Autel MaxiScan MS309 OBD II Code Reader User Manual

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 "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.

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 other four characters, all numbers, 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 (Figure 1-1): This diagram illustrates the structure of a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC), breaking it down into Systems (e.g., B=Body, C=Chassis, P=Powertrain, U=Network), Code Type (Generic SAE: P0, P2, P34-P39; Manufacturer Specific: P1, P30-p33), Sub-systems (e.g., 1=Fuel and Air Metering, 2=Fuel and Air Metering, 3=Ignition System or Engine Misfire), and identifying the specific malfunction section of the systems.

Tool Description

Code Reader Diagram (Figure 2-1): An image of the MaxiScan MS309 code reader with numbered callouts:

• ① OBD II CONNECTOR: Connects the code reader to the vehicle's Data Link Connector (DLC).
• ② LCD DISPLAY: Indicates test results.
• ③ ENTER/EXIT BUTTON: Confirms a selection (or action) from a menu list, or returns to the previous menu.
• ④ SCROLL BUTTON: Scrolls through menu items. It is also used to enter the system setup menu when pressed.

Specifications

1. Display: Backlit, 128 x 64 pixel display
2. Operating Temperature: 0 to 60°C (32 to 140 F°)
3. Storage Temperature: -20 to 70°C (-4 to 158 F°)
4. Power: 8 to 18 Volts provided via vehicle battery
5. Dimensions:
   • Length: 110.3 mm (4.34")
   • Width: 69.5 mm (2.74")
   • Height: 20.2 mm (0.80")
6. Weight: 0.18 kg (0.39 lb.), GW: 0.21 kg (0.46 lb.)

Accessories Included

1. OBD II cable: Provides power to the tool and communicates between the tool and the vehicle.

Navigation Characters

Characters used to help navigate the code reader are:

1. ▶️ - Indicates current selection.
2. Pd - Identifies a pending DTC when viewing DTCs.
3. $ - Identifies the control module number from which the data is retrieved.

Vehicle Power

The power of the code reader is provided via the vehicle Data Link Connector (DLC). Follow the steps below to turn on the code reader:

1. Connect the OBD II cable to the code reader.
2. Find DLC on vehicle.
   • A plastic DLC cover may be found for some vehicles, and you need to remove it before plugging in the OBD II cable.
3. Plug the OBD II cable into the vehicle's DLC.

Product Setup

The code reader allows you to make the following adjustments and settings:

1. Language: Selects desired language.
2. Unit of measure: Sets the unit of measure to English or Metric.
3. Contrast adjustment: Adjusts the contrast of the LCD display.
   • The settings of the unit will remain until changes to the existing settings are made.

To enter the setup menu:

From the second startup screen, press the SCROLL button to enter the System Setup menu. Follow the instructions to make adjustments and settings as described in the following setup options.

System Setup Menu (Figure 2-2): A screenshot of the System Setup menu showing options: 1) Language, 2) Unit of Measure, 3) Contrast, 4) Exit. The number "x/x" to the upper right corner of the screen indicates the total number of items under the menu and the sequence of the currently selected item.

Vehicle Coverage

The MaxiScan™ MS309 OBDII/EOBD Code Reader is specially designed to work with all OBD II compliant vehicles, including those equipped with the next-generation protocol – 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 Domestic, 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 your 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.

System Status (Figure 3-1): A display showing: Codes Found: 1, Monitors N/A: 4, Monitors OK: 3, Monitors INC: 3.

Read Codes

1. Use the SCROLL button to select Read Codes from the Diagnostic Menu and press the ENTER/EXIT button.
2. Diagnostic Menu (Figure 3-2): A screenshot showing menu options: 1) Read Codes, 2) Erase Codes, 3) View Freeze Frame, 4) I/M Readiness.
3. If more than one module is detected, you will be prompted to select a module before the test. Control Module Selection (Figure 3-3): A screenshot showing module options like Engine, Module $A4, Exit. Use the SCROLL button to select a module and press the ENTER/EXIT button.
4. View DTCs and their definitions on screen. The control module number, sequence of the DTCs, total number of codes detected, and type of codes (Generic or Manufacturer specific, Stored or Pending codes) will be observed on the upper right-hand corner of the display.
5. DTC Display Example (Figure 3-4): A screenshot showing a generic DTC: P0115, $11, Pd, 1/6, Generic, Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit.
6. If more than one DTC is found, use the SCROLL button, as necessary, until all the codes have been shown up.
   • If no codes are detected, a "No codes are stored in the module!" message displays on the screen.
   • If retrieved DTCs contain any manufacturer-specific or enhanced codes, the display indicates "Manufacturer control".
7. Manufacturer Control Display (Figure 3-5): A screenshot showing a manufacturer-specific DTC: P1324, $09, 4/6, Other, Manufacturer control.
8. Press the ENTER/EXIT button to return to the previous menu.

