Bosch ADS 525X Quick Start Guide

Introduction

This guide provides essential information for setting up and operating the Bosch ADS 525X automotive diagnostic scan tool. It covers safety precautions, device overview, setup procedures, connection instructions, main menu functions, vehicle selection, and diagnostic features.

Safety Precautions

Before operating this tool, all operators should read and understand this Quick Start Guide and follow all safety warnings and instructions. Keep these instructions with the tool for future reference. If you have any questions, contact your Bosch representative or distributor.

DANGER

When an engine is operating, keep the service area well ventilated or attach a building exhaust removal system to the engine exhaust system. Engines produce carbon monoxide, an odorless, poisonous gas that causes slower reaction time and can lead to death or serious personal injury.

WARNING

When working with hydraulic or fuel lines, be careful that liquids under pressure do not escape and create a dangerous condition. Use adequate ventilation and make sure there are no sparks or possibility of sparks that may ignite any vapor.
Wear an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z87.1 approved eye shield when testing or repairing vehicles.
Objects propelled by whirling engine components or pressurized liquids escaping may cause personal injury.
Set the parking brake and block the wheels before testing or repairing a vehicle. It is especially important to block the wheels on front-wheel drive vehicles because the parking brake does not hold the drive wheels.
Do not drive the vehicle and operate the software at the same time.
Maintain adequate clearance around moving components or belts during testing.
Moving components and belts can catch loose clothing, body parts, or test equipment and cause serious personal injury or tool damage.
Automotive batteries contain sulfuric acid and produce explosive gases that can result in serious injury due to ignition of gases. Keep lit cigarettes, sparks, flames, and other ignition sources away from the battery at all times.
Refer to the service manual for the vehicle being serviced. Adhere to all diagnostic procedures and precautions. Failure to do so could result in personal injury or otherwise unneeded repairs.
Use only specially designed replacement parts (brake hoses and lines) for ABS equipped vehicles.
After bleeding the brake system, check the brake pedal for excessive travel or a "spongy" feel. Bleed again if either condition is present.
When installing transmitting devices (Citizen Band radio, telephone, etc.) on ABS-equipped vehicles, do not locate the antenna near the ABS control unit or any other control unit.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates and radiates radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
To reduce risk of injury, charge only Bosch Automotive Service Solutions, Inc. supplied rechargeable batteries for the ADS 625 product with the supplied charger. Other types of batteries may burst causing injury to persons and property damage.
Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by the battery charger manufacturer may result in fire, electric shock, or personal injury.
Do not operate the tool with a damaged cord or connector. Replace damaged cords and connectors immediately.
Do not operate the charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged in any way. Take the charger to a qualified service person.
Do not disassemble the charger. Take the charger to a qualified service person if service or repair is necessary. Incorrect reassembly may result in electric shock or fire. Unplug charger before attempting any maintenance or cleaning. Turning off controls will not reduce this risk.
To prevent possible hearing damage, avoid using the tool at high volume levels for long periods.
Do not expose tool or charger to rain, moisture, or snow.
Verify that cords are located where they will not be stepped on, tripped over, or otherwise become a safety hazard or subjected to damage or stress.
Use only batteries that are approved for use with this tool. Use of other types may increase the risk of fire or explosion.
Do not carry a battery in your pocket, purse, or other container where metal objects (such as car keys or paper clips) could short-circuit the battery terminals. The resulting excessive current flow can cause extremely high temperatures and may result in damage to the battery pack or cause fire or burns.
The battery poses a burn hazard if you handle it improperly. Do not disassemble it. Handle a damaged or leaking battery with extreme care. If the battery is damaged, electrolyte may leak from the cells and may cause personal injury.
Keep the battery away from children.
Do not store or leave your tool or battery near a heat source such as a radiator, fireplace, stove, electric heater, or other heat-generating appliance or otherwise expose it to temperatures in excess of 60°C (140°F). When heated to excessive temperatures, battery cells could explode or vent, causing personal injury or risk of fire.
Do not dispose of your tool's battery in a fire or with normal household waste. Battery cells may explode. Discard a used battery according to the manufacturer's instructions or contact your local waste disposal agency for disposal instructions. Dispose of a spent or damaged battery promptly.

CAUTION

To avoid damage or generation of false data, make sure the vehicle battery is fully charged and the connection to the vehicle Data Link Connector (DLC) is clean and secure.
Do not place the tool on the distributor of a vehicle. Strong electromagnetic interference can damage the tool.
Never disconnect or reconnect any electrical connector while the ignition is on. Powertrain Control Module (PCM) damage may result.

General Information

Device Overview (Top View)

1. Camera (Front facing camera)
2. Ambient Light Sensor
3. Vehicle Connection Indicator
4. VCI Connection Manager
5. Power Button
6. Volume Up
7. Volume Down
8. Main Menu Functions (On-screen icons)
9. Recent apps button
10. Home Button
11. Back button
12. Future Use port
13. Micro USB port
14. Camera (Rear Facing Camera)
15. Speaker

Diagram illustrating the top view of the ADS 525X handset with numbered components.

