Launch Creader V+ User Manual

2.1 On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) II

The first generation of On-Board Diagnostics (called OBD I) was developed by the California Air Resources Board (ARB) and implemented in 1988 to monitor some of the emission control components on vehicles. As technology evolved and the desire to improve the On-Board Diagnostic system increased, a new generation of On-Board Diagnostic system was developed. This second generation of On-Board Diagnostic regulations is called “OBD II”.

The OBD II system is designed to monitor emission control systems and key engine components by performing either continuous or periodic tests of specific components and vehicle conditions. When a problem is detected, the OBD II system turns on a warning lamp (MIL) on the vehicle instrument panel to alert the driver typically by the phrase of “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon”. The system will also store important information about the detected malfunction so that a technician can accurately find and fix the problem. Here below follow three pieces of such valuable information:

1. Whether the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is commanded 'on' or 'off';
2. Which, if any, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are stored;
3. Readiness Monitor status.

2.2 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 provide you with a guide as to where a fault might be occurring within a 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 second character, a number, 0-3; other three characters, a hex character, 0-9 or A-F provide additional information on where the DTC originated and the operating conditions that caused it to set. Here below is an example to illustrate the structure of the digits:

DTC Example: P0202

Systems: P=Powertrain, B=Body, C=Chassis, U=Network

Code Type (Generic/SAE): P0, P2, P34-P39, B0, B3, C0, C3, U0, U3

Manufacturer Specific: P1, P30-P33, B1, B2, C1, C2, U1, U2

Sub-systems: 1=Fuel and air metering, 2=Fuel and air metering, 3=Ignition system or misfire, 4=Auxiliary emission controls, 5=Vehicle speed, idle control, and auxiliary inputs, 6=Computer and auxiliary outputs, 7=Transmission, 8=Transmission, 9=Transmission

2.3 Location of the Data Link Connector (DLC)

The DLC (Data Link Connector or Diagnostic Link Connector) is the standardized 16-cavity connector where diagnostic code readers interface with the vehicle's on-board computer. The DLC is usually located 12 inches from the center of the instrument panel (dash), under or around the driver's side for most vehicles. If Data Link Connector is not located under dashboard, a label should be there telling location. For some Asian and European vehicles, the DLC is located behind the ashtray and the ashtray must be removed to access the connector. If the DLC cannot be found, refer to the vehicle's service manual for the location.

[Illustration shows the interior of a car dashboard with an arrow pointing to the area labeled 'NEAR CENTER OF DASH', indicating the typical location of the DLC.]

2.4 OBD II Readiness Monitors

An important part of a vehicle's OBD II system is the Readiness Monitors, which are indicators used to find out if all of the emissions components have been evaluated by the OBD II system. They are running periodic tests on specific systems and components to ensure that they are performing within allowable limits.

Currently, there are eleven OBD II Readiness Monitors (or I/M Monitors) defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Not all monitors are supported in every 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 is continuously checking the above components, monitoring key engine sensors, watching for engine misfire, and monitoring fuel demands.

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

1. EGR System
2. O2 Sensors
3. Catalyst
4. Evaporative System
5. O2 Sensor Heater
6. Secondary air Injection
7. Heated Catalyst
8. A/C system

2.5 OBD II Monitor Readiness Status

OBD II systems must indicate whether or not the vehicle's PCM's monitor system has completed testing on each component. Components that have been tested will be reported as “Ready”, or “Complete”, meaning they have been tested by the OBD II system. The purpose of recording readiness status is to allow inspectors to determine if the vehicle's OBD II system has tested all the components and/or systems.

The powertrain control module (PCM) sets a monitor to “Ready” or “Complete” after an appropriate drive cycle has been performed. The drive cycle that enables a monitor and sets readiness codes to “Ready” varies for each individual monitor. Once a monitor is set as “Ready” or “Complete”, it will remain in this state. A number of factors, including erasing of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with a code reader or a disconnected battery, can result in Readiness Monitors being set to “Not Ready”. Since the three continuous monitors are constantly evaluating, they will be reported as “Ready” all of the time. If testing of a particular supported non-continuous monitor has not been completed, the monitor status will be reported as “Not Complete” or “Not Ready.”

