ENGINE TESTER - DEVELOPMENT HISTORY NOTES, REQUIREMENTS, INFORMATION, ETC.
 |
The first engine testers consisted of autarkic standalone devices or special housing units collected on a common equipment cabinet. The heart of the system was an analog scope surrounded by the various dial instruments. |
 |
The next stage of development was the transition to a uniform front panel and digital displays or a non-graphics-capable monitor screen. Digital data processing and the ability to connect a printer became increasingly common features. Connection to the vehicle was simplified by the introduction of diagnostic sockets on the vehicle side and the widespread use of electronically controlled systems. Advances in semiconductor and PC technology produced the migration to computer-based engine testers. |
 |
The increase in sporadic, intermittent faults and developments in measurement technology resulted in computer-aided diagnostic testers. These allowed the implementation of new, cylinder-related test methods (dynamic compression test, dynamic idle-quality measurement). The analog scope was replaced by a digital storage unit with a graphics screen. A continual memory allowed intermittent faults to be detected, recorded, stored and replayed (as well as printed). External devices (e.g. exhaust gas testers, chassis dynamometers) could be connected via computer interfaces and the measured data displayed and printed. |
 |
Optimization of system self-diagnosis (on-board) with intermittent fault detection, the HHT and Star Diagnosis System (SDS), the complexity of adapters, and the ability to display actual values with the HHT and SDS (e.g. °C, rpm, lambda), meant that the testing intensity of engine testers was no longer fully utilized. Specific cylinder assignment of intermittent engine malfunctions by vehicle on-board diagnostics resulted in single-cylinder use of the digital scope.
The new generation of engine testers (HMS 990 via Hermann Electronic) was first employed in the equipment of the SDS with MT. This signal and data processor is accommodated in a compact housing and outputs the conditioned input signals to an IBM ThinkPad. |
 |
SDS Compact was developed for mobile use. An IBM ThinkPad is housed in a plastic casing, to which the peripheral hardware is connected, e.g. "Caesar" multiplexer, the external power supply, the cables and also the HMS 990 if required.
Further, with the introduction of the SDS Basic, this additional platform was introduced to provide a lower cost unit for workshops requiring multi-SDS capabilities. |
 |
In addition to the standard engine analyzers, the modular and PC (computer-based) units provide the highest testing intensity in conjunction with comprehensive diagnosis tools.
Use these at engine test bays for performing test, adjustment, troubleshooting and diagnosis work using familiar test procedures and special digital oscilloscope with signal storage of ignition voltage and speed curve (engine idle quality test per cylinder) with possibility of identifying even intermittent faults in the ignition system or the combustion process. The start-of-delivery measurement via RI adapter (MB special tool) is also possible.
Graphs can also be printed out for fault documentation. Intensive user training is required for complete utilization. |
STAR DIAGNOSIS Station MT and Compact
Retroactively replaces the HHT (HHT.WIN) for all vehicles model series and control modules. The new Diagnostic Assistance System (DAS) provides guided diagnosis based on decision trees for vehicles as of the W220 and beyond. Further assistance can be obtained by using the workshop Information system (WIS). In vehicles as of the W220, on-board diagnosis with the HHT is no longer possible. The IBM ThinkPad's display offers improved display capabilities over the HHT (e.g. graphics, color). In conjunction with the HMS990 test module (via Hermann Electronic), it is possible to use multimeter and engine analyzer/test functions with the Star Diagnosis System (with MT capability) and to display the results on the display of the Thinkpad. Note that to utilize the engine analyzer/test functions fully, it will be necessary to procure the additional accessory cables.
The combination of a ThinkPad with a test module to acquire, condition and transfer the test results is also possible with the SDS Compact.
With the launch of the new V6/V8 engines (M112/113) the descriptions of the diagnostic procedure, specifications, etc. were tailored/adapted specifically to suit the SDS with MT. The traditional Hermann Electronic Engine Analyzer is no longer used. The SDS with MT (Hermann Electronics HMS 990) and the additional accessory cables, may also be used on older and non-MB vehicles. However, the MB diagnostic literature is designed for the Hermann Electronics standard engine analyzer. It may therefore be advisable to continue using the standard engine analyzer for older vehicles.
