OBD-II Diagnostic ScanTool User Guide Version 2.
Copyright © 2002 - 2004 AutoEnginuity, L.L.C. All rights reserved The software described in this document is furnished under license agreement. The software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the agreement. It is against the law to copy software except as specifically allowed in the license agreement.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome ................................................................................................ 1 OBD-II History .................................................................................. 2, 3 Section I: Installation Minimum Requirements ..................................................................... .... 4 Installation Instructions ......................................................................
WELCOME Thank you for purchasing AutoEnginuity’s ScanTool for OBD-II vehicles. I hope that our tool saves you a considerable amount of time and money in vehicle repair and maintenance. I’m an avid car fan and I love working on my cars. But before my AutoEnginuity ScanTool, I was constantly limited to what I could do because the vehicle’s computer hid all the information I needed to understand the problem.
OBD-II HISTORY What is OBD-II? OnBoard Diagnostics Version 2 (OBD-II) is in all passenger vehicles manufactured for sale in the U.S. since 1996. It has three main purposes, it: 1) alerts the vehicle operator if the vehicle’s emissions output rises in response to a system failure; 2) performs real-time analysis of the engine’s performance to help manufacturers achieve regulated vehicle fuel economy; and, 3) standardizes the electrical and communications protocols for the automotive industry.
wide variance in both fault codes and the equipment necessary to interpret them. The EPA stepped in and created an extensive list of procedures and standards based on the findings of the SAE and ARB. This list resulted in the second generation of onboard diagnostics, the OBDII. By 1994 manufacturers were to implement OBD-II unless a waiver was granted. Almost every manufacturer applied for, and received, a waiver.
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SECTION I: Installation Minimum Requirements Operating System Processor Memory Free Storage Space CD-ROM or DVD-ROM USB or Serial Port Windows® 95 / 98 / ME / 2000 / XP 90 Mhz Intel Pentium® or AMD Athlon® 32 MB RAM (64 MB RAM recommended) 12 MB 1x Speed capable of at least 19200 baud Installation Instructions Follow the step-by-step instructions below to install AutoEnginuity’s ScanTool onto your personal computer. 1. Place the AutoEnginuity CD-ROM into your computer’s CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive. 2.
6 3. Select Next to continue the installation process. 4. Carefully read the terms of the agreement. If you agree with the terms and wish to continue the installation, accept the terms of the license agreement by selecting I accept the terms in the license agreement and then select Next to continue. If you do not accept the terms of the agreement, select Cancel and contact AutoEnginuity to discuss the return of the product. www.AutoEnginuity.
5. Enter the user and organization name that the product should be registered to. Select whether this installation is for a single user, or all users of the computer. Select Next when you are done.
8 6. Select Complete to install all of the required and optional components. This is the typical installation for most users. If you have used AutoEnginuity’s ScanTool before, or do not require anything but the program itself, select Custom. The Custom option will allow you to choose individual components to install. Select Next when you are done. 7. If you have changes to make to your installation settings (such as a different Registered User Name, etc.) now is the time to do so by selecting Back.
8. Congratulations! You have successfully installed AutoEnginuity’s ScanTool. Select Finish and begin using your ScanTool.
SECTION II: Using the Software Connecting to the Vehicle Connecting AutoEnginuity’s ScanTool and the vehicle is a simple process. For this you will need your AutoEnginuity OBD-II connector, the provided serial cable, and/or USB-to-serial cable. Also, you will be required to locate your vehicle’s DLC (Data Link Connector) and your computing device’s serial port. The first step is to locate the DLC.
Auto Detect algorithm runs into trouble and you are required to manually configure the serial/COM port.) Once the vehicle is physically connected to the PC, place the key in the ignition and turn it forward to the "ON" position. If you would like to monitor onboard test results or view live vehicle sensor data, you will be required to start your vehicle. Warning: Never operate a vehicle within a confined area. Vehicle emissions are dangerous. Make sure that your work area is well ventilated.
other information regarding the vehicle interface. As each step is completed, a checkmark will appear next to it. When all four checkmarks appear, the software will retrieve onboard test results data from the vehicle. Be patient, the connection process can be slow. If the Connection Status window doesn’t go away, either your serial/COM port can’t be opened, or the vehicle interface type is incorrect or cannot be discovered automatically. You may be required to manually configure these settings to proceed.
Note: Belkin USB-to-serial adaptors incorrectly enumerate to the OS as Modems instead of RS232C compatible COM ports. Belkin adaptors will not work with the ScanTool. Using a Wireless Connector The Using Wireless Connector option configures the software for the hardware flow control that is required for wireless communications. Select this option only if you are using a wireless connector.
