ANCEL AD310 OBDII Code Reader User Guide

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ANCEL AD310 OBDII Code Reader

ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-product

 Overview

The ANCEL AD310 is an OBD II/EOBD scan tool for reading and clearing diagnostic trouble codes and viewing related OBD II data such as readiness status and freeze frame information.

Specifications

Display Backlit, 128 × 64 pixels, with contrast adjustment
Operating temperature 0 to 60 °C (32 to 140 °F)
Storage temperature -20 to 70 °C (-4 to 158 °F)
External power 8.0 to 18.0 V (supplied by vehicle battery)
Dimensions (L × W × H) 125 × 70 × 22 mm (5.00 × 2.80 × 0.90 in)
Net weight 0.21 kg (0.46 lb)
Gross weight 0.29 kg (0.63 lb)
Vehicle connector OBD II connector: standardized 16-pin DLC

Quick Setup & Use

  1. Turn the ignition off.
  2. Locate the vehicle’s 16-pin Data Link Connector (DLC).
  3. Plug the scan tool cable connector into the vehicle’s DLC.
  4. Turn the ignition on.
  5. Press ENTER to enter the main menu, then use the UP/DOWN buttons to select Diagnostics.
  6. Press ENTER to confirm and wait for the vehicle’s OBD II protocol to be detected.
  7. Use the diagnostic menu options to read codes, erase codes (as applicable), view live data, view freeze frame, and check I/M readiness.

Troubleshooting

LINKING ERROR! (communication/link failure)

  1. Verify the ignition is on.
  2. Check that the scan tool’s OBD II connector is securely connected to the vehicle’s DLC.
  3. Verify the vehicle is OBD II compliant.
  4. Turn the ignition off and wait about 10 seconds.
  5. Turn the ignition back on and repeat the procedure.

Erase Failure message

If an Erase Failure. Turn Key on With Engine off! message appears, ensure the function is performed with the ignition on and the engine off (do not start the engine).

After erasing codes

After clearing codes, retrieve the trouble codes again (or turn the ignition on and retrieve the codes again) to confirm what remains stored. If codes for hard faults are still present, find and solve the cause first, then erase the trouble codes afterward.

 Safety Precautions and Warnings

To prevent personal injury or damage to vehicles and/or the scan tool, read this user guide first and observe at least the following safety precautions whenever working on a vehicle:

  • Always perform automotive testing in a safe environment.
  • Do not attempt to operate or watch the tool while driving a vehicle. Operating or watching the tool distracts the driver and could cause a fatal accident.
  • Wear safety eye protection that meets ANSI standards.
  • Keep clothing, hair, hands, tools, test equipment, etc. away from all moving or hot engine parts.
  • Operate the vehicle in a well-ventilated work area: exhaust gases are poisonous.
  • Put blocks in front of the drive wheels and never leave the vehicle unattended while running tests.
  • Use extreme caution when working around the ignition coil, distributor cap, ignition wires and spark plugs. These components create hazardous voltages when the engine is running.
  • Put the transmission in PARK (automatic transmission) or NEUTRAL (manual transmission) and make sure the parking brake is engaged.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher suitable for gasoline, chemical and electrical fires nearby.
  • Keep the scan tool dry and clean, free of oil, water and grease. When necessary, clean the outside of the scan tool with a mild detergent on a clean cloth.

General Information

 On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) II
The first generation of On-Board Diagnostics (called OBD I) was developed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and implemented in 1988 to monitor some of the emission control components on vehicles. As technology evolved and the desire to improve the on-board diagnostic system increased, a new generation of the on-board diagnostic system was developed. This second generation of on-board diagnostic regulations is called “OBD II”. The OBD II system is designed to monitor emission control systems and key engine components by performing either continuous or periodic tests of specific components and vehicle conditions. When a problem is detected, the OBD II system turns on a warning lamp (MIL) on the vehicle instrument panel to alert the driver, typically with the phrase “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon”. The system also stores important information about the detected malfunction so that a techniciancan accurately find and fix the problem. These three pieces of valuable information are:

