Drew Technologies DashDAQ Series II User manual

DashDAQ Series II
Instruction Manual
2
Dear Customer,
Congratulations! You have just purchased the
most power ul, sophisticated, and easy to use
automotive data logger ever created. The DashDAQ
Series II gives everyone access to the power ul
in ormation embedded in their vehicle. When it
comes to automotive per ormance, knowledge is
horsepower.
The DashDAQ Series II works with any OBDII
vehicle. It can also be itted to any other vehicle
using optional add-ons. Now you have a device that
captures in ormation on your new vehicle as well as
your vintage one.
This is an exciting time or vehicle
per ormance, and the more you know about your
vehicle the more you can get out o it. The
DashDAQ gives automotive enthusiasts the edge in
knowing their vehicle, new or old.
Drew Technologies would like to thank you on
your decision to buy the DashDAQ Series II.
However you use your DashDAQ, we know you will
be satis ied with all aspects o the product. You
demand the best, we deliver the best.
Thank You,
Drew Technologies, Inc.

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Table Of Contents
1 Installation...................................... 9
1.1 SAFETY FIRST! ..................................................... 9
1.2 Attaching Windshield Mount ................................... 9
1.3 Windshield Mounting ............................................ 10
1.4 Mounting suggestions:.......................................... 10
1.5 Cable Routing....................................................... 10
1.6 OBDII Connector .................................................. 11
1.7 Connections.......................................................... 12
1.8 SD Memory Card.................................................. 14
2 Basic Operation ............................ 15
2.1 Low Power Mode.................................................. 15
2.2 Menu Navigation................................................... 16
2.3 Main Menu Buttons............................................... 18
2.4 Menu Map............................................................. 19
2.5 New Vehicle Setup ............................................... 20
3 Gauge Setup & Na igation ........... 21
3.1 Navigating Gauges: .............................................. 21
3.2 Assign a Signal to a Gauge .................................. 22
3.3 Set Gauge Min/Max Values .................................. 23
3.4 Set Gauge High/Low Warning .............................. 24
3.5 Setting Signal/Graph Colors ................................. 24
3.6 Data Logging ........................................................ 26
4 DashDAQ Setup Menu................... 29
4.1 Installed Devices................................................... 29
4.2 Clock..................................................................... 33
4.3 Install From SD Card ............................................ 34
4.4 Backup To SD Card.............................................. 35
4.5 Startup Splash Screen.......................................... 36
4.6 De ault Power-up Screen...................................... 36
4.7 Dashboard Theme................................................ 37
4.8 Backlight Brightness ............................................. 38
4.9 Log ile Pre ix......................................................... 39
5 Diagnostic Code Reader............... 40
6 Performance Measurements ........ 42
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7 Dyno Calculator............................ 44
8 Fuel Economy Calculator ............. 48
9 Parameters ................................... 51
10 Third Party Accessory Setup ....... 51
11 Updating DashDAQ....................... 52
11.1 Install the Windows driver..................................... 52
11.2 Update your DashDAQ:........................................ 55
12 APPENDIX..................................... 57
12.1 Support................................................................. 57
12.2 Technical Speci ications ....................................... 58
12.3 Limited Warranty .................................................. 59
12.4 Accessory Cable Pin Out...................................... 60

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Components
Included with
DashDAQ
• Display Unit
• Windshield
Mount and our
Screws
• USB Cable
• OBDII Cable
• So tware CD
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Optional DashDAQ Accessories
• DashDAQ Accessory Cable or analog and
serial connectivity. This cable allows you to
add two 0-5 volt sensors, as well as many
other third party data collection devices. The
DashDAQ Accessory cable can be obtained
rom Drew Technologies, or your DashDAQ
dealer.
• SD Memory Card

