Chapter 2: Scanner Operations

This chapter explains general Scanner operations and offers instructions for customizing certain Scanner functions. The following is an outline of basic Scanner operation. NOTE: The sequence of steps may vary depending on manufacturer or model of the test vehicle. See the manufacturer-specific vehicle communication software manuals for detailed procedures. 1. Install the software cartridgeInsert a vehicle communication software cartridge. See Installing the Software Cartridge on page 10. 2. Power the ScannerPower the Scanner by pressing the Quick ID button. See Powering Up and Shutting Down on page 11. 3. Select the software titleSelect the software appropriate to the manufacturer of the test vehicle. See Selecting the Software on page 13. 4. Identify the vehicleIdentify the test vehicle to the Scanner by entering VIN characters and answering questions. See Identifying a Vehicle on page 13. 5. Select the systemEnter the system to be tested (engine, transmission, ABS, etc.). See Selecting a System on page 14. 6. Connect the Scanner to the vehicleFollow the on-screen connection instructions to connect the Scanner to the vehicle. See Connecting to a Vehicle on page 15. 7. Select the required test from the Main MenuThe Scanner Main Menu displays only those tests available on the identified vehicle. Select the appropriate test for the vehicle you have identified. See Selecting from the Main Menu on page 15.

Scanner Operations

Installing the Software Cartridge

Two slots are provided for software cartridge installation. Use one slot for vehicle communication software and the other slot for Troubleshooter software. You can operate your Scanner with only a vehicle communication software cartridge installed. However, both a vehicle communication and Troubleshooter software cartridges must be installed to run the Troubleshooter software. Note the following regarding cartridge installation: If the cartridge does not seat smoothly and easily, do not force it. Remove the software cartridge and make sure the edge connector fingers are not bent. Check for dirt or nicks on the side of the cartridge and inside the cartridge slot. Remove dust and dirt from the cartridge edge connector with a clean, dry, soft cloth. Do not use water, solvent, or abrasives on the cartridge connector. Do not try to clean the connector socket inside the Scanner. Remove grease or oil with a clean cloth or a small amount of electronic contact cleaner. IMPORTANT: Never install vehicle communication software cartridges in both slots. This can cause damage to the software cartridges. To install a software cartridge: 1. Make sure the Scanner is disconnected from power and all test connectors. 2. Push the vehicle communication software cartridge in until it latches with the Scanner connector (Figure 7).

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Powering Up and Shutting Down

Figure 7. Software cartridge installation

The bottom cover of the cartridge should lie flush with the bottom of the Scanner body.

Powering Up and Shutting Down

Depending on what stage Scanner operations you are in, the Scanner receives power from one of three sources: Internal battery Vehicle battery Wall adapter If the software cartridge has not been changed since your last test, the Scanner displays the vehicle identification retained in memory. To power up the Scanner: 1. Press and hold the Quick ID button. Immediately upon powering up, the following display check appears (Figure 8).

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Scanner Operations

Figure 8. Display check

A copyright message displays for about two seconds. If there is a vehicle ID in Scanner memory, the Current Vehicle Identification screen displays (Figure 9).

Figure 9. Sample Current Vehicle Identification screen

If there is no vehicle ID in Scanner memory, the software selection menu displays. 2. To continue testing the previously-identified vehicle, follow the on-screen instructions to connect to the vehicle. To shut down the Scanner: If the Scanner is receiving power from the internal battery, release the Quick ID button. If the Scanner is receiving power from the vehicle, switch the ignition off. NOTE: On some models, the OBD-II connector powers the Scanner with the ignition off. Disconnect the OBD-II connector to shut down if this is the case. If the Scanner is receiving power from a Power Pac, turn the switch to VEH or VEH/CHRG. It is safe to shut down at any stage of Scanner operations.

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Selecting the Software

Selecting the Software

You must choose the correct software title from the displayed menu. Menu selections vary depending on the software installed in your Scanner. After you select the correct software for the test vehicle, a software confirmation screen prompts you to press Y to continue or press N to select different software.

