VDIAGTOOL V500 Automotive Intelligent Electrical System Circuit Tester User Manual

Legal Information

Trademarks: VDIAGTOOL is a registered trademark of Shenzhen vdiagtool Technology Co., Ltd. in the United States and other countries. This publication may contain other trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Copyright Information: No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of VDIAGTOOL. © 2017 Shenzhen vdiagtool Technology Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liabilities: All illustrations are for reference purposes only. Information, specifications, and illustrations are based on the latest available data at the time of printing and are subject to change without notice. VDIAGTOOL is not liable for any direct, special, incidental, indirect damages, or consequential economic damages, including loss of profits. VDIAGTOOL reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice.

IMPORTANT: Before operating or maintaining this unit, please read this manual carefully, paying extra attention to the safety warnings and precautions.

Product Support Information

Technical Assistance Website: www.vdiagtool.com

E-Mail: support@vdiagtool.com

Phone: 1-213-355-7171 (United States)

Online Contact Form: https://www.vdiagtool.com/tech?id=7Manuals/Technical Documentation

This manual is periodically revised. Download the latest version and related technical documentation at: https://www.vdiagtool.com/Downloads?id=15

Product Introduction

1.1 Product Introduction

The VDIAGTOOL V500 Automotive Intelligent Electrical System Circuit Tester is a new generation intelligent tester featuring a 2.36-inch large LCD screen. It is designed to test all 9V-30V vehicle electrical systems, offering convenience, speed, and intelligence. The screen can be folded up to 90 degrees, allowing for better viewing angles during testing.

Image shows the VDIAGTOOL V500 automotive circuit tester, a handheld device with a color LCD screen, navigation buttons, and a probe tip. It is connected to a vehicle via cables with alligator clips. A car is visible in the background.

1.2 Product Overview

The VDIAGTOOL V500 includes the following components:

• 1. Probe Tip: Contacts the circuit or component for testing.
• 2. Front LED Light: Illuminates dark working areas.
• 3. LCD Screen: Displays test results and can be folded up to 90 degrees for different viewing angles.
• 4. Red / Green LED Indicator: Indicates positive and negative status.
• 5. Key Button Operation: Six navigation keys for quick operation.
• 6. Speaker: Provides audible warnings or reminders.
• 7. Auxiliary Ground Lead: An auxiliary clip for ground connection (probe negative).
• 8. USB Port: Connects to a PC via USB cable for updates.
• 9. Relay Test Port: Connects the relay test cable.
• 10. Fuse: Protects the device from damage due to overload.

1.3 Technical Specifications

Product Parameters:

• Display: LCD Display
• Operating Voltage: 9V - 30V DC
• Voltage Measurement Range: 0.1V - 100V
• Resistance Measurement Range: 0kΩ - 200kΩ
• Operating Temperature: 0°C - 50°C / 32°F - 122°F
• Storage Temperature: -20°C – 70°C / -4°F -158°F
• Working Environment Temp: 0°C - 50°C / -32°F – 122°F
• Power Source: Provided by connecting to car battery

Product Dimensions (Lines):

• Main line: OD 7.8mm, Length 6m
• Extension line: OD 4.5mm, Length 1m
• USB line: OD 3.5mm, Length 0.5m
• Clip line: OD 4.5mm, Length 0.4m
• Relay line: OD 4.0mm, Length 0.5m

Accessories Included:

• V500 × 1
• Probe Tip × 1
• Fine Probe Tip × 1
• Probe Tip Extension Cable × 1
• Wire Piercing Probe × 2
• Banana to Banana Plug Test Lead × 2
• Fuse × 3
• Relay Test Cable × 1
• Alligator Battery Clip × 1
• Type-C Data Cable × 1
• User's Manual × 1

Accessories Description:

• Probe Tip: Contacts the circuit or component for testing.
• Fine Probe Tip: Used to contact plugs or pins in car circuits.
• Probe Tip Extension Cable: Extends probe reach for testing in distant or confined spaces.
• Wire Piercing Probe: Pierces wire insulation for electrical measurements without damaging the wire, providing clearer circuit understanding.
• Banana to Banana Plug Test Lead: Adapter and extension cable for connecting devices with banana plug connectors.
• Relay Test Cable: Used to test relay functionality.
• Alligator Battery Clip: Secures connections to battery terminals for testing.

