Safety & Warnings
- Read all instructions before using the appliance and retain for reference.
- This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
- Do not use outside of indoor household use as described in this manual.
- Do not use with an extension cord unless necessary, and if so, ensure it is suitably rated and it is handled safely as is the product's own power cord:
- Do not allow the power cord to be exposed to water, heat, direct sunlight or overhang where it can be pulled or otherwise be damaged or pose a hazard.
- This appliance contains no user-serviceable parts. If it suffers any failure or damage, cease usage and contact Kogan Support after consulting the Troubleshooting section of this manual.
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.
- 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.
Overview
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 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 below follow three pieces of such valuable information:
- Whether the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is commanded 'on' or 'off';
- Which, if any, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are stored;
- Readiness Monitor status.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
OBD II Diagnostic Trouble Codes are codes that are stored by the onboard 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 conditions that caused it to set. Here below is an example to illustrate the structure of the digits:
Location of the Data Link Connector (DLC)
The DLC (Data Link Connector or Diagnostic Link Connector) is the standardised 16-cavity connector where diagnostic scan tools interface with the vehicle's onboard computer. The DLC is usually located 12 inches from the centre 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 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.
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 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:
- Misfire
- Fuel System
- 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 and are listed below:
- EGR System
- 02 Sensors
- Catalyst
- Evaporative System
- 02 Sensor Heater
- Secondary air
- Heated Catalyst
- A/C system
OBD II Monitor Readiness Status
OBD II systems must indicate whether or not the vehicle's 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.
OBD II Definitions
Power-train Control Module (PCM) - OBD II terminology for the onboard 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 the 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 (DTC) that 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'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.
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 9 modes for diagnostic requests, so this first byte is from 1 to 9. 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 current data available to the scan tool. This data includes DTCs set, the status of onboard tests and vehicle data such as engine RPM, temperatures, ignition advance, speed, air flow rates, and closed loop status for the 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 is 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 that 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 numbers available for diagnostics:
- $01 Rich-to-Lean 02 sensor threshold voltage
- $02 Lean-to-Rich 02 sensor threshold voltage
- $03 Low sensor voltage threshold for switch time measurement
- $04 High sensor voltage threshold for switch time measurement
- $05 Rich-to-Lean switch time in ms
- $06 Lean-to Rich switch time in ms
- $07 Minimum voltage for test
- $08 Maximum voltage for test
- $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 make 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 the repair has fixed a problem. This is used by service technicians to verify repair was performed properly and after clearing diagnostic trouble codes.
Mode $08 - This Special Control Mode requests control of the onboard system, test, or component bidirectionally (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 ECUs.
Mode $10 - 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 onboard monitoring system.
Scan Tool Operation
Tool Description
OBD II CONNECTOR - Connects the scan tool to the vehicle's DLC.
LCD DISPLAY - Indicates test results.
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) .
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.
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 lamp on the vehicle's instrument panel will light steady on.
One-Click Function Key - Shortcut for quick functions, including I/M readiness status, trouble code, default live data.
ENTER/Exit BUTTON - Confirms a selection (or action) from a menu. Or returns to the previous menu.
SCROLL BUTTON - Scrolls through menu items.
Navigation Characters
Characters used to help navigate the scan tool are:
- "#" - Identifies the control module number from which data is retrieved.
- "Pd" - Identifies a pending DTC when viewing DTCs.
Keyboard
Do not use solvents such as alcohol 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.
Power
The scan tool is powered via the vehicle DLC. Just follow the steps below to turn on the scan tool:
- Locate DLC on the vehicle.
A plastic DLC cover may be found for some vehicles and you need to remove it before plugging the OBD2 cable. - Plug the tool's OBD II cable to the vehicle's DLC.
System Setup
The scan tool allows you to make the following adjustments and settings:
- Configure Monitors: Sets the monitors you want to test.
- Unit of measure: Sets the unit of measure to English or Metric.
- Key Beep Set: Turns on/off the key-press beep.
- Status Beep Set: Turns on/off the I/M Readiness Status beep.
- Work Mode: Sets the I/M readiness working mode.
Settings of the unit will remain until the settings are changed.
To enter the Setup menu
When the scan tool is powered on, it displays the Main Screen. (Figure 3.1)
From the Main Screen: Use the SCROLL button to select Setup, and press the ENTER button. Follow the instructions to make adjustments and settings as described in the above setup options. (Figure 3.2)
Unit of Measure (Default: metric)
- From System Setup screen, use the SCROLL button to select the Unit of Measure and press the ENTER button.