  1. whether the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is commanded on or off;
  2. which Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), if any, are stored;
  3. the status of the readiness monitors.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
OBD II Diagnostic Trouble Codes are codes that are stored by the on-board computer diagnostic system in response to a problem found in the vehicle. These codes identify a particular problem area and are intended to guide you to where a fault might be occurring within the vehicle. OBD II Diagnostic Trouble Codes consist of a five-digit alphanumeric code. The first character, a letter, identifies which control system sets the code. The other four characters, all numbers, provide additional information on where the DTC originated and the operating conditions that caused it to be set. Below is an example that illustrates the structure of the digits:DTC exampleANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-1Figure 1: Structure of a diagnostic trouble code

Location of the Data Link Connector (DLC)
The DLC (Data Link Connector or Diagnostic Link Connector) is the standardized 16-pin connector through which diagnostic scan tools interface with the vehicle’s on-board computer. On most vehicles the DLC is located about 30 cm (12 inches) from the center of the instrument panel (dash), under or around the driver’s side. If the Data Link Connector is not located under the dashboard, a label should be there revealing its location. For some Asian and European vehicles, the DLC is located behind the ashtray and the ashtray must be removed to access the connector. If the DLC cannot be found, refer to the vehicle’s service manual for its location.ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-2Figure 2: Where the DLC can usually be found in the car interior

OBD II Readiness Monitors
Readiness monitors are indicators used to find out whether all of the emission components have been evaluated by the OBD II system. They run periodic tests on specific systems and components to ensure that they are performing within allowable limits.Currently, there are eleven OBD II readiness monitors (or I/M monitors) defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Not all monitors are supported by all vehicles, and the exact number of monitors in any vehicle depends on the motor vehicle manufacturer’s emissions control strategy. Continuous monitors – Some of the vehicle components or systems are continuously tested by the vehicle’s OBD II system, while others are tested only under specific vehicle operating conditions. The continuously monitored components listed below are always ready:

  1. Misfire
  2. Fuel system
  3. Comprehensive components (CCM)

Once the vehicle is running, the OBD II system continuously checks the abovecomponents, monitors key engine sensors, watches for engine misfire and monitors fuel demands.

Non-continuous monitors – Unlike the continuous monitors, many emission and engine system components require the vehicle to be operated under specific conditions before the monitor is ready. These monitors are termed non-continuous monitors and are listed below:

  1. EGR system – exhaust gas recirculation for reducing emissions.
  2. O2 sensors – monitor and adjust the air/fuel mixture.
  3. Catalyst – reduces exhaust emissions.
  4. Evaporative system – monitors the integrity of the fuel tank system.
  5. O2 sensor heater – brings the O2 sensor to the correct operating temperature.
  6. Secondary air – reduces exhaust emissions.
  7. Heated catalyst – brings the catalyst to the correct operating temperature.
  8. A/C system – monitors the system for refrigerant leaks.

OBD II Monitor Readiness Status
OBD II systems must indicate whether or not the vehicle’s PCM monitoring system has completed testing on each emission component. Components that have been tested will be reported as “OK”. The purpose of recording readiness status is to allow inspectors to determine whether the vehicle’s OBD II system has tested all the emission systems. This is handy to know before taking the vehicle to an emissions testing station.The powertrain control module (PCM) sets a monitor to “OK” after an appropriate drive cycle has been performed. The drive cycle that enables a monitor and sets its readiness code to “OK” varies for each individual monitor. Once a monitor is set to “OK”, it remains in this state. A number of factors, including erasing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with a code reader or disconnecting the battery, can result in readiness monitors being set to “INC” (incomplete). Since the three continuous monitors are evaluated constantly, they will be reported as “OK” all of the time. As long as there are no DTCs stored in memory, the vehicle is running in accordance with the OBD II guidelines. If testing of a particular supported non-continuous monitor has not been completed, the monitor status will be reported as “INC” (incomplete).For the OBD monitor system to become ready, the vehicle should be driven under a variety of normal operating conditions. These may include a mix of highway driving and stop-and-go city driving, and at least one period in which the vehicle stays switched off overnight. For specific information on getting your vehicle’s OBD monitor system ready, please consult your vehicle owner’s manual.

