Actron CP9110 Automobile Accessories User Manual
Contents
1. 9 Keyboard iniiis 9 DISPIAY inisieer iein daisy 10 e Lists Menus amp Questions 10 e Other Functions amp Keys 11 1 7 Scan Tool Setup 12 Section 2 Computer Vehicle Basics 13 2 1 Basics of Computer Controlled Cars nsss 13 2 2 About Codes n e 16 2 3 When to Read Codes 17 Section 3 Help and Troubleshooting TIPS iesecninsncascsnansiveinsarsrcunae 19 3 1 Tool Problems ccccceeeeeeeees 19 3 2 Car Problems ccccccccceeesseees 20 3 3 Scan Tool Self Tests 2 05 20 e Display Test occ 21 e Keyboard TeSt cccee 21 e Memory Test eee 21 Section 4 How to Order Accessories c00ssseeeteees 22 4 1 Where to Buy sses 22 4 2 Call Actron Direct seeen 23 4 3 E Mail amp Internet address 23 Section 5 Appendix eeeeeeeeeeeeeees 24 Glossary Of Terms ssassn 24 Vehicle Service Information The following is a list of publishers who have manuals containing electronic engine control diagnostic information Some manuals may be available at auto parts stores or your local public library For others you need to write for availability and pricing specifying the make model and year of your vehicle Vehicle Service Manuals Chilton Book Company Chilton Way Radnor PA 19089 Haynes Publications 861 Lawrence Drive Newbury Park CA 91320 Cordura Publications Mitchell Manuals Inc Post Office2. FULL ONE 1 YEAR WARRANTY Actron Manufacturing Company 15825 Industrial Parkway Cleveland Ohio 44135 warrants to the user that this unit will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two 2 years from the date of original purchase Any unit that fails within this period will be repaired or replaced at Actron s option and without charge when returned to the Factory Actron requests that a copy of the original dated sales receipt be returned with the unit to determine if the warranty period is still in effect This warranty does not apply to damages caused by accident alterations or improper or unreason able use ACTRON MANUFACTURING COMPANY DIS CLAIMS ANY LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF ANY WRITTEN WARRANTY ON THE UNIT 30 e actron 15825 Industrial Parkway Cleveland Ohio 44135 U S A Toll free U S 800 228 7667 2004 Actron Manufacturing Co All Rights Reserved 0002 002 2186 e actron GEAT CP9110 Table of Contents Vehicle Service Information 2 Safety Precautions ccsseeee 3 Section 1 Welcome to The Scan Tool 4 1 1 Features ccs eccentrics 4 1 2 The scan tool cceeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 5 1 3 What You Get c eee 6 1 4 Cartridge and Installation 6 1 5 Cables and Adapters 7 1 6 Operating the scan tool 9 e Powering up the scan tool
3. Occasionally you may find it necessary to connect directly to the vehicle s battery In these cases you may obtain an optional battery clip adapter from Actron Actron also offers an AC power adapter to power the scan tool with standard 110V wall power Both of these accessories may be purchased directly from Actron Your scan tool has been designed to operate at the same voltage levels as your vehicle s computer It requires a minimum of 8 volts to power up The scan tool is circuit protected from voltage variations and power surges Should you have a problem with power up review Section 3 1 Tool Problems to verify the nature of your problem NOTE Some vehicles shut off power to the cigarette lighter receptacle when the ignition key is inthe OFF or START posi tions Check your vehicle to determine whether this is the case Optional Battery _ScanToo ENTER i m ace AC 110V to 12V Power Adapter noo 1984 1995 GM Vehicle Cable Adapters Your scan tool Vehicle Ap plication Cartridge pack will contain the Applica tion Cartridge application manual and vehicle cable adapter for one manufac turer GM Ford or Chrysler The vehicle cable adapter will be in stalled on the scan tool by locating the large connec tor receptacle on the top Connecting the Vehicle Adapter Cable right side of the main tool Insertthe vehicle cable into the scan tool receptacle
4. fore 1 3 Actron CP9110 What You Get When you receive your scan tool take time to review all package contents The Application Cartridge serial tag is located on the top center of the cartridge This serial tag will always be visible when the cartridge is inserted in the main tool Please take time to review all important documents enclosed Be sure to review both boxes for contents Review Box Contents Main Tool Box In addition to the scan tool you should have received the following items in the main tool box e The Scan Tool e Carrying Pouch e Power Cable e Main Tool Operator s manual Application Cartridge Box The Application Cartridge box that you pur chased should contain the following items e The Application Cartridge e Vehicle Cable Adapter e Application Manual for that vehicle 1 4 Cartridge and Installation Review the Application Cartridge instal lation procedure before you power up your scan tool Hold the cartridge serial number tag up and slowly insert the car Application Cartridge Installed MODEL NO ACIRON MEG SERIAL NO CP9110 ERRAT 123456789 Actron Manufacturing warrants the software programs to be accurate to the level of information released by the Vehicle manufacturer at the time of release 800 228 7667 1 2325 Main Tool Model and Serial Tag Cartridge Model and Serial Tag Before You Start Take time to review the
5. 8 volts to power up e Verify the ignition key is ON and not in the accessories ACC position e Check the vehicle s on board computer for a blown PCM fuse The PCM fuse is located on the fuse block in the passen ger compartment If the PCM fuse is blown the vehicle s on board computer cannot transmit data Check to be sure your vehicle s calibra 3 3 Scan Tool Self Tests Scan tool Self Tests are used to test the operation of the scan tool s display key board and internal memory The Tool Self Tests menu can be accessed when the scan tool is initially powered up and from the Function List Convenience is the reason the Tool Self Tests menu is acces sible in two ways If the scan tool has a display problem on power up you do not want to enter vehicle set up information just to get to the Function List to run the Display Self Test It is far more convenient to have the Tool Self Tests menu acces 20 tion PROM matches the vehicle setup Some GM vehicles have had replace ment PROMs installed from newer ve hicles to correct driveability problems Check the scan tool Application Car tridge manual for applicable models and years e Make sure the vehicle s on board com puter has a good ground If your vehicle s on board computer has a ground going directly to the computer s case then clean up this connection and apply a conductive grease to the mating surfaces e On some carbureted engines the ign
6. GM Function List Function Lists for other manufacturers may differ slightly GM Function List A gt 1 Read Codes 2 Erase Codes H 3 View Data a Note how the cursor is pointing at 1 Read Codes If you wish to read trouble codes press ENTER to select that function To make a different choice such as viewing data use the DOWN arrow key to move the cursor down next to 3 View Data and press ENTER This will select the View Data function Sometimes a list will be longer than three or four items and will not fit on a single screen In these cases the down arrow symbol is visible in the last column of the display indicating that there are more choices on the next screen GM Function List A gt 1 Read Codes 2 Erase Codes H 3 View Data a To go to the next choice use the DOWN arrow key to move the cursor down thelist NOTE Pressing the DOWN arrow key moves the function list one line at a time After several DOWN arrow key presses the screen below appears GM Function List gt 4 RecordData f 5 Playback Data 6 Field Service Now notice that there are arrows pointing up and pointing down in the last column This indicates that you can use the UP arrow key to move the cursor to the previ ous screen or press the DOWN arrow key several times to move the cursor to the third screen shown below GM Function List f gt 7 Beeper On Off fi 8 English Metric 9 Code Lookup a Notice
7. PCM needs to operate a specific vehicle model Sensor Device which gives the PCM informa tion The PCM can only work with electrical signals The job of the sensor is to take some thing the PCM needs to know such as engine temperature and convert it to an electrical signal that the PCM can understand The PCM uses sensors to measure such things as throttle posi tion coolant temperature engine speed incom ing air mass and temperature etc SFI or SEFI Sequential Fuel Injection or Se quential Electronic Fuel Injection A fuel injection system that uses one or more injectors for each cylinder The injectors are mounted in the intake manifold and are fired individually in the same sequence as the spark plug firing order 28 Solenoid A device to convert an electrical signal to mechanical movement It consists of a coil with a wire with a moveable metal rod in the center When the power is applied to the coil the resulting electromagnetism moves the rod and performs some mechanical action The PCM often uses solenoids to switch vacuum lines on and off This allows the PCM to control vacuum operated devices such as the EGR valve Fuel injectors are operated by another type of sole noid TBI Throttle Body Injection A fuel injection system having one or more injectors mounted in a centrally located throttle body as opposed to positioning the injectors close to an intake valve port Also called Central Fuel Injection CFI
