ANCEL AS500 OBD-II Diagnostic Tool User Manual

2.1 On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) II

The first generation of on-board diagnostics (designated OBD I) was developed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and introduced in 1988 to monitor certain components for vehicle emissions control. With the advancement of technology and the desire to improve the on-board diagnostic system, 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. If a problem is detected, the OBD II system will illuminate a warning light (MIL) on the vehicle's instrument panel and alert the driver, usually with a "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" message. The system also stores important information about the detected fault so that a technician can accurately locate and fix the problem. Below are three such valuable pieces of information:

2.2 Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC)

OBD II Diagnostic Trouble Codes are codes stored by the vehicle's on-board computer diagnostic system in response to a detected problem in the vehicle. These codes identify a specific problem area and serve as a guide to where a fault might occur in the vehicle. OBD II diagnostic codes consist of a five-digit alphanumeric code. The first character, a letter, indicates which control system is setting the code. The next four characters, all numbers, provide additional information about where the DTC originated and the operating conditions that caused it to be set. An example is provided below to illustrate the digit structure:

Example Code: P0520

System: B = Body, C = Chassis, P = Engine, U = Network

Code Type: 0 = Generic (SAE, common to all manufacturers), 1 = Manufacturer-specific

Subsystem: 1 = Fuel and Air System, 2 = Ignition System or Misfire, 3 = Emission Control System, 4 = Vehicle Speed Control and Idle Control, 5 = Computer Output Circuit, 6 = Transmission Control

The last two digits identify specific components within the system.

Diagram Description: A diagram illustrating the breakdown of a diagnostic trouble code (DTC). It shows the code structure with sections for System, Code Type, and Subsystem, with examples of each.

2.3 Data Link Connector (DLC) Location

The DLC (Data Link Connector or Diagnostic Link Connector) is a standardized 16-pin connector used by diagnostic scan tools to connect to the vehicle's onboard computer. The DLC is usually located within 12 inches of the instrument panel (dashboard). In most vehicles, it is located under or around the driver's seat. If the data link connector is not found under the dashboard, there should be a label indicating its location. In 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, consult the vehicle's service manual for its location.

Diagram Description: An illustration showing typical locations of the DLC connector within a vehicle's interior, such as the lower dashboard area, driver's side, or behind the ashtray.

3.1 Tool Description - ANCEL AS500

Diagram Description: An image of the ANCEL AS500 scan tool with numbered buttons and screen elements.

1. LCD DISPLAY: Displays test results. Backlit display with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels.
2. [OK] BUTTON: Confirms a selection (or action) from the menu.
3. [ESC] BUTTON: Cancels a selection (or action) from the menu or returns to the previous menu.
4. [LEFT] SCROLL BUTTON: In menu mode, moves left through menus and submenus. When navigating data, it allows returning to the previous screen.
5. [RIGHT] SCROLL BUTTON: In menu mode, moves right through menu and submenu items. When navigating data, it allows moving to the next screen.
6. [UP] SCROLL BUTTON: In menu mode, scrolls up through menu and submenu items. When loading data that spans multiple screens, it allows scrolling up to the previous screen for more data.
7. [DOWN] SCROLL BUTTON: In menu mode, scrolls down through menu and submenu items. When loading data that spans multiple screens, it allows scrolling down to the next screen for more data.
8. [I/M / ] SCROLL BUTTON: This multi-function button can be used to complete the I/M readiness test and query fault code definitions.

Note: Only when using the read code function, if an "i" icon appears on the screen, pressing this key allows you to query the fault code definition. In other situations, the button may only complete the I/M function.

Diagram Description: A screenshot showing the "I/M Readiness" screen with various monitors (IGN, MIL, CtDTC, PdDTC, MIS, FUEL, CCM, CAT, HCAT, EVAP, AIR, O2S, HTR, EGR) and their status indicators (OK, INC, N/A).

I/M Readiness Status Meanings:

• N/A: Not available for this vehicle.
• INC: Incomplete or not ready.
• OK: Complete or monitor is OK.

