Overview
The PicoDiagnostics NVH Kit from Pico Technology is the cost-effective answer to the many NVH problems facing technicians today. Providing real-time diagnosis to the technician in the form of either: a bar graph, a frequency chart, a 3D frequency chart, RPM order or road speed view. The ability to start the recording before a road test, and play back the recording for analysis on your return, ensures that driver attention remains on the road. Saving the recordings couldn’t be simpler: much like our other automotive software you simply save the file to your laptop’s hard drive.
The PicoDiagnostics NVH kit makes use of the PicoScope 4000 Series Automotive oscilloscope, and comes complete with everything you need (J2534 Scan Tool or VCI not supplied). You can be sure that your investment in the PicoDiagnostics NVH kit will benefit your business without the need for further spending. If you already have a PicoScope 4000 Series Automotive oscilloscope, you’re halfway there.

What’s in the pack?
The NVH interface unit connects to your Automotive PicoScope (sold separately) via a BNC cable, and the PicoScope is connected by USB to a PC or laptop running the PicoDiagnostics software. A separate J2534 Scan Tool or VCI (not supplied) can be used to provide RPM data.
Your PicoDiagnostics NVH Kit contains the following items:
- TA259 3-output NVH interface unit
- TA096 Mounting magnet for accelerometer
- TA143 MEMS accelerometer
- TA243 Cable: insulated BNC to BNC 0.5 m blue
- TA244 Cable: insulated BNC to BNC 0.5 m red
- TA245 Cable: insulated BNC to BNC 0.5 m green
- TA144 Microphone for NVH kit
- TA145 Sensor extension cable for NVH interface unit
- PA047 Carry case for NVH kit
Typical uses
Customer complaints surrounding noise/vibration are subjective at best and present technicians with a challenge before diagnosis and rectification begins. Applying the NVH kit to the vehicle will allow the technician to road-test the vehicle with the customer to obtain all vibration and noise levels. Once this valuable data has been collected it can be analysed and compared to previous captures or against donor vehicles. Often what is perceived by the customer to be a "problem" vibration is in fact a characteristic. Now you can present and compare objective data with test results from donor vehicles to reassure your customer that all is well. Alternatively, comparing data may highlight a problem within the vehicle allowing the technician to proceed to a repair with confidence supported by measurements taken. Below are just a few of the typical scenarios where the NVH kit can save time and money:
- Cabin vibrations at speed
- Engine vibrations throughout the entire rev range
- Clutch judder/vibration
- Transmission and bearing whine
- Auxiliary drive noise
- Brake judder
- Steering vibrations
Case studies
Noise, Vibration and Harshness
A MK5 VW Golf 2.0 TDI with a distinct vibration throughout the cabin at a very specific road speed range of 67- 73 mph, presented a real nuisance at cruising speed. This problem resulted in the customer driving at 65 or 75 mph to avoid the vibration.
NVH Cabin Vibration
The trouble with vibrations is that we all interpret them differently (which is why we should measure and not guess), but with this vehicle you could not deny a considerable vibration throughout the vehicle in a very specific engine speed range. Starting at 1450 rpm through to 1700 rpm the vibration was evident, with peak vibration occurring around 1600 rpm.