8. and ordering information Actron s E Mail address is sunpro actron com And while you re on line be sure to check out Actron s Website where you ll find equipment information new products and technical tips to help you make the most of your new Actron ScanTool On the World Wide Web http www actron com Section 5 Glossary of Terms Actuator Devices that are powered by the PCM to control things Actuator types include relays solenoids and motors Actuators allow the PCM to control engine operation A F Air Fuel ratio This refers to the proportion of air and fuel delivered to the cylinder for combus tion For example if you have 14 times more air than fuel by weight then the A F ratio is 14 1 read as fourteen to one The ideal operating A F ratio in an automotive application is 14 7 1 Check Engine Light CEL The Check Engine light CEL will illuminate when the PCM detects a circuit malfunction in any of the engine feed back circuits When the malfunction occurs the CEL will remain lit as long as the PCM detects the circuit problem This will automatically set and store a trouble code in the PCM s memory Some manufacturers also refer to the CEL as a Malfunc tion Indicator Light MIL or the Emissions Main tenance Lamp EMR on some Chrysler trucks C3 or CCC Computer Command Control The name of the General Motors electronic engine control system used on most vehicles built since 1
9. and use the two thumb screws to secure it to the connec tor as shown in the illustration below Note that you will feel a firm seating of the cable as you secure it to the scan tool connector The vehicle cable adapter should always be connected to the vehicle before power is applied to the scan tool This will enable the scan tool to maintain a proper ground between itself and the vehicle If you have connected to the vehicle powered up the tool and have difficulty establishing a link between the scan tool and the vehicle check the following 1 Is the ignition on 2 Verify you have connected the vehicle data cable to the vehicle s Data Link Connector DLC 3 Confirm that proper vehicle information was entered into scan tool When attaching the data cable to the ve hicle take time to review the specific ap plication manual for the cartridge you are using This will instruct you on correctly connecting the cable to the vehicle Many of the vehicle adapters are keyed so that the adapter will fit only one way If you find that you have a special vehicle situation or the adapter does not fit call 1 800 ACTRON 7 for assistance Always double check the application section to be sure that you are following the proper hook up directions For further help that is not avail able in the scan tool help screens see Section 3 Actron Help for solutions to your scan tool problems As you review the CP9110 Features s
10. now that there is only an arrow pointing up in the last column This indi cates that you have reached the end of this list and that all other choices are on previous screens You can return to those screens by pressing the UP arrow key NOTE This is a GM Function List Func tion Lists for other manufacturers may differ slightly These up and down arrow characters on the screen are used throughout the scan tool s software The UP and Down arrow keys work exactly the same way even if you are just scrolling through text such as the On Line Help screen shown below 3 TEST CONNECTOR DAMAGED LOOSE PINS ii 4 TOOL SETUP OK CORRECT VIN S ETC Note that there are no choices to make here and that there is no cursor to move There are however up and down arrows in the last column These arrows indicate that there are other screens before and after this one Using the UP and DOWN arrow keys you can scroll through the entire message Occasionally you may be asked a ques tion by the scan tool which requires a response These will always be YES or NO questions and are answered in al most the same way you make choices on a Function List Below is an example of a YES NO question View Instructions For Creating Custom Data List Yes lt No gt ry 11 In these screens brackets will automati cally be next to the default response If you wish to accept the default choice simply press ENTER If
11. power adapter and the cigarette lighter circuit first Since the scan tool has built in diagnostics it is easy to isolate a problem with the ScanTool itself There will be two basic types of problems that you will deal with vehicle problems and tool problems Both might affect your test Remember the scan tool always goes through a SELF CHECK each time you power the unit up before testing Use the trouble shooting tips be low to help diagnose scan tool problems before calling Actron s Technical Support line 1 The scan tool will not power up A Check the cartridge Is it properly seated B Check the cigarette lighter for power Take the cigarette lighter element and plug it in to verify that it is heating up If not check lighter fuse C UN plug and plug back in to verify the cigarette lighter end is properly seating in 19 the vehicle cigarette lighter receptacle 2 Tool will not Link to the vehicle com puter A Unplug the vehicle Data Link Connec tor DLC adapter and plug it back in to verify that it is properly plugged into the vehicle DLC B Review the vehicle VIN information and verify that you have properly entered the correct vehicle VIN information in the scan tool setup Also review the Actron supported vehicle list found in scan tool Application Cartridge manual C In some GM cars if there is a Trouble Code set that refers to the internal MEMCAL PROM you may not get a vehicle
12. proper procedure for powering up your scan tool The fol lowing section Cartridge and Installation should be read before proceeding This will help you become familiar with all operating procedures Scanloo Sunpro oy ABION 1984 1995 GM tridge into the cartridge opening Align the cartridge slots with the keyway on the main tool bottom opening Continue to gently push the cartridge into the opening until you feel the main edge connector resistance then push to engage the car tridge to the cartridge stop The cartridge is engaged when the alignment of the serial number tag is even with the top edge of the Main Tool opening edge and flush against the cartridge stop Refer to the example To remove the Application Cartridge simply grasp the cartridge end and pull away from the main tool This action will disengage the cartridge from the edge connector Con tinue to pull the cartridge out of the open ing the rest of the way NOTE You should always have the Ap plication Cartridge installed before you connect your unit to the power supply NEVER UNPLUG THE CARTRIDGE WHEN POWER IS APPLIED 1 5 Power Cables and Vehicle Adapters The scan tool comes with a main power cable designed to plug into the vehicle cigarette lighter The other end ofthe cable plugs into the scan tool as shown below Connecting to Vehicle Cigarette Lighter Connecting to Scan Tool
13. the scan tool You can also monitor the opera tion of systems throughout the vehicle helping to pinpoint the system where there may be a problem Once you have read the trouble codes you can either e Have your vehicle professionally ser viced Or e Repair the vehicle yourself using the trouble codes to locate the source of the problem Trouble Codes and Diagnostics help you fix the problem To find the cause of the problem yourself you need to perform special test proce dures called diagnostics These proce dures are in the vehicle service manual and your scan tool makes it easy to locate and diagnose malfunctioning systems There are many possible causes for any problem For example suppose you turned on a wall switch in your home and the ceiling light did not turn on Is it a bad bulb or light socket Are there problems with the wiring or wall switch Maybe there is no power coming into the house As you can see there are many possible causes The diagnostics are written for 2 3 When to Read Codes servicing a particular trouble code take into account all the possibilities If you follow these procedures you should be able to find the problem causing the code and fix it yourself Actron makes it easy to fix computer controlled vehicles Using the Actron scan tool to obtain trouble codes is fast and easy Trouble codes give you valuable knowledge whether you go for professional service or do it yo
14. 982 Chrysler Serial Communication Interface SCI This is Chryslers vehicle adapter or Data Link Connector used to link scan tools with the PCM Early Chrysler OBD systems 1981 83 broadcast trouble codes but gave no operating parameter data In 1983 the second phase of Chrysler OBD called the Serial Communication Interface SCI was introduced with expanded serial data and many test modes for the technician to access with a scan tool SCI provides the following modes to access vehicle data Diagnostic Test Mode Circuit Actuation Test Mode ATM Switch Test Mode Sensor Test Mode and Engine Running Test Mode Each of these modes allow for different procedures of diagnostic tests and test routines These routines are programmed into the Chrysler Logic Module LM which then passes the information on to the power module or Single Board Engine Controller SBEC The vehicle diagnostic adapter is located in the en gine compartment on the right hand side next to the SBEC unit with a dust cap marked Diagnos tic 24 Closed Loop C L This is when a control system performs an action expecting a certain result then checks the results and corrects its actions if necessary until the desired results are achieved Example Fuel delivery The PCM operates a fuel injector in a way that should deliver an optimum air fuel mixture as long as everything in the fuel system is operating as expected In closed loop operation the