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IMPORTANT!
THIS IS A HIGH PERFORMANCE PRODUCT,
USE AT YOUR OWN RISK
Do not use this product until you have care ully read the ollowing
agreement. This sets orth the terms and conditions or the use o this
product. The installation o this product indicates the BUYER has read
and understands this agreement and accepts its terms and conditions.
This agreement takes precedence.
DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
Drew Technologies and its successors, distributors, jobbers, and
dealers (herea ter SELLER) shall in no way be responsible or the
product’s proper use and serviceability.
THE BUYER HEREBY WAIVES ALL LIABILITY CLAIMS.
The BUYER acknowledges that he/she is not relying on the SELLER’s
skill or judgment to select or urnish goods suitable or any particular
purpose and that there are no liabilities which extend beyond the
description on the ace hereo and the BUYER hereby waives all
remedies or liabilities, expressed or implied, arising by law or otherwise,
(including without any obligations o the SELLER with respect to itness,
merchantability, and consequential damages) or whether or not
occasioned by the SELLER’s negligence. The SELLER disclaims any
warranty and expressly disclaims any liability or personal injury or
damages. The BUYER acknowledges and agrees that the disclaimer o
any liability or person injury is a material term or this agreement and
the BUYER agrees to indemni y the SELLER and to hold the SELLER
harmless rom any claim related to the item o the equipment
purchased. Under no circumstances will the SELLER be liable or
damages or expenses by reason o use or sale o any such equipment.
The SELLER assumes no liability regarding the improper installation or
misapplication o its products. It is the installer’s responsibility to check
or proper installation and i in doubt, contact the manu acturer.
IN THE EVENT THAT THE BUYER DOES NOT AGREE WITH THIS
AGREEMENT: THE BUYER MAY PROMPTLY RETURN THIS
PRODUCT, IN A NEW AND UNUSED CONDITION, WITH A DATED
PROOF OF PURCHASE, TO THE PLACE OF PURCHASE FOR A
FULL REFUND. THE INSTALLATION OF THIS PRODUCT INDICATES
THAT THE BUYER HAS READ AND UNDERSTANDS THIS
AGREEMENT AND ACCEPTS ITS TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
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Warning: Minnesota and Cali ornia
state laws clearly a irm that no person
shall drive any motor vehicle with any
object or material placed, displayed, installed,
a ixed, or applied in or upon the windshield or side
windows or anywhere else which obstructs or
reduces the driver's clear view through the
windshield or side windows. Drew Technologies
does not take any responsibility or any ines,
penalties, or damages that may be incurred as a
result o disregarding this notice. (See Minnesota
Statutes 2005, Section 169.71 and Cali ornia
Vehicle Code Section 26708(a)). Similar laws may
apply within your province or state. Please veri y
your provincial or state laws prior to installation.
Warning: When mounting the DashDAQ
to the windshield, place the device in a
location where it does not obstruct the
driver’s view o the road and does not
inter ere with vehicle controls and sa ety devices or
the sa e operation o your vehicle.

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1 Installation
1.1 SAFETY FIRST!
The installation o the DashDAQ must be done in
such a manner that it does not inter ere with the
sa e operation o your vehicle. I you can not mount
the DashDAQ such a manner, Promptly return the
DashDAQ, in a new and unused condition, with a
dated proo o purchase, to the place o purchase
or a ull re und.
1.2 Attaching Windshield Mount
1. Remove these two items rom packaging:
a. Display Unit
b. Windshield Mount
2. Line up the our holes on the windshield
mount and thread each o the our screws
into the display unit.
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3. Using a Phillips head screwdriver, lightly
tighten each o the our screws. Note: Over
tightening can possibly damage your
DashDAQ. Tighten the screws so they are
snug, no more.
1.3 Windshield Mounting
Your DashDAQ must be mounted on your
windshield in a spot that does not obstruct your
view o the road or in any way inter ere with the
sa e operation o your vehicle.
1.4 Mounting suggestions:
Find your OBDII port on your vehicle. Plug in the
DashDAQ OBDII connector. Route your cable
sa ely, (see “Cable Routing” below) and note
where it reaches. Mount the DashDAQ in a spot
that does not obstruct your view based on where
the cable ends.
• Mount the DashDAQ as low to your
dashboard as possible.
• A mount to le t or in the middle works well.
1.5 Cable Routing
The DashDAQ OBDII cable must be routed in your
vehicle in a manner that doesn’t inter ere with sa e
operation o your vehicle.

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Cable routing tips:
• Find your OBDII connector irst and work the
cable to where it is to be mounted on the
windshield.
• Route your DashDAQ OBDII cable between
interior panel grooves. These grooves will
hold the cable as well as conceal it.
• Use wire or zip ties to bundle any excess
cable.
Cable routing “Don’ts”
• Don’t let your cable dangle by your eet.
• Don’t let the cable hang ree.
• Keep the cable away rom the steering wheel
and any steering column controls.
• Golden Rule: I the cable looks to be routed
poorly, it most likely is.
1.6 OBDII Connector
The OBDII or “data link” connector is the basis o
DashDAQ operation. Power as well as all vehicle
in ormation comes rom this vehicle link.
Most OBDII connections are ound directly below
the steering column. It should be in plain sight. I
you cannot ind your OBDII connector have a local
mechanic show you where it is.
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1.7 Connections
Analog and
serial input
port or
optional
Accessory
cable. OBDII Port
Audio Port
USB Port.
This port used
or updating
DashDAQ.

