Autel AL609 User Manual

Table of Contents

1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS .............................................. 1

2. GENERAL INFORMATION .......................................................................... 2

2.1 ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS (OBD) II ............................................................. 2

2.2 DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) ........................................................ 2

2.3 LOCATION OF THE DATA LINK CONNECTOR (DLC) .................................... 3

2.4 OBD II READINESS MONITORS .................................................................... 4

2.5 OBD II MONITOR READINESS STATUS ......................................................... 5

2.6 OBD II DEFINITIONS .................................................................................... 6

2.7 OBD II MODES OF OPERATION .................................................................... 7

3. USING THE SCAN TOOL ............................................................................ 10

3.1 TOOL DESCRIPTION .................................................................................... 10

3.2 SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................................... 12

3.3 ACCESSORIES INCLUDED............................................................................. 12

3.4 KEYBOARD .................................................................................................. 12

3.5 POWER ........................................................................................................ 12

3.6 SYSTEM SETUP ............................................................................................ 13

3.7 VEHICLE COVERAGE .................................................................................. 18

3.8 PRODUCT TROUBLESHOOTING.................................................................... 18

4. ABS DIAGNOSIS ........................................................................................... 20

4.1 VEHICLE SELECTION .................................................................................. 21

4.2 READING ABS CODES ................................................................................. 26

4.3 ERASING ABS CODE ................................................................................... 27

4.4 ECU INFORMATION .................................................................................... 28

5. OBDII DIAGNOSIS ....................................................................................... 30

5.1 READ CODES ............................................................................................... 32

5.2 ERASE CODES.............................................................................................. 34

5.3 LIVE DATA .................................................................................................. 36

5.4 FREEZE FRAME ........................................................................................... 42

5.5 RETRIEVING I/M READINESS STATUS ......................................................... 43

5.6 O2 MONITOR TEST ..................................................................................... 46

5.7 ON-BOARD MONITOR TEST ........................................................................ 48

5.8 COMPONENT TEST ...................................................................................... 51

5.9 VIEWING VEHICLE INFORMATION .............................................................. 53

5.10 MODULES PRESENT .................................................................................... 54

5.11 DTC LOOKUP ............................................................................................. 55

6. PLAYBACK ................................................................................................... 58

6.1 DATA VIEWING ........................................................................................... 58

6.2 DATA DELETING ......................................................................................... 59

7. PRINT AND UPDATE................................................................................... 60

7.1. PRINT DATA ................................................................................................ 60

7.2. SOFTWARE UPDATE ..................................................................................... 61

8. WARRANTY AND SERVICE ...................................................................... 67

8.1. LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ................................................................ 67

8.2. SERVICE PROCEDURES ................................................................ ................ 67

1. Safety Precautions and Warnings

To prevent personal injury or damage to vehicles and/or the scan tool, read this instruction manual first and observe the following safety precautions at a minimum whenever working on a vehicle:

 Always perform automotive testing in a safe environment.  Wear safety eye protection that meets ANSI standards.  Keep clothing, hair, hands, tools, test equipment, etc. away from

all moving or hot engine parts.

 Operate the vehicle in a well ventilated work area: Exhaust gases

are poisonous.

 Put blocks in front of the drive wheels and never leave the vehicle

unattended while running tests.

 Use extreme caution when working around the ignition coil,

distributor cap, ignition wires and spark plugs. These components create hazardous voltages when the engine is running.

 Put the transmission in PARK (for automatic transmission) or

NEUTRAL (for manual transmission) and make sure the parking brake is engaged.

 Keep a fire extinguisher suitable for gasoline/chemical/electrical

fires nearby.

 Don‟t connect or disconnect any test equipment while the

ignition is on or the engine is running.

 Refer to the user‟s manual for the vehicle being serviced and

adhere to all diagnostic procedures and precautions. Otherwise personal injury or unneeded repairs may result.

 Keep the scan tool dry, clean, free from oil/water or grease. Use a

mild detergent on a clean cloth to clean the outside of the scan tool when necessary.

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 (ARB) and implemented in 1988 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 is called "OBD II".

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 a warning light (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. Here below follow three pieces of such valuable information:

1) Whether the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is

commanded 'on' or 'off';

2) Which, if any, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are stored;

3) Readiness Monitor status.