1.4 Keypad Introduction

← ESC OK ↑ ↓ ← →

• ESC button: Returns to the previous screen. For other tests, press ESC once to exit.
• OK button: Confirms selection.
• Up button: Navigation key or adjusts voltage/numerical output.
• Left button: Navigation key.
• Right button: Navigation key.
• Down button: Navigation key or adjusts voltage/numerical output.

Product Features

2.1 Smart Test

This feature includes Voltage Test, Resistance Test, and Positive/Negative Test. It is primarily used for quick tests without switching between different modes, automatically recognizing and displaying measured signal values for voltage or resistance.

2.1.1 Voltage Test

When the probe clip (auxiliary ground lead) is connected to the ground wire, the probe automatically enters voltage display mode upon detecting a voltage signal on the Probe Tip. It displays the test voltage. 'VCC' indicates the battery supply voltage, and 'VDC' shows the current test DC voltage value.

2.1.2 Resistance Test

When the probe clip is connected to an electrical circuit's resistance and the Probe Tip is connected to the other end, the probe enters resistance display mode and shows the resistance values.

2.1.3 Positive / Negative Test

If the probe detects a voltage deviation of ±0.8V from the power supply, the RED LED lights up, displaying voltage values and sounding the speaker. If the probe detects a negative signal, the GREEN LED lights up, and the speaker sounds.

2.2 Resistance

This feature is used to measure the resistance value of electronic components. Refer to section 2.1.2 for more details.

2.3 Multimeter

Also known as a volt-ohm-milliammeter (VOM), this feature is a measuring instrument capable of measuring multiple electrical properties. The interface includes functional areas for Voltage (VDC), Resistance (Ω), Diode (DIO), Current (AMP), Frequency (HZ), and Polarity (P-N). Users can navigate between modes using the 'Left' or 'Right' buttons.

• Voltage (VDC): Connect the probe clip to the negative pole and the probe tip to the measured voltage.
• Resistance (Ω): Connect the probe clip to one side of the resistance and the probe tip to the other.
• Diode (DIO): Connect the probe clip to one side of the diode and the probe tip to the other. Displays voltage and diode polarity.
• Current (AMP): Connect the probe in series with the circuit under test to display the current value.
• Frequency (HZ): Displays the measured signal frequency and duty cycle.
• Polarity: Indicates whether the current measured line is positive or negative.

2.4 Oscilloscope

This instrument displays electrical signals graphically, typically as Voltage (Y-axis) versus Time (X-axis). The function can be viewed in vertical or transverse screen orientation. The Voltage on the Y-axis ranges from 0.0V to 10.0V, and the Time on the X-axis ranges from 1ms to 500ms. Pressing the 'OK' button pauses or refreshes the waveform.

2.5 0-5V Power Supply

Provides a regulated and stable 0-5V DC output voltage. This is commonly used to power electronic devices like micro-controllers, sensors, and LED lights that require low-voltage DC supply. The power supply operates in an active mode, adjusting voltage under 5V and limiting current to 100mA to prevent component damage.

2.6 Component Test

Verifies the input/output behavior of a test object to ensure its functionality meets specifications. Testing focuses on individual components. The device offers three activation modes: 'MOMENT' (press and hold UP/DOWN to supply power, release to stop), 'LATCH' (press UP/DOWN to supply power, press again to stop), and 'PULSE' (press and hold UP/DOWN to supply power, release to stop). The 'SETTING' Circuit Breaker allows adjustment of overload current values from 1A to 18A.

