Operation Manual

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1.1 Start-up Screen
This initial start-up screen appears momentarily when the tool is first plugged in.
The lower identification line reveals the version of the software. Use this version
number to verify that the tool has the most up to date software.
2. General Information
2.1 On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) II
The first generation of On-Board Diagnostics (called OBD I) was developed by the
California Air Resources Board (CARB) and implemented in 1982 to monitor some
of the emission control components on vehicles. As technology evolved and the
desire to improve the On-Board Diagnostic system increased, a new generation of
On-Board Diagnostic system was developed. This second generation of On-Board
Diagnostic regulations, which was implemented in 1996, is called "OBD II". Under
guidelines set forth by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) a standardized
protocol was put in place. All automobile manufacturers selling cars in the US since
1996 must comply with OBD II requirements.
The OBD II system is designed to monitor emission control systems and key
engine components by performing either continuous or periodic tests of specific
components and vehicle conditions. When a problem is detected, the OBD II
system turns on an amber warning lamp (MIL) on the vehicle instrument panel to
alert the driver typically by the phrase of “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon”.
The system will also store important information about the detected malfunction so
that a technician can accurately find and fix the problem. Below are three pieces of
such valuable information:
1) If the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is commanded 'on' or 'off'.
2) Which, if any, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are stored;
3) Readiness Monitor status.
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AL309 V. 1.17
MS309 Manual_V1.01.fm Page 3 Wednesday, January 7, 2009 2:42 PM