We apply a novel phase-amplitude characterization method to a one-section quantum dash-based passively mode-locked laser at a 42.2 GHz repetition rate. The method relies on the measurement of the spectral phase of the longitudinal modes by the successive analysis of the correlation signal of a group of three adjacent modes. It provides both the temporal shape of the intensity and the phase of the emitted signal. A pulse of 1.5 ps of width is measured, and a pedestal is exhibited. Extinction ratio limitation is explained by investigating the origin of this pedestal. The accuracy of the method is estimated by comparing the measured autocorrelation signal and the calculated one from the phase analysis.