In order for the OBD monitor system to become ready, the vehicle should be driven under a variety of normal operating conditions. These operating conditions may include a mix of highway driving and stop and go, city type driving, and at least one overnight-off period. For specific information on getting your vehicle's OBD monitor system ready, please consult your vehicle owner's manual.

2.6 OBD II Definitions

• Powertrain Control Module (PCM) -- OBD II terminology for the on-board computer that controls engine and drive train.
• Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) -- Malfunction Indicator Light (Service Engine Soon, Check Engine) is a term used for the light on the instrument panel. It is to alert the driver and/or the repair technician that there is a problem with one or more of vehicle's systems and may cause emissions to exceed federal standards. If the MIL illuminates with a steady light, it indicates that a problem has been detected and the vehicle should be serviced as soon as possible. Under certain conditions, the dashboard light will blink or flash. This indicates a severe problem and flashing is intended to discourage vehicle operation. The vehicle onboard diagnostic system cannot turn the MIL off until the necessary repairs are completed or the condition no longer exists.
• DTC -- Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) that identifies which section of the emission control system has malfunctioned.
• Enabling Criteria -- Also termed Enabling Conditions. They are the vehicle-specific events or conditions that must occur within the engine before the various monitors will set, or run. Some monitors require the vehicle to follow a prescribed “drive cycle” routine as part of the enabling criteria. Drive cycles vary among vehicles and for each monitor in any particular vehicle. Please refer to the vehicle's factory service manual for specific enabling procedures.
• OBD II Drive Cycle -- A specific mode of vehicle operation that provides conditions required to set all the readiness monitors applicable to the vehicle to the “ready” condition. The purpose of completing an OBD II drive cycle is to force the vehicle to run its onboard diagnostics. Some form of a drive cycle needs to be performed after DTCs have been erased from the PCM's memory or after the battery has been disconnected. Running through a vehicle's complete drive cycle will “set” the readiness monitors so that future faults can be detected. Drive cycles vary depending on the vehicle and the monitor that needs to be reset. For vehicle specific drive cycle, consult the service manual.
• Freeze Frame Data -- When an emissions related fault occurs, the OBD II system not only sets a code but also records a snapshot of the vehicle operating parameters to help in identifying the problem. This set of values is referred to as Freeze Frame Data and may include important engine parameters such as engine RPM, vehicle speed, air flow, engine load, fuel pressure, fuel trim value, engine coolant temperature, ignition timing advance, or closed loop status.
• Fuel Trim (FT) - Feedback adjustments to the base fuel schedule. Short-term fuel trim refers to dynamic or instantaneous adjustments. Long-term fuel trim refers to much more gradual adjustments to the fuel calibration schedule than short-term trim adjustments. These long-term adjustments compensate for vehicle differences and gradual changes that occur over time.

3.1 Outline of Creader V+

[Image of the Creader V+ device. It has a screen at the top and navigation buttons below. Numbered callouts point to: 1. Cable with OBD II Connector, 2. RED LED INDICATOR LAMP.]

3.2 Specifications

1. Screen: 2.4" TFT, 176*220 dots LCD display
2. Input voltage range: 9 ~ 18V
3. Operating temperature: 32°F~122°F / 0°C~50°C
4. Storage tempetature: -4°F~158°F / -20°C ~70°C @ RH60%
5. Outline dimension: 120*75*20 mm (L x W x H)
6. Weight : <17.6 oz (500g)

3.3 Accessories

1. User's Manual -- Instructions on tool operations
2. USB cable -- Connect to a computer for upgrading online

3.4 Power supply

The power of the Creader V+ is provided via the vehicle Data Link Connector (DLC). Follow the steps below to power it up:

1. Find DLC on vehicle
   A plastic DLC cover may be found for some vehicles and you need to remove it before plugging the OBDII cable.
2. Plug the connector at the end of OBD II cable to the vehicle's DLC.

3.5 Tool Setup

Select [Tool Setup] in the Main Menu and press [Enter Button], the screen will display the interface as shown below:

[Screen shows 'Tool Setup' with options 'Language' and 'Unit of Measure'. Page indicator: 1/2.]