2.2 Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)

OBD II Diagnostic Trouble Codes are codes that are stored by the on-board computer diagnostic system in response to a problem found in the vehicle. These codes identify a particular problem area and are intended to provide you with a guide as to where a fault might be occurring within a vehicle. OBD II Diagnostic Trouble Codes consists of a five-digit alphanumeric code. The first character, a letter, identifies which control system sets the code. The other four characters, all numbers, provide additional information on where the DTC originated and the operating conditions that caused it to set. Here below is an example to illustrate the structure of the digits:

2.3 Location of the Data Link Connector (DLC)

The DLC (Data Link Connector or Diagnostic Link Connector) is the

standardized 16-cavity connector where diagnostic scan tools

interface with the vehicle's on-board computer. The DLC is usually

located 12 inches from the center of the instrument panel (dash),

under or around the driver‟s side for most vehicles. If Data Link

Connector is not located under the dashboard, a label should be there

telling the location. For some Asian and European vehicles, the DLC

is located behind the ashtray and the ashtray must be removed to

access the connector. If the DLC cannot be found, refer to the

vehicle‟s service manual for the location.

2.4 OBD II Readiness Monitors

An important part of a vehicle‟s OBD II system is the Readiness

Monitors, which are indicators used to find out if all of the emissions components have been evaluated by the OBD II system. They are running periodic tests on specific systems and components to ensure that they are performing within the allowable limits.

Currently, there are eleven OBD II Readiness Monitors (or I/M Monitors) defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Not all monitors are supported by all vehicles and the exact number of monitors in any vehicle depends on the motor vehicle manufacturer‟s emissions control strategy.

Continuous Monitors -- Some of the vehicle components or systems are continuously tested by the vehicle‟s OBD II system, while others are tested only under specific vehicle operating conditions. The continuously monitored components listed below are always ready:

1）Misfire

2）Fuel System

3）Comprehensive Components (CCM)

Once the vehicle is running, the OBD II system is continuously checking the above components, monitoring key engine sensors, watching for engine misfire, and monitoring fuel demands.

Non-Continuous Monitors -- Unlike the continuous monitors, many emissions and engine system components require the vehicle to be operated under specific conditions before the monitor is ready. These monitors are termed non-continuous monitors. For different ignition

type engines, the available monitors are different too. The following monitors are to be used for spark ignition engines

only:

1) EGR System

2) O2 Sensors

3) Catalyst

4) Evaporative System

5) O2 Sensor Heater

6) Secondary air

7) Heated Catalyst

The following monitors are to be used for compression ignition

engines only:

1) EGR System

2) NMHC Catalyst

3) NOx after treatment

4) Boost pressure system

5) Exhaust gas sensor

6) PM filter

2.5 OBD II Monitor Readiness Status

OBD II systems must indicate whether or not the vehicle PCM‟s

monitor system has completed testing on each component.

Components that have been tested will be reported as “Ready”, or

“Complete”, meaning they have been tested by the OBD II system.

The purpose of recording readiness status is to allow inspectors to

determine if the vehicle‟s OBD II system has tested all the

components and/or systems. The power-train control module (PCM) sets a monitor to “Ready” or

“Complete” after an appropriate drive cycle has been performed. The drive cycle that enables a monitor and sets readiness codes to “Ready” varies for each individual monitor. Once a monitor is set as “Ready”

or “Complete”, it will remain in this state. A number of factors,

including erasing of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with a scan tool or a disconnected battery, can result in Readiness Monitors being set

to “Not Ready”. Since the three continuous monitors are constantly

evaluating, they will be reported as “Ready” all of the time. If testing of a particular supported non-continuous monitor has not been

completed, the monitor status will be reported as “Not Complete” or

“Not Ready.”

In order for the OBD monitor system to become ready, the vehicle should be driven under a variety of normal operating conditions. These operating conditions may include a mix of highway driving and stop and go, city type driving, and at least one overnight-off period. For specific information on getting your vehicle‟s OBD monitor system ready, please consult your vehicle Owner‟s Manual.

2.6 OBD II Definitions

Power-train Control Module (PCM) -- OBD II terminology for the

on-board computer that controls engine and drive train. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) -- Malfunction Indicator Light

(Service Engine Soon, Check Engine) is a term used for the light on the instrument panel. It is to alert the driver and/or the repair technician that there is a problem with one or more of vehicle's systems and may cause emissions to exceed federal standards. If the MIL illuminates with a steady light, it indicates that a problem has been detected and the vehicle should be serviced as soon as possible. Under certain conditions, the dashboard light will blink or flash. This indicates a severe problem, and flashing is intended to discourage vehicle operation. The vehicle onboard diagnostic system cannot turn the MIL off until necessary repairs are completed or the condition no longer exists.

