In theory you should be able to measure duty cycle by reading the voltage at pins 2 and 3 of the X11 connector. In other words, with the key on engine off you should get 4.0 V. Divide 4.0/13.6V = 0.294, subtract 0.294 from 1 = 0.706 or 71%. Simple math right? Well, Ive been getting wierd DC readings on my tester lately so I decided to check this static method out. I get 0.04 V KOEO between pins 2 and 3. I tried 5 different meters and got the same thing. What can affect the static DC reading this way or have I just lost it?

Just checked it with a more reliable meter with auto ranging feature. Got 51 millivolts. Question now is, where does pin three of X11 get it's feed? Apparently I have some sort of interruption.

You can get a very good little digital meter at Sears for $30 with a Duty Cycle range. Then you can leave your calculator out of it. You will also have a great little compact meter that you can throw in your toolbox.

I learned a long time ago that your margin for error is drastically reduced by using the correct test instrument for the job rather than extrapolating the reading. I reserve that for when I'm in a pinch and can't make the measurement any other possible way.

Good luck,

Right now, the $30 Sears meter is $20 or $18 if you are a "Craftmans Club" member. Model number 82139. Duty cycle and most anything else. I am not sure if you can sign up for the club when you buy or not but even if you cannot, it is a great price! I bought two of them.

You have to be careful with less expensive (cheap) meters ,if the internal resistance is low, you can damage an expensive component $$$$$$$$$. The same goes for a test light, always use computer safe test equipment.

I know all about the Craftsman. Remember this thread? Our favorite multimeter is on sale

Anyway, I'm getting 00.00 on the duty cycle, that's why I did the static test.

I only have information for a 300se. For what its worth pin 3 of x11 comes from pin 23 of the CIS-E control, and it is labeled lambda control output.
Mercedes info says for 0 duty cycle check for open wire on x11, or bad CIS-E control.
The OVP does supply 12v to CIS-E control.

Why don't you test directly from the EHA? I don't remember the exact numbers you should see, but they are all over the forum. 20mA KOEO, ~0.0= 50%...something along those lines.

Have you blown a fuse in your testing instrument?

__________________
'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E

For complete accuracy, use a scope. Meters only average the voltage. There are also expensive handheld LCD scopes available.

Look on e-bay for old Heathkit scopes. Make sure you have the manual. An old vacuum tube scope will work fine as well.

For meters, make sure you get one with a sensitivity of 20,000 ohms per volt or higher. The small inexpensive 1000 ohms per volt meters are far too inacurate due to circuit loading.

Does anyone know where I can get the connectors for the aforementioned X11 connector, and others on the car?

__________________
Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

The Sears meter is indeed a high input impedance meter. It is PLENTY accurate for this job. When drawing a code, you would know the code even with a 5% error. This meter is way better than that. When setting the 50% duty cycle during closed loop operation the signal bounces all over the place anyway.

I know the hesitance to believe such a meter. How can you possibly get a decent meter for $30. I've been around electronic test equipment for about 37 years. To get a meter like this in years past would have been several thousand dollars. With microelectronics this kind of functionality and quality is possible.

There are indeed some measurements of duty cycle that would best be done with a scope, but this isn't one of them. Even with a scope you don't have the resolution for such a measurement as you do with a digital meter. One cycle would be several inches wide on the scope, measuring against a scale on the scope face. 1% accuracy would be about the best you could count on.

Don't knock the meter until you've tried it.

Good luck,

At this point I will rephrase the question since we've gotten a little off track. Can lambda be read when the system is in open loop? Would this cause a 99.99 or 00.00 duty cycle? Where is pin 3 on x11 getting 50 mv from?

lambda is read only after engine is warmed up and system goes to closed loop.

The .050 volts might just be the base voltage when duty cycle is zero, I don't know. Do you have a good ol' fashioned dwell meter. Dwell is nothing more than duty cycle measured in rotation degrees. It would be a good way to cross check your other instruments whatever they are. Center of the dwell meter scale is 50% duty cycle.

Hope this helps,

OK, I'll get one. Do you have the Sears model number by chance?

__________________
Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

I don't have the number at my fingertips, but there is another thread going on right now with the number and further info. They give info on how to get in online for $20.

Good luck,

Sears 82139