3.2 Specifications

1. Display: 2.8" TFT 262K true color.
2. Operating Temperature: 0 to 60 °C (32 to 140 °F).
3. Storage Temperature: -20 to 70 °C (-4 to 158 °F).
4. External Power: 8.0 to 18.0 V via vehicle battery.
5. Dimensions: 167.9 × 97.3 × 32.1 mm.
6. Weight: 0.35 kg.

3.3 Package Contents

1. User Manual - Tool operating instructions.
2. USB Cable - Used for updating the scan tool.

3.4 Lookup

The DTC Lookup function is used to search for code definitions stored in the built-in code library.

1. From the main menu, use the UP/DOWN scroll button to select "Code Lookup" and press the OK button.

Diagram Description: A screenshot of the scan tool's main menu, highlighting the "Lookup" option. Another screenshot shows the "DTC Lookup" screen prompting the user to "Please input DTC:", with an example code P0000 and explanations of code ranges.

For "manufacturer-specific" codes, you must select the vehicle brand on the next screen to search for DTC definitions. If the definition cannot be found (SAE or Manufacturer Specific), the scan tool display will show the message "DTC definition not found! See vehicle service manual!".

To return to the main menu, press the ESC button.

3.5 Review

This function is used to review recorded DTCs. From the Main Menu, select "Review" and press the OK button. The interface will appear as shown below:

Diagram Description: Screenshots showing the "Review" menu options: "Review DTC", "Delete DTC Data", and "Delete all recorded DTC".

3.6 Settings

The scan tool allows you to perform the following settings and adjustments:

1. Language: Select the desired language.
2. Unit of Measure: Set the measure to English or Metric.
3. Beep: Turn the sound signal on/off.
4. Record: Turn the Record function on/off.
5. Background: Turn background recording on/off: Set the background to night or day mode.
6. Feedback.

Diagram Description: A screenshot of the "Tool Setup" menu displaying options like Language, Unit of Measure, Beep, Record, Background, and Feedback.

3.7 View and Print DTC Data

1. Connect to a computer via USB.
2. Download update files from the ANCEL company website.
3. Install the upgrade driver according to the "upgrade instructions" file.
4. Open the "update" application.

Diagram Description: A file explorer view showing files like "bin", "diver", "README.txt", and "Update.exe". Another screenshot shows the "Device upgrades" application with buttons for "Feedback", "Review&Print", "Update", and "Exit". A third screenshot shows a "Review & Print.txt" file with sample DTC data, including VIN and DTC codes like P0030, P0040, P0021, P0070, P0110, P0650.

Click "Review & Print". You can then save or print the DTC data as needed.

3.8 Tool Information

Select [Tool Infor] to display the following:

Diagram Description: A screenshot showing the "Tool Information" screen with details like Software Version (02.06.000), Hardware Version (01.10.000), Serial Number (ANCEL20180300000001), and Supported protocols (OBD-II/EOBD).

3.9 I/M Readiness

Select [I/M] to display the following:

Diagram Description: A screenshot of the "I/M Readiness" screen showing various monitors and their status.

Pressing the OK button again displays the following definitions for abbreviations:

About I/M - About background color:

• Blue: Normal background.
• Green: Monitor complete.
• Orange: Monitor not complete.
• Gray: Monitor not applicable.

About I/M - About short name:

• MIL: Malfunction Indicator Lamp.
• IGN: Compression ignition monitoring supported.
• CtDTC: Current DTC.
• PdDTC: Pending DTC.
• MIS: Misfire monitoring.
• FUEL: Fuel system monitoring.
• CCM: Comprehensive component monitoring.
• CAT: Catalyst monitoring.
• HCAT: Heated catalyst monitoring.
• EVAP: Evaporative system monitoring.
• AIR: Secondary air system monitoring.
• O2S: Oxygen sensor monitoring.
• HTR: Oxygen sensor heater monitoring ready.
• EGR: Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and/or Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system monitoring.

4.1 Read Codes

1. In the diagnostic menu, select "Read Codes" and press the OK button. If any codes are present, the codes will be displayed on the screen as shown below:

Diagram Description: A screenshot of the "Diagnostic Menu" with "Read Codes" selected. Another screenshot shows the "Read Codes" screen displaying a DTC P0122 with its description "Throttle/pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit Low" and "1/6 General".