DTC -- Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) identify which section of the emission control system has malfunctioned.

Enabling Criteria -- Also termed Enabling Conditions. They are the vehicle-specific events or conditions that must occur within the engine before the various monitors will set, or run. Some monitors require the

vehicle to follow a prescribed “drive cycle” routine as part of the

enabling criteria. Drive cycles vary among vehicles and for each monitor in any particular vehicle.

OBD II Drive Cycle -- A specific mode of vehicle operation that

provides conditions required to set all the readiness monitors

applicable to the vehicle to the “ready” condition. The purpose of

completing an OBD II drive cycle is to force the vehicle to run its

onboard diagnostics. Some form of a drive cycle needs to be

performed after DTCs have been erased from the PCM‟s memory or

after the battery has been disconnected. Running through a vehicle‟s

complete drive cycle will “set” the readiness monitors so that future

faults can be detected. Drive cycles vary depending on the vehicle and

the monitor that needs to be reset. For vehicle specific drive cycle,

consult the vehicle Owner‟s Manual. Freeze Frame Data -- When an emissions related fault occurs, the

OBD II system not only sets a code but also records a snapshot of the vehicle operating parameters to help in identifying the problem. This set of values is referred to as Freeze Frame Data and may include important engine parameters such as engine RPM, vehicle speed, air flow, engine load, fuel pressure, fuel trim value, engine coolant temperature, ignition timing advance, or closed loop status.

2.7 OBD II Modes of Operation

Here is a basic introduction to the OBD II communication protocol.

Mode byte: The first byte in the stream is the mode number. There are 10 modes for diagnostic requests. The first byte in the response data bytes is this same number plus 64. For example, a mode 1 request would have the first data byte = 1, and the response would have the first data byte = 65. Here is a brief description of the modes:

Mode $01 – Identifies the Power-train information and shows the current data available to the scan tool. This data includes:

DTC set, status of on-board tests, and vehicle data such as engine RPM, temperatures, ignition advance, speed, air flow rates, and closed loop status for fuel system.

Mode $02 – Displays Freeze Frame data. Same data as in mode 1,

but it was captured and stored when a malfunction occurred and a DTC was set. Some of the PIDs for mode one are not implemented in this mode.

Mode $03 – Displays the type of power-train or emission related DTCs stored by a 5 digit code identifying the faults. There may be

more than one response message if there are more trouble codes than will fit in the data bytes of the response message, or if there are more than one ECU computer responding.

Mode $04 – Used to clear DTCs and Freeze Frame data. This

clears all diagnostic trouble codes that may be set including freeze

frame data and readiness monitors.

Mode $05 – Oxygen Sensor Test Results. This mode displays the

oxygen sensor monitor screen and the test results gathered about the

oxygen sensor.

There are ten terms available for diagnostics:

1. $01 Rich-to-Lean O2 sensor threshold voltage.

2. $02 Lean-to-Rich O2 sensor threshold voltage.

3. $03 Low sensor voltage threshold for switch time

measurement.

4. $04 High sensor voltage threshold for switch time

measurement.

5. $05 Rich-to-Lean switch time in ms.

6. $06 Lean-to-Rich switch time in ms.

7. $07 Minimum voltage for test.

8. $08 Maximum voltage for test.

9. $09 Time between voltage transitions in ms.

Mode $06 – Non-continuously Monitored Systems test results.

There are typically a minimum value, a maximum value, and a

current value for each non-continuous monitor. This data is optional,

and it is defined by a given vehicle maker if it‟s used.

Mode $07 – Request for DTCs (pending) from Continuously

Monitored Systems after a single driving cycle has been

performed to determine if repair has fixed a problem. This is

used by service technicians to verify whether repair was performed

properly after diagnostic trouble codes are cleared.

Mode $08 – This special Control Mode requests control of the

on-board system, test, or component bi-directionally (where

applicable). The mode is manufacturer specific.

Mode $09 – Reports vehicle information. This information

includes vehicle VIN number and calibration information stored in

the vehicle ECUs.

Mode $0A – Request Emission-Related Diagnostic Trouble Codes with Permanent Status. This mode is required for all

emissions-related DTCs. The presence of permanent DTCs at an inspection without the MIL illuminated is an indication that a proper repair was not verified by the on-board monitoring system.

3. Using the Scan Tool

3.1 Tool Description

1) OBD II CONNECTOR – Connects the scan tool to the vehicle‟s

DLC.