Erase Codes

CAUTION: Erasing the Diagnostic Trouble Codes may allow the code reader to delete not only the codes from the vehicle's on-board computer, but also "Freeze Frame" data and manufacturer-enhanced data. Further, the I/M Readiness Monitor Status for all vehicle monitors is reset to Not Ready or Not Complete status. Do not erase the codes before the system has been checked completely by a technician.

• This function is performed with Key On Engine Off (KOEO). Do not start the engine.

1. If you decide to erase the DTCs, use the SCROLL button to select Erase Codes from the Diagnostics Menu and press the ENTER/EXIT button.
2. Diagnostic Menu for Erase Codes (Figure 3-6): A screenshot of the Diagnostic Menu highlighting Erase Codes.
3. A warning message comes up asking for your confirmation. Erase Codes Confirmation (Figure 3-7): A screenshot showing "Erase Trouble Codes! Are you sure?" with YES/NO options.
4. If you want to proceed with erasing the codes, press the ENTER/EXIT button to erase.
   • If the codes are cleared successfully, an "Erase Done!" message shows up.
   • If the codes are not cleared, then an "Erase Failure. Turn Key on with Engine off!" message displays.
5. Wait a few seconds or press any key to return to the Diagnostic Menu.
   • If you do not wish to proceed to erase the codes, then press the SCROLL button to select NO and press ENTER/EXIT. A "Command Canceled" message shows up. Press any key or wait a few seconds to return to the Diagnostic Menu.

View Freeze Frame Data

1. To view freeze frame, use the SCROLL button to select View Freeze Frame from the Diagnostic Menu and press the ENTER/EXIT button.
2. Diagnostic Menu for Freeze Frame (Figure 3-8): A screenshot of the Diagnostic Menu highlighting View Freeze Frame.
3. If more than one module is detected, you will be prompted to select a module before the test. Control Module Selection (Figure 3-9): A screenshot showing module options. Use the SCROLL button to select a module and press the ENTER/EXIT button.
4. Wait a few seconds while the code reader validates the PID MAP. Reading PID (Figure 3-10): A screen displaying "Reading PID.01 - Please Wait -".
5. If the retrieved information covers more than one screen, use the SCROLL button, as necessary, until all data have been shown up.
6. Freeze Frame Data Display (Figure 3-11): A screenshot showing freeze frame data with parameters like DTCFRZF, FUELSYS1, FUELSYS2, LOAD_PCT (%). The number "x/x" to the upper right corner of the screen indicates the total number of screens the retrieved freeze frame covers and the sequence of currently displayed data.
7. If there is no freeze frame data available, an advisory message "No Freeze Frame Data Stored!" shows on the display.
8. Press ENTER/EXIT to return to the Diagnostic Menu.

Retrieve I/M Readiness Status

The I/M Readiness function is used to check the operations of the Emission System on OBD2 compliant vehicles. It is an excellent function to use prior to having a vehicle inspected for compliance to a state emissions program.

Some latest vehicle models may support two types of I/M Readiness tests:

• A. Since DTCs Cleared: Indicates status of the monitors since the DTCs are erased.
• B. This Drive Cycle: Indicates status of monitors since the beginning of the current drive cycle.

An I/M Readiness Status result of "NO" does not necessarily indicate that the vehicle being tested will fail the state I/M inspection. For some states, one or more such monitors may be allowed to be "Not Ready" to pass the emissions inspection.

• OK: Indicates that a particular monitor being checked has completed its diagnostic testing.
• INC: Indicates that a particular monitor being checked has not completed its diagnostic testing.
• N/A: The monitor is not supported on that vehicle.