15. Box 26260 San Diego CA 92126 Motor s Auto Repair Manual Hearst Company 250 W 55th Street New York NY 10019 Suitable manuals have titles such as Electronic Engine Controls Fuel Injection and Feedback Carbure tors Fuel Injection and Electronic Engine Controls Emissions Control Manual or similar titles Vehicle Service Manuals from General Motors Corporation Buick Cadillac Chevrolet GEO GMC Oldsmobile amp Pontiac Helm Incorporated Post Office Box 07130 Detroit MI 48207 Saturn Adistra Corporation c o Saturn Publications 101 Union St Post Office Box 1000 Plymouth MI 48170 Vehicle Service Manuals from Ford Motor Company Ford Lincoln amp Mercury Ford Publication Department Helm Incorporated Post Office Box 07150 Detroit MI 48207 Vehicle Service Manuals from Chrysler Corporation Chrysler Plymouth amp Dodge Chrysler Motors Service Training 26001 Lawrence Avenue Center Line MI 48015 Allinformation illustrations and specifications contained in this manual are based on the latest information available from industry sources at the time of publication No warranty expressed or implied can be made for its accuracy or completeness nor is any responsibility assumed by Actron Manufacturing Co or anyone connected with it for loss or damages suffered through reliance on any information contained in this manual or misuse of accompanying product Actr
16. CM These signals may activate relays or other actua tors for control purposes throughout the vehicle The signals can also send information from the PCM to other electronic modules such as the ignition or trip computer PCM Powertrain Control Module The brains of the engine control system It is a computer housed in a metal box with a number of sensors and actuators connected with a wiring harness Its job is to control fuel delivery idle speed spark advance timing and emission systems The PCM receives information from sensors then ener gizes various actuators to control the engine The PCMis frequently called the ECM Engine Control Module in vehicles having other computers These other computers are used for climate control entertainment systems transmissions etc PROM Programmable Read Only Memory A small replaceable electrical component hidden behind an access door on the PCM The PROM contains permanent programming information the PCM needs to operate a specific vehicle model Included are vehicle weight engine and transmission type axle ratio and other specifics Relay A mechanical device for switching high current circuits on and off It is electronically controlled by alow current circuit Relays allow a low power PCM signal to control a high power device such as an electric cooling fan ROM Read Only Memory Permanent program ming information stored inside the PCM contain ing the information the
17. Number This is the factory assigned vehicle serial number This num ber is stamped on a number of locations through out the vehicle but the most prominent location is on top of the dashboard on the driver s side visible from outside the car The VIN includes information about the car including where it was built body and engine codes options colors and a sequential build number The VIN can also tell you what adapters you may need to use the ScanTool with your particular vehicle WOT Wide Open Throttle The vehicle operating condition brought about when the throttle is completely or nearly so open The PCM will typically deliver extra fuel to the engine and de energize the A C compressor at this time for acceleration purposes The PCM uses a switch or the Throttle Position Sensor to identify the WOT condition 29
18. PCM uses the oxygen sensor to check the results fuel delivery may be different than expected because of variations in fuel pressure or injector operation If the oxygen sensor indicates a rich condition the PCM will compensate by reducing fuel delivery until the oxygen sensor signals an optimum air fuel mix ture Likewise the PCM will compensate for a lean condition by adding fuel until the oxygen sensor once again signals an optimum air fuel mixture Thus closed loop operation means the PCM can fine tune control of a system to achieve an exact result providing the PCM has a means to check results like an oxygen sensor Data Link Connector DLC The Data Link Connector DLC is a universal term for the interface port between the vehicle s on board computer and the ScanTool It is sometimes referred to as the Assembly Line Diagnostic Link ALDL Vehicle Interface Port VIP or Serial Communication Interface SCI The DLC is able to transmit PCM data to the ScanTool as it is processed The DLC may be located in the engine compartment or in the passenger com partment depending on manufacturer DLC de sign also varies from manufacturer to manufac turer ranging from a 6 pin to a 17 pin connector interface All vehicles with OBD II use a 16 pin connector located in the passenger compart ment The ScanTool requires manufacturer spe cific adapter cables to link with non OBD II DLCs Data Stream This is the
19. actual data communica tions broadcast from the vehicle s PCM to the diagnostic connector The individual manufac turers determine the number of data bytes a specific engine will broadcast The size of the data stream is usually dependent on the com plexity of the engine transmission ABS and other systems supported by the PCM All manu facturers supply program documents for each year engine and option combination that a particular PCM supports in all the manufacturer s vehicles This information is used to design and build aftermarket diagnostic equipment Detonation Uncontrolled ignition of the air fuel mixture in the cylinder Also referred to as knock detonation indicates extreme cylinder pressures or hotspots which are causing the air fuel mix ture to detonate early High cylinder pressures may be caused by excessive load trailer towing A C operation etc or by too much spark ad vance High octane fuel has a higher resistance to uncontrolled ignition and may be used to control detonation when the PCM is unable to retard timing sufficiently to prevent it from occur ring NOTE High octane fuel is not a cure for the problem only the symptom If your vehicle expe riences long term detonation check for other causes Diagnostic Trouble Codes Diagnostic Trouble Codes DTC indicate a malfunction flagged by the PCM The PCM will display a corresponding numerical code number based on a look up table i
20. al It is also the reference point from which voltage measurements are made the connec tion place for the negative test lead from a voltmeter Inputs Electrical signals running into the PCM These signals come from sensors switches or other electronic modules They give the PCM information about vehicle operation KOEO Key On Engine Off A test mode where the PCM is active and feeding data parameters but the engine is not running Because the engine is not running some data parameters may not be accurate or available in this mode On Ford vehicles KOEO testing is the only way to read memory codes stored in the PCM KOER Key On Engine Running A test mode where the PCMis active and feeding data param eters and the engine is running Since the engine is running most data parameters should be available and accurate Knock See Detonation Knock Sensor This sensor is used to detect engine detonation or knock When spark knock occurs the sensor emits a pulsing signal Depending on the vehicle this signal either goes to the PCM or a separate ESC Electronic Spark Control module Then the spark advance is retarded until detonation stops The sensor contains a piezoelectric element and is threaded into the engine block Vibrating the element generates the signal pulse Special construction makes the element sensitive only to engine vibrations associated with detonation knock ing MFI Multi P
21. alf of the time the duty cycle is 50 If the signal is high only one fourth of the time 25 then the duty cycle is 25 A duty cycle of 0 means the signal is always at a low value and not changing A duty cycle of 100 means the signal is always at a high value and not chang ing The PCM uses duty cycle type signals when it wants more than just on off control of an actuator This is how it works A 50 duty cycle signal going to a vacuum switching solenoid means the solenoid will be on passing full vacuum half the time and off passing no vacuum half the time The average amount of vacuum passing through the solenoid will be one half the full value because the solenoid is only on for half the time This signal changes at a rapid rate as often as ten times per second Thus the PCM can get a vacuum controlled actuator to move halfway between no vacuum and full vacuum Other positions can be achieved by changing the duty cycle of the control signal which in turn changes the average amount of control vacuum DVM Digital Volt Meter An instrument using a numeric readout to display measured voltage values as opposed to a moving needle on a gauge face Usually the instrument has other measuring capabilities such as resistance and current and may be called a Digital Multi Meter DMM Most DVMs have 10 Megaohm input impedance This means the circuit under test will not be electroni
