Snap-on Ethos User Manual

User Manual

August 2009

ZEESC312J Rev. B

Trademark Acknowledgments

ETHOS and Scanner are trademarks of Snap-on Incorp orated. All other marks are trademarks or registered trad emarks of their respective holders.

Patents

US B1 5, 442,170; AU 690,261; US 6,693, 367 B1 Patents Pending.

Disclaimer

The information, specifications and illustrations in this manual are based on the latest information available at the time of printing.

Snap-on reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice.

Visit our Web site at:

ethos.snapon.com (North America) snapondiag.com (Europe) sun-diagnostics.com (Europe)

FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

CALL 1-800-424-7226 (North America) CALL +44 (0) 845 601 4736 (United Kingdom) E-mail DiagnosticsUKproductsupport@sna pon.com (Unite d Kingdom)

For technical assistance in all other markets, cont act your selling age nt.

EC-DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

We,

Snap-on Diagnostics

a division of Snap-on UK Holdings Ltd. Denney Road, King's Lynn Norfolk, PE30 4HG England

declare under our sole responsibility for design and manufacture that the following product, to which this declaration relates, is in conformity with the following European Directives:

Conforms to:

Product:

Model:

Applied European standards:

King's Lynn 28-03-2007 Name : A. Barker

IEC 60950-1 (2001) First Edition

ETHOS

EESC312 / EESC112

EN 61326-1:1997 + A1:1998 + A2:2001 + A3:2003 EN6100-3-2:2000 EN6100-3-3:1995 + A1:2001

Position : Director European Supply Chain

Signature :

Document number: ce-decl-sod-ethos

iii

Safety Information

For your own safety and the safety of others, and to prevent damage to the equipment an d vehicles upon which it is used, it is important that the accompanying Safety Information be read and understood by all persons operating, or coming into con tact with, the equipment. We suggest you store a copy near the unit in sight of the operator

This product is intended for use by properly trained and skilled p rofessional a utomotive technicians. The safety messages presented throughout this manual are reminders to the operator to exercise extreme care when using this test instrument.

There are many variations in procedures, techniques, tools, an d p arts for servicing vehicles, as well as in the skill of the individual doing the work. Because of the vast number of test applications and variations in the products that can be tested with this instrument, we cannot possibly anticipate or provide advice or safety messages to cover every situation. It is the automotive technician’s responsibility to be knowledgeable of the system being tested. It is essential to use proper service methods and test procedures. It is important to perform test s in an appropriate and acceptable man ner that do es not e ndanger your safe ty, the safety of others in the work area, the equipment being used, or the vehicle being tested.

It is assumed that the operator has a thorough understanding of vehicle systems before using this product. Understanding of these system principles and operating theories is necessary for competent, safe and accurate use of this instrument.

Before using the equipment, always refer to and follow the safety messages and applicable test procedures provided by the manufacturer of the veh icle or eq uipment being tested . Use the equipment only as described in this manual.

Read, understand and follow all safety messag es and instru ctions in this manual , the accompanying safety manual, and on the test equipme nt.

Safety Message Conventions

Safety messages are provided to help prevent personal injury and equip ment damage . All safety messages are introduced by a signal word indicating the hazard leve l.

DANGER

Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury to the operator or to bysta nders.

WARNING

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in d eath or serious injury to the operator or to bysta nders.

CAUTION

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in mod erate or minor injury to the operator or to bystanders.

Safety Information Important Safety Instructions

Safety messages contain three different type styles.

• Normal type states the hazard.

• Bold type states how to avoid the hazard.

• Italic type states the possible consequences of not avoidi ng the ha zard.

An icon, when present, gives a graphical description of the potential hazard. Example:

WARNING

Risk of unexpected vehicle movement.

• Block drive wheels before performing a test with engine running.

A moving vehicle can cause injury.

