No Fault Found

Technical Editor Peter Coombes starts a series of product tests by looking at the Sykes-Pickavant Advanced Fault Code Reader (no. 300550)

GARAGE AND AUTOMOTIVE RETAILER 1992

After reading this report on the Sykes-Pickavant Advanced Fault Code Reader, you should be left with no doubts regarding my enthusiasm for the product; however, I have to start the report with a criticism. To call the product a fault code reader, even an advanced one, is an understatement of its ability, it deserves a more descriptive name tag which is able to appropriately convey the product's capability.

Most readers will be aware of the Blackpool based Sykes-Pickavant group, which has in recent times expanded its product range quite considerably. The company is probably best know for its supply of tools and equipment for bodyshops as well as for mechanical repair workshops, but in the past few years the product range has gradually encompassed a fairly wide selection of diagnostic and test equipment. The acquisition of AM Test as well as an interest in the German Motortest company has given the Sykes-Pickavant Group greater access to expertise and existing products which, in many cases, have complemented its own branded products such as gas analysers and oscilloscopes.

A further recent development for Sykes-Pickavant was the formation of a subsidiary company known as Auto Service Diagnostics (ASD), it is this division of the group that has produced the fault code reader along with other developments that are currently taking shape.

In concept, the Sykes-Pickavant Advanced Fault Code Reader is not new; it does however provide the user with features and facilities that are not normally available in its price bracket.

To enable the uninitiated reader to fully appreciate the capability of the Sykes-Pickavant unit, it is necessary to provide a very brief insight into the world of fault codes and similar facilities. Computer (ECU) controlled vehicle systems such as injection, ignition or anti-lock brake systems are now able to pass on coded information which can provide an indication of systems and are now able to pass on coded information which can provide an indication of system faults. In nearly all cases, a fault code reader must be connected to the ECU via an independent connection, to retrieve the information. Many vehicle manufacturers supply a dedicated code reader for their franchised dealers. This facility has been around since the mid 1980s and of course it has progressed at an alarming pace. On many systems an advanced code reader can display live electrical readings or information; the code reader can also have two-way communication with ECU allowing interrogation or simulation to take place.

As far as the Sykes-Pickavant product is concerned, yes it is a fault code reader! Connecting the unit to a relevant vehicle system will enable the fault codes to be accessed and then displayed on the LCD screen. As a basic fault code reader, the Sykes-Pickavant unit is simple and effective, and by following the comprehensive instructions it will enable the user to quickly link to the system ECU and extract the fault codes. With any fault code reader, the limitation to its capability is invariably dictated by the sophistication (or lack of it) of the vehicle's system computer. This situation is no different for the Sykes-Pickavant unit, but it will allow full access to the available codes and allows the user to set systems ECU into service mode, where applicable.

It is when a more sophisticated vehicle system is being tested that the Sykes-Pickavant fault code reader gains bonus and leaves its name tag behind. For simple fault code reading or advanced systems testing, the operator simply plugs in the appropriate cartridge which then dedicates the applicable systems or range of vehicles. I put the product to the test on a Vauxhall Cavalier fitted with a Bosch Motronic engine management system which is able to output a lot of useful information to terminal and in fact, it will interact with the terminal in a number of ways. If only a fault code is required, the Sykes-Pickavant code reader will function as normal; however, there are often cases where a fault exists that does not result in a fault code being produced by the vehicles ECU. In these cases, the Sykes-Pickavant code reader can be used as a component or circuit tester by simply selecting "Component" from the displayed menu.

Working with the Bosch Motronic system, the display on the Sykes-Pickavant code reader provides voltages and other readings from the various engine management system sensors. Included in the available information are water and air temperature readings, throttle sensor voltage, ignition timing, injection duration values, air flow sensor voltages etc, these and other readings can be used to establish whether a fault exists on a sensor or its associated electrical circuit.

Other components in the Bosch systems such as the idle control valve and the injectors can be checked by selecting "Actuators" from the menu, it is then possible for the code reader to instruct the ECU to operate these components. This facility allows the technician to check the components on a stationary engine and provide a positive indication of operation.

Finally, any existing fault codes can be erased by again selecting item from the menu. It should be remembered that the capability of the Sykes-Pickavant code reader is dependent on the system that is being tested but, it would appear that this product is conceived to extract as much usable information as possible from the vehicle system.

In general, I get the impression that the Sykes-Pickavant code reader appears to have been designed with some very basic objectives in mind; to provide good capability, to keep it simple and to make it inexpensive. If these were the target objectives then the design team has succeeded. The capability is in line with the requirements for most technicians and of course, the code reader can be upgraded and adapted to different systems by using the different slot in cartridges. Additionally, the Sykes-Pickavant code reader can be linked to a printer (available shortly) as well as other compatible display monitors.

Simplicity of operation is a major strong point for this Sykes-Pickavant product, only four keypad type push buttons are used for all functions. During operation, LCU display provides the operator with the necessary prompts or instructions thus reducing the risk of operator error. Any further required information is then available in the instruction manual.

As far as cost is concerned, with a starting price of £295 (300551, Advanced Code Reader with Ford cartridge), value for money can only be described as excellent. Additional cartridges are also well priced, an example being the GM cartridge (300562 Vauxhall/Opel) at £75. Other similar priced cartridges will be regularly introduced in addition to those already available.

In conclusion, Sykes-Pickavant now has a well conceived updatable product that complements its existing product range, is well made, good value for money and above all, does the job.