22. at various throttle openings and adds the appropriate amount of fuel to the mixture at the carburetor Fuel injection is somewhat more sophis ticated in the way it delivers fuel The computer still adds an appropriate amount of fuel to the entering air but now it uses fuel injectors either in a throttle body or at each intake port Fuel injectors are far more precise than carburetor jets and create a much finer fuel mist for better combustion and increased efficiency In addition most fuel injection systems have ways of measuring exactly how much air is entering the engine and can calculate the proper air fuel ratio using lookup tables Computers no longer have to es timate how much air the engine is using In many modern systems the computer also uses information provided by sen sors to give it an idea of how well itis doing its job and how to do it better Sensors can tell the computer how warm the engine is how rich or lean the fuel mixture is and whether accessories like the air condi tioner are running This feedback infor mation allows the computer to fine tune the air fuel mixture keeping the engine operating at its peak What the Computer needs to know Engine operating condition Sensors used are coolant temperature throttle position manifold pressure vacuum air flow and RPM e Air intake Sensors used are mass air flow manifold absolute pressure mani fold air temperatur
23. cally disturbed when the DVM is connected for a measurement ECM Electronic Control Module The brains of the engine control system It is a computer housed in a metal box with a number of sensors and actuators connected with a wiring harness Its job is to control fuel delivery idle speed spark advance timing and emission systems The PCM receives information from sensors then ener gizes various actuators to control the engine The ECM is frequently called the PCM Powertrain Control Module in vehicles having other computers These other computers are used for climate control entertainment systems transmissions etc EFI Electronic Fuel Injection A term applied to any system where a computer controls fuel deliv ery to the engine by using fuel injectors Engine Parameters This is the translated infor mation that is displayed on the scan tool screen Parameters will include the information inputs and the output signals from the PCM ESC Electronic Spark Control This is an ignition system function that works on vehicles having a knock sensor mounted on the engine block The knock sensor is wired to circuitry in a separate module early version or inside the PCM later versions If the sensor detects engine knock the ESC function alerts the PCM which will immedi ately retard the spark to eliminate the knocking condition EST Electronic Spark Timing Anignition system where the PCM controls the spark advance ti
24. d Diagnostics Second Generation or OBD II It is required on all vehicles sold in the US beginning January 1 1996 though most domestic manufac turers introduced it earlier than required and offers increased system monitoring and diagnostic information This new sys tem will store a library of 400 general trouble codes and another 400 manufac turer specific codes These codes cover Body Systems B Codes Chassis Sys tems C Codes and Power Train Systems P Codes Now basic terms are standard ized and all generic codes will share a common format and terminology that the manufacturers and the Society of Auto motive Engineers SAE designed You will be glad to know that as your car gets smarter it will be easier for you to keep track of what is going on under the hood 2 2 About Codes Where do Trouble Codes come from and what are they for Engine computers can find problems The computer systems in today s vehicles do more than control engine operations they can help you find problems too Spe cial testing abilities are permanently pro grammed into the computer by factory engineers These tests check the compo nents connected to the computer which are used for typically fuel delivery idle speed control spark timing emission sys tems and transmission shifting Mechan ics have used these tests for years Now you can do the same thing by using your Actron scan tool Engine computers perform special t
25. data stream 3 Your scan tool will not record data A Take time to review the vehicle applica tion manual for the vehicle that you are working on Refer to the data recording section following the instructions and try again B Verify that the scan tool memory buffer is not already full C Use the scan tool self test and verify that the on board RAM memory is okay 4 Your Keyboard does not function prop erly A Perform the Keyboard Test by entering the Self Test and select the Keyboard Test function This will test out all but tons along with the sound alert B If the keyboard test shows nothing and you still experience the problem then call Actron s technical support per sonnel at 1 800 ACTRON 7 3 2 Car Problems If your scan tool is having difficulty link ing with the vehicle computer be sure that you have double checked all scan tool interfaces including the power con nectors and the DLC connection When you are sure that the scan tool is not malfunctioning run scan tool Self Tests then the problem may be with the vehicle s electrical system or with the vehicle com puter itself Check the following e If you are using the cigarette lighter power adapter verify that the vehicle s cigarette lighter and fuse are OK e Ifthe cigarette lighter adapter is used to power up the scan tool then make sure the vehicle s battery has a minimum 8 volt charge The scan tool requires a minimum of
26. e and RPM e Air fuel mixture status Sensors used are oxygen sensor s NOTE Not all engines use every sensor listed above Open and Closed Loop Modes Open or closed loop operation refers to the way the computer is deciding how much fuel to add to the air entering the engine During cold start and other low demand low temperature situations the computer operates in open loop mode This means that it is relying on a set of internal calculations and data tables to decide how much fuel to add to the incom ing air It uses sensors such as the coolant temperature sensor CTS the throttle position sensor TPS and the manifold absolute pressure sensor MAP to deter mine optimum mixtures The important difference here is that it does not check to see if the mixtures are correct leaving the computer adjustment loop open In closed loop mode the computer still decides how much fuel to add by using the sensors listed above and by looking up the appropriate numbers on a data table However it now checks itself to determine whether the fuel mixture is correct It is able to check itself by using the informa tion provided by the oxygen sensor s O2S in the exhaust manifold The oxy gen sensors will tell the computer if the engine is running rich or lean and the computer can take steps to correct the situation In this way the computer closes the adjustment loop by checking itself and making necessary corrections It shou
27. ec tion on page 1 1 and 1 2 you will note there is a complete view of accessory vehicle adapter cables They are for spe cial applications that only apply to certain vehicles If your vehicle is one of these you can order cables direct from Actron by calling 800 228 7667 1 6 Operating the Scan Tool Powering up the scan tool The scan tool can be powered up in three ways The most widely used way is with the supplied cigarette lighter adapter The scan tool can also be powered up by using the optional Battery Clip Adapter or 110 12V AC Power Adapter If you are powering up the scan tool for vehicle testing then make sure you connect the appropriate cable to the data connector before you supply power to the scan tool If you do not connect the vehicle data cable now the scan tool will let you know that you have not connected the data cable If you just want to power up the scan tool to do self tests then you do not need to attach the cable to the data connector When the scan tool powers up a series of screens is displayed The screens start with a Welcome screen and end with a Key Button Help screen Welcome To The ScanTool By Actron Press HELP For Key D Button Information Press ENTER To Cont J Welcome amp Key Button Help Screens The screens in between the Welcome and the Key Button Help screen are for a tool self test and the cartridge software version Refer
28. ents for trouble shooting and diagnosis and to read codes from the computer s memory to pinpoint prob lem areas The scan tool uses state of the art 16 bit microprocessor technology and has twice the computing power of some scan tools costing thousands of dollars The scan tool is programmed to interpret the com puter signals and provide you with a real time readout of vehicle data More impor tantly the software programs are written to provide you with detailed full screen readouts of all data In addition the Code Lookup feature allows you to reference code descriptions without having to page through an instruction manual When the scan tool is connected to the data connector a communication link is established allowing the scan tool and the vehicle s on board computer to ex change information The way in which this information is exchanged is referred to as a data stream As you use the scan tool you will become more proficient in trouble shooting ve hicles using the detailed help messages and code description information Actron will also help you become skilled in using the scan tool for more than just scanning the vehicle data list We will show you many other uses that will expand your diagnostic limits by using the information contained in the application manuals that come with your Application Cartridge No start driveability and emission problems will be easier to diagnose than ever be