Device Overview (Bottom View)

Diagram illustrating the bottom view of the ADS 525X handset, showing ports.

Setup

1. Battery Charging

Connect the handset to AC power and fully charge the battery. When the handset is turned on, the level of battery charge is indicated in the upper right corner of the screen.

Notes:

It is recommended to keep the scan tool plugged into power supply when not being used.
For maximum battery life, properly power off scan tool when not in use for extended periods.
The ADS 525X is supplied with 2 micro USB power cables and 1 USB power block.

Diagram showing the USB power block and two USB cables (2 ft. and 6 ft.).

2. Power Button Functions

Press the power button to turn on the handset. The power button has four functions:

ON: Press the power button to turn the handset on.
OFF (Short Press): Press and release the power button. A pop-up window will appear to shut down the handset.
Wake Up: If the screen times out or is in standby mode, press and release the power button to wake up the handset.
OFF (Long Press): With the tool off, press and hold the power button for 5 seconds to turn the handset off completely (not recommended).

Diagram illustrating the ADS 525X handset with the power button highlighted.

Initial Setup and Registration

3. Register Device - Select a Language

Select your preferred language from the options: English, Español, Français.

Screenshot of the language selection screen.

4. Select Register Now

Register the tool to begin a trial period or run the tool in demo mode. Registering your device allows you to get the latest software updates.

Options: Register Now, Skip (Trial Mode, Demo Mode).

Screenshot of the registration options screen.

5. Read and Accept the End User License Agreement

Review the Software Product License Agreement. By clicking "I Agree" or authorizing another person to do so, you accept the agreement and are bound by its terms. This agreement grants a personal, non-transferable, non-exclusive limited license to use the software.

Screenshot of the End User License Agreement screen.

6. Select the Correct Time Zone

Choose your correct time zone from the provided list (e.g., GMT-04:00 Eastern Standard Time).

Screenshot of the time zone selection screen.

7. Enable Wi-Fi and Select a Network

Ensure Wi-Fi is ON. If Wi-Fi is OFF, slide the switch to the ON position. Select your network and enter the password if required. Follow the prompts on the screen.

Screenshot of the Wi-Fi setup screen.

8. Activate Warranty

Enter your name and contact information to activate the warranty. Follow the prompts on the screen to complete the process.

Screenshots showing warranty activation steps, including contact information entry and confirmation.

Connecting the VCI

9. Setup Printer

Printer setup can be completed now or later via Settings. Options include "Printer setup help" and "Print test page".

Screenshot of the printer setup screen.

10. Connect the VCI to the Vehicle

Connect the Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI) to the vehicle's Data Link Connector (DLC) using the OBDII/DLC cable.

Diagram showing the VCI connected to the vehicle's DLC via the OBDII/DLC cable. Labeled: 1. OBDII/DLC Cable, 2. DLC, 3. VCI.

11. Connect the Handset to the VCI (Pairing)

The VCI is paired to the handset during manufacturing and should be paired out of the box.

VCI Connection Manager Icon Definitions:

✔️ Icon that will display when user is connected to DVCI.
⚠️ Icon will display when user is connected to DVCI but signal is degraded.
❌ Icon will display when user is NOT connected to DVCI.
❓ Icon will display when user is connected to DVCI, but the version does not match expected tablet version.

a. Connect the VCI to the vehicle DLC.

b. At this point, the VCI Connection Manager icon should display "Connected via Wi-Fi".

c. If the VCI Connection Manager icon shows "No connection," select the VCI Connection Manager icon.

d. Once the VCI Connection Manager icon is selected, the VCI Connection Manager dialog is displayed, listing discovered VCIs.

e. Select "Connect" next to the VCI in the list to pair with it. Once the VCI Connection Manager icon changes to "Connected via Wi-Fi", the tool is ready to use.

The handset is now paired to a VCI. To use a different VCI in the future, repeat the steps for manually pairing the VCI. Select "Connect" next to the desired VCI. The VCI Connection Manager dialog will refresh to show a successful connection.

VCI Unit Details

Diagram of the VCI unit.

1. Power port (used when necessary)
2. DLC/OBDII cable port
3. Power indicator: Indicates the VCI has received power.
4. PC Connection indicator: Indicates the VCI is communicating with the PC.
5. Vehicle Connection indicator: Indicates the VCI is communicating with the vehicle.
6. USB "B" Port.
7. Connection port for future use.

Main Menu Functions

The Main Menu provides access to various diagnostic and informational functions:

1. Diagnostics button: Enter vehicle diagnostics session.
2. QuickScan button: Shortcut to run all ECU scans.
3. Generic OBDII button: Access Global OBDII emission related ECU information.
4. Repair-Source button: Direct link to access Repair Source vehicle repair information.
5. Diagnostic Information button: Provides diagnostic, repair, and reset information for the selected vehicle.
6. Wiring Diagrams button: Provides OEM and vehicle specific full color, full system wiring diagrams.
7. Saved Reports button: Access saved vehicle scan reports and data stream recordings.
8. Web Browser button: Full internet access and shortcuts to repair information and OEM websites.
9. Coverage Guide button: Access vehicle coverage information.
10. Video Tutorials button: Access video tutorial files on scan tool use.
11. What's New button: Preview scan tool features and operations.
12. Settings button: Access tool settings, printer setup, subscription information, software updates, and more.
13. Apps Shortcut button: Access other available Android applications.