Important Safety Instructions

For a complete list of safety messag es, refer to the accomp anying safety manual.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Content s

Safety Information...............................................................................................................iv

Contents...............................................................................................................................vi

Chapter 1: Using This Manual.............................................................................................1

Conventions............................................................................................................................1

Bold Text..........................................................................................................................1

Symbols ...........................................................................................................................1

Terminology .....................................................................................................................1

Notes and Important Messages.......................................................................................2

Procedures.......................................................................................................................2

Additional Manuals............................................... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ....................................... .....2

Chapter 2: Introduction........................................................................................................3

Functional Description.......................................................................... ... ...............................3

Technical Specifications.........................................................................................................5

Control Buttons.......................................................................................................................6

S Button...........................................................................................................................6

N/x (Back) Button.............................................................................................................7

Y/a (Accept) Button.........................................................................................................7

Directional Buttons...........................................................................................................7

Power Button ...................................................................................................................7

Connections............................................................................................................................7

DC Power Input....... ... ....................................... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... ....................................... ..8

USB Port........................................................... ... ... .... ... ... ....................................... ... .....8

Mini USB Port ............................................................. ...................................... ... .... ... ... ..8

Data Cable Connector .....................................................................................................8

CompactFlash® Card Slot...............................................................................................8

Power Supply .........................................................................................................................8

Vehicle Power..................................................................................................................9

Battery Power ..................................................................................................................9

AC/DC Power Supply.......................................................................................................9

93L Data Cable.....................................................................................................................10

Chapter 3: Getting Started.................................................................................................11

Supplying Power...................... ... ... ... ....................................... ... ... .... ... ................................11

Installing the Batteries..........................................................................................................11

Connecting to Vehicle Power ...............................................................................................12

Connecting the AC/DC Power Supply..................................... ... ... .......................................14

Powering On the Unit ...........................................................................................................14

Selecting a Language...........................................................................................................14

Powering Off the Unit ...........................................................................................................15

Demonstration Programs......................................................................................................15

Chapter 4: Navigation ........................................................................................................16

Screen Layout ......................................................................................................................16

Contents

Title Bar..........................................................................................................................16

Toolbar...........................................................................................................................17

Main Body......................................................................................................................18

Making Selections ................................................................................................................18

Screen Messages.................................................................................................................19

Loading and Connecting Messages...............................................................................19

Confirmation Messages .................................................................................................19

Warning Messages ........................................................................................................19

Error Messages..............................................................................................................19

Chapter 5: Operations........................................................................................................20

Selecting from the Main Menu.............................. ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ..........................21

Identifying the Vehicle ..........................................................................................................21

Main Menu Identification Options...................................................................................22

Selecting a System...............................................................................................................23

Connecting to a Vehicle........................................................................................................24

Selecting from the Vehicle Menu................................ ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ...................25

Codes Menu......... ... ... ... .... ...................................... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ................................25

Data Display...................................................................................................................26

Generic Functions..........................................................................................................32

Using Tools...........................................................................................................................33

S Button .........................................................................................................................33

Units...............................................................................................................................34

Setup..............................................................................................................................34

Sys (System Information)...............................................................................................35

Connect-to-PC ...............................................................................................................35

Backup to CF ............................. ... .... ...................................... .... ... ... ... ..........................36

Update from CF .............................................................................................................36

Recording and Viewing Movies............................................................................................36

Service Menu....................... .... ... ... ... ... ....................................... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ...................36

Chapter 6: Maintenance.....................................................................................................38

Cleaning and Damage Inspection ........................................................................................38

Display Window Replacement..............................................................................................38

Replacing the Batteries .............. ... ... ... .... ... ..........................................................................39

Disposing of the Batteries................. ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .......................................40

Storage Tips........ ... .... ... ... ... ....................................... ... .... ... ... ... ... .......................................40

Making a Backup CompactFlash® (CF) Card......................................................................41

Restoring from a CompactFlash® (CF) Card.......................................................................41

Updating from a CompactFlash® (CF) Card........................................................................42

Appendix A: Troubleshooting...........................................................................................43

Bent Cable Connector Pin....................................................................................................43

Erratic or No Communication ...............................................................................................43

No Communication Message ...............................................................................................43

Cannot Access the CompactFlash® (CF) Card....................................................................44

Unit Will Not Power On.........................................................................................................44

Unit Will Not Power Off.........................................................................................................44

Restarting the Unit................................................................................................................44

Index....................................................................................................................................45

vii

Chapter 1 Using This Manual

This manual contains tool usage instructions. Some of the illustrations shown in this manual may contain modules and optional equipmen t that are not inclu ded on yo ur syste m.