Using HeartBeat The Use HeartBeat option sends a request through the vehicle bus at a regular interval if there are no other communications. This is used to determine if a connection is lost. It is selected by default. Should you run into an issue with a vehicle that loses connection after a brief period of time, try selecting or deselecting this setting. When both the serial/COM port and Vehicle Interface Type have been correctly selected, press OK.
Using the Software Diagnostic Trouble Codes The Diagnostic Trouble Code window is probably the most important window of AutoEnginuity’s ScanTool software; and it’s the first window you’ll see for just that reason. If you are experiencing issues with your vehicle, chances are you have a Check Engine or Service Engine Soon indicator light (the OBD-II specification refers to these as MILs—Malfunction Indicator Lights). The MIL tells the driver that an issue has arisen that needs attention.
A "flashing" MIL means that there is a severe misfire occurring. See Misfire in Appendix B for further details. Stored and Pending Diagnostic Trouble Codes The Stored Diagnostic Trouble Codes list will enumerate any trouble codes that the connected vehicle has stored in its computer. If a DTC is listed in the Stored Diagnostic Trouble Codes, then the Check Engine graphic in the upper right-hand corner of the screen will have the word "Check" inside it.
Both the Stored and Pending DTC lists can be interpreted the same way. The left-most column, Module, identifies the system(s) that the vehicle’s computer has determined to have a problem. The Module will help you quickly narrow down what system of the vehicle is in question. The Code column of the DTC lists, identifies the DTC(s) with an alpha designator and a three or four digit numerical code. The DTC will help you narrow down the specific component or module in question.
The Description column of the DTC lists gives a detailed description of what the DTC means. The descriptions are carefully written to be unambiguous and to give you a great deal of information about the specific fault. Sometimes the DTC has multiple descriptions, or the description is too lengthy to display on one line. To view the DTC description in a window by itself, double-click the left mouse button on the row of the description you’d like to view.
If the MIL is cleared on the connected vehicle and the problem isn’t fixed, the MIL will return. If there is a serious problem with the connected vehicle, more problems could arise, or the problem could worsen, if the appropriate action is not taken. It is not enough to clear the MIL, the fault that caused the MIL must be addressed.
The DTC that did store the freeze frame data will be listed in the title of the freeze frame area of the Freeze Frame window. If the vehicle does not support freeze frame data, or reporting which DTC caused the data to be stored, P0 will be reported. In that case, the information reported in the freeze frame area is unreliable. 20 www.AutoEnginuity.
Live Data Meter The Live Data Meter gives you the ability to watch several sensors report from the vehicle. In the case that your vehicle reported a DTC and set the MIL, you’ll want to use the DTC description to determine what sensors to watch. Sensors might also help you determine if a new component (i.e., free-flow exhaust or intake) is performing better than stock. The sensors your vehicle reports provide a wealth of information for both the mechanic and the tuner.
Before purchasing a used vehicle, bring your AutoEnginuity ScanTool and verify the vehicle’s condition. If you no longer need to watch a sensor you can remove it from the list by selecting Off from the drop-down list. Meters will report the current status of the sensor through color cues. If the sensor is at 80 - 90% of its capacity, the meter will change its color to yellow. If the sensor is between 90 - 100%, the meter will change to red. Anything else, the meter will display in green.
You can change the units by selecting the menu item Units and then selecting the unit of measure (Metric SI or English). All values, minimum, maximum, and units will change in real-time.
Live Data Graph The Live Data Graph gives you the ability to watch two live sensors in each graph report from the vehicle. In the Live Data Graph, the information is viewed as plotted data instead of numerical data. Adding a sensor to be viewed is easy, select the sensor from the Live Vehicle Sensors list above a graph, or left- or right-click on the graph area and select the sensor from the drop-down list. If you leftclick, the left-most live sensor will be set.
You can change the color of these graph properties by selecting Options and then selecting Customize. See Customize for more details. If you no longer need to watch a live sensor you can remove it from the graph by selecting Off in the Live Vehicle Sensor list, or by left- or right-clicking the graph area and selecting Off. Plotted sensor data using a graph is one of the quickest ways to determine if one sensor is influencing another.
Dashtop The Dashtop gives you the ability to view several sensors reporting from the vehicle, but in a format that most of us are used to seeing vehicle data in—gauges. The gauge is a great way to quickly view data visually, especially if you are trying to tune the vehicle. The number of sensors that can report depends on the vehicle’s supported sensor list and interface type. Some sensors take longer to report back to the ScanTool (i.e., Intake Manifold Absolute Pressure) and will update slower.