29. est a From the above menu use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to move the cursor so itis pointing to the Self Test option of your choice then push the ENTER key to select this option Display Test After you have selected Display Test as your choice a screen detailing the test is displayed The Display Test will fill every pixel of the ScanTool s LCD display with a solid black character Press ENTER to display solid black characters ENTER To Test Look For Missing Spots In Display Press BACKUP When Done 4 The Display Test Screen is shown below Look for pixels that are not black In other words look for missing spots in the solid black characters Press the BACKUP key to return to the Tool Self Test Menu when 21 done If you selected Tool Self Test from the Function List then press the FUNC TION key to return to the function list at any time NOTE The beeper is disabled while the Display Test Screen is visible Therefore any key press will not register a beep Keyboard Test The Keyboard Test is used to check the functionality of the scan tool s keyboard After you select Keyboard Test from the Tool Self Test Menu the Keyboard Test screen with instructions is displayed Push Button To Test Key And Display Name Key BACKUP When Done 4 Each time you press a key check scan tool display The key name should appear and the scan tool should beep For example if you press the UP a
30. ests The engine computer runs the special tests depending on the manufacturer engine model year etc There is no uni versal test that is the same for all vehicles The tests examine INPUTS electrical sig nals going INTO the computer and OUT PUTS electrical signals coming OUT of the computer as well as internal calcula tions made by the computer Input signals which have incorrect values or output circuits which do not operate properly are noted by the test program and the results are stored in the computer s memory These tests are important The computer cannot control the engine properly if it has incorrect input information or faulty output circuits 16 Code numbers reveal test results The test results are stored by using code numbers usually called trouble codes or diagnostic codes For example acode 22 might mean throttle position sensor signal voltage is too low Code meanings are a part of your scan tool s software all you have to do is look them up But since code definitions vary with manufacturer model year and engine you may also want to refer to a vehicle service manual for additional information These manu als are available from the manufacturer other publishers or your local public li brary See page 2 for more information on ordering service manuals Read Trouble Codes with the scan tool You can obtain trouble codes from the engine computer memory by using
31. ges The manufacturer specific Application Cartridges offer a universal approach in chang ing software as vehicle technology changes Actron s separate cartridge and cable system lets you add vehicle applications to meet your needs Cartridge Systems GM Cartridge 1984 1995 Ford Cartridge 1984 1995 Chrysler Cartridge 1989 1995 OBD II 1996 up Professional Style Adapter Cables Optional Cable Adapters GM ALDL 12 Pin Chrysler CCD LH 6 Pin Ford EEC IV MCU 7 Pin Ford Mazda MECS 6 Pin Chrysler SCI 6 Pin GM J1962 OBD II 16 Pin Ford J1962 OBD II 16 Pin Chrysler J1962 OBD II 16 Pin 4 1 2 The Scan Tool Actron s scan tool was developed by ex perts in the automotive service industry to help you diagnose today s vehicles and assist you in trouble shooting procedures Computer controlled vehicles have a net work of sensors that creates a series of inputs to the engine computer The com puter interprets these inputs and sends outputs Commands back to the network to control air fuel vacuum spark and other critical functions When a problem occurs the computer will store a record of the event and take corrective action to adjust the circuit at fault If the circuit does not respond or the problem cannot be corrected a trouble code is stored in the computer s memory In some cases the Check Engine light may also be activated The scan tool will allow you to monitor these vehicle ev
32. h that no current may flow through it Open Loop O L This is when the control system performs an action expecting a certain result but has no way of verifying if the desired results were achieved Example The PCM operates a fuel injector expecting a certain amount of fuel to be delivered The PCM assumes everything inthe fuel system is performing properly In open loop operation the PCM has no way of checking the actual amount of fuel delivered Thus a faulty fuel injector or incorrect fuel pressure can change the amount of fuel delivered and the PCM would not know it In general a control system operates in open loop mode only when there is no practical way to monitor the results of an action Example Fuel delivery during cold engine warm up The com puter runs in open loop mode because the oxygen sensor is not hot enough to senda signal Without the sensor signal the computer cannot check the actual amount of fuel delivered O2S Oxygen Sensor The oxygen sensor is threaded into the exhaust manifold directly in the stream of exhaust gases The PCM uses the sensor to fine tune fuel delivery The sensor generates a voltage of 0 6 to 1 1 volts when the exhaust gas is rich low oxygen content The voltage changes to 0 4 volts or less when the exhaust gas is lean high oxygen content The sensor only operates after it reaches a tempera ture of approximately 349 C 660 F Outputs Electrical signals sent from the P
33. i tion key must be ON and the engine OFF in order to establish communica tion between the scan tool and the vehicle s on board computer If the en gine was running when the Operating Error occurred then turn the ignition key OFF and then ON but do not start the engine As a last resort the vehicle s on board computer or calibration PROM may be defective Check vehicle service manual to determine correct computer tests for your particular vehicle sible during scan tool power up If a key board problem happens while you are Viewing Data it is easier to run a Key board Self Test from the Function List than to remove and then re apply power to the scan tool After the ENTER key is pressed the dis play on power up looks like this Select Function 1 New Vehicle gt 2 Tool Self Test a The screen below is how the Tool Self Tests option appears on the Function List NOTE This is a GM Function List Func tion Lists for other manufacturers may differ slightly GM Function List f 7 ToolSetup fi gt 8 Tool Self Test 9 Code Lookup 4 To select Tool Self Tests on either screen use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to move the cursor so itis pointing to the Tool Self Tests option then push the ENTER key to select this option After selecting the Tool Self Tests option you will be given a menu of scan tool self tests to choose from Tool Self Test gt 1 Display Test 2 Keyboard Test 3 MemoryT
34. icles without Malfunction Indicator Lamps it is more difficult to recognize problems Some symptoms of a computer or sensor related problem might be e Hard starting e Poor idle quality e Poor fuel mileage e Misfiring or hesitation e Black or dark gray smoke from tailpipe e Failure of emissions tests In vehicles without a Malfunction Indicator Lamp it is important to be alert to any warning signs of computer system trouble This is why the scan tool is so valuable With it you can diagnose any vehicle s electronic systems regardless of whether the vehicle is equipped with a Malfunction Indicator Lamp It is also important to note that vehicles without Malfunction Indica tor Lamps DO store trouble codes just like any other computer controlled vehicle Reading codes is still a very important part of diagnosing problems on these vehicles NOTE On vehicles equipped with OBD II the Malfunction Indicator Lamp also sig nals an emissions control related failure The vehicle may not run any differently but the OBD II system is designed to note very small changes in the engine s opera tion which could lead to emissions dam age or failure Section 3 Actron Help 3 1 Tool Problems There may be times when your scan tool does not seem to be communicating with the vehicle It is possible that the vehicle s computer will stop communicating but for the most part if you loose the link you should check the vehicle
35. in some vehicles Thermistor A resistor whose resistance changes with temperature Thermistors are used as sen sors for vehicle coolant and manifold air tempera ture The resistance decreases as temperature goes up sending a voltage signal to the PCM where it is converted to a temperature measure ment Throttle Body A device which performs the same function as a carburetor in a fuel injection system On a throttle body injection TBI system the throttle body is both the air door and the location of the fuel injectors On port fuel injection systems PFI MPFI SFI etc the throttle body is simply an air door Fuel is not added until the injectors at each intake port are activated In each case the throttle body is attached to the accelerator pedal Vehicle Adapter Like General Motors and the ALDL connector Ford and Chrysler use Vehicle Adapter as the name of their diagnostic link Ford uses a 7 pin adapter called the EEC IV self test adapter This is generally located in the engine compartment of Ford vehicles though specific location varies generally it is close to the PCM Chrysler has a similar adapter for access to the Serial Communications Interface SCI diagnos tic program on those vehicles that support SCI This adapter is located on the right hand side of the engine compartment and is a 6 pin configu ration This adapter is usually near the Logic Controller on the SCI computer VIN Vehicle Identification