13
Connections (cont.)
USB Ports
Power Button
MMC SD Memory
Card Slot
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1.8 SD Memory Card
Always insert and remove the memory card with
the DashDAQ powered o . The SD Memory card
needs to be inserted with the gold connections
acing towards you as you look at the screen. Press
the card into the DashDAQ until you hear a click. I
the card sticks out at all, it has not been pushed in
all the way.
To remove, press the card in until you hear the
click again. Release and the card will come all the
way out.

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2 Basic Operation
This section describes the basic operation o the
DashDAQ.
2.1 Low Power Mode
The DashDAQ has a low power mode built in as a
power and time saving convenience. This mode
can be activated rom the small black button on the
ront le t o the DashDAQ. Low power mode keeps
you rom having to wait or the DashDAQ to start
up. It has three unctions:
• Press and release this button quickly while
the DashDAQ is on. The screen will go o ,
but the unit will still be on. Press the button
again and the DashDAQ will instantly come
back on.
• Press and hold the small black button or 3
seconds. The screen will go black. Now the
DashDAQ is completely o .
• Press again to power the DashDAQ back up.
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2.2 Menu Na igation
When your DashDAQ irst starts up, a boot screen
will appear. Please wait.
Whenever the warning screen appears, read
care ully.
I you agree and want to continue, tap the [I Accept]
button. I you do not agree, please disconnect your
DashDAQ and contact Drew Technologies or a
return authorization.

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Tapping the tap the [I Accept] button will cause the
gauge screen to appear:
The [<<] and [>>] arrow buttons at the bottom allow
you to cycle through di erent gauge layouts.
The [Main Menu] button in the lower right corner
takes you to the main menu where you can access
all o DashDAQ’s eatures.
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2.3 Main Menu Buttons
The [Diags] button takes you to the DashDAQ code
reader. Here you can view and clear codes on any
OBDII vehicle.
The [Setup] button gives access to con iguration
options o the DashDAQ. (See DashDAQ Setup
Menu)
The [Per ormance] button will direct you to 1/4-mile,
1/8-mile and 0-60 per ormance measurements.
Select your Vehicle speed sensor and you are
ready to go.
The [Gauges] button takes you directly to the
Gauges screen.
The [New Vehicle] button should be used every
time you connect to a new vehicle. Follow the on
screen instructions. The DashDAQ will
automatically ind all signals that your vehicle
supports. (See New Vehicle Setup)
This button allows you to view and change how the
input signals are displayed.

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2.4 Menu Map
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2.5 New Vehicle Setup
The DashDAQ was designed to be used on any
OBDII vehicle. OBDII vehicles have many “signals”
or “parameters” that can be viewed. Each vehicle
you connect the DashDAQ into will have a di erent
set o parameters or signals available. Run the
New Vehicle unction every time you plug the
DashDAQ into a di erent vehicle. I this is not
done, parameters may show up on the list that
don’t work and parameters that are available may
not be displayed.
The New Vehicle setup:
1. Plug your DashDAQ into the vehicle.
Make sure your vehicle is running and the
DashDAQ is on.
2. Go to the DashDAQ main menu. Tap
[New Vehicle].
3. Follow the on screen instructions. When
the DashDAQ tells you how many signals
are available, you are done.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 every time you connect
the DashDAQ to a new vehicle.

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3 Gauge Setup & Na igation
This section describes how to setup gauges and
navigate.
3.1 Na igating Gauges:
To access DashDAQ gauges, tap on [Gauges] rom
the Main Menu. The last gauge layout you selected
or this screen will be displayed.
To change gauge layouts, tap on the [<<] and [>>]
buttons. Here are a ew examples:
Every gauge and box can be assigned a
parameter/signal.
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3.2 Assign a Signal to a Gauge
Be ore speci ying what signal you would like a
gauge to display, make sure the New Vehicle
procedure has been completed.
1. To assign a signal to a gauge, select a
gauge screen. Tap on the gauge where you
would like a signal to display. This screen
will appear:
2. Tap on [Assign Signal]. Notice the [<] and [>]
buttons at the top o the screen.
These allow to switch which DashDAQ input you
would like to use (Optional Accessories). OBDII is
the de ault. Pick which signal you would like to
monitor and tap [Save].