1. Use the SCROLL button to select I/M Readiness from the Diagnostic Menu and press ENTER/EXIT.
2. Diagnostic Menu for I/M Readiness (Figure 3-12): A screenshot of the Diagnostic Menu highlighting I/M Readiness.
3. If more than one module is detected, you will be prompted to select a module before the test. Control Module Selection (Figure 3-13): A screenshot showing module options. Use the SCROLL button to select a module and press the ENTER/EXIT button.
4. Wait for a few seconds while the code reader validates the PID MAP. Reading PID (Figure 3-14): A screen displaying "Reading PID.01 - Please Wait -".
5. If the vehicle supports both types of tests, then both types show on the screen for selection. I/M Readiness Test Types (Figure 3-15): A screenshot showing test type options: Since DTCs Cleared, This Drive Cycle, Exit.
6. Use the SCROLL button to view the status of the MIL light (ON or OFF) and the following monitors:
   • Misfire monitor – Misfire monitor
   • Fuel System Mon – Fuel System Monitor
   • Comp. Component – Comprehensive Components Monitor
   • EGR – EGR System Monitor
   • Oxygen Sens Mon – O2 Sensors Monitor
   • Catalyst Mon – Catalyst Monitor
   • EVAP System Mon – Evaporative System Monitor
   • Oxygen Sens htr – O2 Sensor Heater Monitor
   • Sec Air System – Secondary Air Monitor
   • Htd Catalyst – Heated Catalyst Monitor
   • A/C Refrig Mon – A/C system Monitor
7. Readiness Status - Since DTCs Cleared (Figure 3-16): A screenshot showing readiness status: MIL Status OFF, Misfire Monitor OK, Fuel System Mon OK, Comp. Component OK.
8. If the vehicle supports readiness test of "This Drive Cycle", a screen of the following will be displayed: Readiness Status - This Drive Cycle (Figure 3-17): A screenshot showing readiness status: MIL Status ON, Misfire Monitor OK, Fuel System Mon OK, Comp. Component OK.
9. The number "x/x" to the upper right corner of the screen indicates the total number of screens the retrieved data cover and the sequence of currently displayed data.
10. Press ENTER/EXIT button to return to the previous menu.

View Vehicle Information

The Vehicle Info. function enables retrieval of the Vehicle Identification No. (VIN), Calibration ID(s), Calibration Verification Nos. (CVNs), and In-use Performance Tracking on 2000 and newer vehicles that support Mode 9.

1. Use the SCROLL button to select Vehicle Info. from the Diagnostic Menu and press the ENTER/EXIT button.
2. Diagnostic Menu for Vehicle Info (Figure 3-18): A screenshot of the Diagnostic Menu highlighting Vehicle Info.
3. Wait a few seconds or press the ENTER/EXIT button to continue. Vehicle Info Prompt (Figure 3-19): A screen displaying "Turn key on with engine off! Press [ENTER] to continue".
   • If the vehicle does not support this mode, a "The selected mode is not supported!" message shows on the display.
4. If more than one module is detected, you will be prompted to select a module before the test. Control Module Selection (Figure 3-20): A screenshot showing module options. Use the SCROLL button to select a module and press the ENTER/EXIT button.
5. Wait a few seconds while the code reader reads vehicle information. Reading Info (Figure 3-21): A screen displaying "Reading Info... Please Wait -".
6. From the Vehicle Info. menu, use the SCROLL button to select an available item to view and press the ENTER/EXIT button. Vehicle Info Menu (Figure 3-22): A screenshot showing available items: Vehicle ID Number, Calibration ID, Cal. Verif. Number, Exit.
7. View retrieved vehicle information on the screen. Vehicle ID Number Display (Figure 3-23): A screenshot showing Vehicle ID Number: VIN: 2HGES16684H907941.
8. Press ENTER/EXIT to return to the previous menu.

Exit OBDII Test

1. To exit OBDII test, use the SCROLL button to select Exit from the Diagnostic Menu and press the ENTER/EXIT button.
2. Diagnostic Menu for Exit (Figure 3-24): A screenshot of the Diagnostic Menu highlighting Exit.
3. A warning message comes up asking for your confirmation. Exit Test Confirmation (Figure 3-25): A screenshot showing "Exit OBD II Test! Are you sure?" with YES/NO options.
4. If you do want to exit OBDII test, press the ENTER/EXIT button.
   • If you do not want to exit, use the SCROLL button to select NO and press the ENTER/EXIT button to return.

Limited One Year Warranty

Autel warrants to its customers that this product will be free from all defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of the original purchase, subject to the following terms and conditions:

1. The sole responsibility of Autel under the Warranty is limited to either the repair or, at the option of Autel, replacement of the code reader at no charge with Proof of Purchase. The sales receipt may be used for this purpose.
2. This warranty does not apply to damages caused by improper use, accident, flood, lightning, or if the product was altered or repaired by anyone other than the Manufacturer's Service Center.
3. Autel shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages arising from the use, misuse, or mounting of the code reader. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you.
4. All information in this manual is based on the latest information available at the time of publication, and no warranty can be made for its accuracy or completeness. Autel reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice.

Service Procedures

If you have any questions, please contact your local store, distributor, or visit our website at www.autel.com.

If it becomes necessary to return the code reader for repair, contact your local distributor for more information.