1.1 Conventions

The following conventions are used.

1.1.1 Bold Text

Bold type is used in procedures to accent selectable items such as buttons and menu options. Example:

• Press the Y/a button.

1.1.2 Symbols

Different types of arrows are used. The “greater than” arrow (>) indicates an abbreviated set o f se lection instructions. Example:

• Select Utilities > T ool Setup > Date.

The previous statement abbreviates the following pr ocedure:

1. Navigate to the Utilities button.

2. Use the directional keys to navigate to and highlight the Tool Setup submenu.

3. Use the directional keys to navigate to and highlight the Date option from the submen u.

4. Press Y/a to confirm the selection.

1.1.3 Terminology

The term “select” means highlighting a button or menu item u sing the directiona l keys and pressing the Y/a button to confirm the selection.

Example:

• Select Reset.

The above statement abbreviates the following procedure :

Using This Manual Additional Manuals

1. Navigate to and highlight the Reset button.

2. Press the Y/a button.

1.1.4 Notes and Important Messages

The following messages are used.

Notes

A NOTE provides helpful information such as additional explanations, tips, and comment s. Example:

NOTE:

i For additional information refer to...

Important

IMPORTANT indicates a situation which, if not avoided, may result in damage to the test equipment or vehicle.

Example:

IMPORTANT:IMPORTANT:

Do not force the CompactFlash® card into the slot.

1.1.5 Procedures

An arrow icon indicates a procedure. Example:

z To change screen views:

1. Select the View button.

The drop-down menu displays.

2. Select an option from the menu.

The screen layout changes to the format you selected.

1.2 Additional Manuals

The scan tool hardware works in conjunction with Vehicle Communication Software (VCS), each version of VCS has its own manual. See the appropriate manual for information regarding these products.

Chapter 2 Introduction

The ETHOS® (Figure 2-1) scan tool uses Vehicle Communication Software to provide vehicle-specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and dat astrea m information for various vehicle control systems such as engine, transmission, antilock brake system (ABS) and more. Your scan tool can also graph live data parameters, recor d dat a, clear diagn ostic troubl e codes (DTCs) from the vehicle electronic control module (ECM) memory, and reset the vehicle malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).

Contact your sales representative for availability of software add-ons and upgrades.

Figure 2-1

2.1 Functional Description

This section illustrates external features, ports and connectors of the ETHOS®.

ETHOS® scan tool

Introduction Functional Description

1— Y/a (accep t ) bu tton

2— S button

3— b (Up) button

4— N/x (back) button

5— CompactFlash

card slot, under endgrip 6— c (Right) button 7— Power button 8— d (Down) button 9— e (Left) button

Figure 2-2 E THOS® unit front view

1— DC power supply input 2— Data cable connector 3— USB port 4— Mini USB port

Figure 2-3

ETHOS® unit top view

Introduction T echnical Specifications

Figure 2-4 ETHOS® unit back view

1— Battery cover 2— Locking tabs

2.2 T echnical S pecifications

Display:

Light Emitting Diode (LED) backlight monochrome screen 320 x 240 resolution

4.7 inch (119.38 mm) diagonal

Batteries:

(6) 1.5V AA

AC adapter:

Input: 100–240V, 47–63 Hz Output: 15V DC

Dimensions:

Width:

9.05 inches

229.9 mm

Height:

5.70 inches

144.7 mm

Depth:

1.67 inches

42.3 mm

Introduction Control Buttons

Weight:

Without batteries

1.42 lbs

643.5 g

Operating Temperature Range:

14 to 104°F

-10 to 40°C

Storage Temperature Range:

-4 to 149°F

-20 to 65°C

Data Buffer

240 data frames (values per parameter)

Communication Protocols

Your ETHOS scan tool supports the following OBD-II/EOBD communications protocols:

SAE J1850 (VPW) SAE J1850 (PWM) ISO 9141-2 ISO 14230-4 (KWP 2000) ISO 15765-4 (CAN)

In addition, the optional vehicle communications software allows you to access “enhanced” diagnostic information for specific vehicle manufacturers.