Identifying a Vehicle
You must identify the vehicle you want to test by entering certain VIN characters into the Scanner. NOTE: Because midyear manufacturing changes, you should always enter a new ID when you test a different vehicle, even when two vehicles are the same year and model. To identify a vehicle: 1. When the Vehicle ID screen displays (Figure 10), select the letter that matches the requested character on the VIN plate of the vehicle.

Figure 10. Sample Vehicle ID screen

The display shows information provided by the selected VIN and requests the next VIN character (Figure 11).

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Scanner Operations

Figure 11. Sample Engine Code Request screen

2. Enter any further VIN character requests and press Y or N to answer any yes or no questions. When you have finished answering all questions, a Vehicle ID Confirmation screen displays (Figure 12).

Figure 12. Sample Vehicle ID Confirmation screen

3. If the identification is not completely correct, press N to restart the identification sequence. If the identification is correct, press Y to store the identification in memory.

Selecting a System
A system selection menu prompts you to select the vehicle control system to be tested (Figure 13).

Figure 13. Sample System Selection Menu

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Connecting to a Vehicle

Connecting to a Vehicle
The following conditions must be met before the Scanner displays vehicle data stream information: The Scanner must be connected to the vehicle diagnostic connector. The ignition must be turned on. When the Scanner connection message displays, use the supplied vehicle test adapters to connect the Scanner to the vehicle for testing (Figure 14).

Figure 14. Sample Scanner connection message

Refer to Appendix C: Adapters & Accessories on page 49 for information on test adapter availability.

Selecting from the Main Menu

Depending on the vehicle, a number of main menu options may be available (Figure 15).

Figure 15. Sample Main Menu

Main menu options typically include: Codes & Datadisplays diagnostic trouble code (DTC) records and data parameter information from the selected vehicle control module.

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Scanner Operations

Functional Testsprovides specific subsystem and component tests. The tests vary, depending on the manufacturer and model. Movieslets you record and view data movies for vehicles that have this capability. Custom Setuplets you set certain Scanner functions to operate as you want. Troubleshooteravailable when a Troubleshooter cartridge is installed, provides an online checklist of diagnostic tips for specific trouble codes and driveability problems for the identified vehicle. Some models offer the following additional Main Menu selections: Actuator Testschecks the operation of certain actuators, such as solenoid valves and relays. These are similar to functional tests. Codesdisplays diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) without data stream parameter information. Code Functionsis used to read and understand trouble codes that display by flashing an instrument panel lamp or an LED display. Codes & Data Menuaccesses a submenu of tests on OBD-II vehicles. Datadisplays data available on the control modules data stream without trouble codes. Data (No Codes)displays data available on the control modules data stream without trouble codes. Service Codesperforms self-tests and displays codes after performing these tests. System Testsprovides specific subsystem testing (tests vary depending on the vehicle selected).

Codes & Data

Selecting CODES & DATA on the Main Menu has one of the following results:

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Selecting from the Main Menu

A submenu of Codes & Data viewing choices displays. Diagnostic trouble codes and data display. A submenu displays only when more than one Codes & Data mode is available on the identified vehicle (Figure 16).

Figure 16. Sample Codes & Data submenu

The engine must be started before Codes & Data is selected on some models. For these models, a waiting to communicate message appears if the engine was not cranked or started.

Bidirectional Control Modules

Most vehicles offering the Codes & Data mode have bidirectional control modules. This means that the control module not only communicates with the Scanner, but it accepts commands from some test equipment. Bidirectional control modules transmit complete data streams to the Scanner and provide many functional test capabilities. The Scanner provides some bidirectional test capabilities on certain vehicles. A few special test commands that override normal control module operation, however, are not available due to vehicle manufacturer restrictions.

Codes & Data Screens

When a Codes & Data selection is made, the screen displays the data list and trouble codes for the selected module. The data items available for any control module vary from one vehicle to another. The top line of the display remains fixed. In some cases, the second line shows the test mode name and also indicates whether or not the vehicle can be driven during testing (Figure 17).