- From the Unit of Measure screen, use the SCROLL button to select the desired unit of measurement. (Figure 3.6 )
- Press the ENTER button to save your selection and return to the previous menu.
Key Beep Set
This function allows you to turn on/off the built-in speaker that will play during button presses.
The default setting is Beep On.
- From System Setup screen, use the SCROLL button to select Key Beep Set and press the ENTER button.
- From Key Beep Set menu, use the SCROLL button to select Beep ON or Beep OFF to turn on/off the beep.
- Press the ENTER button to save your selection and return to the previous menu.
Status Beep Set
This function allows you to turn on/off the built-in speaker for the LEDs in diagnostic testing. Different audio tones correspond to different LED lamps. This function is invaluable when working in bright areas where LED illumination alone is not sufficient.
- From System Setup screen, use the SCROLL button to select Status Beep Set and press the ENTER button.
- From Status Beep Set menu, use the SCROLL button to select Beep ON or Beep OFF to turn on/off the beep.
- Press the ENTER button to save your selection and return to the previous menu.
FN Key Set
From System Setup screen, use the SCROLL button to select FN Key Set and press the ENTER button. (Figure 3 .9)
In this menu, the Fn setting can be configured for one-click function.
During the operation in any menu or interface of the tool, press the FN key once to bring up the setting menu.
Use the SCROLL button to select Default Data stream Mode or All Data stream Mode and press the ENTER button to save your selection and return to the previous screen.
1) Usual Datastream
In this mode, the tool will display some standard data about your vehicle and will show a general diagnosis once complete.
2) All Data stream Mode
In this mode, after the vehicle's monitors have run and completed their diagnosis, the scan tool will return to check all data streams. So it is mostly used to check the monitors' status.
3) 1/M Readiness Mode
This is the default work mode. In this mode, after the vehicle's monitors have run and completed their diagnosis, the scan tool will turn to OBDII diagnostic procedures.
4) Read Codes Mode
Read Codes Mode is the basic work mode. In this mode, after the vehicle's monitors have run and completed their diagnosis, the scan tool will read the error codes. or Ready Test Mode or Read Codes
To exit the Setup menu
Use the SCROLL button to select the Previous Menu from the System Setup screen, and press the ENTER button to return to Main Screen.
About
The About function allows viewing of some important information such as serial number and software version number of the scanner.
- From Main Screen, use the SCROLL button to select About and press the ENTER button; wait for the About screen to appear.
- View tool information on the screen. (Figure 3.10)
OBDII Diagnostics
When more than one vehicle control module is detected by the scan tool, you will be prompted to select the module where the data may be retrieved. The most commonly selected are the Power train Control Module [PCM] and Transmission Control Module [TCM]. CAUTION: Don't connect or disconnect any test equipment with ignition on or engine running.
- Turn the ignition off.
- Locate the vehicle's 16-pin Data Link Connector (DLC).
- Plug the scan tool cable connector into the vehicle's DLC.
- Turn the ignition on. The engine can be off or running.
- Use the SCROLL button to select OBDII/EOBD for Diagnostics from the Main Screen. (Figure 3.1)
- Press the ENTER button to wait for the Menu to appear. A sequence of messages displaying the OBDII protocols will be observed on the display until the vehicle protocol is detected.
Refer to troubleshooting the scan tool fails to communicate with the vehicle’s ECU (Engine Control Unit) more than three times or a "LINKING ERROR!" message shows up on the display. - View a summary of system status (MIL status, DTC counts, Monitor status) on screen. (Figure 4.1) Wait a few seconds or press any key for Diagnostic Menu (Figure 4.3) to come up.
If more than one module is detected, you will be prompted to select a module before testing. (Figure 4.2 )
Use the SCROLL button to select a module and press the ENTER button to confirm.
Reading Codes
- Reading Codes can be done with the key on engine off (KOEO) or with the key on engine running (KOER).
- Stored Codes are also known as "hard codes" or "permanent codes". These codes cause the control module to illuminate the malfunction indicator light (MIL) when emission- related fault occurs.
- Pending Codes are also referred to as "maturing codes" or "continuous monitor codes". They indicate problems that the control module has detected during the current or last driving cycle but are not considered serious yet. Pending Codes will not turn on the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). if the fault does not occur within a certain number of warm-up cycles, the code clears from memory.
1. Use the SCROLL button to select Read Codes from Diagnostic Menu and press ENTER button.
2. Use the SCROLL button to select Stored Codes or Pending Codes from the Read Codes menu and press the ENTER button.
If there is not any Diagnostic Trouble Code, the display indicates "No (pending) codes are stored in the module!" Wait a few seconds or press any key to return to the previous screen.
