Harbor Freight Tools 62120 Product manual
Owner’s Manual & Safety Instructions
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.
REV 14g
When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact
and undamaged. If any parts are missing or broken,
please call 1-888-866-5797 as soon as possible.
Copyright© 2014 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved.
No portion of this manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in
any shape or form without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.
Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing
improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.
Tools required for assembly and service may not be included.
Email our technical support at: productsupport@harborfreight.com
Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com
Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.
Table of Contents
Safety .......................................... 3
Specifications ............................5
Overview.....................................5
Definitions .................................. 6
Control Modules ........................6
I/M Monitors ............................... 7
Diagnostic Test Modes ..............8
Diagnostic Trouble Code ...........9
Setup - Before Use: ..................10
Operating Instructions ............. 12
Connect Scan Tool ...................12
Setup ........................................13
I/M Readiness Quick-Check ..... 17
Diagnostic Test Modes .............18
Read Trouble Codes...............19
DTC Lookup ...........................20
Erase Codes ........................... 21
View Live PID Data .................22
Record Live PID Data ............. 24
Playback Live PID Data .......... 27
View Freeze Frame Data ........28
I/M Readiness.........................28
02 Monitor Test .......................31
On-Board Monitor Test ...........32
Component Test .....................33
Vehicle Information .................32
Modules Present.....................33
Review Data ...........................34
Ready Test ..............................34
Print Data................................35
Install/Update Software ..........35
About .........................................36
Maintenance .............................. 37
Troubleshooting .......................38
Parts List ...................................39
Warranty ....................................40
WARNING SYMBOLS AND DEFINITIONS
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to
potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages
that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate injury.
Addresses practices not related to personal injury.
Page 2 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 62120
Important Safety Information
Work Area Safety
1. Keep your work area clean and well lit.
Cluttered benches and dark
areas may cause accidents.
2. Do not connect or disconnect the
Scan Tool while the ignition is
on or the engine is running.
3. DO NOT attempt to operate
the Scan Tool while driving
the vehicle. Have a passenger
operate the Scan Tool.
4. Before testing a vehicle, engage the
parking brake and chock the tires.
5. NEVER smoke or allow a spark or
flame in vicinity of battery or engine.
6. Operate the vehicle in a well ventilated
work area.
Exhaust gases are poisonous.
7. Do not operate the Scan Tool
in explosive atmospheres, such
as in the presence of flammable
liquids, gases, or heavy dust.
8. Keep a fire extinguisher suitable for
gasoline/chemical/electrical fires nearby.
9. 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.
10. Keep bystanders, children and visitors
away while operating the Scan Tool.
11. This product is not a toy. Do not allow
children to play with or near this item.
12. Use as intended only.
13. Inspect before every use; do not use
if parts are loose or damaged.
14. Do not place the Scan Tool
on any unstable surface.
15. Handle the Scan Tool with care. If
the Scan Tool is dropped, check for
breakage and any other conditions
that may affect its operation.
16. 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.
17. Store the Scan Tool and
accessories in a locked area
out of the reach of children.
18. Maintain product labels and
nameplates. These carry
important safety information.
If unreadable or missing, contact
Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.
Electrical Safety
1. Do not use the Scan Tool
while standing in water.
2. Avoid body contact with grounded
surfaces such as pipes, radiators,
ranges and refrigerators.
3. Do not expose the Scan Tool to rain or
wet conditions.
Water entering the Scan Tool
increases the risk of electric shock.
4. Make sure your hands are dry
before operating the Scan Tool.
Page 3For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 62120
Personal Safety
1. Wear ANSI-approved safety
goggles during use.
2. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry.
Keep your hair, clothing, and
gloves away from moving parts.
Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair
can be caught in moving parts.
3. Do not use the Scan Tool while tired or
under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or
medications. A moment of interruption
can result in serious personal injury.
4. People with pacemakers should
consult their physician(s) before
use. Electromagnetic fields in close
proximity to heart pacemaker could
cause pacemaker interference
or pacemaker failure.
5. WARNING: The cord of this product
contains lead, a chemical known
to the State of California to cause
cancer, and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling. (California Health &
Safety Code § 25249.5, et seq.)
6. WARNING: This product contains
lead, 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.)
7. The warnings, precautions, and
instructions discussed in this instruction
manual cannot cover all possible
conditions and situations that may
occur. It must be understood by the
operator that common sense and
caution are factors which cannot
be built into this product, but must
be supplied by the operator.
Service
There are no user serviceable parts. Scan Tool service must
be performed only by qualified repair personnel.