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3.3 Set Gauge Min/Max Values
The DashDAQ allows users to speci y the data
range or each gauge. Tap on the [Minimum] button
to set the bottom value or a gauge. Tap on the
[Maximum] button to set the top o the gauge.
When you tap on either [Minimum] or [Maximum]
this screen will appear:
Tap in the desired value. Tap [+/-] to make this
value negative.
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3.4 Set Gauge High/Low Warning
The High/Low Warning allows users to set the
visual representation o “redline” on a gauge.
For example: I the gauge has a maximum value o
6,000 and you set a High Warning o 5,000, the
gauge will visually represent a “danger zone” on
the gauge.
To set a High/Low Warning:
1. Tap on the gauge that a High/Low Warning is
to be set.
2. At the Assign Signal screen, tap on either
High or Low Warning.
3. Tap the numbers to enter the desired value.
Tap [+/-] to make the value negative. Tap
[Save].
4. Tape [Save] at the Assign Signal screen to
go back to the gauges.
3.5 Setting Signal/Graph Colors

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The DashDAQ allows users to assign di erent
colors to the signals assigned to a particular
gauge. The signal will be displayed in the color
chosen. To change color values:
1. Tap on a signal box .
2. Tap on the red, green, and blue swatch in the
corner o the box.
3. Now tap on the color to select. Tap [Save].
4. Tap [Save] in the Set Gauge Properties
window to return to the gauges.
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3.6 Data Logging
The DashDAQ is not only a power ul gauge
display, it can also log and save all in ormation
represented on the gauges. This in ormation is
saved to a Microso t Excel *.csv ile to an inserted
SD memory card. This allows you to view and
graph saved vehicle parameters any way they like.
To begin logging:
1. Find a particular gauge layout rom which
you would like to capture in ormation. Set all
gauges with the signals you would like to
log.
Note: I you pick a gauge layout with seven gauges,
you can log up to seven parameters/signals to the
log ile.
2. Tap on [Start Log]. The signals you were
monitoring will be saved to the SD card with
a timestamp. You can continue to monitor

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the signals displayed on the gauges.
3. When inished with your log session tap
[End Log]. Your results are now saved to the
memory card.
Each time you go through the above three steps,
the DashDAQ saves one ile on the SD memory
card. The ile is saved in a directory called “log.”
Each saved ile has a log pre ix. The de ault pre ix
is “log” and can be changed to your liking.
To change the log pre ix:
1. From the Main Menu, tap on [Setup].
2. Using the top [<] [>] arrow buttons, move
through the various con iguration menus
until you reach the Log ile Pre ix option.
Tap on the highlighted [log] in the black box. This
screen appears:
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3. Enter the desired name o the log ile pre ix.
Example: TestDrag. Now tap [Save]. Note:
Now all log iles will be saved in numerical
order with the name you entered. Example:
TestDrag0000.csv.
To view saved log iles: remove the SD memory
card rom the DashDAQ. Place the memory card
into a SD card reader and attach to your PC. Open
the contents o the card. Your log iles are saved in
the “logs” directory on your card. You can open
your log iles in Microso t Excel or any other
spreadsheet program that accepts *.csv iles.

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4 DashDAQ Setup Menu
This section describes the setup menu.
4.1 Installed De ices
The Installed Devices section o the setup menu is
what makes DashDAQ truly unique. So tware
drivers are written by Drew Technologies so that
third party devices like Innovate Motorsports,
Blackline GPS, and PLX Devices can be connected
to DashDAQ. Other drivers are available that can
calculate real-time vehicle statistics like
horsepower and torque.
Every connection type has a driver that is speci ied
in the Installed Devices setup option. OBDII,
analog, and third party accessories are speci ied
or use here. A ter a particular driver is loaded, the
signal/s that are speci ied in the driver will show up
in the signal selection screen when you tap on a
gauge.
Here is an example o setting up the drivers or an
Innovate LC-1 wideband oxygen sensor:
1. Tap [Setup] rom the Main Menu.
2. Navigate to the Installed Devices setup option
by tapping [<] or [>]. Notice that the drivers
are organized by letter (a, b, c, etc).
30
3. Tap on a blank space that corresponds to the
letter you would like the driver assigned to.
4. Tap [Change]. This screen appears:
5. Tap [Driver].