NOTE: Permanent Codes function is available for merely vehicles supporting the CAN protocols.
3. View DTCs and their definitions on screen. Press ENTER button to return to the previous screen.
The control module number, the sequence of the DTCs, the total number of codes detected and type of codes (Generic or Manufacturer specific, Stored or Pending codes) will be displayed on the upper right-hand corner of the display.
4. If more than one DTC is found, use the SCROLL button to check all the codes. If retrieved DTCs contain any manufacturer specific or enhanced codes, a "Manufacturer specific codes are found! Press any key to select the vehicle make!" message will appear, prompting you to select vehicle manufacturer to view DTC definitions. Use the SCROLL button to select the manufacturer and then press the ENTER button to confirm.
If the manufacturer of your vehicle is not listed, use the SCROLL button to select Other and press the ENTER button.
5. Select the Previous Menu from the Read Codes screen, and press the ENTER button to return to the previous menu.
Erasing Codes
CAUTION: Erasing the Diagnostic Trouble Codes may allow the scan tool to delete not only the codes from the vehicle’s onboard computer but also “Freeze Frame” data and manufacturer specific enhanced data. Further, the 1/M Readiness Monitor Status for all vehicle monitors is reset to Not Ready or Not Complete status. Do not erase the codes before the system has been checked completely by a technician.
This function is performed with the key on engine off (KOEO). Do not start the engine.
1. Use the SCROLL button to select Erase Codes from Diagnostics Menu and press the ENTER button. (Figure 4.3)
2. A warning message will appear, asking for confirmation.
3. Press the ENTER button to confirm or NO to exit. If the codes are cleared successfully, an "Erase Done!" confirmation message will appear on the display.
If the codes are not cleared, then an "Erase Failure. Turn Key on with Engine off!" message appears.
Viewing Freeze Frame Data
Freeze Frame Data allows the technician to view the vehicle's operating parameters at the moment a DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) is detected. For example, the parameters may include engine speed (RPM), engine coolant temperature (ECT), or vehicle speed sensor (VSS), etc. This information will aid the technician by allowing the parameters to be duplicated for diagnostic and repair purposes.
- To view freeze frame data, use the SCROLL button to select View Freeze Frame from Diagnostic Menu and press the ENTER button. (Figure 4.3)
- Wait a few seconds while the scan tool validates the PID MAP.
- If retrieved information covers more than one screen, use the SCROLL button, as necessary, until all the data have been shown up. If there is no freeze frame data available, an advisory message "No freeze frame data stored!" shows on the display.
- Press ENTER button to return to the previous screen.
Retrieving I/M Readiness Status
l/M Readiness function is used to check the operations of the Emission System on OBD2 compliant vehicles. It is an excellent function to use prior to having a vehicle inspected for compliance with a state emissions program.
CAUTION - By clearing trouble codes you also clear the readiness status for the individual emission system readiness tests, in order to reset these monitors, the vehicle must be driven through a complete drive cycle with no trouble codes in memory. Times for reset vary depending on the vehicle.
More recent vehicle models may support two types of I/M Readiness tests:
A. Since DTCs Cleared - indicates the status of the monitors since the DTCs are erased.
B. This Drive Cycle - indicates the status of monitors since the beginning of the current drive cycle.
An I/M Readiness Status result of "NO" does not necessarily indicate that the vehicle being tested will fail the state I/M inspection. For some states, one or more such monitors may be allowed to be "Not Ready" to pass the emissions inspection.
- "OK" -- Indicates that a particular monitor being checked has completed its diagnostic testing.
- "INC" -- Indicates that a particular monitor being checked has not completed its diagnostic testing.
- "N/A" -- The monitor is not supported on that vehicle.
1. Use the SCROLL button to select I/M Readiness from Diagnostic Menu and press ENTER button. (Figure 4.3)
2. Wait a few seconds while the scan tool validates the PID MAP.
3. If the vehicle supports both types of tests, then both types will be shown on the screen for selection.
4. Use the SCROLL button, as necessary, to view the status of the MIL light ("ON" or "OFF") and the following monitors:
- Misfire monitor -- Misfire monitor
- Fuel System Mon -- Fuel System Monitor
- Comp. Component -- Comprehensive Components Monitor
- Catalyst Mon -- Catalyst Monitor
- Htd Catalyst -- Heated Catalyst Monitor
- EVAP System Mon -- Evaporative System Monitor
- Sec Air System -- Secondary Air Monitor
- A/C Refrig Mon -- A/C system Monitor
- Oxygen Sens Mon -- 02 Sensors Monitor
- Oxygen Sens Htr -- 02 Sensor Heater Monitor
- EGR System Mon -- EGR System Monitor
5. If the vehicle supports readiness test of "This Drive Cycle", a screen of the following displays:
6. Press the ENTER button to return to Diagnostic Menu.
Vehicle Information
The Vehicle Info, function enables retrieval of Vehicle Identification No. (VIN), Calibration ID Nos. (CINs) , Calibration Verification Nos. (CVNs) and In-use Performance Tracking on 2000 and newer vehicles that support Mode 9.