OBD II Definitions
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)The OBD II term for the on-board computer that controls the engine and the drive train. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)The Malfunction Indicator Light (Service Engine Soon, Check Engine) is the term used for the light on the instrument panel. It alerts the driver and/or the repair technician that there is a problem with one or more of the vehicle’s systems which may cause emissions to exceed federal standards. If the MIL illuminates with a steady light, a problem has been detected and the vehicle should be serviced as soon as possible. Under certain conditions, the dashboard light will blink or flash. This indicates a severe problem, and the flashing is intended to discourage vehicle operation. The vehicle’s on-board diagnostic system cannot turn the MIL off until the necessary repairs are completed or the condition no longer exists.

  • DTC
    Diagnostic Trouble Codes identify which section of the emission control system has malfunctioned.
    Enabling criteria
    Also termed enabling conditions. These are the vehicle-specific events or conditions that must occur within the engine before the various monitors will set, or run. Some monitors require the vehicle to follow a prescribed “drive cycle” routine as part of the enabling criteria. Drive cycles vary among vehicles and for each monitor in any particular vehicle.
  • OBD II drive cycle
    A specific mode of vehicle operation that provides the conditions required to set all the readiness monitors applicable to the vehicle to the “ready” condition. The purpose of completing an OBD II drive cycle is to force the vehicle to run its on-board diagnostics. Some form of drive cycle needs to be performed after DTCs have been erased from the PCM’s memory or after the battery has been disconnected. Running through a vehicle’s complete drive cycle will “set” the readiness monitors so that future faults can be detected. Drive cycles vary depending on the vehicle and the monitor that needs to be reset. For the drive cycle of a specific vehicle, consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual.
  • Freeze frame data
    When an emission-related fault occurs, the OBD II system not only sets a code but also records a snapshot of the vehicle operating parameters to help identify the problem. This set of values is referred to as freeze frame data and may include important engine parameters such as engine RPM, vehicle speed, air flow, engine load, fuel pressure, fuel trim value, engine coolant temperature, ignition timing advance or closed-loop status.

Using the Scan Tool

Tool Description – ANCEL AD310ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-3

  • 1. LCD display – shows the test results. Backlit 128 × 64 pixel display with contrast adjustment.
  • 2. ENTER button – confirms a selection (or action) from a menu.
  • 3. EXIT button – cancels a selection (or action) from a menu or returns to the menu.
  • 4. UP scroll button – moves up through menu and submenu items in menu mode. When more than one screen of data is retrieved, moves up through the current screen to the previous screens for additional data.
  • 5. DOWN scroll button – moves down through menu and submenu items in menu mode. When more than one screen of data is retrieved, moves down through the current screen to the next screens for additional data.
  • 6. OBD II connector – connects the scan tool to the vehicle’s Data Link Connector (DLC).

 Specifications

  • Display: backlit, 128 × 64 pixels, with contrast adjustment
  • Operating temperature: 0 to 60 °C (32 to 140 °F)
  • Storage temperature: −20 to 70 °C (−4 to 158 °F)
  • External power: 8.0 to 18.0 V, supplied by the vehicle battery
  • Dimensions (length × width × height): 125 × 70 × 22 mm (5.00 × 2.80 × 0.90 in)
  • Net weight: 0.21 kg (0.46 lb); gross weight: 0.29 kg (0.63 lb)

 Package Contents

  • AD310 scan tool (main unit)
  • User guide

DTC Lookup
The DTC Lookup function searches the built-in code library for the definition of a trouble code.

  1. In the main menu, use the UP/DOWN scroll buttons to select DTC Lookupand press ENTER.ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-4
  2. Enter the code: press ENTER together with UP to move the cursor to the left, or ENTER together with DOWN to move it to the right. Change the selected digit with UP/DOWN and confirm with ENTER.
  3. For manufacturer-specific codes, select the vehicle make on an additional screen to look up the definition.
  4. If no definition is found (SAE or manufacturer-specific), the scan tool displays “DTC definition not found!”. Refer to the vehicle’s service manual.
  5. Press EXIT to return to the main menu.

 Language
In the main menu, use the UP/DOWN scroll buttons to select Language and press ENTER. Select the desired language and confirm it with ENTER.ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-5

 Contrast

  1. In the main menu, use the UP/DOWN scroll buttons to select Contrast and press ENTER.ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-6
  2. In the Contrast menu, use the UP/DOWN scroll buttons to increase ordecrease the contrast.ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-7
  3. Press ENTER to save your settings and return to the previous menu.

