VIDENT V301

VIDENT V301 All System OBD2 Scanner User Manual

Model: V301

1. Introduction

The VIDENT V301 is a professional all-system OBD2 scanner designed for Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, and Seat vehicles, as well as other OBD2 compliant cars. It provides comprehensive diagnostic functions, including reading and clearing trouble codes, viewing live data, and performing various special functions. This manual will guide you through the setup, operation, and maintenance of your V301 scanner.

2. Product Overview

Familiarize yourself with the components and controls of the VIDENT V301 scanner.

VIDENT V301 OBD2 Scanner front view

Figure 2.1: VIDENT V301 OBD2 Scanner. This image shows the front of the VIDENT V301 scanner, highlighting its display screen and control buttons.

VIDENT V301 Tool Descriptions

Figure 2.2: Tool Descriptions. This diagram labels the various parts of the V301 scanner, including the OBDII cable, LCD display, LED indicators (Yellow, Green, Red), and control keys (UP, DOWN, ESC, OK, I/M Hotkey).

Key Components:

3. Setup

The VIDENT V301 is designed for ease of use with a plug-and-play setup.

  1. Locate the Vehicle's DLC: The Data Link Connector (DLC) is typically located under the dashboard on the driver's side. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual if you cannot locate it.
  2. Connect the Scanner: Plug the V301's OBDII cable into the vehicle's DLC. Ensure a secure connection.
  3. Power On: The scanner will power on automatically once connected to the vehicle's 8-18V power supply.
  4. Language Selection: Upon first use or after a reset, you may be prompted to select your preferred language. Navigate using the UP/DOWN keys and confirm with the OK key. The scanner supports English, French, German, Russian, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Hungarian, Dutch, and Swedish.
VIDENT V301 Easy-Use Design

Figure 3.1: Easy-Use Design. This image demonstrates plugging the V301 scanner into a vehicle's OBD-II port, highlighting its long cable and clear interface.

4. Operating Instructions

Once powered on, the V301 will display the main menu. Use the UP/DOWN keys to navigate and OK to select.

4.1. Reading and Clearing Codes

This function allows you to retrieve Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and clear them, which turns off the Check Engine Light (MIL).

  1. From the main menu, select "Diagnostic Menu".
  2. Choose "Read Codes" to view current, pending, and historic codes. The scanner provides on-screen definitions for thousands of codes.
  3. To clear codes, select "Erase Codes". Confirm the action when prompted. This will turn off the Check Engine Light and reset monitors.
VIDENT V301 Read and Erase Codes

Figure 4.1: Read and Erase Codes. This image illustrates the V301's ability to display diagnostic codes and clear them, showing a dashboard with a check engine light before and after clearing.

4.2. I/M Readiness

The I/M Readiness function checks the status of the vehicle's emission-related monitoring systems. This is crucial for emissions testing.

  1. Press the dedicated "I/M" hotkey on the scanner or select "I/M Readiness" from the Diagnostic Menu.
  2. The screen will display the status of various monitors (e.g., Misfire, Fuel System, O2 Sensor). A green checkmark indicates completion, while a red 'X' indicates an incomplete or failed test.
VIDENT V301 I/M Hotkey

Figure 4.2: I/M Hotkey Function. This image shows the I/M Readiness screen, indicating the status of various emission monitors with checkmarks and crosses, and explaining the quick check feature.

4.3. Live Data Stream

View real-time data from the engine sensors, which is ideal for monitoring intermittent faults and diagnosing performance issues.

4.4. Freeze Frame Data

When a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) occurs, the vehicle's computer records a snapshot of sensor values at that moment. This is called Freeze Frame Data.

5. Special Functions

The VIDENT V301 offers 8 special functions for specific vehicle maintenance tasks.

Note: The availability and specific procedures for these functions may vary depending on the vehicle's make, model, and year. Always refer to your vehicle's service manual for detailed instructions before performing any special function.

6. Vehicle Coverage

The VIDENT V301 is specifically designed to work with most VAG (Volkswagen Audi Group) vehicles from 1996 and newer, in addition to standard OBD2 compliant vehicles.

VIDENT V301 Vehicle Coverage

Figure 6.1: Vehicle Coverage. This image lists the extensive vehicle coverage for VAG group cars, including Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat, Bentley, Bugatti, and Lamborghini models.

Supported Brands and Models (VAG Group):

7. Multilingual Support

The VIDENT V301 offers a multilingual menu for user convenience.

VIDENT V301 Multilingual Menu Options

Figure 7.1: Multilingual Menu Options. This image displays the various language options available on the V301 scanner, including English, French, German, Russian, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Hungarian, Dutch, and Swedish.

Supported languages include: English, French, German, Russian, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Hungarian, Dutch, and Swedish. You can change the language setting in the "System Setup" menu.

8. Maintenance and Updates

To ensure optimal performance and access to the latest vehicle data and functions, it is recommended to keep your VIDENT V301 scanner updated.

8.1. Software Updates

The VIDENT V301 offers lifetime free online updates. To update the software:

  1. Visit the official VIDENT website (refer to the product packaging or VIDENT's official support page for the exact URL).
  2. Download the update client software to your computer (compatible with Windows XP operating system).
  3. Connect the V301 scanner to your computer using the provided USB cable.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions in the update client to download and install the latest software version onto your scanner.

8.2. Care and Storage

9. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your VIDENT V301 scanner, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

ProblemPossible CauseSolution
Scanner does not power on.
  • Loose connection to DLC.
  • Vehicle's OBD2 port fuse blown.
  • Vehicle battery low.
  • Ensure the OBDII cable is securely connected to the vehicle's DLC.
  • Check the vehicle's fuse box for a blown fuse related to the OBD2 port.
  • Ensure the vehicle's battery has sufficient charge.
Communication error with vehicle.
  • Incorrect protocol selected (though V301 auto-detects).
  • Faulty DLC or wiring in vehicle.
  • Ignition not on.
  • Ensure the vehicle's ignition is in the ON position (engine off or running).
  • Verify the vehicle's DLC is not damaged.
  • Try the scanner on another OBD2 compliant vehicle to rule out scanner fault.
Screen freezes or unit is unresponsive.
  • Software glitch.
  • Low power.
  • Disconnect the scanner from the vehicle, wait a few seconds, and reconnect.
  • Ensure stable power supply from the vehicle.
  • Perform a software update if available.

If the problem persists, please contact VIDENT customer support for further assistance.

10. Specifications

FeatureDetail
Display2.4" TFT color display
Working Temperature0 ~ 60°C (32 ~ 140°F)
Storage Temperature-20 ~ 70°C (-4 ~ 158°F)
Power Supply8-18V vehicle power
Dimensions (L*W*H)125 x 80 x 24 mm (4.92 x 3.15 x 0.94 inches)
Weight0.35 kg (0.77 lbs)
Supported ProtocolsJ1850-PWM, J1850-VPW, ISO9141, KWP2000 (ISO 14230), CAN (ISO 11898)
Operating System (for updates)Windows XP
VIDENT V301 Dimensions

Figure 10.1: VIDENT V301 Dimensions. This image provides a visual representation of the scanner's physical dimensions in both centimeters and inches.

11. Warranty and Support

For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the documentation included with your product or visit the official VIDENT website. Lifetime free online updates are provided for this device.

For customer service inquiries, you may also refer to the seller's contact information on the platform where the product was purchased.