When using the read code function and a "i" icon appears on the screen, you can press the I/M/O key to query the fault code definition. The interface will be displayed as shown below:

Diagram Description: A screenshot showing the "Read Codes" screen with DTC P0122 and an "i" icon. A "DTC Help" screen is also shown, providing "Possible Cause" for P0122, such as a faulty throttle position sensor or wiring issues.

4.2 Erase Codes

1. Select "Erase Codes" from the menu. The interface will be displayed as shown below.
2. Press OK to erase the DTCs. The interface will be displayed as shown on the next page:

Diagram Description: A screenshot of the "Diagnostic Menu" with "Erase Codes" selected. Another screenshot shows a confirmation prompt "Clear/Reset Emission-Related Diagnostic Information, Are you sure?". A final screenshot confirms "Emission-Related Diagnostic Information has been Cleared".

Notes: Before performing this function, ensure you have read and recorded the fault codes. After erasing, you should re-read the fault codes or turn the ignition on and re-read the codes. If some fault codes still exist in the system, remove them using the factory diagnostic manual, then erase and recheck the codes.

4.3 I/M Readiness

Select "I/M Readiness" and press OK. The interface will be displayed as shown below:

Diagram Description: A screenshot of the "Diagnostic Menu" with "I/M Readiness" selected. Another screenshot shows the "I/M Readiness" screen for "Since DTCs Were Cleared" and "This Drive Cycle".

The I/M readiness test checks Misfire / Fuel system / Comprehensive components. You can use the UP or DOWN buttons to select and press the OK button to display:

Diagram Description: A table showing I/M Readiness monitors (Misfire monitor, Fuel system monitor, Comprehensive component monitor, Catalyst monitor, Heated catalyst monitor, Evaporative system monitor, Secondary air system monitor, Oxygen sensor monitor, Oxygen sensor heater monitor, EGR and/or VVT system monitor) with their status (N/A, INC, OK).

N/A means it is not available for this vehicle, INC means incomplete or not ready, OK means complete or the monitor is OK.

4.4 Data Stream

In the main menu interface, use the UP or DOWN buttons to select "Data Stream" and press the OK button to confirm. The interface will be displayed as shown below:

Diagram Description: A screenshot of the "Diagnostic Menu" with "Data Stream" selected. Another screenshot shows the "Datastream" menu with options "View All Items", "Select Items", and "View Graphic Items".

Select "View All Items" and press the OK button. The interface will be displayed as shown below:

Diagram Description: A "Datastream" screen showing "PID07" and "Get supported data stream. Loading...". Another screen, "All Datastream", shows "Fuel system 2 status" (OL_DriveB2), "Fuel system 1 status" (CL), and "Calculated LOAD Value" (12.2%).

Select [ select items ] and press the OK button. Press OK again to display the following image:

Diagram Description: A "Select Datastream" screen with checkboxes for "Fuel system 1 status", "Fuel system 2 status", "Calculated LOAD Value", "Engine Coolant Temperature", and "Short Term Fuel Trim-Bank1".

After selecting items and pressing the ESC button, the following screen will be displayed:

Diagram Description: A "Selected Datastream" screen showing "Fuel system 2 status" (OL_DriveB2), "Fuel system 1 status" (CL), and "Calculated LOAD Value" (12.2%).

Pressing the OK button in the Data stream menu to select [ View Graphic Items ], after selecting items, the interface will be displayed on the screen as shown below:

Diagram Description: A "Select Datastream" screen with checkboxes for "Engine Coolant Temperature", "Short Term Fuel Trim-Bank2", "Short Term Fuel Trim-Bank4", "Intake Manifold Absolute Pressure", and "Intake Air Temperature".

Press ESC to return to the display:

Diagram Description: A "Data Stream" graph showing "LOAD_PCT" and "SHRTFT1" values over time, with min/max values indicated. The maximum number of rows is 3.