O2 Sensors The O2 Sensors window is used to show oxygen sensor specific data and test results. Like the Live Data Graph, O2 Sensors allows you to show oxygen sensor voltage and fuel trim plotting. What O2 Sensors adds, is the ability, if supported by your vehicle, to look at the plot with a sample of what the oxygen sensor switching should look like. In the lower left corner of the window, the Oxygen Sensor Test Results are shown.
Oxygen Sensor Test Results are numbered so that each test result can be matched to the part of the plot used as a threshold value in the testing process. See the O2 Sensors section in Appendix B: Engine Terminology to better understand how an oxygen sensor affects engine management.
Test OnBoard System Test OnBoard System is used to send requests to specific components and modules on the vehicle. You can turn a system or component on or off, or cycle the device for nn seconds to initiate a system test. The Test IDs are vehicle-specific and can be obtained from the manufacturer by way of service guides or manuals. The OnBoard System Test INI file is used to populate the Test IDs list by reading the sections in the file.
you automatically when the request is sent to the vehicle. Once the Test ID and all Data fields are entered, click Test to initiate your request. The results are displayed in decimal format when the system or component has completed the request. 30 www.AutoEnginuity.
OnBoard Test Results The OnBoard Test Results window is used to display the results from the onboard diagnostic inspection/maintenance (IM) monitors. The engine computer monitors the status of up to 11 emission-control related systems by performing either continuous or periodic function tests. The first three testing categories—misfire, fuel trim, and comprehensive components—are continuously running during the drive cycle.
state. Make sure you verify that all your required IM monitors have completed before the vehicle is emissions tested. Not all of the IM monitors are supported by all vehicles. The Status column in each of the standard lists indicates whether the system supports being tested on this vehicle. If the system is not supported, Not Supported (shown in yellow) will be displayed in the column by default and the description will have a line striking through the IM monitor’s name.
OBD-II IM-based Emissions Testing An OBD-IM check consists of two types of examinations: A visual check of the dashboard display function and status (also known as the MIL and/or bulb check), and an electronic examination of the OBD computer itself. 1. Visually examine the instrument panel to determine if the MIL illuminates briefly when the ignition key is turned to the "key on, engine off" (KOEO) position. 2. Locate the vehicle’s data link connector (DLC) and plug a scan tool into the connector. 3.
Open (Due to Fault): Fuel trim is coming from the hard-coded settings in the ECM because the system is running with a stored DTC or other fault. Open (Due to Driving Conditions): Fuel trim is coming from the hard-coded settings in the ECM because the system is trying to complete its test but hasn’t because of driving conditions. Monitored Test Results (Mode 6) This table is a list of all the IM monitors’ component-level test results.
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Data Logging Data logging is a very useful and simple-to-use feature of the ScanTool. With data logging you can drive the vehicle and examine the data later for further analysis. You can also send the data to others for them to analyze. All live vehicle data modes and all sensors supported are capable of being logged. Also, any reporting DTCs can be logged to save you the trouble of having to write them down.
will be given the chance to select the filename and path where the data logging will occur. Make sure that you have enough space available on the drive you select; data logging doesn’t take much memory, but it will add up if you record multiple sensors for long periods of time. Once the output filename is set, data logging will begin. When data logging is in the recording state, a checkmark will be placed next to the Record menu item to signify that recording is active.
Once you are done recording, you can select Stop from the Data Logging menu. When you select Stop, the Data Logging File is changed to Undefined, a checkmark is placed next to Stop, and the file is closed. Pause You have the ability to pause the recording. For example, if you are waiting for an oxygen sensor to warm up and don’t need to record until it starts switching. Pausing can be done by selecting Pause from the Data Logging menu.
A delimited text file is the most common way to log data for spreadsheets. A delimiter is a character used to separate each of the data fields. The delimiter can only be one character. The default character is a comma (hence the formatting technique commonly called "comma-delimited"). A delimiter should be a character that is not alphanumeric (1 - 10 or A -Z). Otherwise, regular data will be confused with the delimiter.
are grayed out and the check box is disabled from being unchecked. To preview what will be logged, look at the sample at the bottom of the window. Click Apply and examine the resulting Sample text. Once you have determined what fields will be logged, click OK. 40 www.AutoEnginuity.
Customize The Live Data Graph, Dashtop, and O2 Sensors windows color schemes can be changed to better suit your tastes or needs. The default colors are used to best suit the needs of the control (gauge or graph) with respect to contrast and visual clarity. To change the gauge or graph colors, simply click the Options menu item and select Customize. The Customize window shows a small representation of a gauge and graph from the Live Vehicle Graph, Dashtop, or O2 Sensor.