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Scanner Operations

Figure 17. Sample Engine Codes & Data screen

If there are codes in the control modules memory, they display in order beginning on the third line. Data parameters display following the code list. You can scroll the second line and all following lines. Based on the vehicle ID entered into the Scanner, a do not drive message may display on line 2 in the Codes & Data mode. Depending on the model year, engine calibration, and fuel system type, the control module may alter engine operation. The vehicle should not be driven in this mode. An OK to drive message on line 2 (Figure 17) indicates that the Codes & Data mode can be used for testing in the shop, as well as for road testing, and the vehicle can be safely driven to troubleshoot intermittent driveability problems.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)

For some software cartridges, trouble code information appears as part of the control module data list. If no codes are present, the third line of the display reads no codes present (Figure 18).

Figure 18. Data display with no codes present

If codes are present in the control modules memory, the Scanner displays them in numerical order, along with a description (Figure 19).

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Selecting from the Main Menu

Figure 19. Data display with codes present

If a problem occurs while testing that causes a code, the code is added to the list.

Fixing Data Lines

Data on the second and third lines of the display can be fixed. When a line is fixed, the parameter titles are frozen, but data readings are live and continuously updated from the control module data stream. Fixing a line lets you scroll other parameters into position to compare readings. See Fix (Release) Line 2 or 3 Options on page 24.

Holding a Frame of Data

Press Y at any time while viewing Codes & Data to hold a single frame of data, which is one data transmission cycle of the vehicle control module data stream. When a frame is held, all data is locked at the last readings before Y was pressed. When a frame is held, HLD appears in the upper left corner of the screen (Figure 20). Scroll through the data readings to review the held values.

Figure 20. A held frame of data

Press N to exit while a frame is held and the held frame is saved in Scanner memory. Held data in Scanner memory can be printed by selecting PRINT FRAME on the Exit menu. See Print Data on page 21 for information.

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Scanner Operations

There are two ways to clear a frame of held data: Press Y from the held data screen. Continue pressing N until the Main Menu displays.

Exit Options
Press the N button from any of the Codes & Data functions, except Road Test (No C&D), and an Exit menu displays (Figure 21).

Figure 21. Sample Exit Menu

Resume Selecting RESUME returns you to the last screen viewed in Codes & Data at the same screen position from which you exited. Any data lines that had been fixed stay fixed, and any held frames of data stay held. Custom Data List When available, the CUSTOM DATA LIST selection is used to select specific data parameters to display. This allows you to focus more on any suspicious or symptom-specific data parameters and also allows for a faster display update rate. Custom Data List selections are retained in Scanner memory until a new vehicle ID is entered or another vehicle control system is selected for testing. This can limit Troubleshooter operation with tips that display data. To select a custom data list: 1. Select CUSTOM DATA LIST. The Data Selection screen displays (Figure 22).

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Selecting from the Main Menu

Figure 22. Sample Data Selection screen

An asterisk (*) next to a parameter title indicates that parameter is selected for display. 2. Select or deselect the desired parameters. 3. When the desired parameters have been selected, press N to return to the Codes & Data display and view the customized data list. Print Data The PRINT DATA selection on the Exit menu gives two choices for printing data: PRINT SCREENsends any 4-line display of data or codes to a printer. PRINT FRAMEprints one complete frame, or data transmission cycle, from the control module, including any codes that may be present if the data list contains codes. How data prints depends on if the data is held. If a frame was held when you exited from the data viewing mode, a print command will print the exact data values that were displayed before exiting. You get what you last saw. If a frame was not held before exiting, the Scanner continues to receive data transmissions from the control module in the background and updates its data readings. A print command prints the most current readings received by the Scannerthe data values or trouble codes may have changed since you viewed the lines. You may not get exactly what you last saw.

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Scanner Operations

If the printer does not respond or fails during printing, the Scanner displays this additional message on lines 3 and 4 (Figure 23).

Figure 23. Printer Not Responding screen

Refer to Problems With Printer, Displays, and Other Remote Terminals on page 45 for information if this occurs. The Scanner must be connected to the printer with one of the optional communication cables to print. Refer to Appendix A: Printer and Remote Terminal Setup on page 37 for information on setting printer switch positions. NOTE: A movie printout includes the vehicle identification, though a movie display does not. To print codes and data: 1. Connect the printer and ensure that communication is set correctly. 2. Select either PRINT SCREEN or PRINT FRAME. This starts the printing operation (Figure 24).