2.7 Relay

This feature reviews protective devices in a system, crucial for safe operation of power supply networks. It tests protective relays. When a relay is not connected, the interface displays 'Relay not on'. The device shows common automotive relay diagrams (4-terminal and 5-terminal). Pressing 'UP' starts the test, and 'OK' displays wiring connection diagrams. Diagrams illustrate typical relay wiring connection examples.

2.8 Injector

Uses the probe tip to output different pulse signals to the injector to check its spraying status, aiding in diagnosing injector conditions. There are 4 Signal Output Modes:

• Mode 1: 1 pulse with a positive pulse width of 250ms.
• Mode 2: 7ms positive, then 20ms negative, cycling every 1.4s.
• Mode 3: 4ms positive, then 10ms negative, cycling every 1.4s.
• Mode 4: Continuously outputs positive for 7ms, then negative for 20ms. Press 'ESC' to stop.

Injector Test Procedure:

1. Turn off the vehicle's engine.
2. Connect the BLACK clip to the negative terminal of the battery and the RED clip to the positive terminal.
3. Unplug the fuel injector connector. Connect the probe auxiliary ground lead to the injector's negative side and the probe tip to the positive side.
4. Select the test mode within the Injector Test function.
5. Press 'OK' to trigger the test.
6. Check the injector spraying status for diagnosis.

Setting

3.1 Language

Nine languages are available: English, Simplified Chinese, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Italian, Portuguese, and Polish.

3.2 Floodlight

Allows turning the device's headlight on or off.

3.3 Voice

Allows turning the device's sound on or off.

3.4 Self Test

3.4.1 LCD Test

Checks if the screen displays normally and if there are any black spots by showing different colors.

3.4.2 Key Test

Displays buttons on the screen. Pressing a button causes its corresponding symbol on the screen to flash. Pressing 'ESC' twice exits the test, confirming the ESC key is working.

3.4.3 Led Test

The Floodlight and the positive/negative LED lights remain on, indicating they are functioning correctly.

3.5 Display Mode

Choose between Light mode or Dark mode for the device display.

3.6 Update

To update the device software: Hold down the 'Down' key and power on the device. The device will display 'usb mode'. Connect the device to a computer using a USB cable. Use the computer software to upgrade the device. The VDLink software interface is shown, allowing selection of the port and language (English), with prompt messages guiding the upgrade process.

Test Applications

4.1 Continuity Test

A quick test to determine if a circuit is open or closed. A closed circuit has continuity. The multimeter function sends a small current to measure resistance. When using the 'Multimeter' mode and selecting resistance test, use the probe tip with chassis ground or auxiliary ground lead to test continuity on wires and components. If the resistance is greater than 200 kΩ, the LCD displays 'OL'. Continuity can also be verified by supplying power in Component Activation mode; if the circuit breaker trips, it indicates a good connection with low resistance.

Note: Do not perform tests on ECU or SRS systems before they are completely disabled or unplugged. The probe tip can pierce wire insulation for testing.

4.2 Signal Circuit Test (Oscilloscope Test)

Used to verify sensor circuits when troubleshooting DTCs. For example, to test an M.A.P. sensor circuit:

1. Enter Oscilloscope mode, use the probe tip with chassis ground or auxiliary ground lead.
2. Connect a vacuum pump to the M.A.P. sensor.
3. Touch the probe tip to the M.A.P. sensor's positive terminal and observe the LCD screen for a Sine Waveform, indicating good condition.
4. Apply and release the vacuum pump, observing the LCD screen readings.

An abnormal waveform indicates a problem with the sensor.

4.3 Activating Components in Your Hand

In DC voltage mode, use the probe tip and auxiliary ground lead to activate components directly for testing. For example, testing a bulb's working condition:

1. Connect the battery clip to the power supply.
2. Enter 'Active' mode and select 'MOMENT' function.
3. Connect the auxiliary ground lead to the component's negative terminal, and the probe tip to the positive terminal. Press 'UP' to trigger activation.
4. The LCD screen will display VDC, AMP, and VCC values.