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6. To select the Innovate LC-1, use the [<] or [>]
buttons to navigate to the “Wideband”
selection.
7. Tap [Innovate LC-1] to highlight the Innovate
LC-1 driver. Tap [Save].
8. Tap [Save] again. Tap [Save] once more at
the Installed Device setup window.
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To make use o the driver a ter it has been
selected:
1. Tap on [Gauges] rom the Main Menu.
2. Tap on a gauge you would like to assign the
Innovate LC-1 signal to.
3. Tap [Assign Signal].
4. Use the [<] or [>] buttons to navigate to the
Innovate LC-1 heading. Tap [Air-Fuel Ratio]
to highlight.
5. Tap [Save]. Tap [Save] again at the Assign
Signal Screen.
This procedure can be repeated or all drivers
ound in the Installed Devices setup option.

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4.2 Clock
The clock setup option allows the user to set the on
board clock to current time and date. This
in ormation will be time-stamped into all log iles
that you make.
To set the time and date:
1. Tap on [Setup] rom the Main Menu. Using
the top [<] or [>] buttons scroll to the Clock
option.
2. Tap [Set Clock].
3. Now tap on the arrows to make the correct
adjustments to the values.
4. Now tap [Save]. Tap [Save] again to make
your changes permanent.
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4.3 Install From SD Card
This setup option allows you to install various user
licenses, drivers, and Con ig iles. These iles can
be saved with the Backup To SD Card option.
To install any o these three items:
1. Tap on [Setup] rom the Main Menu. Using
the top [<] or [>] buttons scroll to the “Install
From SD Card” option.
2. Tap on the item you would like to install rom
the SD Card. When it is highlighted, tap
[Install].
3. Various licenses, drivers, and con ig iles can
be saved to the SD card. Select which ile
you would like to install and tap [Ok].
4. Follow the onscreen prompts to make sure
your ile is installed success ully.

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4.4 Backup To SD Card
Backup to SD is the setup option that allows you to
backup various user speci ic setting o the
DashDAQ. One example is backing up the gauge
setup or all dashboard themes and gauge layouts
within each theme. This is done by backing up
“Con ig File.”
To back a speci ic license, driver, or con ig ile:
1. Tap on [Setup] rom the Main Menu. Using
the top [<] or [>] buttons scroll to the “Backup
To SD Card” option.
2. Tap on the ile you would like to backup.
When the ile is highlighted, tap [Backup].
3. Follow the onscreen prompts to make sure
your ile is backed up success ully.
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4.5 Startup Splash Screen
This setup option allows you choose which image
ile you would like to be displayed when the
DashDAQ starts up.
4.6 Default Power-up Screen
The De ault Power-up Screen setting allows you to
choose which screen the DashDAQ brings up irst
whenever it is turned on or rebooted.

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4.7 Dashboard Theme
The DashDAQ has a very power ul graphical
inter ace that allows its users to change the look
and eel o the gauges. Each theme has di erent
gauge layouts. The Dashboard Theme option gives
users the ability to switch between these “skins.” By
tapping on a speci ic theme name and tapping
[Save], the new skin will be instantly loaded.
Gauge layouts will change between various
themes.
When you tap on [Gauges] rom the Main Menu
you will notice the gauges are much di erent. The
DashDAQ saves gauge signal assignments across
each theme so that you will never have to reassign
gauge parameters twice. This also serves to add
more gauge and signal combinations.
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4.8 Backlight Brightness
The Backlight Brightness setup option allows you to
change how bright the screen is.

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4.9 Logfile Prefix
The Log ile Pre ix is the name that is attached to
the beginning o a log ile. When you tap “Start Log”
rom a gauge screen a ile is instantly created on
your SD card in Microso t Excel Format. This ile is
given a name based on the log ile pre ix and the
number o log iles already on the memory card.
This allows you to change the name o your log
iles or speci ic events, ex: Milan_10_10_2007.
Tap on “log.”
Now you can enter your pre erred pre ix and tap
“Save”.
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5 Diagnostic Code Reader
The DashDAQ comes with so tware to be a ully
unctional code reader. I your check engine light
comes on, you can check your vehicles diagnosis
o the problem. Once you have read the codes, you
can clear them to turn the check engine light o .
To view and clear diagnostic trouble codes:
1. From the Main Menu tap on Diags.
2. This screen will appear:
3. Turn your key to the on position. Your vehicle
does not need to be running.
4. Tap [Read Codes]. I your check engine light
is on, the diagnostic trouble code/s will be
displayed along with a short description o
the code.
5. To clear the diagnostic trouble codes, tap
[Clear Codes]. You will be asked i you want
to clear the codes.