Save This Manual Keep this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly, operating,
inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures. Write the product’s serial number in the back of the manual
near the assembly diagram (or month and year of purchase if product has no number).
Keep this manual and the receipt in a safe and dry place for future reference.
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:
1. Always perform automotive testing in a safe environment.
2. Wear safety eye protection that meets ANSI standards.
3. Keep clothing, hair, hands, tools, test equipment,
etc. away from all moving or hot engine parts.
4. Operate the vehicle in a well ventilated work
area: Exhaust gases are poisonous.
5. Put blocks in front of the drive wheels and never
leave the vehicle unattended while running tests.
6. 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.
7. Put the transmission in PARK (for automatic
transmission) or NEUTRAL (for manual transmission)
and make sure the parking brake is engaged.
8. Keep a fire extinguisher suitable for gasoline/
chemical/electrical fires nearby.
9. Don't connect or disconnect any test equipment
while the ignition is on or the engine is running.
10. 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.
11. WARNING: This product contains or, when used, produces
a chemical known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
(California Health & Safety Code § 25249.5, et seq.)
The first generation of On-Board Diagnostics (called OBDI)
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 OnBoard 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 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. Here are three examples:
1. Whether the Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) is commanded 'on' or 'off';
2. Which, if any, Diagnostic Trouble
Codes (DTCs) are stored;
1= Fuel and Air Metering
2= Fuel and Air Metering
3= Ignition System or Engine Misfire
4= Auxiliary Emission Controls
5= Vehicle Speed Control and Idle
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.
These codes provide information as to where the DTC originated
and the operating conditions that caused it to set. See chart below:
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 dashboard, a
label should be there telling location. For some Asian and
European vehicles, the DLC is located behind the ashtray and
the ashtray must be removed to access the connector.
2.4 OBD II Readiness Monitors
An important part of a vehicle's OBD II system are 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 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.
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 (Gasoline) Engines Only:
The Following Monitors Are To Be Used For
Compression Ignition (Diesel) Engines Only:
8. EGR System
9. NMHC Catalyst
10. NOx Aftertreatment
11. Boost Pressure System
12. Exhaust Gas Sensor
13. PM Filter
2.5 OBD II Monitor Readiness Status
OBD II systems must indicate whether or not the vehicle's PCM
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 can not turn the MIL off until necessary
repairs are completed or the condition no longer exists.
DTC -- Diagnostic Trouble Code that identifies which section
of the emission control system has malfunctioned.
Enabling Criteria -- Also termed Enabling Conditions. These
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's 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 Powertrain information and
shows 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 $01 are not implemented in this mode.
Mode $03 – Displays the type of powertrain 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 DTCs 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 numbers 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.
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 repair
was performed properly and after clearing DTCs.
Mode $08 – This special Control Mode requests control of
the on-board system, test, or component bi-directionally
(where applicable). This mode is manufacturer specific.
Mode $09 – Reports vehicle information. This
information includes vehicle VIN number and calibration
information stored in the vehicle's ECU.
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.
1. OBD II Connector – Connects the Scan Tool to
the vehicle's Data Link Connector (DLC).
2. LCD Display – Displays menus and test results.
3. GREEN LED – Indicates that engine systems are
running normally (The number of monitors on the vehicle
which are active and performing their diagnostic testing
is in the allowed limit, and no DTCs are present).
4. YELLOW LED – Indicates there is a possible problem.
A “Pending” DTC is present and/or some of the vehicle's
emission monitors have not run their diagnostic testing.
5. RED LED – Indicates there is a problem in one or
more of the vehicle's systems. The RED LED is also
used to show that DTCs are present. DTCs are shown
on the Scan Tool's display. In this case, the MIL on
the vehicle's instrument panel will light steady on.
6. One-Click I/M Readiness Key – Quick-checks
State Emissions readiness and drive cycle verification.
7. ESC Button – Cancels a selection (or action)
from a menu or returns to the previous screen.
8. Left Scroll Button – When looking up DTC definitions,
moves to previous character and views additional information
on previous screens if DTC definition covers more than
one screen. Deselects all marked PID data when viewing
or recording customized live data list; views previous
frames of recorded data when playing back live data.
It is also used to update DTC library when pressed.
9. Help Button – Provides help information
and Code Breaker function.
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.
11. OK Button – Confirms a selection
(or action) from a menu.
12. Right Scroll Button – When looking up DTC
definitions, moves to next character to view additional
information on next screens if DTC definition covers
more than one screen. Selects/deselects PID data when
viewing or recording customized live data list, and views
next frames of data when playing back live data.