Diagram of the Main Menu screen with numbered buttons corresponding to functions.

Selecting a Vehicle

Allows the user to enter a new vehicle or view recently selected vehicles. Select the "Select Vehicle" button, then enter a vehicle one of four ways:

1. Select AutoID: Starts automatic vehicle detection.
2. Select Manual Selection: Manually enter information such as Year, Make, Model, and Engine.
3. Select Recent Vehicles: Choose from a list of previously selected vehicles.
4. Enter VIN: Use the Search by VIN field.

Screenshot of the "Select Vehicle" screen showing the four selection methods.

AutoID®

AutoID automatically selects the vehicle using OBD II Mode 9. It identifies vehicles to quickly set up year, make, model, and engine.

Coverage: AutoID is a fast and accurate way to select a vehicle by retrieving the VIN from the vehicle's on-board computer for OEMs that support this function. The function uses Mode 9 Vehicle Information. Support for Mode 9 varies by OEM and model year. Very few OEMs supported Mode 9 VIN from 1996-2000. From 2000-2004, it was used at OEM discretion. From 2005-2007, many US vehicles responded to Mode 9, and it was CARB advised but not required. From 2008-current, virtually all US vehicles are required to respond to Mode 9.

Screenshot of the "Select Vehicle" screen with AutoID highlighted.

Diagnostic Functions

After selecting a vehicle, the user can begin using diagnostic functions on the vehicle.

Screenshot showing a vehicle selected and diagnostic functions available.

1. Change Vehicle button: Shortcut to the select vehicle screen.
2. Home Button: Shortcut to the Main Menu.
3. Read DTCs: Access menu to select DTC read options (all or specific controllers).
4. Data Stream: Shows live sensor and solenoid data streaming from the vehicle ECU (electronic control unit).
5. All Special Tests: Access the Special Test Menu.
6. Special Tests Shortcut: Access vehicle maintenance tests for specific vehicle systems, providing for recalibration or reset after service.
7. Enhanced Vehicle Scan: Access to scan all available controllers on the selected vehicle for Modes 1-7.
8. Automated System Test (AST): Scans all available controllers on the selected vehicle for Modes 1-7.
9. Diagnostic Information: Provides diagnostic, repair, and reset information for the selected vehicle.
10. Enhanced OBDII: Access manufacturer-specific OBDII parameters and information.
11. Saved Reports: Access saved vehicle scan reports and data stream recordings.
12. Web Browser: Locate saved vehicle scan reports and data stream recordings.
13. Apps Shortcut: Access other available Android applications.

Features

OBDII/DLC Cable

The OBDII/DLC cable has an LED lamp to locate the vehicle DLC and a voltmeter that displays battery voltage.

The LED in the OBDII cable end is activated by a button on the side of the connector, assisting users in finding the vehicle DLC.
The vehicle battery indicator is activated when the OBDII cable is plugged into the vehicle and displays the Pin 16 voltage on the vehicle DLC. A voltage reading below 11.8 Volts indicates "LO", while above 15.5 Volts indicates "HI", highlighting that the battery or charging system needs attention.

Diagram of the OBDII/DLC cable. Labeled: 1. LED Lamp, 2. LED lamp switch, 3. Battery cover, 4. DLC tool connector with voltmeter.

Software Updates

Periodically, updates will become available and the user will be notified via a screen message. To receive updates automatically, connect to Wi-Fi and leave the scan tool on overnight.

Note: The Scan Tool will download updates automatically when connected to the internet. When the download is complete, a pop-up screen will inform the user. To install an update, the scan tool must be connected to the AC power adapter, have over 50% battery life, and not be connected to a vehicle's DLC.

Advanced Features

AutoDetect®

The user interface utilizes graphic "badges" to illustrate when critical information is found. AutoDetect® automatically detects vehicle-specific solutions and graphically alerts the user to on-tool or web-based repair information. To use the Code To Fix® feature, press the Diagnostic Trouble Code to launch the DTC Info screen for access to exclusive experienced-based fixes and repair information for that specific vehicle and DTC.

Screenshots illustrating DTC scan results and the AutoDetect interface.

How to Power Off ADS 525X

a. Press and release the power button.

b. Select "Power Off". The tool will now shut down.

Note: When switching vehicles, it is best to return to the home screen before disconnecting the VCI from the vehicle to avoid communication errors.

Screenshots showing the power off sequence.

Technical Support

Bosch Technical Support: (855) 267-2483

Fax: 1-800-955-8329

Email: techsupport.diagnostics@us.bosch.com

Please record and retain this important information:

Part No: _________________________

Serial No: _________________________

Purchase Date: _________________________

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