 Unit of Measure

  1. In the main menu, use the UP/DOWN scroll buttons to select Unit ofMeasure and press ENTER.ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-8
  2. In the Unit of Measure menu, use the UP/DOWN scroll buttons to select the desired unit (Imperial or Metric).ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-9
  3. Press ENTER to save your selection and return to the previous menu.

 OBD II Diagnostics

CAUTION: Do not connect or disconnect any test equipment with the ignition on or the engine running.

  1. Turn the ignition off.
  2. Locate the vehicle’s 16-pin Data Link Connector (DLC).
  3. Plug the scan tool cable connector into the vehicle’s DLC.
  4. Turn the ignition on.
  5. Press ENTER to enter the main menu. Use the UP/DOWN scroll buttons to select Diagnostics from the menu.ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-10
  6. Press ENTER to confirm. A sequence of messages showing the OBD IIprotocols is displayed until the vehicle protocol is detected.
    If the scan tool fails to communicate with the vehicle’s ECU (engine control unit), the message “LINKING ERROR!” appears on the display.
    • Verify that the ignition is on.
    • Check that the scan tool’s OBD II connector is securely connected to the vehicle’s DLC.
    • Verify that the vehicle is OBD II compliant.
    • Turn the ignition off and wait for about 10 seconds. Turn the ignition back on and repeat the procedure from step 5.

Read Codes

  • Stored codes are also known as “hard codes” or “permanent codes”. These codes cause the control module to illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) when an emission-related fault occurs.
  • Pending codes are also referred to as “maturing codes” or “continuous monitor codes”. They indicate problems that the control module has detected during the current or last driving cycle but which are not yet considered serious. Pending codes do not turn on the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). If the fault does not recur within a certain number of warm-up cycles, the code clears from memory.
  • 1. Use the UP/DOWN scroll buttons to select Read Codes from the diagnosticmenu and press ENTER.ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-11
  • 2. Use the UP/DOWN scroll buttons to select Stored Codes or Pending Codesfrom the Trouble Codes menu and press ENTER.ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-12If no diagnostic trouble codes are present, the display shows “No (pending) codes are stored in the module!”. Wait a few seconds or press any key to return to the diagnostic menu.
  • 3. View the DTCs and their definitions on the screen.ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-13The control module number, the sequence number of the DTC, the total number of codes detected and the type of code (generic or manufacturer-specific) are shown in the upper right corner of the display.
  • 4. If more than one DTC is found, use the UP/DOWN scroll buttons as necessaryuntil all the codes have been viewed.If the retrieved DTCs contain any manufacturer-specific or enhanced codes, the message “Manufacturer specific codes are found! Press any key to select vehicle make!” appears, prompting you to select the vehicle manufacturer to view the DTC definitions. Use the UP/DOWN scroll buttons to select the manufacturer and press ENTER to confirm.ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-14If the manufacturer of your vehicle is not listed, use the UP/DOWN scroll buttons to select For Other and press ENTER.

Notice: The vehicle brand logos and names shown on the display or listed above do not indicate the origin of the product. They only describe which vehicles the product is compatible with. This scan tool is not affiliated with the brands mentioned, and it only works with the vehicles stated above. All rights reserved to their respective owners.

 Erase Codes
Notes:

  • This function is performed with the ignition on and the engine off. Do not start the engine.
  • Before performing this function, make sure to retrieve and record the trouble codes.
  • After erasing, retrieve the trouble codes once more, or turn the ignition on and retrieve the codes again. If trouble codes for hard faults are still present, first find the cause of the trouble code and solve the problem; only then can the trouble codes be erased.
  • 1. Use the UP/DOWN scroll buttons to select Erase Codes from the diagnosticmenu and press ENTER.ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-15
  • 2. A warning message comes up asking for your confirmation.ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-16
  • 3. Press ENTER to confirm.