Press ESC to return to the previous menu. You can display all data stream items or select a specific live data item with a graph.

4.5 Freeze Frame

When an emission-related fault occurs, the control unit records a snapshot of the vehicle's current parameters. Note: If DTCs have been cleared, Freeze Data may not be stored in the vehicle.

In the main menu interface, select "Freeze Frame". The interface will be displayed on the screen as shown below:

Diagram Description: A screenshot of the "Diagnostic Menu" with "Freeze Frame" selected. Another screenshot shows the "Freeze Frame" screen displaying "DTC that caused required freeze frame data storage" (U04D5), "Fuel system 1 status" (N/A), and "Fuel system 2 status".

You can use the UP/DOWN buttons to view the data. Pressing the ESC button returns you to the diagnostic menu.

4.6 O2 Sensor Test

OBD II regulations set by SAE require that applicable vehicles monitor and test oxygen sensors (O2) to identify problems related to fuel efficiency and vehicle emissions. These tests are not on-demand tests and are performed automatically if the engine operating conditions are within the specified limits. The results of these tests are stored in the vehicle's onboard computer memory.

The O2 Sensor Test function allows you to read and display the results of O2 sensor monitor tests for the last performed tests from the vehicle's onboard computer. The O2 Sensor Test function is not supported by vehicles that communicate using the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. For O2 sensor test results on vehicles equipped with a CAN bus, refer to the "On-Board Mon. Test" chapter. In the Diagnostics menu, select O2 Sensor Test and press the OK button. The screen will display the following image:

Press the OK button, and the screen will display the following image (data will vary each time):

Diagram Description: A "Select O2 Sensor" screen showing "Bank1-Sensor1". Another screen, "Bank1-Sensor1", lists test results like "Rich to lean sensor(V)", "Lean to rich sensor(V)", "Minmum sensor voltage", "Maximum sensor voltage", and "Time transitions".

4.7 On-Board Monitoring

This function can be used to read the results of on-board diagnostic monitoring. Tests of specific components/systems. In the Diagnostics menu, select "On-board Monitoring" and press the OK button. The screen will display the following image (data will vary each time):

Diagram Description: A screenshot of the "Diagnostic Menu" with "On-Board Monitoring" selected. Another screenshot shows the "On-Board Monitoring" screen listing "Test ID $01" through "Test ID $45".

Using the UP or DOWN buttons, you can select an item and press the OK button. The screen will be displayed as shown below (data will vary each time):

Diagram Description: A "Test ID" screen showing "Component ID" ($5e), "Limit Type" (Max), "Test Value" (33733), "Minimum Limit", "Maximum Limit" (337), and "Status" (Pass).

Pressing ESC returns you to the diagnostic menu.

4.8 EVAP Test

The EVAP test function allows you to initiate an EVAP system leak test for the vehicle. The device does not perform the leak test itself but signals the vehicle's onboard computer to start the test. Before using the system test function, consult the vehicle's repair service manual to determine the procedures required to stop the test.

Select "EVAP System Test" and press the OK button. The screen will display relative information about the EVAP system. Some vehicle manufacturers do not allow external devices to control the vehicle's system. If the vehicle supports this function, the image below will be displayed:

Diagram Description: A screenshot of the "Diagnostic Menu" with "Test or Component" selected. Another screenshot shows the "Test or Component" menu with "Evap System Test" selected. A final screenshot shows "Evap System Test" with the message "Evaporative system leak test passed".

4.9 Vehicle Information

Select [Vehicle Information] and press OK. The screen will display information such as VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), CID (Calibration ID), and CVN (Calibration verification number), as shown below (different vehicles will display different data):

Diagram Description: A screenshot of the "Diagnostic Menu" with "Vehicle Information" selected. Another screenshot shows the "Vehicle Information" menu with options like "Vehicle Identification Number", "Calibration Identifications", "Calibration Verification", "In-use Performance Tracking", "ECUNAME", and "In-use Performance Tracking". A third screenshot displays the "Vehicle Identification Number" (1A1JC5444R7252367).

Pressing the ESC button returns you to the diagnostic menu.