36. ld be noted that the O2 sensors must be ata very high operating temperature approxi mately 650 F before they will begin to feed information back to the computer This is why open loop mode is neces 15 sary to give the O2 sensors time to warm up to operating temperature As long as the engine and O2 and Coolant Temperature Sensors are at operating tem perature the computer can operate in the closed loop mode Closed loop mode in sures that the air fuel mixture is at the ideal 14 7 1 air fuel ratio needed for efficient combustion But in stop and go cycles the O2 sensor may in fact cool down enough that the computer will need to rely on a set of internal parameters and go into open loop mode again In some cases this may also happen during extended periods of idling Many newer vehicles now use heated O2 HO2S sensors to prevent this condition In many vehicles the computer controls other systems related to open and closed loop modes including idle speed elec tronic spark control exhaust gas recircula tion and transmission torque converter clutches In open loop mode some of these systems will be adjusted to speed the warm ing of the engine and get the computer into closed loop mode as quickly as possible OBD II The Next Horizon In 1994 many manufacturers began equip ping cars with a new class of computer technology which puts more processing power under your dash than ever before It is called On Boar
37. measurement units or whether the beeper will be On or Off If the bell a symbol appears in the lower right hand corner of the display then the beeper is turned On Setup Tool For gt 1 English Metric 2 Beeper On Off a Depending on whether you select English Metric or Beeper On Off the ScanTool will display one of the following screens Measurement Units gt English Default Metric rT Beeper Sound gt On Default Off a When the beeper sound is turned Off the bell a symbol will no longer appear on the lower right hand corner of the display NOTE If you change the Beeper and Measurement Units to a setting other than the default then all changes will revert back to the default settings the next time the scan tool is used Section 2 Vehicle Computer Basics 2 1 This section explains the engine com puter control system the types of sensors and how the computer controls engine fuel delivery idle speed and timing Addi tional information may be found in techni cal support books at your local library or auto parts store The more you know about the computer system the better you can diagnose vehicle computer problems Computer controls were originally in stalled on vehicles to meet federal gov ernment regulations for lower emissions levels and improved fuel economy This began in the early 1980 s when basic mechanical systems were no longer able to accurately co
38. ming A signal called EST goes from the PCM to the ignition module which fires the spark coil The PCM determines optimum spark timing from sen sor information engine speed throttle position coolant temperature engine load vehicle speed Park Neutral switch position and knock sensor condition FBC Feedback Carburetor This is used on early versions of computer controlled engines It is a carburetor which can have its fuel delivery modi fied by an electronic signal from the PCM The signal controls a mixture control solenoid MCS attached to the carburetor body Ford Electronic Engine Control IV EEC IV This is the name of Ford s Powertrain Control Module PCM used in all Ford cars and trucks since the mid 1980 s It is designed to be read by aftermarket scan tools Earlier versions of this PCM were referred to as EEC I EEC II or EEC Ill and were only accessible by the dealer via a specific diagnostic tool On carbureted vehicles Ford used a system called the Microprocessor Controlled Unit MCU whichis accessible through an adapter similar to the EEC IV s Other varia tions of the EEC IV vehicle adapter are used on Ford s hybrid vehicles such as the Probe and some Escort Tracer models which use Mazda PCMs and have different protocols and codes Informa tion on these vehicles is widely available and most scan tools support these vehicles as well as the standard Ford EEC IV systems Ford s diag nostic stra
39. mputer Control system The vehicle s on board computer or Powertrain Control Module PCM is the heart of the system Itis sealed in a metal box and connected to the rest of the en gine by a main wiring harness The PCM is located in most cases in the passenger compartment behind the dashboard or in the kick panel position although some manufacturers locate the computer con trol module in the engine compartment area Most PCMs can withstand a lot of vibration and are built to live in a rugged environment The PCM is permanently programmed by the factory engineers The program is a complex list of look up tables and instruc tions telling the computer how to control the engine based on various driving con ditions To do its job the computer uses sensors to know what is happening and then provide instructions back to a net work of switches and actuators through out the vehicle Sensors switches and actuators give the computer information Sensors are devices which measure op erating conditions and translate them into signals the computer can understand Some examples of sensors thermistors for temperature readings potentiom eters like a throttle position sensor re lays for voltage and signal readings and signal generators such as an 02 sensor The network of sensors has the job of delivering information the computer needs to know by converting it into electrical signals the computer can unde
40. n the program of the on board computer De pending on the manufacturer the number of DTCs vary by vehicle and supported systems Most systems have the ability to store codes in memory which are commonly referred to as history codes or soft codes Malfunctioning circuits will generate continuous Check Engine lamp illumination called current codes or hard codes History codes based on the manufacturer s diagnostic strategy will be cleared from the PCM s memory after several ignition circuit start cycles if the circuit does not reflect the failure again This capability does allow the technician to access some information on which circuits were malfunctioning at a previous point OBD II systems will transmit many more DTCs than the past systems and therefore will allow a technician the ability to better pin point failures and past events They only way to clear codes on OBD II systems will be with a scan tool that has the proper programming to perform the function DIS Distributorless Ignition System or Direct Ignition System A system that produces the ignition spark without the use of a distributor Duty Cycle A term applied to frequency signals those which are constantly switching between a small voltage value close to zero and a larger value usually 5 volts or more Duty cycle is the percentage of time the signal has a large voltage value For example if the signal is high large voltage h
41. nacted in the early 1990 s CARB required that all vehicles sold in California have an integrated PCM structure that monitored all critical emis sions components Manufacturers found that it was simpler to incorporate this system into all their vehicles built in the USA In fact by the end of 1986 most diagnostic procedures were uniform within each manufacturer providing an opportu nity for generic scan tools to come to market for the home mechanic 27 On Board Diagnostics Phase Il OBD II With the passing of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amend ment the EPA imposed more stringent require ments which include the addition of multiple oxygen sensors one before the catalytic con verter and one after to provide the PCM with information on catalyst efficiency and condition There are also computer controlled EGR fuel pressure regulators and smart ignition systems In addition OBD II requires a common diagnostic connector and location as well as an industry standard data message both defined by an industry committee made up of engineers from most major manufacturers and the SAE Vehicle manufacturers are required by law to provide at least a minimum amount of data for emissions programs to access the critical emissions data available through OBD II OBD II began to ap pear in vehicles in late 1994 and is required equipment on all cars sold inthe US after January 1 1996 Open Circuit A break in the continuity of a circuit suc