Page 4 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 62120
Specifications
Display Screen TFT Color (320 x 240)
Operating Temperature 32°F to 140°F
Storage Temperature -4°F to 158°F
Power 8V to 18V power provided by vehicle battery
Overview
OBD II On-Board Diagnostics
It is required by the EPA that all 1996 and
newer vehicles sold in the United States be
equipped with an OBD II computer system.
OBD II is an early warning system
designed to monitor engine, transmission,
and emissions control components by
performing specific diagnostic tests.
When a fault condition is detected, the
system captures important data and
activates the “Check Engine” light.
Vehicle Coverage
This Scan Tool is designed to work with
all OBD II compliant vehicles, including
those equipped with a CAN bus.
OBD II was installed in some 1994 and
1995 model year gasoline vehicles.
If the light comes on, the vehicle might have
a condition that wastes fuel, shortens engine
life, or causes excessive air pollution. If
the problem that caused the light to come
on is addressed, for instance a loose gas
cap is tightened, the light will go out.
If the light comes on and stays on, a minor
engine fault condition is occurring and
should be addressed as soon as possible
If the light is blinking, a severe engine
fault condition is occurring and should
be addressed immediately.
The Scan Tool connects to the vehicle’s
computer system and captures information
that can help identify the fault condition.
To verify if a 1994 or 1995 vehicle is
OBD II compliant, check the Vehicle
Emissions Control Information label, which
is located in the engine compartment.
Page 5For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 62120
Definitions
• EOBD: European On-Board
Diagnostics
Essentially the same as OBD II, with
the same Data Link Connector and
Communication Protocols.
• Communication Protocol: Allows
different systems and sensors in a
vehicle to communicate.
There are currently five Protocols:
CAN Bus
J1850 VPW
ISO 9141-2
J1850 PWM
ISO 14230 KWP
• CAN: Controller Area Network
Message-based Communication
Protocol serial bus.
• CAN Vehicle
2008 and newer.
• Pre-CAN Vehicle
2007 and older.
• DLC: Data Link Connector
The 16-cavity connector on the vehicle
that allows communication between the
computer system and the Scan Tool.
• Drive Cycle
A set of driving procedures that,
when met, provide the Enabling
Criteria for the I/M Monitors to run
and complete their diagnostic tests.
• Enabling Criteria
Operating conditions that must
occur during a Drive Cycle to
cause the I/M Monitors to run and
complete their diagnostic tests.
• MIL: Malfunction Indicator Lamp
The vehicle’s “Check Engine”
warning light that activates
when a DTC is stored.
• DTC: Diagnostic Trouble Code
A code stored in the computer
system’s memory, which helps to
identify the fault condition that is
causing the MIL to activate.
• Freeze Frame Data
Operating conditions that are
stored when a DTC is stored.
• PID - Parameter Identification Data
Data returned by the vehicle’s
Control Modules to the Scan Tool.
Control Modules
Control Modules are individual computers that operate and monitor different
systems in the vehicle. Control Modules vary depending on manufacturer.
ID codes are assigned to each Control Module, which are
defined by the vehicle’s Communication Protocol.
For example, a vehicle may use ID code $7E8 for the PCM and $7E9 for the TCM.
Control Module Control Module Definition
PCM/ECU Powertrain Control Module/Engine Control Unit
TCM Transmission Control Module
Figure A: Common Control Modules
Page 6 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 62120
I/M Monitors
Inspection and Maintenance diagnostic tests that the Control Modules
perform on specific sub-systems of the vehicle.
There are two types of Monitors:
• Continuous: Monitors that
perform tests all the time while
the engine is running.
Gasoline Engine Monitors
Continuous
MIS - Misfire
FUEL - Fuel System
CCM - Comprehensive Components
Diesel Engine Monitors
• Non-Continuous: Monitors that require
specific operating conditions to be met
during a Drive Cycle in order for the
Monitors to run their testing sequences.
Note: Not all Monitors are
supported by all vehicles.
Non-Continuous
CAT - Catalyst
HCAT - Heated Catalyst
EVAP - Evaporative System
AIR - Secondary Air System
O2S - Oxygen Sensors
HTR - Oxygen Sensor Heater
EGR - EGR System
Continuous
MIS - Misfire
FUEL - Fuel System
CCM - Comprehensive Components
Non-Continuous
HCCAT - NMHC Catalyst
NCAT - NOx Aftertreatment
BP - Boost Pressure System
EGS - Exhaust Gas Sensor
PM - PM Filter
EGR - EGR System
Page 7For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 62120
Diagnostic Test Modes
Diagnostic Test Modes as described in the latest OBD II standard SAE J1979.
Note: Not all Modes are
supported by all vehicles.