Figure 24. Sample Printing in Progress screen

When printing is complete, the Scanner automatically returns to the Exit menu.

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Selecting from the Main Menu

Movies When MOVIES or ARM MOVIE appear on an Exit menu, they work the same as from a Main Menu. See page 26 for instructions for recording and reviewing a movie. LED Menu The LED MENU selection is used to reprogram the operation of LEDs on the Scanner to monitor various functions. If a vehicle does not provide signals for these functions, the respective LEDs are unused. The LED assignments remain as selected until: The internal Scanner battery is changed. A new vehicle ID is entered into the Scanner. Test functions are changed on a vehicle that has a limited data stream in a particular operating mode. For example, if a vehicle has a limited data stream for any functional test, but not in the Codes & Data mode, custom LED settings return to their preset assignments when you change test modes. Selecting LED MENU from the Exit menu displays a screen similar to Figure 25. NOTE: Some vehicles do not offer this selection.

Figure 25. Sample LED Menu with default values

To change LED assignments: 1. Select LED MENU. 2. Scroll to change the assignment function and press Y (Figure 26).

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Scanner Operations

Figure 26. Sample LED MENU with L3 reassigned

3. Press N to exit the LED menu. Fix (Release) Line 2 or 3 Options Before selecting one of the fix or release line options, the Scanner must be operating in a data viewing mode with the desired data items on the selected line. Fixed lines remain fixed as you exit Codes & Data and then resume viewing data from the Exit menu. Fixed lines also stay fixed if test functions are changed through the Main Menu and if the vehicle transmits the same data list in all operating modes. If the vehicle transmits different data in different test conditions, fixed lines are released whenever a Main Menu selection is made. Fixed lines automatically release if a new vehicle ID is entered. The following general rules apply: Line 1 is permanently fixed in position and cannot be released. Only lines 2 and 3 can be fixed; line 4 cannot. It always scrolls. The mode title line and trouble code lines cannot be fixed. Only data lines can be fixed. Line 2 must be fixed before line 3 can be fixed. Line 3 must be released before line 2 can be released. To fix lines of data: 1. Scroll the desired data into position on line 2 of the display. 2. Press N to open the Exit menu (Figure 27).

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Selecting from the Main Menu

Figure 27. Sample Exit Menu with no data lines fixed

3. Select FIX LINE 2. The Scanner automatically returns to Codes & Data. 4. Press N again. The Exit menu displays (Figure 28).

Figure 28. Sample Exit Menu with line 2 fixed

5. Select either to RELEASE LINE 2 or to FIX LINE 3. Clear Codes The Scanner clears trouble codes from the control modules memory on some vehicles. Check the appropriate vehicle communication software manual for code-clearing availability on the test vehicle.

Functional Tests
The FUNCTIONAL TESTS selection on the Main Menu is used to access vehicle-specific subsystem and component tests. What and how many functional tests are available varies considerably by manufacturer, year, and model. Refer to the appropriate Vehicle Communication Software Manual for information on conducting functional tests and test availability. There are four general types of functional test operation:

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Scanner Operations

Information TestsThese are read-only types of tests. For instance, select VIN from a Function Tests menu to display the VIN of the identified vehicle. Toggle TestsThese tests switch a component, such as a solenoid, relay, or switch, between two operating states. The terms on/off, open/clsd (open/closed), enab/disa (enable/disable), and others may be used to identify the different states. Variable Control TestsThese tests command a certain value for a system or component, such as varying the spark timing in 1 increments or varying the EGR valve duty cycle in 10% increments. Reset TestsThese tests reset the adaptive, or learned, values that are stored in the control module. Typically these tests shut off instrument panel lamps and clear DTCs.

Movies
The movie feature allows you to record or review movies of data stream information. Subsequent movie recording, entering a new vehicle ID, or disconnecting the Scanner battery erases any previous movie. The length of a movie varies by make and model, and the amount of data varies according to the baud rate of the control module. A recorded data movie includes: A number of data frames before the trigger. The trigger point, which is frame zero (0). A number of data frames after the trigger.

