Actron KAL9615 User Manual
OBD II System
Tester '$#
Table of Contents
Vehicle Service Information . . 2
Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . 3
Section 1: Welcome to the OBD II
System Tester . . . . . . 4
1-1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1-2 The OBD II System Tester . . . . . . . . 4
1-3 Diagnostic Connector and Location . 4
1-4 Operating the OBD II System Tester . 5
Powering-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Lists, Menus and Questions . . . . . 6
Other Functions & Keys . . . . . . . . 7
1-5 OBD II System Tester Setup . . . . . . 7
Section 2: Diagnosing with the
Tester . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2-1 Preliminary Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2-2 OBD II Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Read Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Pending Codes (or Continuous
Test Codes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Erase Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
View Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
View Freeze Data . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Record Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Playback Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
O2 Monitor Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Non-Continuous Tests . . . . . . . 17
On-Board Systems . . . . . . . . . . 18
I/M Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Section 3: Diagnostic Trouble Code
Lookup . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Section 4: On-Line Help and
Troubleshooting Tips 22
4-1 How to Use On-Line Help . . . . . . . 22
4-2 Tool Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
4-3 Vehicle Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4-4 OBD II System Tester Self-Tests . . 23
Display Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Keyboard Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Appendix A: Vehicle Computer
Basics . . . . . . . . . 25
Appendix B: Data Parameter List
& Definitions . . . . 31
Appendix C: Glossary of Terms 36
1
Vehicle Service Information
The following is a list of publishers who have manuals containing
electronic engine control diagnostic information. Some manuals may
be available at auto parts stores or your local public library. For others,
you need to write for availability and pricing, specifying the make,
model and year of your vehicle.
Vehicle Service Manuals
Chilton Book Company
Chilton Way
Radnor, PA 19089
Haynes Publications
861 Lawrence Drive
Newbury Park, CA 91320
Cordura Publications
Mitchell Manuals, Inc.
Post Office Box 26260
San Diego, CA 92126
Motors Auto Repair Manual
Hearst Company
250 W. 55th Street
New York, NY 10019
Suitable manuals have titles
such as:
Electronic Engine Controls
Fuel Injection and Feedback
Carburetors
Fuel Injection and Electronic
Engine Controls
Emissions Control Manual
. . . or similar titles
Vehicle Service Manuals from General
Motors Corporation:
Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GEO, GMC,
Oldsmobile, & Pontiac
Helm Incorporated
Post Office Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Saturn
Adistra Corporation
c/o Saturn Publications
101 Union St.
Post Office Box 1000
Plymouth, MI 48170
Vehicle Service Manuals from Ford
Motor Company:
Ford, Lincoln, & Mercury
Ford Publication Department
Helm Incorporated
Post Office Box 07150
Detroit, MI 48207
Vehicle Service Manuals from Chrysler
Corporation:
Chrysler, Plymouth, & Dodge
Chrysler Motors Service Training
26001 Lawrence Avenue
Center Line, MI 48015
2
Safety Precautions
General Safety Guidelines to Follow When Working on Vehicles
To prevent accidents that could result in serious injury and/or damage
to your vehicle or test equipment, carefully follow these safety rules
and test procedures at all times when working on vehicles:
Always wear approved eye protection.
Always operate the vehicle in a well-ventilated area. Do not inhale exhaust gases
they are very poisonous!
Always keep yourself, tools and test equipment away from all moving or hot engine
parts.
Always make sure the vehicle is in Park (Automatic transmission) or Neutral
(manual transmission) and that the parking brake is firmly set. Block the drive
wheels.
Never lay tools on vehicle battery. You may short the terminals together causing
harm to yourself, the tools or the battery.
Never use OBD II System Tester if its internal circuitry has been exposed to any
liquids.
Never smoke or have open flames near vehicle. Vapors from gasoline and
charging battery are highly flammable and explosive.
Never leave vehicle unattended while running tests.
Always keep a fire extinguisher suitable for gasoline/electrical/chemical fires handy.
Always use extreme caution when working around the ignition coil, distributor cap,
ignition wires, and spark plugs. These components contain High Voltage when the
engine is running.
