volt.
Batterytemperaturecan be checked
with the meter temperatureprobe.
Resistance, What is it?
Resistance is an opposing force,
created
by a circuit or compo-
nent, to the flow of electrical
current.
Thereisasmallamountof natural
resistance when voltage flows
throughwires, switches, grounds
or connections. The resistance
lncseases beyondacceptable lim-
crs
if corrosion develops, fittings
become loose or wires fray. Re-
sistance increases each time
something, suchas wire, aswitch,
connections,
or the ground are
added in the circuit.
Voltage Drop, What is it?
Voltage drop is the difference in
voltagepotential when measured
Maximum Voltage Drop
across a circuit or component
creating resistance.
The resistance decreases the
amount of voltage available. The
not
be more than 0.1 volt per
wire, ground, connection,
bulbwillnot
liahtorthemotorwill
-
notturn if the voltage istoo low.
Ground,
Wlre, 0.1V
p.1~ M.X. ax.
WhatShouldbeTested?
Each wire, ground, connec-
tion, switch, solenoid and the
# Connection,
complete circuit should he 0.1 v Max. Connection,
tested. Eachconnection point
0.1V Max.
is a potential source of in-
creased resistance.
Totalresistanceshouldbenomore
than
0.4V Max. for the example
shown.