Choose a new color and click OK. The gauge and graph colors will change the respective gauge or graph display item immediately when OK is selected. This color scheme will be saved and reused when the ScanTool application is started again. If, after changing the colors, you don’t find them usable or would prefer to stay with the default color scheme, you can restore the default colors by clicking Default Colors in the Customize window.
Feature Activation AutoEnginuity’s ScanTool has the ability to be expanded without receiving new software or hardware. New optional features are activated by retrieving an activation code from AutoEnginuity. To view your currently supported features, select Help | Feature Activation. The currently supported features will be enumerated in the list. Those that you have access to operate will have the status of "Active". Those features that you do not have support for will have the status of "Not Active".
Once the required information has been sent to AutoEnginuity, an email will return with an activation code. Enter the code exactly as given to you. You will be required to restart the software for the new activation codes to take effect. 44 www.AutoEnginuity.
Appendix A: Hard-to-Find DLCs TABLE 1.
TABLE 1.
TABLE 1.
TABLE 1. Manufa cturer Location*/ Accessibili ty Year Model Volkswagon 1996-1998 Cabrio, Golf, Jetta 7/cover right side of ashtray Volkswagon 1996-1999 Eurovan 4/cover on dash behind wiper lever Volkswagon 1999 Golf, Jetta 7/cover Volkswagon 1996, 1997 Passat 4/cover * DLC Locations. 48 www.AutoEnginuity.
Appendix B: Engine Terminology Absolute Throttle Position Sensor A sensor that reads the throttle opening. Throttle position at idle will usually indicate greater than 0%. Throttle position at wide open throttle (WOT) will usually indicate less than or equal to 100%. Air Conditioning System Refrigerant Monitor This non-continuous monitor checks the functioning of R-12 air conditioning systems. Note: air conditioning systems that use R134 are not required to implement this monitor.
before sending it through the rest of the exhaust. Two common catalytic converters used today are: 1) Oxidizing; and, 2) Three-way. An Oxidizing Catalytic Converter uses extra oxygen (See Secondary Air) to increase the rate of the chemical reaction. The ThreeWay Catalytic uses special materials (platinum, palladium, rhodium, alumina, and cerium) to increase the rate of the chemical reaction. Catalyst Monitor This monitor tests the performance of the catalytic convertor.
Comprehensive Component Monitor A continuously run monitor that performs checks on the OBD-II sensors, actuators, and switches. The current values are compared against "known-good" values to determine if the sensor, actuator, or switch is functional and is rationally operating. Crankshaft Position Sensor The crankshaft position sensor has many other tasks besides telling the engine computer what position the crankshaft is in.
EVAP or Evaporative Emissions System This system works to prevent the escape of fuel vapors into the atmosphere. The system works by drawing fumes from the fuel tank into the engine for combustion. Several components can make up this system, including charcoal canisters, a purge soleniod, fuel cap, and connecting tubes. Evaporative System Monitor This non-continuous monitor checks the EVAP system. The EVAP monitor checks the proper fuel vapor flow to the engine and pressurizes the system to check for leaks.
severity of the fault determines whether this is a "One-Trip" or "Two-Trip" monitor. Fuel System Status This system status indicates whether the fuel system is open or closed. Typically, when the vehicle starts, the fuel system is open. When the oxygen sensors warm up and start reporting stably, the fuel system is closed. Fuel Trim Feedback adjustments to the base fuel schedule. Short-term fule trim refers to dynamic or instantaneous adjustments.
IAT or Intake Air Temperature Ambient temperature taken from as far away from the engine as possible to get an accurate reading. It is used to help determine the fuel mixture and manifold pressure. Intake Manifold Is the final conduit for getting the air, and sometimes the fuel, to the intake valve. The design of the intake manifold has a great deal to do with the creation and control of horsepower and torque. Knock Sensor Measures how each cylinder is firing.
tive. This is called Adaptation or Fuel Trim. LTFT values represent the average of Short Term Fuel Trim fuel corrections. MAF or Mass Air Flow Sensor Normally mounted as part of the air cleaner assembly, it measures air flow into the intake manifold. The MAF sensor generates a continuous signal that varies nearly linearly with true mass air flow. MAP or Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Senses the difference between the atmospheric pressure and the pressure (or vacuum) inside the intake manifold.
the misfire is detected and then illuminate normally. This is a "OneTrip" monitor. See also Misfire. Non-Continuous Monitor A monitor that runs a specific test at the manufacturer’s designated interval. See also One- or Two-Trip Monitor. One-Trip Monitor A non-continuous monitor that requires only a single fault to be detected before the engine computer illuminates the MIL and places a DTC in the stored DTC area of the engine computer’s memory. See also Two-Trip Monitor or Trip.