When performing a road test, Never operate the OBD II System Tester alone while
driving the vehicle. Always have one person drive the vehicle while an assistant
operates the tester.
Always turn ignition key OFF when connecting or disconnecting electrical compo-
nents, unless otherwise instructed.
Always follow vehicle manufacturers warnings, cautions and service procedures.
WARNING!
Some vehicles are equipped with safety air bags. You must follow
vehicle service manual cautions when working around the air bag
components or wiring. If the cautions are not followed, the air bag
may open up unexpectedly, resulting in personal injury. Note that the
air bag can still open up several minutes after the ignition key is off
(or even if the vehicle battery is disconnected) because of a special
energy reserve module.
3
Section 1: Welcome to the OBD II System Tester
1-1 Overview
OBD II (On-Board Diagnostic, second generation) systems are designed to meet or
exceed a set of standards and regulations designed to improve air quality. The
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in conjunction with California Air Research
Board (CARB), issued these standards and regulations through the Clean Air Act
of1990. OBD II systems are required to monitor the performance of emission related
systems and their components. The ability to detect hard and intermittent faults are
further requirements of an OBD II compliant system. The Society of Automotive
Engineers (SAE) defined several standards for OBD II systems. These standards
include criteria for the diagnostic link connector, communication, Diagnostics trouble
codes (DTCs), descriptor names, and other repair information.
This OBD II System Tester will work on OBD II compliant cars and light trucks. If you
use a vehicle service manual along with the tester, you will be able to diagnose and
repair many automotive-related problems. Before proceeding, make sure you have
read and fully understand the material in this Manual.
1-2 The OBD II System Tester
KAL Equips OBD II System Tester was developed by experts in the automotive
service industry to help diagnose todays vehicles and assist in troubleshooting
procedures. When a problem occurs in the vehicle, its computer will store a record of
the event and take corrective action to adjust the circuit at fault. The OBD II System
Tester will allow you to monitor these vehicle events and read DTCs from the
computers memory to pinpoint problem areas. The OBD II System Tester will
interpret the computer signals and provide you with a real time readout of vehicle
data. In addition, the Code Lookup feature allows you to reference code descriptions
without having to page through an instruction manual. A detailed description of the
functions are provided in Section 2: Diagnosing with the Tester.
1-3 Diagnostic Connector and Location
The OBD II System Tester communicates with
the vehicle via a diagnostic link connector (DLC).
OBD II Specification J1962 defines the DLCs
physical and electrical properties. The DLC is
known as the J1962 connector. The Specification
J1962 was introduced by the SAE (Society of
Automotive Engineers) to make all compliant
vehicles use the same DLC with the generic link
information available on the same pins, no
matter what make of vehicle. In addition to the
connector specification, there is a guideline on
where to locate the DLC or J1962 connector, which
states it should be located under the dashboard on the
drivers side of the vehicle. Even with this guideline, not
all OBD II DLCs are located under the dash on the
drivers side. If the DLC is not located in the specified area, then a note will be placed
where the DLC should be informing the user of the location. If you cannot find the
DLC, see the vehicle service documentation for its location.
4
1-4 Operating the OBD II System Tester
MAIN MENU
`1)OBDII Functions
2)Tool Setup [
3)Tool Self Test |
Welcome To The
OBDII SYSTEM TESTER
by
KAL Equip
Press *|* For
Instructions
Press ENTER To Cont
POWERING-UP
Connect the OBD II System Tester to the DLC. This
connection will provide power for the OBD II System
Tester. The DLC contains power even when the ignition
is turned off. Connection to the battery is not necessary.
When the OBD II System Tester powers up, a series of screens are displayed. The
screens start with a Welcome screen and end with a Help for Instructions screen.
Before the Help for Instructions screen, the tool performs a self-test and then displays
the software version SW ID: xxxx. Refer to this software version if you need to contact
Actrons technical support line with a problem.
The Help for Instructions screen allows the
user to review the keypad definitions. Press the
? key for instructions or the ENTER key to
continue and display the MAIN MENU.