Recording a Movie
Recording takes from a few seconds to several minutes, depending on the baud rate of the vehicle control module. The first step in recording a movie is to arm the Y button as a trigger to begin recording. Depending on the test vehicle, you can arm the Y button from the Main Menu or from the Exit menu.

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Selecting from the Main Menu

To arm the Y button from the Main Menu: 1. Select MOVIES. The MOVIE MENU displays (Figure 29).

Figure 29. MOVIE MENU screen

2. Select ARM MOVIE. A menu similar to Figure 30 displays.

Figure 30. Sample data selection menu

3. Select the desired data type. A screen similar to Figure 31 displays.

Figure 31. On-screen instructions to arm movie trigger

Pressing Y erases any previous movie stored in Scanner memory and automatically returns you to the previous data mode with the Y button armed to trigger a new movie. ARM appears in the top left corner of the screen (Figure 32).

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Scanner Operations

Figure 32. Data display, armed to record a movie

Pressing N aborts the Arm Movie selection and displays the Exit menu. If a previous movie was recorded, it is preserved. To arm the Y button from the Exit menu: 1. While viewing live data, press N. An Exit menu displays (Figure 33).

Figure 33. Sample Exit menu

2. Select ARM MOVIE. A screen similar to Figure 31 displays.

Figure 34. On-screen instructions to arm movie trigger

Pressing Y erases any previous movie stored in Scanner memory and automatically returns you to the previous data mode with the Y button armed to trigger a new movie. ARM appears in the top left corner of the screen (Figure 32).

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Selecting from the Main Menu

Figure 35. Data display, armed to record a movie

Pressing N aborts the Arm Movie selection and returns to the Exit menu. If a previous movie was recorded, it is preserved. To record a movie: Press Y to trigger the recording of a movie at any time. The movie starts and ARM changes to zero (0) on the display (Figure 36).

Figure 36. Data display after pressing Y to record a movie

The frame counter in the upper left advances to show the recording speed of the movie. When the Scanner records the maximum number of frames, the display changes to END (Figure 37).

Figure 37. When the movie is finished recording

END appears in the top line as long as a finished movie is stored in Scanner memory, even when viewing live data, to remind you that a movie has been recorded.

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Scanner Operations

Viewing a Movie
When viewing a movie, the following general rules apply: You always enter the movie at frame 0, the trigger point. The Thumbwheel scrolls data lines within that frame. The frame number stays fixed in the upper left corner. Press Y and the Thumbwheel operation switches to scroll frames. In this mode, the display moves forward or backward in time. The frame number in the upper left corner changes with each Thumbwheel turn. A positive number indicates a frame after the trigger; a negative number indicates a frame before the trigger. Press Y to switch Thumbwheel function between scrolling frames to scrolling data within a frame. Scroll from frame to frame and data lines on the screen stay in the same position. Parameter names do not change, but readings may because different values were recorded from frame to frame. As you scroll data lines within a frame, the Thumbwheel moves the lines from top to bottom within that frame. It does not roll over into an earlier or later frame. Codes may change from frame to frame as recorded. The mode title does not change. Lines may be fixed using the fix line options on the Exit menu. Fixed lines remain fixed during horizontal and vertical scrolling until released through the Exit menu. Resume reviewing a movie and Thumbwheel scrolling operation stays in the condition last selected by pressing Y before exiting. Press N to exit at any time. To open a movie recorded from the MOVIES option on the Main Menu: 1. From the data display, press N. The MOVIE MENU displays. 2. Select PRINT & REVIEW MOVIE. The recorded movie displays (Figure 38).
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Selecting from the Main Menu

Figure 38. Recorded data movie screen

3. Scroll through the movie to review recorded data as when viewing live Codes & Data. To open a movie recorded from the Exit menu: 1. Press N until you get to the Main Menu. REVIEW MOVIE appears on the menu (Figure 39).