1. Use the SCROLL button to select Vehicle Info, from the Diagnostic Menu and press ENTER button. (Figure 4.3)
2. An advisory message comes up to remind you. Wait a few seconds or press any key to continue.
3. Wait a few seconds while the scan tool reads vehicle information.
• If the vehicle does not support this mode, a message shows on the display warning that the mode is not supported.
4. From Vehicle Info menu, use the SCROLL button to select an available item to view and press the ENTER button.
5. View retrieved vehicle information on the screen.
6. Select the Previous Menu from the Vehicle Info screen, and press the ENTER button to return to the previous menu.
Exiting the OBDII Test
- To exit the OBDII test, use the SCROLL button to select the Previous Menu from Diagnostic Menu and press ENTER/EXIT button. (Figure 4.3)
- A warning message comes up asking your confirmation. Press ENTER button to exit.
I/M Readiness One-Click Function
The I/M Readiness One-Click Key on the scan tool shows you how quickly and easily a novice user can check the I/M readiness status, MIL state, and DTCs. By simply clicking on this key, the scan tool automatically checks the emission-related monitoring systems and reads DTCs. All data shows on one screen, which provides a simple profile of vehicle at a glance.
There are two modes to show I/M readiness monitor status. You can configure work modes in the Setup menu, (see 3.7 System Setup)
- Scan Tool Mode
Scan Tool Mode is the default work mode. In this mode, after the vehicle's monitors have run and completed their diagnosis, the scan tool will turn to OBDII diagnostic procedures.
NOTE: Only in this mode can you perform the OBDU diagnostics. - Ready Test Mode
In this mode, after the vehicle's monitors have run and completed their diagnosis, the scan tool will return to the previous screen. So it is ONLY used to check the emission-related monitors' status.
NOTE: This function reads off the real-time data of emission-related monitoring systems readiness status every two minutes. Once the scan tool has finished other operations, for example, clearing trouble codes, and the real-time data been changed, the I/M Readiness Status indication will be changed accordingly In order to reset these monitors, the vehicle must be driven through a complete drive cycle. Times for reset vary depending on the vehicle.
Ready Test Mode
Repairs to the emissions-control systems of a 1996 or newer vehicle cause the vehicle's computer (ECU) memory to be cleared. The vehicle must go through a drive cycle to allow the ECU to perform a series of tests to ensure that the repair was successful and before a state-mandated emissions test can be conducted.
Modern vehicles lack the equipment to indicate whether the tests have been completed. With AutoLink AL319, you don't have to bring the vehicle back to the repair shop for a retest if all required tests by the ECU are completed.
In the Ready Test Mode, you could easily check the I/M Readiness status to determine whether an OBD II vehicle is ready for an emission test.
To enter this mode, simply press the One-Click I/M Readiness Key at any time. Or, while the scan tool in Ready Test Mode, select Diagnostics in the Main Screen. (Figure 3.1) If the scan tool is idle, it will show the result immediately. If it is busy, it will wait until the current procedure finished. After viewing the status, press I/M Readiness One-Click Key or ENTER button to exit, which takes a few seconds and please be patient.
You will get the information screen as below.
"OK" -- Indicates that a particular monitor being checked has completed its diagnostic testing. "INC" -- Indicates that a particular monitor being checked has not completed its diagnostic testing.
"N/A" -- The monitor is not supported on the vehicle.
LED Interpretation
The green and red LEDs provide an easy way to check if emission-related monitoring systems complete their self-diagnostic testing.
- GREEN LED - Indicates that engine systems are "OK" and operating normally (the number of Monitors supported by the vehicle which have run and performed their self-diagnostic testing is in the allowed limit).
- RED LED - Indicates that the number of Monitors supported by the vehicle which have run and performed their self-diagnostic testing is out of the allowed limit.
Audio Tone Interpretation
The audio tone could be configured according to the I/M Readiness Status. This function is invaluable when working in bright areas where LED illumination alone is not sufficient.
| Green LED | Two long beeps | 2 min |
| Red LED | Beep OFF | - |
Scan Tool Mode
NOTE: Only in this mode can you perform the OBDII diagnostics.