If the codes are erased successfully, the confirmation message “Erase Done!” is displayed.ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-17If the codes are not erased, the message “Erase Failure. Turn Key on With Engine off!” is displayed.ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-18

Live Data
The scan tool communicates with the vehicle’s computer and shows “real-time” live data. This information includes values (voltage, engine speed, temperature, vehicle speed, etc.) and system status information (open loop, closed loop, fuel system status, etc.) generated by the various vehicle sensors, switches and actuators.Select Live Data in the diagnostic menu, then View All Items, and press ENTER:ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-19

  • 1. The live PIDs are shown on the screen. If an up or down arrow appears onthe screen, use the UP/DOWN scroll buttons to view more PIDs.ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-20To change the unit of measure, press ENTER.ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-21
  • 2. Press EXIT to return to the diagnostic menu.Select View Graphic Items in the Live Data menu and press ENTER. Select the item to be displayed as a graph:ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-22

 View Freeze Frame
When an emission-related fault occurs, certain vehicle conditions are recorded by the on-board computer. This information is referred to as freeze frame data: a snapshot of the operating conditions at the time of the emission-related fault.If the DTCs have been erased, freeze frame data may not be stored in the vehicle memory, depending on the vehicle.Select View Freeze Frame. The screen displays the freeze frame data:ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-23

If an up or down arrow appears on the screen, use the UP/DOWN scroll buttons to view more PIDs. Press EXIT to return to the diagnostic menu.

I/M Readiness
I/M refers to Inspection and Maintenance, which is required by law to meet clean-air standards. I/M Readiness indicates whether or not the various emission-related systems on the vehicle are operating properly and are ready for inspection and maintenance testing.The purpose of the I/M Readiness Monitor Status is to indicate which of the vehicle’s monitors have run and completed their diagnosis and testing (as described in section 2.5), and which ones have not yet run and completed testing and diagnosis of their designated sections of the vehicle’s emission system.The I/M Readiness Monitor Status function can also be used (after the repair of a fault has been performed) to confirm that the repair has been performed correctly, and/or to check the monitor run status.Select I/M Readiness and press ENTER. The screen displays the monitor status:ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-24Press EXIT to return to the diagnostic menu.

 O2 Monitor Test (Oxygen Sensor Test)
The O2 Monitor Test function retrieves and displays the O2 sensor monitor test results of the most recently performed tests from the vehicle’s on-board computer. Different data is displayed for different vehicles.

  • If the vehicle supports this function, the screens look like this:ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-25
  • If the vehicle does not support the function, the following message is displayed:ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-26

On-Board Monitor Test
This function reads the results of the on-board diagnostic monitoring tests. Different data is displayed for different vehicles.

  • If the vehicle supports this function, the screens look like this:ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-27
  • If the vehicle does not support the function, the following message is displayed:ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-28

Vehicle Information
Select Vehicle Info. and press ENTER. The screen displays information such as the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), CID (Calibration ID) and CVN (Calibration Verification Number).

  1. Use the UP/DOWN scroll buttons to select Vehicle Info. from the diagnosticmenu and press ENTER.ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-29
  2. An advisory message comes up as a reminder. Wait a few seconds or pressany key to continue.ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-30
  3. Wait a few seconds while the scan tool reads the vehicle information.ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-31
  4. Press EXIT to return to the diagnostic menu.

Evap Leak Test
The OBD II system monitors the fuel system for fuel vapour leaks to ensure that no hydrocarbons (HC) leak into the atmosphere. The EVAP monitor does two things:

  1. it ensures that the fuel vapour is sent to the intake pipe at the right time and mixed with the air entering the engine for combustion;
  2. it prevents fuel vapour in the fuel lines from leaking into the atmosphere and polluting the environment.If the vehicle supports this function, the screens look like this:ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-32If the vehicle does not support the function, the following message is displayed:ANCEL-AD310-OBDII-Code-Reader-fig-33

Service and Support

If you have any questions, please contact your local store or distributor, or visit https://www.anceltech.com. You can also write to support@anceltech.com.  If the scan tool needs to be repaired, contact your local distributor for more information.

 Disposal
Do not dispose of this product with household waste. At the end of its life, take it to a collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment (Directive 2012/19/EU).

 Manufacturer
OBDSPACE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
D03, Block A, No. 973 Minzhi Ave., Longhua District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China

Documents / Resources

PDF thumbnailANCEL AD310 OBDII Code Reader
User Guide · ANCEL, AD310, OBD2 code reader, vehicle scanner

References

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