NOTE: Your OBD II System Tester requires a minimum of 8 volts to power up. If the
power-up persists, review Section 4-2: Tool Problems to find the cause.
KEYPAD
The OBD II System Tester software was designed for ease in operation and navigation through the menus. Simply follow the instructions that match the keypad symbols
and you will be using your OBD II System Tester like an expert in no time.
CAUTION! DO NOT use solvents like ALCOHOL! This could remove the keypad paint! Use
Keyboard Functions
The OBD II System Tester uses 6 keys to navigate through the user-friendly software:
ENTER - Used to select functions and respond
to requests.
? - Used to request help when the (|) symbol is
displayed on the lower right hand corner of
the display.
BACK - Used to move one screen back in OBD II
System Tester flow.
ARROWS
UP & DOWN - are always used to move the solid
cursor (`) in the direction of the arrow or
scroll the data list in the direction you want to
move the list.
LEFT/RIGHT - The left/right arrow key is used to answer Yes or No questions.
a mild detergent or water to clean. Let dry thoroughly before operating tool.
Tester Keypad
5
DISPLAY
2)Pending Codes
`3)Erase Codes ]
4)View Data [
5)View Freeze Data |
OBD II FUNCTION MENU
`1)Read Codes
2)Pending Codes [
3)Erase Codes |
1)Read Codes
2)Pending Codes ]
3)Erase Codes [
`4)View Data |
The OBD II System Tester has a 4 line x 20 character liquid crystal display (LCD) for
easy viewing. This helps make the OBD II System Tester more user friendly by
offering a large viewing area to display most Help and Instructional messages. This
puts more information on the display to reduce reference to printed materials. The
display will support a number of helpful symbols that will prompt you through test
routines. These symbols are shown and defined below:
| Question Mark in lower right corner means there is help available for this screen
or current selectable item.
` Pointer (cursor) is used to indicate current selectable choice.
[ Down Arrow indicates there is additional
information on the next screen.
] Up Arrow indicates there is additional
information on previous screen.
LISTS, MENUS AND QUESTIONS
The OBD II System Tester is designed to be as intuitive as possible. That is, its
functions and controls should be easy to understand and use the first time you try it.
All menu and screen lists operate the same way. By using the UP and DOWN arrow
keys, you can move the cursor to a selection of your choice. The ENTER key selects
that function or item. The screen example above illustrates a few selections available
on the OBD II Function Menu.
Notice, in the screen below on the left, how the cursor (`) is pointing at 1)Read
Codes. If you wish to read the vehicles DTCs, press the ENTER key to select that
function. To make a different choice, such as View Data, use the DOWN arrow key to
move the cursor down to 4) View Data and press the ENTER key to select the View
Data function.
Sometimes, a list will be longer than three or four items, and will not fit on a single
screen. In these cases, the down arrow symbol ([) is visible in the last column of the
display, indicating that there are more choices on the next screen, as shown below
on the left. To go to the next choice, use the DOWN arrow key to move the cursor
down the list. Keep going even after you have reached the bottom of the screen. The
display will scroll to the list, shown above on the right:
You should see that there are now arrows in the last column pointing up and pointing
down. This indicates that you can use the UP arrow key to move the cursor to the
previous screen or the DOWN arrow key to move the cursor to the next screen.
Once the bottom of the list is reached, you will notice that there is now only an UP
arrow (]) in the last column. This indicates that you have reached the end of this list,
and that all other choices are on previous screens. You can return to those screens
by pressing the UP arrow key. These up and down arrow characters on the screen
are used throughout the OBD II System Tester. The UP and Down arrow keys work
exactly the same way, even if you are just scrolling through text such as the On-Line
Help screen.
6
Occasionally, you may be asked a question by
Operating Error
Check Connections!
Try Again?
<YES> NO |
THE TESTER CAN NOT
COMMUNICATE WITH
VEHICLE. CHECK THE [
FOLLOWING:
1.IGNITION KEY ON?