To enter this mode, please follow the steps in 4.4 Retrieving I/M Readiness Status.
The green, yellow and red LEDs provide a quick way to help you determine if a vehicle is ready for an Emission Test.
The LED and audio tone indications are as interpreted below:
LED Interpretation
- GREEN LED - Indicates that engine systems are "OK" and operating normally (the number of Monitors supported by the vehicle which have run and performed their self-diagnostic testing is in the allowed limit. MIL is off. There are no stored and pending DTCs. The vehicle is ready for an Emissions Test, and there is a good possibility that it can be certified.
- YELLOW LED - With MIL off, there may be three possible conditions to cause the yellow LED to light.
If a "Stored" Diagnostic Trouble Code is causing the Yellow LED to light, it is still possible that the vehicle will be allowed to be tested for emissions and certified.
If a "Pending" Diagnostic Trouble Code is causing the Yellow LED to light, it is still possible that the vehicle will be allowed to be tested for emissions and certified.
If the illumination of the Yellow LED is being caused by monitors that have not completed their diagnostic testing, then the issue of the vehicle being ready for an Emissions Test depends on the emissions regulations and laws of your local area.
NOTE: From the code retrieval procedure, determine the status of each Monitor. Take this information to an emissions professional to determine (based on your test results) if your vehicle is ready for an Emissions Test - RED LED - Indicates there is a problem with one or more of the vehicle's system. A vehicle displaying a red LED is definitely not ready for an Emissions Test. The red LED is also an indication that there are DTCs present. The MIL lamp on the vehicle's instrument panel will light steady. The problem that is causing the red LED to light must be repaired before an Emissions Test can be performed. It is also suggested that the vehicle is inspected/repaired before driving the vehicle further.
If the RED LED was obtained, there is a definite problem present in the system(s). In these cases, you have the following options:
Repair the vehicle yourself. If you are going to perform the repairs yourself, proceed by reading the vehicle service manual and following all its procedures and recommendations.
Take the vehicle to a professional to have it serviced. The problem(s) causing the red LED to light must be repaired before the vehicle is ready for an Emissions Test.
Audio Tone Interpretation
The audio tone could be configured according to the I/M Readiness Status. This function is invaluable when working in bright areas where LED illumination alone is not sufficient.
It is recommended to set the audio tone to Beep ON. For detailed setup information, please refer to Status Beep Set in 3.7 System Setup.
NOTE: The following audio tone description only works in Scan Tool mode.
Different audio tone with different LED lights will indicate different I/M Readiness Status
| Green LED | Two long beeps | 2min |
| Yellow LED | Short, short, long beep | 2min |
| Red LED | Four short beeps | 2min |
Troubleshooting
Vehicle Linking Error
A communication error occurs if the scan tool fails to communicate with the vehicle's ECU (Engine Control Unit). You need to do the following to check up:
- Verify that the ignition is ON.
- Check if the scan tool's OBD II connector is securely connected to the vehicle's DLC.
- Verify that the vehicle is OBD2 compliant.
- Turn the ignition off and wait for about 10 seconds. Turn the ignition back to on and continue the testing.
- Verify the control module is not defective.
Operating Error
If the scan tool freezes, then an exception occurs or the vehicle's ECU (Engine Control Unit) is too slow to respond to requests. You need to do the following 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 following to check up:
- Check if the scan tool's OBD II connector is securely connected to the vehicle's DLC;
- Check to see if the DLC pins are bent or broken. Clean the DLC pins if necessary.
- Check vehicle battery to make sure it is still good with at least 8.0 volts.
LED lamps not working
If you turn on the scan tool and perform the I/M Readiness test but the LED lamps are not working, there may be several possible causes, including bad connection and ignition off. In this case, follow these steps to check the scan tool.
- Make sure the OBD II cable is connected to the DLC securely.
- Verify the ignition key is in the KOER position.
- Run the LED Test in the System Setup menu. If the scan tool did not pass this test, there is a problem with the LED lamp: contact Kogan.com.
Can’t use the diagnostics function
When you select the Diagnostics function in the main screen and it only shows the I/M Readiness status, the scan tool may be in Ready Test Mode. All you have to do is to select Scan Tool Mode in the System Setup menu.
Specifications
- Display: TFT color display (220 x 176 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
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 123mm x 74mm x 20mm
- NW:0.22 kg, GW: 0.49 kg
In The Box
- User’s Manual - Instructions on tool operations, and all data stream.
- OBD2 cable - Provides power to the tool and communicates between tool and vehicle.