Figure 39. Sample Main menu when movie is recorded

2. Select REVIEW MOVIE. 3. Scroll through the movie to review recorded data as when viewing live Codes & Data.

Custom Setup
The CUSTOM SETUP selection is used to change some Scanner operating functions, and always operates the same way for all vehicles. Custom Setup options can include: LED MENU ENGLISH/METRIC COMMUNICATION SETUP BACKLIGHT CONTROL

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Scanner Operations

LED Menu
When LED MENU is available from the Custom Setup menu, it works the same as from the Exit menu (see page 23).

English/Metric
The ENGLISH/METRIC selection on the Custom Setup menu is used to choose between English or metric units of measure for certain data parameters.
Table 2-1. Scanner units of measurementdefaults and options

SETTING Temperature Air Pressure (including manifold pressure) Speed Other Pressures

DEFAULT degrees Celsius (C) kilopascals (kPa) miles per hour (mph) pounds per square inch (psi)

OPTION degrees Fahrenheit (F) inches of mercury (Hg) kilometers per hour (kph) kilopascals (kPa)

To change a setting: 1. Select ENGLISH/METRIC. The English/Metric menu displays with the current setting shown in brackets (Figure 40).

Figure 40. Sample English/Metric Menu

2. Scroll to the measurement and press Y to switch between English and metric units.

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Selecting from the Main Menu

All measurement units return to their default values when the internal battery is disconnected or different software is selected. 3. Press N to return to the Custom Setup menu.

Communication SetupBaud Rate Setting

The COMMUNICATION SETUP selection on the Custom Setup menu is used to set the baud rate. The speed at which the Scanner operates and displays data depends on the length of the serial data stream and on the baud rate of the vehicle control module. The baud rate is the data transmission speed in digital bits per second. The Scanner must be set at the correct baud rate to ensure communication with a printer. See Appendix A: Printer and Remote Terminal Setup on page 37 for information about printer settings. The baud rate determines how fast the Scanner responds to the vehicle control module and how fast the data readings change on the screen. It also affects the time that it takes to record a movie. This display speed, or data update rate depends on the control module; it is not controlled by the Scanner. To set the baud rate: 1. Select COMMUNICATION SETUP. The Communication Setup screen displays (Figure 41).

Figure 41. Communication Setup screen

2. Select the desired setting. The Scanner transmits at the new baud rate.

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Scanner Operations

Backlight Control
The BACKLIGHT CONTROL selection on the Custom Setup menu is used to set the automatic shutoff time for the Scanner backlight when operating with the MT2500-600 Power Pac. Setting the automatic shutoff time is useful to conserve Power Pac battery power during periods of Scanner inactivity. To access the auto shutoff features: 1. Select BACKLIGHT CONTROL. Backlight control information displays (Figure 42).

Figure 42. Backlight control information

2. Press Y to display the AUTO SHUTOFF SELECTIONS menu (Figure 43).

Figure 43. Backlight control options

3. Select the desired automatic shutoff feature.

Troubleshooter
The Troubleshooter selection appears on the Main Menu only if a Troubleshooter cartridge is installed in the Scanner and there are troubleshooter tips available for the system being tested. Selecting TROUBLESHOOTER displays a screen similar to Figure 44.

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On-screen Help

Figure 44. Typical Troubleshooter Menu

Troubleshooter menus vary by make, model, and system. Refer to the appropriate Troubleshooter Reference Manual for information.

On-screen Help
Some menus include an on-screen help option (Figure 45).

Figure 45. Sample on-screen help menu option

Selecting an on-screen help menu item displays information useful to the menu where that option appears (Figure 46).

Figure 46. Sample on-screen help message

Scanner Demonstration Programs

The vehicle communication software contains a program to demonstrate many of the Scanner test capabilities without actually connecting to a vehicle. A sample vehicle ID and

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Scanner Operations

mock test results are provided to help you become familiar with Scanner menus and basic operations. Refer to the appropriate manufacturer-specific vehicle communication manual for information on how to access the demonstration program. NOTE: If the Troubleshooter software cartridge is installed, it will be accessible for demonstration purposes. Be sure to select the system that matches the Troubleshooter software. For example, if you have a Transmission Troubleshooter installed, select Transmission from the System Selection menu.

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