2.HOOKUP TO VEHICLE ]
TEST CONNECTOR OK? [
3.EMISSION LABEL
MAIN MENU
1)OBDII Functions
`2)Tool Setup [
3)Tool Self Test |
TOOL SETUP MENU
`1)Metric Units
2)English Units
the OBD II System Tester. These will always be
YES or NO questions, and are answered in
almost the same way you make choices in a
Function Menu. In these screens, brackets <>
will automatically appear next to the default response. If you wish to accept the default
choice, simply press the ENTER key. If you wish to change the answer, use the LEFT/
RIGHT arrow key to move the brackets to the other response and press the ENTER key.
OTHER FUNCTIONS & KEYS
As you have reviewed moving through lists and functions in earlier sections, you
probably noticed another symbol on the screen. In the lower right-hand corner of some
screens, there is a |. This question mark indicates that On-Line Help is available for
that particular screen or item. To enter On-Line
Help, press the ? key. The Operating Error
help screen is shown at the right.
The text in On-Line Help screens are in
CAPITAL letters to remind you that you are
viewing On-Line Help screens and not screens associated with a function. Some OnLine Help messages are longer than one screen. If this is the case, the arrow
symbols (][) will appear in the last column of the display. A [ means more
information available on the next screen and a ] means more information available
on the previous screen. Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to page up or down
through a series of On-Line Help screens.
The On-Line Help screen shown above has a [ in the last column. To view the next
On-Line Help screen, press the DOWN arrow key.
Notice now that both arrow symbols (][) are
visible in the last column of the display. This
indicates that you can either page up to a
previous On-Line Help screen, or page down to
the next On-Line Help screen by using the UP
and DOWN arrow keys. The previous On-Line Help screen is always the one you just
viewed, just as with Function Menu.
1-5 OBD II System Tester Setup
Tool Setup is used to change the OBD II
System Testers default measurement units.
Select the Tool Setup option from the MAIN
MENU and press the ENTER key.
The TOOL SETUP MENU appears. Use the UP
and DOWN arrows to select English or Metric
measurement units and then press the
ENTER key. Press ENTER again to accept or
the BACK key to change.
NOTE: If you change the Measurement Units to a setting other than the default, then
it will revert back to the default settings the next time the OBD II System Tester
is used.
7
Section 2: Diagnosing with the Tester
2-1 Preliminary Checks
Before using the OBD II System Tester on your vehicle, it is a good idea to perform a
complete visual inspection. You can find the cause of many driveability problems by
just looking, thereby saving yourself a lot of time. Check the following items before
proceeding with OBD II System Tester testing:
o Has the vehicle been serviced recently? Sometimes things get reconnected in
the wrong place, or not at all.
o Dont take shortcuts. Inspect hoses and wiring which may be difficult to see
because of location beneath air cleaner housings, alternators and similar
components.
o Inspect the air cleaner and ductwork for defects.
o Check sensors and actuators for damage.
o Inspect all vacuum hoses for:
Correct routing. Refer to vehicle service manual, or Vehicle Emission Control
Information (VECI) decal located in the engine compartment.
Pinches and kinks.
Splits, cuts or breaks.
o Inspect wiring for:
Contact with sharp edges (this happens frequently).
Contact with hot surfaces, such as exhaust manifolds.
Pinched, burned or chafed insulation.
Proper routing and connections.
o Check electrical connectors for:
Corrosion on pins.
Bent or damaged pins.
Contacts not properly seated in housing.
Bad wire crimps to terminals.
NOTE: Problems with connectors are common in the engine control system. Inspect
them carefully for corrosion, bent pins, pushed out pins, or over expanded
pins. Some connectors use a special grease on the contacts to prevent
corrosion. Do not wipe off! Obtain extra grease, if needed, from your vehicle
dealer. It is a special type for this purpose.
2-2 OBD II Functions
During the functions described below, a communication link is established, allowing
the OBD II System Tester and the vehicles PCM to exchange information. The way in
which this information is exchanged is referred to as a data stream or data links. The
OBD II Function Menu shows all OBD II Generic functions. Not every vehicle will have
every function that is listed. If the function or part of function selected is not supported
by the vehicle, a message screen informing you of this will be displayed.