Oxygen Sensor Heater Monitor This non-continuous monitor evaluates the working state of all oxygen sensor heaters in the vehicle. A vehicle will operate in an open loop until the oxygen sensors are up to operating temperature. It will use the default parameters stored in the engine computer to regulate fuel trim. When an oxygen sensor heats up to around 600º F the engine computer switches to a closed loop and uses the values from the oxygen sensor to influence the fuel trim.
is that the catalytic converter heats up quicker. Secondary Air System Monitor This non-continuous monitor checks the air pump and all its components. This is a "Two-Trip" monitor. See also Secondary Air System. STFT or Short Term Fuel Trim Like the LTFT, STFT adapts the fuel inputs to keep the engine performing to the current style of driving.
Throttle depressed to its fully extended position.
Appendix C: Drive Cycles, Trips, and Inspection/Maintenance Readiness Ford: Vehicle Preparation for OBD-II Drive Cycle Note: Vehicles with Power-Take Off (PTO) must have this system disengaged before proceeding. Verify by viewing the PTO sensor for the Off Status. 5. Attach AutoEnginuity’s ScanTool and verify that the Intake Air Temperature is between 50-100º F (10-38º C). Verify that the Fuel Level Indicator sensor is reading between 15% and 85% (only available on EVAP Running Loss systems). 6.
ary air (AIR-if applicable), or catalyst efficiency monitor have not completed, drive on the highway at a constant speed over 40 mph (64 km/hr) not to exceed 65 mph (104 km/hr), for up to 15 minutes. Heavy accelerations, sudden decelerations, and wideopen throttles are not recommended. 2. Bring the vehicle to a stop and retrieve pending DTCs to verify that the P1000 DTC has been erased. Comprehensive Component Monitor Repair Verification Trip 1. Complete the Vehicle Preparation for OBD-II Drive Cycle.
5. Drive the vehicle on the highway with a constant speed over 40 mph (64 km/hr) with throttle as steady as possible. During this time, verify the following EVAP monitor entry conditions: Fuel Level Indicator stable +/-5% between the limits of 15% and 85% tank full. FTP (FTP V) stable with +/-0.5 in-H20 (+/- 0.175 volts). 6. Prior to running the EVAP monitor, when EVAPPDC is less than 75%, the canister vent solenoid is open and the system is unsealed.
1. The Misfire Monitor can only be tested if the fuel gauge reads above one quarter full, or the Fuel Level Input is above 15%. 2. Start the engine and drive the vehicle to a location where speeds can reach 55 to 60 mph (88 to 97 km/hr) and coast down to 40 mph (64 km/hr) without traffic interference. 3. Accelerate at wide-open throttle to allow vehicle to shift at redline (if equiped with a tachometer). Immediately return to normal speed limits. 4.
GM: Vehicle Preparation for OBD-II Drive Cycle 1. Cold Start. In order to be classified as a cold start the engine coolant temperature must be below 122° F (50° C) and within 11° F (6° C) of the ambient air temperature at startup. Do not leave the key on prior to the cold start or the heated oxygen sensor diagnostic may not run. 2. Idle. The engine must be run for two and a half minutes with the air conditioner on and rear defrost on.The more electrical load you can apply the better.
Nissan: 1. Start the engine when the engine coolant temperature gauge is not in the normal operating range (usually between C and H).. 2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph (88 km/h), then quickly release the accelerator pedal completely and keep it released for at least 6 seconds. 3. Quickly depress the acelerator pedal for a moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of 52 to 60 mph (85 to 97 km/h) for at least 5 minutes. 4. Stop the vehicle. 5.
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ScanTool License Agreement This is a legal agreement between you (either an entity or an individual) and AutoEnginuity, L.L.C., ("AutoEnginuity"). By installing the software and using the hardware you agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement. If you do not agree to the terms of this Agreement, promptly return the software and accompanying items (including written materials) to the place from which you obtained them for a full refund. 1. GRANT OF LICENSE.
must include the most recent update and all prior versions. You may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the SOFTWARE and/or HARDWARE except and only to the extent that such activity is expressly permitted by applicable law notwithstanding this limitation. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Arizona. LIMITED WARRANTY LIMITED WARRANTY.
NO LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. To the maximum extent permitted by law, in no event shall AutoEnginuity or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or inability to use this AutoEnginuity SOFTWARE or HARDWARE, even if AutoEnginuity has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
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