$01 - Request Current Powertrain
Diagnostic Data
$02 - Request Powertrain
Freeze Frame Data
$03 - Request Emission-Related
Stored DTCs
$04 - Clear/Reset Emission-Related
Diagnostic Information
$05 - Request Oxygen Sensor Monitoring
Test Results (2007 and older vehicles only)
$06 - Request On-Board Monitoring Test
Results for Specific Monitored Systems
$07 - Request Emission-Related
Stored DTCs Detected During Current
or Last Completed Driving Cycle
$08 - Request Control of On-Board
System, Test or Component
$09 - Request Vehicle Information
$0A - Request Emission-Related
Permanent DTCs
Page 8 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 62120
Diagnostic Trouble Code
A five digit alphanumeric identifier for a fault condition identified
by the OBD II system. There are three types of DTCs:
1. Pending - When a fault condition
is identified during a Drive Cycle,
but does not meet enough
criteria to activate the MIL.
If the fault condition occurs during two
consecutive Drive Cycles, it will turn into
a Stored DTC and the MIL will activate.
2. Stored - A DTC is stored when a fault
condition has occurred that meets
enough criteria to activate the MIL.
3. Permanent - A stored DTC that can only
be cleared by the OBD II system, after
repairs are made, and a set number of
Driving Cycles have been completed.
Example: P0303 - Cylinder 3 Misfire
Systems
B - Body
C - Chassis
P - Powertrain
U - Network
Code Types*
0 - Generic
1 - Manufacturer Specific
2 - Generic Powertrain/Manufacturer Specific
3 - Generic Powertrain/Manufacturer Specific
Sub-Systems
1 - Fuel and Air Metering
2 - Fuel and Air Metering
(injector circuit malfunction only)
3 - Ignition Malfunction or Engine Misfire
4 - Auxiliary Emission Controls
5 - Vehicle Speed or Idle Controls
6 - Computer Output Circuits
7 - Transmission Controls
8 - Transmission Controls
03 - Cylinder 3
P 0 3 0 3
*The Scan Tool supports the following Code Types:
Generic (SAE):
B0, B3
C0, C3
P0, P2, P34-P39
U0, U3
Manufacturer Specific:
B1, B2
C1, C2
P1, P30-P33
U1, U2
Figure B
Page 9For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 62120
Setup - Before Use:
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section at the
beginning of this document including all text under subheadings therein
before set up or use.
Functions
1
2
9
(located
on side)
3
4
5
6
7
8
Figure C
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10
11
12
13
14
1. OBD II Cable
Connects the Scan Tool to
the vehicle’s DLC.
2. LCD Screen
3. Red LED !
Indicates there is a fault condition
in one of the vehicle’s systems
and stored DTCs are present.
8. Help Button ?
View detailed information, if available.
9. USB Connector
Connects the Scan Tool to a PC for
updating software and printing.
10. I/M Button I/M
Quick-checks emissions test readiness
and Drive Cycle verification.
4. Yellow LED !
Indicates there are pending DTCs
and/or there are Monitors that
have not finishing running.
5. Green LED √
Indicates that engine systems
are running normally and no
pending DTCs are present.
6. Cancel/Go Back ESC
Cancels a selection from a menu or
returns to the previous screen.
7. Left Button
Moves to previous screen if information
covers more than one screen.
11. Up Button
Moves up through menu and submenus.
Moves to previous screen if information
covers more than one screen.
12. Select Button OK
Confirms a selection.
13. Right Button
Moves to next screen if information
covers more than one screen.
14. Down Button
Moves down through menu and
submenus.
Moves to next screen if information
covers more than one screen.
Page 11For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 62120
Operating Instructions
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section at the
beginning of this document including all text under subheadings therein
before set up or use of this product.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY AND DEATH:
Exhaust gases are poisonous. Operate the vehicle in a well ventilated work area.
Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles during use.
Connect Scan Tool
CAUTION: Do not connect or disconnect
the Scan Tool while the ignition
is on or the engine is running.
Note: The Scan Tool is powered
by the vehicle’s battery.
1. Turn the engine and ignition OFF.
2. Connect the OBD II Cable
to the Scan Tool.
3. Connect the other end of the
Cable to the 16-cavity DLC.
The DLC is normally located under
the dashboard on the driver’s
side. (Refer to vehicle’s owner’s
manual for location of DLC.)
Figure D: DLC
4. Turn the vehicle’s ignition ON
with the engine OFF.
Note: If Linking Error! message displays:
• Press the ESC button
• Verify the ignition is ON
• Verify the vehicle is OBD II compliant
5. If the message does not go away,
have the Scan Tool inspected
by a qualified technician.
Note: To quick-check Emissions
Test Readiness, see page 17.
Note: To read Diagnostic Trouble
Codes, see page 19.
Page 12 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 62120
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