8
After you select OBDII Functions from the MAIN MENU the OBD II System Tester will
On-Board Readiness
Tests are Complete
Press A Key to Cont
Not All Supported
On-Board Readiness
Tests Are Complete.
Use [ To View Tests
Misfire Monitor OK
Fuel System Mon inc
Comp Component n/a[
Catalyst Mon OK
OBDII Function Menu
`1)Read Codes
2)Pending Codes [
3)Erase Codes
automatically link to the PCM and check the OBD II Readiness Monitors. OBD II
Readiness Monitors are strategies designed to test the operation of emission related
systems or components. The PCM may perform special tests on a system or
component to complete its monitor. The vehicle may have to be operated under
certain conditions to initiate a monitor. If the PCM loses power or the codes are
erased the monitors will be cleared. The OBD II System Tester will display the
condition of vehicles OBD II Monitors.
Below is an example of the screen when the OBD II readiness monitors are completed. If any of the monitors are not completed, the following screen on the right will
be displayed.
Press the down arrow key to view a list of the monitors. The monitor list consists of
the OBD II monitor name followed by the monitors condition. A monitor that is not
supported by the test vehicle will be followed
by n/a, (not applicable). A monitor that has
been completed will be followed by OK. If a
monitor has not been completed, it will be
follower by inc for incomplete.
Press the BACK key and the OBD II Function Menu will display. Use the UP and
DOWN arrow keys to scroll through the choices.
IMPORTANT: If you choose a test that your vehicle does not support, you will get a
message telling you that the test is not applicable.
Read Codes
The Read Codes function is used to retrieve Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) from
the vehicles on-board computer. Diagnostic Trouble Codes are set when the PCM
recognizes a condition outside preset ranges. A Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) that
is on indicates that a DTC has been recorded. Because DTCs indicate a circuit or
system failure not component failures they are very useful in diagnosing vehicle
concerns.
NOTE: Changing parts without diagnosing the circuit or system may result in good
Select Read Codes from the OBD II Function
Menu and press the ENTER key. The PCM will
check its memory and report trouble conditions that were stored.
NOTE: If you get an Operating Error message, make sure the DLC adapter cable is
components being unnecessarily replaced.
properly attached to the vehicle connector. If the problem remains, refer to
Section 4: On-Line Help and Trouble-Shooting Tips.
9
When the tester has finished reading the DTCs, one of two possible screens is
P0101
MAF Or VAF
CKT Range/Perf [
P0102
MAF Or VAF ]
Circuit Low Input
System Pass:
No Faults Detected.
Press Any Key For
Function Menu
Codes Found: 2
Use [ To View Codes
Write Down Codes [
For Reference.
System Pass:
No Faults Detected.
Press Any Key For
Function Menu
OBDII FUNCTION MENU
1)Read Codes
`2)Pending Codes [
3)Erase Codes |
6)Record Data
7)Playback Data ]
8)O2 Monitor Test [
`9)Continuous Test |
displayed. If there are no DTCs stored in the vehicles on-board computer, a
System Pass screen is displayed. If there are DTCs stored in the vehicles onboard computer, then the OBD II System Tester displays the number of codes found.
If codes are retrieved, press the DOWN arrow to view the DTC(s). Definitions for
Generic DTCs (SAE J2012) will be displayed. Manufacturer specific DTCs will just
display the code, no definition. Use an appropriate service manual to obtain code
definitions. When more than one DTC is received, the DOWN arrow will be displayed
on the right of the screen. The arrow indicates additional code information is available. Use the DOWN arrow key to view the codes stored in memory. The last code
screen will just have a
this is the last screen and additional code information is found on previous screens.
Use the BACK key to return to the OBD II Function Menu.
] symbol in the last column of the display. This indicates that
Pending Codes (or Continuous Test Codes)
The purpose of this function is to obtain test results for continuously monitored
emission-related powertrain components and systems. Certain tests are run
continuously as the vehicle is driven within proper operating conditions. Unlike some
trouble codes this function reports the test results after a single drive cycle. The
Pending Codes function is identical to the Continuous Test function and is useful
after a vehicle repair or after clearing the PCMs diagnostic information. Test results
reported by this function do not necessarily indicate a faulty component or system.