42. ng around the ignition coil dis tributor cap ignition wires and spark plugs These components contain high voltage when the engine is running e When performing a road test never operate the scan tool alone while driving the vehicle Always have one person drive the vehicle while an assistant operates the scan tool e Always turn ignition key OFF when connecting or disconnecting electri cal components unless otherwise instructed e Always follow vehicle manufacturer s warnings cautions and service pro cedures CAUTION Some vehicles are equipped with safety air bags You must follow vehicle service manual cautions when working around the air bag components or wiring If the cautions are not followed the air bag may open up unexpectedly resulting in personal injury Note that the air bag can still open up several minutes after the ignition key is off or even if the vehicle battery is discon nected because of a special energy reserve module Section 1 Welcome to the Scan Tool Basics 1 1 Actron Scan Tool Features The Actron scan tool has many features that you would expect in scan tools used by the professionals e Large 4 line x 20 character LCD display e High impact plastic case sunpro g e Durable easy to use mat keyboard vow EA e Removable vehicle cable aa DA O adapter ro e Removable power cable Scan Tool amp Application Cartridge Vehicle Manufacturer Application Cartrid
43. ntrol key engine param eters A computer could be programmed to control the engine under various oper ating conditions making the engine more reliable While these early systems were very limited in the scope of their control providing only 10 14 trouble codes they did help guide the vehicle repair process Today computer controls have made cars and trucks faster cleaner and more effi cient than ever before In fact without the government mandates for fuel efficiency and emissions control cars and trucks today would not be nearly as powerful reliable and comfortable as they are What the computer controls The main control areas of the vehicle computer are fuel delivery idle speed spark advance and emissions controls Some on board computers may also con trol the transmission brakes and suspen sion systems as well What has not changed Acomputer controlled engine is very simi lar to the older non computerized en 13 Basics of Computer Controlled Cars gine It is still an internal combustion en gine with pistons spark plugs valves and camshaft s The ignition charging start ing and exhaust systems are very similar as well You test and repair these systems just as before The technical manuals for these components show you how to per form the tests Additionally compression gauges vacuum pumps dwell tach meters engine analyzers and timing lights will continue to be used The Engine Co
44. on Manufacturing Co reserves the right to make changes at any time to this manual or accompanying product without obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes General Safety Guidelines to Follow When Working on Vehicles To prevent accidents that could result in serious injury and or damage to your vehicle or test equipment carefully follow these safety rules and test procedures at all times when working on vehicles Always wear approved eye protection e Always operate the vehicle in a well ventilated area Do not inhale exhaust gases they are very poisonous e Always keep yourself tools and test equipment away from all moving or hot engine parts e Always make sure the vehicle is in Park Automatic transmission or neutral manual transmission and that the parking brake is firmly set Block the drive wheels e Never lay tools on vehicle battery You may short the terminals to gether causing harm to yourself the tools or the battery e Never use scan tool if its internal circuitry has been exposed to any liquids This includes the scan tool and Application Cartridges e Never smoke or have open flames near vehicle Vapors from gasoline and charging battery are highly flam mable and explosive Never leave vehicle unattended while running tests e Always keep a fire extinguisher suit able for gasoline electrical chemi cal fires handy e Always use extreme caution when worki
45. or easy view ing This makes the scan tool user friendly by offering a large viewing area to display most Help and Instructional messages This also puts more information on the display instead of referring you to printed materials Again the display will support a number of helpful characters that will prompt you through test routines These characters are shown below Question Mark in upper right corner means there is help available for this screen a Bell in lower right corner means the sound alert is on or active gt Cursor used to select menu choice u Down Arrow indicates there is addi tional information on the next screen Up Arrow indicates there is additional information on previous screen s Below is a screen showing how these symbols will look on your display NOTE This is a GM Function List Function Lists for other manufacturers may differ slightly GM Function List fi gt 4 Record Data ii 5 Playback Data 6 Field Service Lists Menus and Questions The scan tool is designed to be as intuitive as possible That is its functions and con trols should be easy to understand and use the first time you try it All scan tool menus and screen lists operate the same way By using the UP and DOWN arrow keys you can move the cursor to a menu selection of your choice The ENTER key selects that function Below is an example of a Function List with several choices 10 NOTE This is a
46. ort Fuel Injection See MPF defini tion MIL Malfunction Indicator Lamp Also known as a Check Engine Light or CEL Mode A type of operating condition such as idle mode or cruise mode MPFI Multi Port Fuel Injection A fuel injection system using one or more injector s for each cylinder The injectors are mounted in the intake manifold and fired in groups rather than individu ally M T Manual transmission or manual transaxle NOx Oxides of Nitrogen A pollutant The EGR system injects exhaust gases into the intake manifold to reduce these gases at the tailpipe On Board Diagnostics OBD As vehicle manu facturers developed on board diagnostics for their service procedures and to meet EPA regu lations the first phase of this computerization was referred to as OBD This technology started in the late 1970 s and carried through to the early 1980 s Most of these early systems were very crude especially when compared to today s OBD Many required a manufacturer specific tool to read trouble codes and other computer infor mation This technology used a feedback loop system to monitor exhaust emissions and pro vided computer control of the vehicle s fuel system On Board Diagnostics Phase OBD I By 1985 the California Air Resources Board CARB had called for more uniform diagnostic systems to be used on vehicles sold in California Com bined with federal exhaust emission regulations e
47. rrow the screen will display Key UP ARROW If the button name is not displayed the key is not working The only exception isthe BACKUP key When the BACKUP key is pressed the scan tool returns to the Tool Self Test Menu If you are not returned to the Tool Self Test Menu then the BACKUP key is not working NOTE The FUNCTION key will not return you to the Function List while you are keyboard testing Memory Test The scan tool has already run a Memory Self Test during power up It is assumed that the scan tool passed the Memory Self Test on power up because you should not have proceeded any farther if it failed Once you have reached the Function List the scan tool may have trouble playing back recorded data displaying trouble code definitions or doing any other func tion that uses the scan tool s internal memory If this happens it is a good idea to run the Memory Test again From the Tool Self Test Menu select the Memory Test option A working please wait mes sage is displayed while the scan tool tests its internal memory Working Please Wait When the Memory Test is completed either a Memory Test Failed or a Memory Test Passed message is dis played Press the ENTER key to return to the Tool Self Test Menu Memory Test Failed Press ENTER To Cont Memory Test Passed Press ENTER To Cont NOTE If you selected Tool Self Test from the Function List
48. rrow key That screen is shown below 3 TEST CONNECTOR DAMAGED LOOSE PINS fi 4 TOOL SETUP OK w CORRECT VIN S ETC Notice now that both arrow symbols m are visible in the last column of the display This indicates that you can either page up to a previous On Line Help screen or page down to the next On Line Help screen by using the UP and DOWN arrow keys The previous On Line Help screen is always the one you just viewed just as with Function Lists Another symbol on the screen you might have noticed is the bell symbol in the lower right hand corner as shown below Press HELP For Key fA Button Information Press ENTER To Cont This bell symbol indicates that the sound alert is on or active Each time you press akey you should hear a beep If you do not see this symbol then the keys should remain silent when pressed Information on changing this setting is found in section 1 7 Scan Tool Setup 12 1 7 ScanTool Setup Tool Setup is used to change the scan tools default sound and measurement unit settings To change the scan tool s default settings select the Tool Setup option from the Function List NOTE This is a GM Function List Function Lists for other manufacturers may differ slightly GM Function List A gt 7 Beeper On Off 8 English Metric 9 Code Lookup 4 After selecting the Tool Setup option you are given the choice to change either the ScanTool s