2.3 Control Buttons

The scan tool has the following control buttons (Figur e 2-2 on page 4):

• S (function)

• N/x (back)

• Y/a (accept)

• b (Up)

• d (Down)

• e (Left)

• c (Right)

• Power

2.3.1 S Button

The S button can be customized to perform different functions. See “S Button” on p age 33 for additional information.

Introduction Connections

2.3.2 N/x (Back) Button

The N/x button is used to do the following:

• To exit a menu or program.

• To close an open list and return to the previous menu.

• To answer “No” when a Yes or No choice is given.

• To return to the main menu.

2.3.3 Y/a (Accept) Button

The Y/a button is used to do the following:

• To select the item that you highlighted using the direction buttons.

• To answer “Yes” when a Yes or No choice is given.

2.3.4 Directional Buttons

The directional, or arrow, buttons move the cursor or highlight in their respective directions:

• Up (b)

• Down (d)

• Left (e)

• Right (c)

2.3.5 Power Button

The Power button powers up the tool, and turns it off. See “Powe ring On the Unit” on page 14 and “Powering Off the Unit” on p age 15 for details.

2.4 Connections

This scan tool uses the following connections (Figure 2-3 on page 4):

• DC power adapter input

• USB port

• Mini USB port

• Data cable connect or

• CompactFlash

(CF) card slot

Introduction Power Supply

2.4.1 DC Power Input

The DC power input can be used to power the unit via an AC/DC power supply. For related information, see the following sections:

• “AC/DC Power Supply” on page 9

• “Connecting the AC/DC Power Supply” on page 14

2.4.2 USB Port

This scan tool has a USB port for connecting to a printer.

2.4.3 Mini USB Port

The mini USB port on top of the unit is used for updating the internal software, and for transferring saved files to a personal computer.

2.4.4 Data Cable Connector

The data cable connector is used to connect the scan tool to a ve hicle dat a link co nnector (DLC) for testing.

For related information, see the following sections:

• “93L Data Cable” on page 10

• “Connecting to Ve hicle Power” on p age 12

2.4.5 CompactFlash® Card Slot

The CompactFlash® (CF) card slot, located under the handgrip, adds optional functiona lity to the scan tool. The ETHOS unit does not require a CF card to operate. The CF card slot on the scan tool is used for creating a backup file of the operating syste m and for accessin g cert ain update functions.

2.5 Power Supply

This scan tool can receive power from three sources:

• Vehicle power

• Battery power

• AC/DC power supply

For related information, see “Vehicle Power” on page 9.

Introduction Power Supply

2.5.1 Vehicle Power

Vehicle power is r equired for the scan to ol to proper ly communica te with the vehi cle dur ing testing. The 93L Data Cable (EAC0093L01A) provides 1 2V power to the unit throu gh the vehicle data link connector (DLC). The scan tool turns on automatically whene ver it is connected to a DLC that provides power.

Certain vehicles do not provide vehicle power on the DLC. For these applications, a separate cable adapter and power cable are needed to power the unit. Optional data cable adap ters are available for a number of vehicle manufacturers. Contact your sales representative for availability.

The power cable connects to a port on the cable adapter.

IMPORTANT:IMPORTANT:

Never connect the optional power cable or the AC/DC power supply to the DC po wer supply input on top of the unit when the scan tool is communicating with the veh icle.

For related information, see “Connecting to Vehicle Power” on page 12.

2.5.2 Battery Power

This scan tool can receive power from six internal type AA batteries. Alkaline or rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries must be used, Standard (lead/zinc) batteries do not provide sufficient power and have a tendency to leak, which can damage th e scan tool .

Battery power should not be the primary source of power . Vehicle p ower should be the source of power during testing. Use battery power to review saved files and for identifying a test vehicle without connecting to the DLC.

For related information, see the following sections:

• “Installing the Batteries” on page 11

• “Replacing the Batteries” on page 39

• “Setup” on page 34

2.5.3 AC/DC Power Supply

The scan tool can be powered from a wall socket using the AC/DC power supply (Figure 2-5).

Figure 2-5

AC\DC power supply

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