To view the test results, select Pending Codes or Continuous Test from the OBDII
Function Menu and press the ENTER key.
If no Pending Codes exist, the OBD II System
Tester will display a single message screen
indicating this condition.
10
NOTE: If you get an Operating Error message, make sure the DLC adapter cable is
OBDII FUNCTION MENU
1)Read Codes
2)Pending Codes [
`3)Erase Codes |
Codes Found: 2
Use [ To View Codes
Write Down Codes [
For Reference.
P0123
TP Sensor Circuit
High Input [
Erase Codes And
Diagnostic Results?
Are You Sure?
<Yes> No
Command Sent
Press A Key to Cont
If any of these tests indicate a fault, the DTCs
will be displayed in the same format as Read
Codes. The tester will display codes similar to
trouble codes. Press the DOWN arrow to view
the pending code(s).
A DOWN arrow displayed on the right of the screen indicates additional codes can
be found on the next screens. Use the DOWN arrow key to view the codes stored in
memory. The last screen will just have
a ] symbol in the last column of the display.
This indicates no more codes are available.
Use the UP arrow key to view the previous
codes.
Use the BACK key to return to the OBD II Function Menu.
securely attached, and the ignition key is ON, then try again. If the problem
remains, refer to Section 4: On-Line Help and Trouble-Shooting Tips.
Erase Codes
The Erase Codes function is used to erase the trouble codes from the test vehicles
PCM. This function also erases freeze frame data, O2 sensor test data, and on-board
monitoring test results, and resets the system monitors to the Not Ready status.
Because of this you should erase codes only after you have checked the systems
completely. Erase Codes should be performed at Key On, Engine Off to properly clear
the PCM.
To Erase Codes from your vehicles on-board
computer, select Erase Codes from the OBDII
Function Menu.
A confirmation screen will be displayed to verify
that you wish to erase codes. Select YES to
erase the diagnostic results from the PCM or
NO to cancel and retain the data.
If YES is selected, press the ENTER key and a
message to Turn ignition key ON, engine
OFF will display. Press the ENTER to continue. A Command Sent message is momentarily displayed before returning to the
OBD II Function Menu.
NOTE: If you choose No, a Command Cancelled message appears. Hard codes,
NOTE: If you get an Operating Error message, make sure the DLC adapter cable is
are trouble codes that will remain in the vehicles PCM memory until the
condition is repaired.
securely attached, and the ignition key is ON, then try again. If the problem
remains, refer to Section 4: On-Line Help and Trouble-Shooting Tips.
11
ABSLT TPS (%) 0. 0
CALC LOAD (%) 5.3
COOLANT (oF) 180[
ENGINE (RPM) 865
`4)View Data
5)View Freeze Data ]
6)Record Data [
7)Playback Data |
4)View Data
`5)View Freeze Data ]
6)Record Data [
7)Playback Data |
View Data
This function is used to view vehicle Parameter Identification Data (PID) in real time.
Apart from Read Codes, View Data is the most helpful diagnostic function for determining the cause of a driveability problem. View Data is most often used for observing sensor data and the ON/OFF states of switches, solenoids and relays.
NOTE: Multiple Responses to a PID Request - Vehicles equipped with more than
To view your vehicles PIDs, select View Data
from the OBD II Function Menu and press the
ENTER key.
The OBD II System Tester will display the
generic OBD II PIDs supported for the vehicle
under test. Not all vehicles will have the same
PIDs. Do not worry this is normal. The PIDs
covered by the OBD II System Tester are
defined in Appendix B.
Press the BACK key to display the OBD II Function Menu.
