Testing DSII module

[shetland]

Can anyone tell me how to test a DSII module.

 

[fordconvert]

Parts stores used to be able to test them, since they are getting kinda outdated now I dont know if they still do.

I think there is a procedure for testing them, you may need some additional parts to do it though. Its usually easier to test the rest of the system so its the only part left.

What problem are you having?

 

[Bort62]

You need a function generator and an O-scope.

 

[Harte3]

NAPA will test them for free.

 

[addo]

You can test it with a distributor out the car, just by hooking everything up and seeing if the coil lead sparks to ground when spinning the shaft between your fingers.

Also may be tested by swapping with a "known good" unit.

 

[Bort62]

Also may be tested by swapping with a "known good" unit.

That's not really testing, that's parts replacing

Taking it out and spinning the dist w/ your fingers tests the system, but it won't tell you which part of it is broken if it doesnt spark.

 

[addo]

I think "testing by substitution" is a recognised method.

 

[Lazy JW]

I think "testing by substitution" is a recognised method.

Yup. Officially recognized by the US military. Long, long ago, when the world was still flat and I was a young Marine in avionics school at NAS Memphis, we were taught to fix R/T units by the quickest method which was essentially swapping modules in a logical order by using modules from a known good unit (called the "Bench Standard"). Quick, easily taught, and effective.

Then we had to troubleshoot the module down to the individual component, repair as needed, and put the module back on the shelf for future use. Troubleshooting modules with discrete components is the fun part; sometimes quite challenging.

Sadly, with the ever-increasing use of IC circuitry, this type of work is disappearing and nowadays most technicians just swap modules as there isn't much more that can be done. Bleah.

The practice of swapping ALL of the modules at once was looked down upon by the better technicians and was disparagingly referred to as "shotgun troubleshooting".
Joe

 

[ludwig]

The practice of swapping ALL of the modules at once was looked down upon by the better technicians and was disparagingly referred to as "shotgun troubleshooting".

Also called 'replacing the system'. I wonder if after testing you can get inside and speedball the hamsters or whatever it takes to make it go. Maybe the NAPA tester will tell you to replace it with a good module.

 

[shetland]

NAPA here I come.
Thanks to all

 

[jahearne]

Topic #3

http://www.performancedistributors.com/technical.htm