ANCEL AD410 User Manual

1. Safety Precautions and Warnings

To prevent personal injury or damage to vehicles and the scan tool, read this manual carefully and follow these safety precautions during all vehicle operations:

• Turn the ignition ON, connect the 16-pin connector to the plug, then turn the ignition ON.
• Always perform vehicle testing in a safe environment.
• Do not attempt to work on or observe the tool while driving. Doing so can distract the driver and may cause a fatal accident.
• Use ANSI-approved eye protection.
• Keep clothing, hair, hands, tools, and test equipment away from all moving or hot engine parts.
• Operate the vehicle in a well-ventilated area, as exhaust fumes are poisonous.
• Place blocks in front of the drive wheels and never leave the vehicle unattended during testing.
• Exercise caution when working near the ignition coil, distributor cap, spark plug wires, and spark plugs, as these components generate dangerous voltage when the engine is running.
• Shift the transmission to PARK (for automatic transmission) or NEUTRAL (for manual transmission) and ensure the parking brake is engaged.
• Keep a fire extinguisher suitable for gasoline/chemical/electrical fires nearby.
• Keep the scan tool dry, clean, and free from oil, water, or grease. If necessary, clean the exterior of the scan tool with a mild detergent on a clean cloth.

2. General Information

DTC Example Structure

DTC Example: P0520

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

Code Type: Generic (SAE): P0, B0, C0, U0; Manufacturer Specific: P1, P2, B1, B2, C1, C2, U1, U2

Sub-systems: 1 = Fuel and air metering, 2 = Ignition system or engine misfire, 3 = Auxiliary emissions controls, 4 = Vehicle speed control and idle controls, 5 = Computer output circuits, 6 = Transmission controls

The last two digits identify individual components within the system.

Figure 1-2: Explanation of Diagnostic Trouble Code.

2.3 Location of the Data Link Connector (DLC)

The DLC (Data Link Connector or Diagnostic Link Connector) is a standardized 16-pin connector used to interface diagnostic scan tools with the vehicle's on-board computer. The DLC is typically located within 12 inches of the center of the dashboard, usually under or near the driver. If the connector is not located under the dashboard, there should be a label indicating its location. In some Asian and European vehicles, the DLC may be located behind the ashtray, requiring its removal for access. If the DLC cannot be found, consult the vehicle's service manual for its location.

Figure 1-3: The DLC connector (left) can be found in the vehicle's interior area shown on the right (black arrow).

2.4 OBD II Readiness Monitors

Readiness monitors are indicators used to determine if the OBD II system has completed testing of all emission components. They perform periodic tests on specific systems and components to ensure they are functioning within permissible 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 each vehicle depends on the manufacturer's emission control strategy.

Continuous Monitors: Some vehicle components or systems are continuously tested by the OBD II system, while others are tested only under specific vehicle operating conditions. The following continuously monitored components are always ready:

1. Misfire
2. Fuel System
3. Comprehensive Component Monitor (CCM)

When the vehicle is in operation, the OBD II system continuously checks these components, monitors key engine sensors, checks for engine misfires, and tracks fuel requirements.

Non-Continuous Monitors: Unlike continuous monitors, many emission and engine system components require the vehicle to operate under specific conditions before the monitor is ready. These monitors are referred to as non-continuous monitors and include:

1. EGR System - Exhaust Gas Recirculation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
2. O2 Sensors - Monitor and adjust the air-fuel mixture.
3. Catalytic Converter - Reduces exhaust emissions.
4. Evaporative System - Monitors the integrity of the fuel tank system.
5. O2 Sensor Heater - Maintains the O2 sensor at its proper operating temperature.
6. Secondary Air - Reduces exhaust emissions.
7. Heated Catalyst - Brings the catalytic converter to its proper operating temperature.
8. A/C System - Monitors the system for refrigerant leaks.

2.5 OBD II Monitor Readiness Status

OBD II systems must indicate whether the vehicle's PCM has completed testing of individual emission components. Components tested by OBD II will be reported as "OK". The purpose of recording readiness status is to allow inspectors to determine if the vehicle's OBD II system has tested all emission systems. This is useful information before presenting a vehicle for state emission testing.

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) sets a monitor to "OK" after completing the appropriate drive cycle. The drive cycle that activates a monitor and sets readiness codes to "OK" varies for each individual monitor. Once a monitor is set to "OK", it remains in that state. Various factors, including clearing DTCs with a code reader or disconnecting the battery, can cause readiness monitors to be set to "INC" (Incomplete). Since three continuous monitors are evaluated constantly, they will always be reported as "OK". As long as no DTCs are stored in memory, the vehicle is operating in compliance with OBD II regulations. If the testing of a particular non-continuous monitor has not been completed or tested, the monitor status will be reported as "INC" (Incomplete).

For the OBD monitoring system to be ready, the vehicle should be driven under various normal operating conditions. These conditions may include a combination of highway driving and stop-and-go driving, city driving, and at least one period of overnight parking. For specific information on preparing your vehicle's OBD monitoring system, refer to your vehicle's owner's manual.

2.6 OBD II Definitions

• PCM (Powertrain Control Module): OBD II terminology for the on-board computer that controls the engine and powertrain.
• MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp): The MIL (Service Engine Soon, Check Engine) is the dashboard warning light. Its purpose is to alert the driver and/or service technician that a problem exists with one or more of the vehicle's systems and may cause it to exceed federal emission standards. If the MIL illuminates steadily, it indicates a problem has been detected, and the vehicle should be repaired as soon as possible. Under certain conditions, the dashboard light will flash or blink. This indicates a severe problem and the flashing is intended to discourage operating the vehicle. The vehicle's on-board diagnostic system cannot turn off the MIL until the necessary repair is completed or the condition no longer exists.

DTC and Drive Cycle Explanations

DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code): DTCs indicate which part of the emission control system has malfunctioned.

Enabling Criteria: Also known as enabling conditions. These are vehicle-specific events that must occur in the engine for various monitors to set or trigger. Some monitors require the vehicle to follow a prescribed "drive cycle" routine within the enabling criteria. Drive cycles differ among vehicles and for each monitor within a specific vehicle.

OBD II Drive Cycle: A specific vehicle operating mode that provides the conditions necessary to set all readiness monitors applicable to the vehicle to the "Ready" state. The purpose of completing an OBD II drive cycle is to force the vehicle to run its onboard diagnostics. Some form of drive cycle must be performed after clearing DTCs from the PCM memory or disconnecting the battery. Performing a complete vehicle 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. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for drive cycle information specific to your vehicle.

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's operating parameters that help identify the problem. This set of operating parameter values is called Freeze Frame Data and may include important engine parameters such as engine RPM, vehicle speed, airflow rate, engine load, fuel pressure, fuel trim value, engine coolant temperature, ignition timing, or closed loop status.

3. Using the Scan Tool