NOTE: If you get an Operating Error message, make sure the DLC adapter cable is
one on-board computer, for example a PCM and TCM (Transmission Control
Module), can respond with multiple results to a certain parameter identification data (PID). In View Data, the OBD II Tester identifies the modules with
their manufacturer assigned names such as $10 or $1F by blinking the
module name near the end of the PID name. A PID that receives multiple
responses, such as Engine (RPM), will display on two lines.
securely attached and the ignition key is ON, then try again. If the problem
remains, refer to Section 4: On-Line Help and Trouble-Shooting Tips.
View Freeze Data
When an emission related fault is detected by the PCM the engine conditions are
recorded and stored in memory. This recording is known as a freeze frame. The
freeze frame is like a snapshot of the engine operating conditions at the time of a
fault. Freeze frame data can only be overwritten by another fault with higher priority.
The OBD II System Tester will allow you to look at the freeze frame data stored in the
PCMs memory.
NOTE: If the Erase Codes function was performed, then no freeze frame data will
To view the freeze frame data, select View
Freeze Data from the OBD II Function Menu.
be stored in the vehicles memory.
12
After selecting View Freeze Data, the OBD II
COOLANT (oF) 180
ENGINE (RPM) 865]
FUEL PRES (PSIG) 35[
FUEL SYSTEM 1 OPEN
4)View Data
5)View Freeze Data ]
`6)Record Data [
7)Playback Data |
Pick Trigger Method
`1)Manual Trigger
2)Trigger On Codes
No Freeze Frame Data
Stored (Freeze Frame
Event Not Detected)
Press A Key To Cont
Cannot Record. Old
Recording Filled Up
Memory. Erase Old?
<YES> NO
System Tester establishes a communication
link to the vehicles PCM. All PIDs supported by
the vehicle are displayed. Use the UP and
DOWN arrow keys to scroll through all selected data parameters.
When done, press the BACK key to return to the OBD II Function Menu.
If no data exists, a message will display
prompting the user to press any key to return to
the OBD II Function Menu.
NOTE: If you get an Operating Error message, make sure the DLC adapter cable is
securely attached and the ignition key is ON, then try again. If the problem
remains, refer to Section 4: On-Line Help and Trouble-Shooting Tips.
Record Data
The Record Data function is used to record vehicle Parameter Identification Data (PIDs)
while the vehicle is parked or being driven. This function is mainly used for diagnosing
intermittent driveability problems that cannot be diagnosed by any other method. For
example, if your vehicle sometimes loses power while going up steep hills, then you
should start a recording as soon as your vehicle reaches the base of the hill. The OBD II
System Tester records the supported PIDs in Frames at various time intervals. The first
5 Frames are recorded prior to the start time (0.0 seconds) Once started, Frames will
be recorded for 8 to 35 seconds; the number of Frames depends on the vehicles data
rate and quantity of PIDs. The Record Data function allows you to diagnose an intermit-
tent problem by analyzing data leading up to the problem, during the problem, and
possibly after the problem, depending on problem duration. The PIDs covered by the
OBD II System Tester are defined in Appendix B.
Select Record Data from the OBD II Function Menu and press the ENTER key. The
Pick Trigger Method menu is displayed next. Select either Manual Trigger or Trigger
on Codes then press the ENTER key.
If the memory is full from a previous recording,
it must be erased before recording more data.
To erase memory and continue, select YES
and press the ENTER key and then the Pick
Trigger Method options will display. Otherwise,
select NO and press the ENTER key to return
to the OBD II Function Menu.
NOTE: If you get an Operating Error message, make sure the DLC cable is securely
attached, and the ignition key is ON, then try again. If the problem persists,
refer to Section 4 of this Manual: On-Line Help and Trouble-Shooting Tips.
13
The OBD II System Tester initializes by
Working
Waiting for VEH
To Respond.
*Please Wait*
**Recording Data**
FRAME: 1 Of 30
Press ENTER to Stop
Playback Data?
<Yes> No
4)View Data
5)View Freeze Data ]
6)Record Data [
`7)Playback Data |
**INITIALIZING**
PRETRIG FRAME: -5
Press BACK to Exit
**Ready To Record**
Press ENTER Anytime
To Start Recording.
Stops Automatically
establishing the time intervals and then
recording the first five Frames of data. When
done, the system tester is ready to record data.