2) LCD DISPLAY – Displays menus and test results.

3) FUNCTION BUTTONS – Corresponds with “buttons” on

screen for executing commands.

4) ESC BUTTON – Cancels a selection (or action) from a

menu or returns to the previous screen.

5) LEFT SCROLL BUTTON – When scrolling through a

screen of data or text moves to previous character and views additional information on the previous screen, if recorded data content covers more than one screen. It is also used to view previous trouble code when viewing DTCs.

6) HELP BUTTON – Provides help information and Code

Breaker function.

7) DOWN SCROLL BUTTON – Moves down through

menu and submenu items in menu mode. When more than one screen of data is retrieved, moves down through the current screen to the next screen for additional data. When looking up DTC, it is used to change value of the selected character.

8) RIGHT SCROLL BUTTON – When scrolling through a

9) OK BUTTON – Confirms a selection (or action) from a

menu.

10) UP SCROLL BUTTON – Moves up through menu and

submenu items in menu mode. When more than one screen of data is retrieved, moves up through the current screen to the previous screens for additional data. When looking up DTC, it is used to change value of the selected character.

11) USB CONNECTOR – Connects the scan tool to the PC for

printing.

12) TF CARD SLOT – Holds the TF card.

3.2 Specifications

1) Display: TFT color display (320 x 240 dpi)

2) Operating Temperature: 0 to 60°C (32 to 140 F°)

3) Storage Temperature: -20 to 70°C (-4 to 158 F°)

4) External Power: 8.0 to 18.0 V power provided via vehicle battery

5) Dimensions:

6) Length Width Height

7) 199 mm (7.83”) 104.5 mm (4.11”) 37.5 mm (1.48”)

8) Weight: 0.28kg(without wire) 0.484kg(with wire)

3.3 Accessories Included

1) User’s Manual -- Instructions on the tool‟s operations.

2) CD -- Includes user‟s manual, AutoLink update software, and

etc.

3) OBDII cable -- Provides power to the scan tool and

communicates between the tool and vehicle.

4) USB cable – Communicates between the tool and PC and

upload the retrieved data for printing.

5) Protective Nylon Case – A nylon case to store the tool when

not in use.

6) TF card -- Used to store data and to upgrade the scan tool

3.4 Keyboard

No solvents such as alcohol are allowed to clean the keypad or display. Use a mild nonabrasive detergent and a soft cotton cloth. Do not soak the keypad as the keypad is not waterproof.

3.5 Power

The scan tool is powered via the vehicle Data Link Connector (DLC).

Just follow the steps below to turn on the scan tool:

1) Connect the OBD II Cable to the scan tool.

2) Find DLC on the vehicle.

 A plastic DLC cover may be found for some vehicles and you

need to remove it before plugging the OBDII cable.

3) Plug the OBD II cable to the vehicle‟s DLC.

4) Power up the scan tool, and wait for the Main Screen to appear.

(Figure 3.1)

Figure 3.1

3.6 System Setup

The System Setup function allows you to adjust default settings and view the information about the scan tool.

1) Language: Selects the desired language.

2) Unit of measure: Sets the unit of measure to English or Metric.

3) Beep Set: Turns on/off beep.

4) Key Test: Checks if the keyboard is working properly.

5) LCD Test: Checks if the LCD display is in good condition.

6) About: Provides information of the scan tool.

 Settings will remain until change to the existing settings is

made.

To enter the Setup menu

On Main Screen use the LEFT/RIGHT scroll button to select Setup, and press the OK button. Following the instructions to do adjustments and settings could make your diagnosis more convenient and easy.

Figure 3.2

Language Setup

 English is the default language.

1) On System Setup screen, use the UP/DOWN scroll button and

LEFT/RIGHT scroll button to select Language, and press the OK button.

2) Use the UP/DOWN scroll button to select the desired language

and press the OK button to save your selection and return to the previous screen.

Figure 3.3

Note: The current version of AL609 scan tool supports only the English language, and there will be more languages to come with new updates released.

Unit of Measure

 Metric is the default measurement unit.

1) On System Setup screen, use the UP/DOWN scroll button and

LEFT/RIGHT scroll button to select Unit and press the OK

button.

2) Use the LEFT/RIGHT scroll button to select the desired unit of

measurement.

Figure 3.4

3) Press the OK button to save your selection and return to the

previous menu, or press the ESC button to exit without saving.

