Triggering issues are one of the most common problems encountered when installing any aftermarket ECU. Triggering questions make up the majority of technical service requests. It can not be emphasized enough how critical engine position decoding is. Incorrectly configured, wired or designed engine position sensor arrangements can lead to instant and catastrophic engine failure. In the best circumstances they may go unnoticed by the tuner or driver and may not cause a loss of engine position at a critical time however, this is not usually the case.
Some important points when trying to diagnose triggering issues:
·A good oscilloscope is ESSENTIAL to resolving trigger issues. Preferably an electronics type scope should be used as often automotive scopes have a low sample rate and poor resolution screens. If support is required solving triggering issues, often the first thing Link technicians will ask for is a picture of the trigger signals.
·Wiring is critical. Follow the correct wiring and grounding conventions. Crank angle sensors are a high impedance sensor often with a low level signal. Correct shielding and grounding is critical.
·Setting up triggering adjustments such as arming threshold and filtering is not something that should be done trial and error. There are technical ways to correctly adjust these settings.
The following topics discuss some common triggering issues:
·Incorrect Trigger Wheel Design
·Correctly Setting Trigger Arming Voltages
·Understand the Trigger 1 Error Counter