To cancel this function, press the BACK key to
return to the OBD II Function Menu.
If Manual Trigger was selected, then the OBD
II System Tester will start recording when the
ENTER key is pressed.
If Trigger on Codes was selected, then the
tester will automatically start recording when a
trouble code is set in the vehicles on-board
computer. Press the BACK key to cancel and
return to the OBD II Function Menu.
WARNING! Never operate the OBD II System Tester and drive your vehicle at
The tester records for a time of varying duration. Remember, your recording will
consist of 5 Frames of data prior to the start of the recording, and a number of
Frames after with time intervals of 5 seconds or longer (depending on the number of
PIDs). All applicable data parameters will be recorded for your vehicle.
When the recording is in progress, screens
like the example below are displayed for the
duration of the recording, displaying the Frame
Number being recorded. You can record all the
frames or press the ENTER key any time to
stop recording.
Next, You will be asked if you want to play back
the recording now. If you answer YES, then
the Playback Data function will display,
Answering NO returns you to the OBD II
Function Menu.
the same time. Always have one person drive the vehicle while a
helper operates the tester.
Playback Data
The Playback Data function is used to playback a recording. This function is very
similar to View Data. The only difference is that View Data is a real time viewing of
vehicles PIDs, while Playback Data is a viewing of previously recorded ones.
To view the PIDs recorded in the Record Data
function, select Playback Data from the OBD II
Function Menu.
14
If a recording does not exist in the OBD II
No Recording Present
Please Make
Recording First
MIL Status ON
ABSLT TPS (%) 0.0
CALC LOAD (%) 5.3[
Frame: 10 TM: 9.5
System Testers memory, then the message
No Recording Present, Please Make Recording First will display. The Record Data function
must be performed in order to play back the
data. Press the BACK key to return to the OBD II OBD II Function Menu and select
Record Data to make a recording.
If recorded data exists, the PIDs, Frame
number and Time are displayed.
NOTE: Multiple-response PIDs (see View Data) are displayed with their module
On the Playback Data screen, lines 1-3 are used to display the vehicles PIDs. Use
the UP/DOWN arrow keys to scroll through the PID list. The end of the list is reached
when only the UP arrow is displayed at the right of line 3. The PID list scrolls line-byline and will not wrap around to the beginning.
Use the LEFT/RIGHT arrow key to move through the Frame/Time index. Frame 0/
Time 0.0 is the trigger point; where the recording was started by either Manually
Triggering or by Triggering On Codes. Frames -5 to -1 contain data prior to the trigger
point.
NOTE: After reaching the last Frame/Time interval, the system tester will wrap to
A Frame is a snapshot of engine operating conditions at a certain time. The
relationship between the Frame index and the Time index are based on the vehicles
on-board computer data rate and the number of PIDs being read. Remember, not all
OBD II vehicles use the same data stream (communication protocol), data rates
(baud) and the same number of PIDs. For this reason, not all vehicles will start and
end with the same Frame number. The Frame number increases every time data is
transmitted from the vehicle to the OBD II System Tester. The intervals when this
occurs increases for slower data rates and larger PID lists. Frame 0 occurs at the
trigger point, Time 0.0. Thus, negative and positive Frame numbers contain data
before and after the trigger point, respectively.
address in one frame and their measurement values in the next frame. Use
the LEFT/RIGHT arrow key to alternate between the frames to identify the PIDs
and their measurement values.
the first Frame/Time interval recorded. The Frame/Time display will change
from a positive to the first negative number viewed. This is normal. The LEFT/
RIGHT arrow may be used to scroll through all time intervals.
NOTE: Some vehicles will wait 3 to 4 minutes after the driveability problem first occurs
When you have finished playing back a recording, press the BACK key to return to
the OBD II Function Menu.
before storing a trouble code in the vehicles on-board computer. If you
selected Trigger On Codes when you made your recording, you might not
see any drastic change in data parameters before and after the trigger point.
In cases like this, it is better to manually trigger the start of the recording when
the driveability symptom is first observed.
15
Loading...