Beep Set

 The default setting is Beep On.

1) On System Setup screen, use the UP/DOWN scroll button and

LEFT/RIGHT scroll button to select Beep, and press the OK

button.

2) On Beep Set menu, use the LEFT/RIGHT scroll button to

select ON or OFF to turn on/off the beep. (Figure 3.5)

Figure 3.5

3) Press the OK button to save your selection and return to the

previous menu, or press the ESC button to exit without saving.

Key Test

The Key Test function checks if the keyboard is working properly.

1) On System Setup screen, use the UP/DOWN scroll button and

LEFT/RIGHT scroll button to select Key Test, and press the OK button.

2) Press any key to start test. When you press a key, the edge around

the corresponding key on the screen will turn red; otherwise, the key is not functioning properly.

Figure 3.6

3) Double press the ESC button to return to the previous menu.

LCD Test

The LCD Test function checks if the LCD display is working

normally.

1) On System Setup screen, use the UP/DOWN scroll button and

LEFT/RIGHT scroll button to select LCD Test, and press the OK button.

2) Check if there is any missing spot in the red, green, blue, black

and white LCD displays.

3) When the test is completed, press the ESC button to exit.

About

The About function allows viewing of the important information, such as serial number and software version number of the scan tool.

1) On System Setup screen, use the UP/DOWN scroll button and

LEFT/RIGHT scroll button to select About. Press the OK button, and wait for the About screen to appear.

2) View the tool‟s information on the screen. (Figure 3.7) Press the

ESC button to exit.

Figure 3.7

3.7 Vehicle Coverage

The AutoLink AL609 OBDII/EOBD Scanner is specially designed to work with all OBD II compliant vehicles, including those equipped with next-generation protocols -- Control Area Network (CAN). It is required by EPA that all 1996 and newer vehicles (cars and light trucks) sold in the United States must be OBD II compliant and this includes all the US Domestic, Asian and European vehicles.

A small number of 1994 and 1995 model year gasoline vehicles are OBD II compliant. To verify if a 1994 or 1995 vehicle is OBD II compliant, check the Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) Label which is located under the hood or by the radiator of most vehicles. If the vehicle is OBD II compliant, the label will designate “OBD II Certified”. Additionally, Government regulations mandate that all OBD II compliant vehicles must have a common sixteen-pin Data Link Connector (DLC).

For your vehicle to be OBD II compliant it must have a 16-pin DLC under the dash and the Vehicle Emission Control Information Label must state that the vehicle is OBD II compliant.

In addition to OBD II diagnosis, the AL609 scan tool also supports the ABS diagnostic function, dealing with more than 20 US, Asian and European vehicles, including GM, Ford, Chrysler, Audi, Abarth, Alfa, Benz, BMW, Bentley, Bugatti, Dacia, EU Ford, Fiat, Jaguar, Lancia, Land Rover, Mini, Maybach, Renault, Seat, Skoda, Smart, Sprinter, VW, Volvo, Peugeot, Citroen, Acura, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Kia, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Mazda, Nissan, Scion, Toyota.

※ Abarth, Alfa, Dacia, Fiat, Lancia, Renault, Peugeot, Citroen are

only for AL609EU.

More vehicle supports will come out with new updates released.

3.8 Product Troubleshooting

This part describes problems that you may encounter when using the scan tool.

Vehicle Linking Error

A communication error occurs if the scan tool fails to communicate with the vehicle‟s Engine Control Unit (ECU). In this case you need to do the followings to check up:

 Verify whether or not the ignition is ON.  Check if the scan tool‟s OBD II connector is securely connected

to the vehicle‟s DLC.

 Verify if the vehicle is OBDII compliant.  Turn the ignition off and wait for about 10 seconds. Turn the

ignition back to on and continue the testing.

 Verify if the control module is defective.

Operating Error

If the scan tool freezes, then an exception occurs or the vehicle‟s ECU is too slow to respond the requests. In this case you need to do the followings to reset the tool:

 Reset the scan tool.  Turn the ignition off and wait for about 10 seconds. Turn the

ignition back to on and continue the testing.

Scan tool doesn’t power up

If the scan tool won‟t power up or operates incorrectly in any other

way, you need to do the followings to check up:

 Check if the scan tool‟s OBD II connector is securely connected

to the vehicle‟s DLC.

 Check if the DLC pins are bent or broken.  Clean the DLC pins if necessary.  Check the vehicle battery to make sure it is in good condition

with at least 8.0 volts.

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