The Star Diagnosis System (SDS) family (with the HMS 990 module) is absolutely essential in the workshop.
 |
 |
 |
| SDS Station with MT |
Compact |
HMS 990 |
Quality Assurance and Utility Value RetentionEngine analyzers feature a wide variety of measurement and test modes, functions, controls and connection parts. The complexity of the instruments requires assembly of the devices and specialized training. Training programs offered by MB are absolutely essential to gain for full testing capabilities. The advise and experience of MB field representatives should be sought.
Checklist for Diagnostic Engine Analyzer
- Careful handling of all components is a must. Replace any cables, trigger and kV clips etc. that are visibly damaged.
- Use MB test documentation and specifications (e.g. diagnostic manuals, WIS).
- Keep jaw surfaces of trigger, kV and current clips clean and ensure they close fully with sufficient force.
- Prevent cables, adapters, clips, etc,. from coming into contact with hot engine parts or rotating parts.
- Correct zero settings for all measurement modes when disconnected, pressure sensor e.g. 0.1bar.
- Roughly compare the rpm reading with the vehicle rpm counter.
- The values from the ignition voltage curve (kV and ms) can be compared with the oscilloscope readings.
- For a rough function check of cylinder-related measurements (e.g. engine concentricity, ignition voltage curve, etc.), intermittent disturbances can be generated at one cylinder (intruding air, misfiring, etc.), for vehicles with Lambda control do not exceed 5 seconds. The graphic display and the tabular figures should then permit comparable fault interpretations.
- Rough function check of the compression test by removing a spark plug and comparing with normal measurements (graphic and tabular). Before starting the engine, ground the removed spark plug in the spark plug connector.
Accessory Cables Available for SDS with MT
| Description |
Part No. |
|
Scope cable "A" 4.0 m with 4 mm banana plug for 12-channel oscilloscope. Note: 12-channel oscilloscope, channels A1 to A6 |
HKR 047 (Ref: 162 03 002) |
|
Pickup cable Trigger cable for external trigger in universal scope |
HKR 033 (Ref: 162 03 004) |
|
Current clip Direct current measurement up to 500 A. For multimeters and various engine test modes. |
HKR 015 (Ref: 162 03 005) |
|
Sensor connecting cable For simultaneous connection of current clip, pickup and pressure sensor. |
HKR 035 (Ref: 162 03 006) |
|
| Pressure sensor - 1 to 7.0 bar |
HDS 02 (Ref: 162 03 018) |
|
kV clip 1 For tapping the secondary voltage on ignition cables. |
HKR 043 (Ref: 162 03 007) |
|
kV clip 2 For tapping on other ignition circuits. |
HKR 044 (Ref: 162 03 008) |
|
Connecting cable, kV clip 1 to 2 (400 mm)
Connecting cable, kV clip 1 to 2 (1200 mm) |
HKR 045 (Ref: 162 03 009)
HKR 046 (Ref: 162 03 010) |
|
| Adapter, BNC to 2x banana jacks For secondary sensor to May & Christe and Bosch ignition coils. |
HKR 027 (Ref: 162 03 011) |
|
Adapter cable, 6.3 mm flat connector to banana jack For kV pickup 1620 1040 (ME 1.0) |
HKR 028 (Ref: 162 03 012) |
|
| Adapter cable to 9-pin engine diagnosis |
HKAB 028 (Ref:162 03 020) |
 |
Primary adapter cable ME 1.0 For measuring the primary ignition voltage on M 112/113.
Also available as accessory for engine tester. |
HPAL 029(Ref: 162 03 038) |
|
Set (2) secondary adapters M 111/104 HFM For tapping secondary signals on May & Christe and Bosch ignition coils.
Also included with the CD 1222 adapter. |
HSLT 005 (Ref: 162 03 039) |
|
kV pickup (ME 1.0)
(Also available as accessory for engine tester as MB Special Tool: 909 589 12 21 00) |
HSLT 010 / 5 (Ref: 162 03 040) |
|
Connecting cable for kV pickup Length 400 mm Length 1200 mm |
162 03 001 162 03 010 |
|
Adapter cable For alternative rpm measurement or auxiliary trigger on vehicles with multipoint injection without terminal 1 or TN measurement capability. |
HCA 218 (Ref: 162 03 041) |
|
|