The Creader V+ allows you to make the following settings:

1. Select language: Selects desired language. Choose [Language] and press [Enter Button], the screen will display the interface as shown below:

[Screen shows 'Language' with options 'English', 'Français', 'Español'. Page indicator: 1/3.]

You can press [Up Arrow Button] [Down Arrow Button] key to select any language and press [Enter Button] to confirm. The system will convert to the chosen language interface at once.

2. Set measurement unit: allows you to define the measurement unit. Choose [Unit of Measure] and press [Enter Button], the screen will display the interface as shown below:

[Screen shows 'Unit of Measure' with options 'Metric' and 'Imperial'. Page indicator: 1/2.]

Use the [Up Arrow Button] [Down Arrow Button] key to select the desired one and press [Enter Button] to save your change.

3.6 Vehicle Coverage

The Creader V+ is specially designed to work with all OBD II compliant vehicles, including Control Area Network (CAN). It is required by EPA that all 1996 and newer vehicles (cars and light trucks) sold in the United States must be OBD II compliant and this includes all American, Asian and European vehicles.

A small number of 1994 and 1995 model year gasoline vehicles are OBD II compliant. To verify if a 1994 or 1995 vehicle is OBD II compliant, check the Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) Label, which is located under the hood or by the radiator of most vehicles. If the vehicle is OBD II compliant, the label will designate “OBD II Certified”. Additionally, Government regulations mandate that all OBD II compliant vehicles must have a “common” sixteen-pin Data Link Connector (DLC).

For the vehicle to be OBD II compliant it must have a 16-pin DLC (Data Link Connector) under the dash and the Vehicle Emission Control Information Label must state that the vehicle is OBD II compliant.

4.1 Connection

1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Locate the vehicle's 16-pin Data Link Connector (DLC).
3. Plug the OBDII cable into the vehicle's DLC.
4. Turn the ignition on. Engine can be off or running.
5. After finishing, press [Back Button] to enter Main Menu as following figure 4-1:

[Screen shows 'Main Menu' with options 'Diagnose', 'DTC Lookup', 'Tool Setup', 'Help'. Page indicator: 1/4.]

CAUTION: Don't connect or disconnect any test equipment with ignition on or engine running.

4.2 Diagnose

Select [Diagnostic] in Main Menu and press [Enter Button], the screen will display Monitor Status interface as following figure 4-2:

[Screen shows 'Monitor Status' with items: 'MIL Status' (OFF), 'DTCs in this ECU' (108), 'Readiness Completed' (5), 'Readiness Not Completed' (2), 'Readiness Not Supported' (3), 'Datastream Supported' (119), 'Ignition' (Spark), 'Protocol Type' (VPW).]

Press [Enter Button] to enter the Diagnostic Menu, the screen will display as following figure 4-3:

[Screen shows 'Diagnostic Menu' with options: 'Read Codes', 'Erase Codes', 'I/M Readiness', 'Data Stream', 'Freeze Frame', 'O2 Sensor Test', 'On-Board Monitoring', 'Evap System(Mode$8)'. Page indicator: 1/9.]

4.3 DTC Lookup

Select [Code Lookup] in the Main Menu and press [Enter Button] and the screen will display the interface as shown below:

[Screen shows 'DTC Lookup' with prompt 'Please input DTC:'. It explains the input range for letters (P, C, B, U) and numbers (0-F). Navigation buttons: [Up Arrow Button], [Down Arrow Button], [Left Arrow Button], [Right Arrow Button], [Enter Button].]

You can use [Up Arrow Button] [Down Arrow Button] key to change the first letter. It can be switched among “P”, “B”, “C” and “U”. Press [Left Arrow Button] to move the cursor to next, and then press [Up Arrow Button] [Down Arrow Button] key to input number. After you input the code number, press [Enter Button] to view the definition of the code. After viewing the definition, press [Back Button] to return to the Main Menu.

4.5 Help

This function is used to view Tool Information, About OBD, and About Data stream.

[Screen shows 'Help' with options 'Tool Information', 'About OBD', 'About Datastream'. Page indicator: 1/3.]

Tool Information includes: software version, hardware version, serial number, supported, time and date.

About OBD: Relevant introductions information about OBD.

About Data stream: Relevant introductions information about Data stream.