13. 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 next screens for additional data.
14. USB Connector – Connects the Scan Tool to
the PC for printing and upgrading software.
3.2 Specifications
Display: TFT color display (320 x 240 dpi)
Operating Temperature: 0 to 60°C (32 to 140 F°)
Storage Temperature: -20 to 70°C (-4 to 158 F°)
External Power: 8.0 to 18.0 V power provided via vehicle battery
1. OBD II Cable -- Provides power to tool and
communicates between tool and vehicle.
2. USB Cable -- Used to upgrade the Scan
Tool, and to print retrieved data.
3.4 Navigation Characters
1. “$” -- Identifies the control module number
from which data is retrieved.
2. “?” -- Indicates help or Code Breaker information is available.
3. “G” -- Indicates graphic viewing is available.
3.5 Keypad
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.
3.6 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 Scan Tool.
2. Find DLC on vehicle.
• A plastic DLC cover may be found on some vehicles and
will need to be removed before plugging the OBD II cable.
The DTC Lookup function is used to search for definitions of DTCs
stored in the DTC library and for Code Breaker information.
1. From Main Screen (See Figure 3.1), use the Up/Down scroll button and Left/Right scroll button to
select DTC Lookup and press the OK button.
Figure 3.1
2. From DTC Lookup screen, use the Left/Right button to move
to the desired character, use the Up/Down button to change
selected digit/character and press the OK button to confirm.
3. View the DTC definition on screen. When the
DTC definition covers more than one screen, use
the Left/Right button or Up/Down button to view
additional information on previous/next screens.
a. For manufacturer specific codes, you need to select a vehicle
make on an additional screen to look for DTC definitions.
b. If definition could not be found (SAE or
Manufacturer Specific), the Scan Tool displays
“Please refer to vehicle's User's Manual!”
c. For Code Breaker information, you need
to press the “?” Help button.
d. In the Code Breaker screen, there are three options
to assist user to understand DTC more:
• System Description to read detailed description of DTCs
• Quick Check to read detailed description of DTCs
• General Notes to view helpful repair information of DTCs.
4. To view previous or next DTC in the built-in
DTC library, use the Left/Right button.
5. To enter another DTC, press the ESC
button to return to previous screen.
6. To exit to Main Screen, press the ESC button.
3.8 System Setup
The Scan Tool allows you to make the
following adjustments and settings:
1. Language: Selects the desired language.
2. Configure Monitors: Sets the monitors you want to test.
3. Unit of measure: Sets the unit of
measure to English or Metric.
4. Key Beep Set: Turns on/off beep.
5. Status Beep Set: Turns on/off the
I/M Readiness Status beep.
6. Tool Self-test: Checks if the LCD display, LED
lamps and keyboard are working normally.
7. Update Mode: Accesses the Update Mode.
• Settings of the unit will remain until change
to the existing settings is made.
To Enter the Setup Menu
From the Main Screen (See Figure 3.1): Use the Up/Down
scroll button and Left/Right scroll button to select Setup, and
press the OK button. Follow the instructions to make adjustments
and settings as described in the above setup options.
System Setup 1/7
Language
Configure Monitors ?
Unit of Measure
Key Beep Set
Status Beep Set
Tool Self-test
Figure 3.3
Language Setup
•English is the default language.
1. From System Setup screen, use the Up/Down 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 previous screen.
Language 1/3
English
Français ?
Español
Figure 3.4
Configure Monitors
From System Setup screen, use the Up/Down scroll button
to select Configure Monitors, and press the OK button.
In this menu, you can configure the monitors required to test spark
ignition and compression ignition, the number of monitors to pass
diagnosis, and restore the default settings. (See Figure 3.5)
From Configure Monitors screen, use the Up/Down scroll button
to select Spark IGN Required Monitors, and press the OK button.
The monitors for spark ignition engines show as below:
Spark IGN Required Monitors
√
√
√
√
√
Compression IGN (Diesel) Required Monitors
From Configure Monitors screen, use the Up/
Down scroll button to select Compression IGN
Required Monitors, and press the OK button.
The monitors for compression ignition engines show as below:
MIS
FUEL
CCM
CAT
√
√
√
√
√
EVAP
AIR
O2S
HTR
Compression IGN Required Monitors
√
√
√
√
√
MIS
FUEL
CCM
HCCAT
√
√
√
√
NCAT
BP
EGS
PM
EGR
Allowed INC Monitors
From Configure Monitors screen, use the Up/Down scroll button
to select Allowed INC Monitors, and press the OK button.