49. rstand Sig nals running from sensors to the PCM are referred to as inputs Sensors monitor key things such as e Engine Temperature e Intake Manifold Vacuum e Throttle position e RPM e Incoming Air Temperature e Volume of Incoming air e Air Fuel Ratio in percentage BRAINS OF THE COMPUTER Switches and Actuators are electric de vices energized by the computer to allow commands to perform a specific function Switches are often called relays such as the coolant fan switch Actuators might include solenoids such as fuel injector valves and small motors such as the Idle Speed Control Not all of the computer s outgoing signals are routed to switches and actuators Sometimes information is sent to other system computers like trans mission brakes ignition modules and trip computers Signals running from the PCM to other components are called outputs How the computer controls fuel deliv ery Engine operation and emissions perfor mance depend upon precise fuel delivery and ignition control Early computer sys tems controlled fuel by electronically ad justing the carburetor metering and jet systems Soon however this was re placed by the more precise fuel delivery of fuel injection In an electronically carbureted system the computer simply controls fuel flow based on how far the throttle is opened by the driver The computer knows how much air can flow through the carburetor
50. tegy offers several avenues to access codes and test procedures Fuel Injector An electronically controlled flow valve Fuelinjectors are connected to a pressurized fuel supply fuel pressure is created by a fuel pump No flow occurs when the injector is off not energized When the injector is energized itopens fully allowing fuel to flow The PCM controls fuel delivery by varying the amountoftime the injector solenoids are turnedon 26 Functional Tests These are tests of PCM controlled systems such as the fuel pump the Check Engine light and other switches and actuators Functional Tests are generally depen dent on the vehicle manufacturer s OBD strategy and the PCM diagnostic architecture Functional tests require that the scan tool have the ability to perform bi directional communications with the vehicle s PCM This means that the scan tool must talk to the vehicle s PCM instead of just listening to the incoming vehicle data stream Examples of functional tests are Chrysler s ac tuator switch tests that allow you to review the operation of a switch as you turn it on or off from the driver s seat and turning the fuel pump on and off On a GM vehicle a functional test is placing the vehicle in Ground Mode to check the PCM s self test diagnostics and the Check En gine lamp operation Ground The return path for current to flow back to its source Usually the negative battery termi n
51. termittent problem When the light remains ON after the en gine is RUNNING The computer sees a problem that does not go away Known as a current fail ure e The light will stay on as long as the problem is present A trouble code is stored in computer memory a history or memory code Use the scan tool at the earliest conve nient time to obtain codes When the light comes ON then goes OFF while the engine is running e The computer saw a problem but the problem went away Known as an in termittent failure e A trouble code is stored in computer memory a history or memory code e The light went out because the problem went away but the code stays in memory Use the scan tool at the earliest conve nient time to obtain codes NOTE The computer will automatically erase these codes after several restarts if the problem does not return 18 Poorly running engine no Malfunction Indicator Lamp Most likely this condition is not due to computer system failures but reading codes can still be useful as part of a basic trouble shooting procedure Check wir ing and bulb for Check Engine light failures Refer to vehicle service manual for additional diagnostic information IMPORTANT Some vehicles may not be equipped with Malfunction Indicator Lamps Some mid 80 s Fords for example did not use a Malfunction Indicator Lamp to warn of problems On veh
52. then press the FUNCTION key to return to the function list at any time Section 4 Accessories and How to Order 4 1 Where to Buy Actron offers a complete line of high qual ity automotive diagnostic and repair equipment Additional cartridges cables connectors and adapters for the scan tool are available from the local retail store where you originally purchased your scan tool The table below lists the scan tool accessories Actron Kits Model Number GM OBD II cable kit CP9115 Ford Probe MECS cable kit CP9116 Chrysler L H engine cable kit CP9120 Chrysler OBD II cable kit CP9117 Battery Clip Adapters CP9118 AC power converter 110 12V CP9119 Actron Replacement Parts Part Number Cigarette power cable 38 1908 Carrying Case 400 2080 Main Tool operators manual 2 218601 GM cartridge manual 2 218301 Ford cartridge manual 2 218401 Chrysler cartridge manual 2 218501 22 4 2 Call Actron In addition to your local dealer all Actron equipment and replacement parts are available directly from the Actron factory Product catalogs pricing information and replacement components can be ordered by contacting Actron directly By US mail Actron Manufacturing Company 15825 Industrial Parkway Cleveland OH 44135 USA By phone 1 800 228 7667 By fax 216 651 2388 For Technical Support call 1 800 ACTRON 7 23 4 3 E Mail amp Internet Address Actron is also available electronically for comments
53. to this software version if you need to contact Actron s technical support line with a problem If you wish to review the key button definitions then push the HELP key otherwise press ENTER to continue forward Keyboard The scan tool software was designed for a user friendly approach in navigating through operational menus This makes the scan tool easy to operate Simply follow the instructions that match the keyboard symbols and you will be using your scan tool like an expertin notime Since the keyboardis sealed adampclothcan be used to gently clean the surface Cau tion DO NOT USE SOLVENTS LIKE ALCOHOL This could remove the keyboard paint Scan Tool Keyboard and Display UP Keyboard Functions The scan tool uses 8 keys to navigate through the software user interface ENTER Used to enter or answer a software request HELP Used to request help when the a symbol is in the upper right hand corner of the display FUNCTION Used to return user to manufacturer s function list BACKUP Used to move one screen back in scan tool flow ARROWS UP or DOWN are always used to move the solid cursor in the direction of the arrow or scroll the data list in the direction you want to move the list LEFT or RIGHT arrows move the cursor in the direction of the arrow and allow you to customize a vehicle data parameter list Display The scan tool has a 4 line x 20 character liquid crystal display LCD f
54. urself Now that you know what trouble codes are and where they come from you are well on your way to fixing today s computer controlled vehicles Many vehicles have a Malfunction Indicator Lamp or MIL which has been referred to as a Check Engine light in the past With the advent of OBD II all engine trouble lights are now called Malfunction Indicator Lamps or MIL Use the Malfunction Indicator Lamp to tell you when trouble codes have been stored in memory About the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Malfunction Indicator Lamp normal operation The engine computer turns the Malfunction Indicator Lamp on and off as needed This dashboard message is either amber or red and labeled 17 e Check Engine e Service Engine Soon e Service Engine Now marked with a small engine picture or diagram The Malfunction Indicator Lamp is nor mally OFF when the engine is RUNNING NOTE The Malfunction Indicator Lamp will turn on when the ignition key is in ON position but the engine is OFF prior to starting the vehicle This is a normal test of all the dashboard message lights Malfunction Indicator Lamp problem spotted If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp does not come on you may have an electrical prob lem which needs repair Refer to the Di agnostic Circuit Check steps in the Basic Diagnostic Procedures section of your vehicle service manual Malfunction Indicator Lamp in
55. you wish to change the answer use the LEFT or RIGHT arrow key to move the brackets next to the other response and press ENTER Other Functions amp Keys As you have reviewed moving through lists and functions in earlier sections you probably noticed several other symbols on the screen In the upper right hand corner of some screens there is a large A This question mark indicates that On Line Help is available for that particular screen Operating Error amp Check Connections Try Again lt Yes gt No ry To enter On Line Help press the HELP key For the screen above the help mes sage would look like this RECHECK FOLLOWING 1 IGNITION KEY ON 2 HOOKUP TO VEHICLE TEST CONNECTOR OK All On Line Help screens have their text typed in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS This is another reminder that you are viewing On Line Help screens and not screens asso ciated with a function of the Function List Some On Line Help messages are longer than one screen If this is the case the arrow symbols will appear in the last column of the display A means there is more On Line Help information available on the next screen A ii means there is more On Line Help information available on the previous screen Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to page up or down through a series of On Line Help screens The On Line Help screen shown above has a inthe last column To view the next On Line Help screen press the DOWN a
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