If the probe circuit breaker trips, it indicates overload due to direct ground, short-circuit, or testing a very high current component (e.g., starter motor).

4.4 Activating Components in Vehicle

Importance: This mode is for supplying power or ground and should not be used on sensitive electronics (ECU, sensors) to avoid damage. Do not test ECU or SRS systems before they are disabled or unplugged. Refer to the vehicle manufacturer's schematic and diagnostic process when supplying power to the electrical system.

Test Procedure:

1. Connect the battery clip to the power supply.
2. Enter 'Active' mode and select 'MOMENT' function.
3. Connect the auxiliary ground lead to the component's negative terminal and the probe tip to the positive terminal. Press 'UP' to trigger activation.
4. The LCD screen will display VDC, AMP, and VCC values.

If the probe circuit breaker trips or displays 'OVERLOADED', adjust the overload current value and repeat the operation. To avoid component damage, refer to component specifications and set the OVERLOAD CURRENT VALUE accordingly.

4.5 Activating Components / Ground

Test Procedure:

1. Connect the battery clip to the power supply.
2. Enter 'Active' mode and select 'MOMENT' function.
3. Connect the auxiliary ground lead to the component's negative terminal.
4. Connect the probe tip to the component's positive terminal, press 'DOWN' to trigger activation.
5. The LCD screen will display VDC, AMP, and VCC values.

Note: To avoid component damage, refer to component specifications and set the OVERLOAD CURRENT VALUE. If the probe circuit breaker trips, it indicates overload. This can occur if probing a direct ground, a short-circuited component, or a very high current component. Applying ground to a protected circuit may cause the vehicle fuse to blow or the probe to trip.

4.6 Checking for Bad Ground Contacts

Probe the suspected ground wire or contact with the probe tip.

Test Procedure:

1. Enter 'Active' mode, select 'MOMENT' function, and set the overload current to 1A.
2. Connect the probe tip to a suspected wire.
3. Press 'OK' to trigger power supply.

If the RED LED lights up, and the LCD displays VDC, AMP, and VCC values where VDC is almost equal to VCC and AMP is close to 0A, it indicates a poor ground. Conversely, if the probe circuit breaker trips or displays 'OVERLOADED', it suggests a good ground. High current components like starter motors can also trip the circuit breaker.

4.7 Following & Locating Short Circuits

Short circuits often appear as blown fuses, fusible links, or tripped protection devices (circuit breakers). This is the starting point for locating them.

Test Procedure:

1. Remove the blown fuse from the fuse box.
2. Use the probe tip to activate and energize each fuse contact.
3. The contact that trips the circuit breaker indicates the shorted circuit. Note the wire's identification code or color.
4. Follow the wire along the wiring harness as far as possible.

Example: To trace a short in a brake light circuit, locate the color-coded wire in the harness at the door sill. In 'Active' interface, select 'MOMENT' mode, use the probe tip on the marked wire, and press 'UP' to supply power. If the circuit breaker trips, the wire is confirmed as shorted. Cut the wire and energize each end; the end that trips the breaker again leads to the shorted area. Repeat this process until the short is found.

4.8 Trailer Lights and Connection Test

While in Multimeter or SMART test mode, connect the probe auxiliary ground lead to the trailer light and insert the probe tip into the OBD socket to display the current voltage. This checks the function and direction of the connector and trailer lights. If the connection is correct, use the 'Component Activation' function to test trailer light operation.

Warranty

Limited One Year Warranty

This warranty is limited to buyers purchasing the VDIAGTOOL V500 for resale or ordinary business use. VDIAGTOOL V500 is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for one year (12 months) from the delivery date. The warranty does not cover parts that have been abused, altered, used for unintended purposes, or used inconsistently with instructions. The exclusive remedy is repair or replacement; VDIAGTOOL is not liable for consequential or incidental damages.

Contact Us

Warranty & Support

E-mail: support@vdiagtool.com

Website: www.vdiagtool.com

For wholesale business or to become a distributor:

E-mail: sales@vdiagtool.com

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