Ethos Snap-on User manual
Quick Start Guide
ZEESC321A1 Rev. B
Thank you for your recent purchase of an Snap-on ETHOS® Tech
diagnostic tool. Snap-on Diagnostics is committed to your success
as an automotive professional and welcomes you with the full
support of the Snap-on Diagnostic product team.
Your ETHOS Tech diagnostic tool is designed to provide you with
trouble-free ownership and access to the latest software. With
software updates and upgrades you can install at your convenience,
this gives you access to the latest vehicle information as soon it is
available!
Your ETHOS Tech includes these exclusive features:
•Access to all available software updates, service releases and
upgrades for 3 years via ShopStream-Connect™.
•Built-in popup reminders to check for software updates/upgrades.
•Factory warranty for 3 years.
•Continuous Customer Care support.
•OEM-specific - diagnostic trouble codes, data, functional tests, and
relearn capabilities.
•Domestic, European and Asian vehicle coverage for 1996-newer vehicles.
•Carrying case, power adapter, batteries, USB cable, and vehicle data
cable.
To ensure your warranty is active, and that you have access to the
latest software updates and upgrades, register your ETHOS Tech
today. Register online: http://www.snapon.com/productregistration
Thank you!
Your Snap-on Diagnostic Product Team
1
Contents
Features............................................................................2
Getting Started.................................................................4
Installing the Batteries.................................................4
Connecting the AC/DC Power Supply ........................4
Navigation ........................................................................5
Icons ...........................................................................5
Screen Layout.............................................................6
Basic Operation ...............................................................6
Scanner .........................................................................6
Scanner Operation and Menus ..................................7
Basic Scanner Testing Procedure ..............................7
Scanner Demonstration Mode ....................................8
OBD-II/EOBD ................................................................8
Previous Vehicles and Data ..........................................8
Tools..............................................................................9
ShopStream Connect..................................................9
2
Features
Features
3
Features
Item Description
1
Y/aor Accept Button - Push type button used to accept or confirm a
selection from a menu, advance to the next screen, or provide a “yes”
answer.
2
Directional Button - Thumb pad rocker type buttons used to move the
highlight/focus on the screen up, down, left, and right, as indicated by the
arrows.
3N/X or Cancel Button - Push type button used to exit a menu or
program, return to the previous screen, or provide a “no” answer.
4Shortcut Button - Push type programmable button used to perform a
variety of routine tasks.
5Power (On/Off) Button - Push type button used to turn the ETHOS Tech
on and off. For emergency shutdown, press and hold for 5 seconds.
6 Touch Screen - Allows you to quickly navigate menus and perform tests.
7Mini USB Jack - USB cable connection used to transfer saved data files
to a personal computer.
8
Micro secure digital (uSD) Card - Contains operating system
programming. IMPORTANT The uSD card must be installed to
operate the diagnostic tool. Do not remove the uSD card while the
diagnostic tool is turned on.
9Data Cable Connector - Data cable connection used to connect the
ETHOS Tech to a vehicle data link connector (DLC).
10 Power Supply Adapter - Used to connect the AC/DC power supply to
the ETHOS Tech.
11 Hand Strap (Optional) - A hand strap can be added, to make it easy to
hold and carry the ETHOS Tech with one hand.
12
Built-in Stand (Optional) - A built-in stand can be added for tabletop use.
The stand extends from the back of the ETHOS Tech and clips into place
for storage.
13 Battery Cover - The ETHOS Tech can be powered using 6 AA type
batteries.
AC/DC Power Supply (not shown) - The ETHOS Tech can be powered
from a standard AC outlet using the supplied AD/DC power supply.
4
Getting Started
Getting Started
IMPORTANT:
This Quick Start Guide covers basic tool functions only.
Complete operating instructions and detailed information
can be found in the ETHOS Tech User Manual.
The ETHOS Tech User Manual is on the Documentation CD
provided with your kit, and is also available at:
http://diagnostics.snapon.com.
Before operating, read and understand all instructions and
safety messages in this manual and the accompanying
Important Safety Instructions manual.
To get started using your ETHOS Tech, a power source is required.
Once powered, press and release the power button to turn your
ETHOS Tech on.
The ETHOS Tech can be powered by batteries, the AC/DC power
supply or by vehicle power (through the data cable when connected
to the DLC). The ETHOS Tech automatically turns on when
connected to an external power source, such as the AC/DC power
supply or a vehicle data link connector (DLC).
zInstalling the Batteries
1. Remove the battery cover and install six AA batteries (included)
in the correct polarity. Battery polarity is shown on the battery
slots.
2. Install the battery cover.
zConnecting the AC/DC Power Supply
1. Connect the power supply adapter to the ETHOS Tech data
cable connector.
2. Insert the power supply connector into the power supply
adapter jack, then connect the power supply to the AC power
source.
5
Navigation
Navigation
Icons
Use the touch screen or the control buttons to navigate the
ETHOS Tech functions and menus.
Home Screen Icons
Name Icon Description
Scanner
Used to communicate with the electronic control
systems of a vehicle. Retrieve diagnostic trouble
codes (DTCs), view PID data and perform diagnostic
tests. See “Scanner” on page 5.
OBD-II/
EOBD
Access generic OBD-II/EOBD data and tests without
identifying the vehicle being tested. See “OBD-II/
EOBD” on page 8.
Previous
Vehicles
& Data
Quickly reconfigure the ETHOS Tech to a recently
tested vehicle and access saved data files. See
“Previous Vehicles and Data” on page 8.
Tools
Adjust the ETHOS Tech settings to your personal
preferences and perform other special functions. See
“Tools” on page 8.
Common Toolbar Icons
Name Icon Description
Home Returns to the Home screen.
Back Returns to the previous screen.
Tools Opens the Tools menu.
Save
Writes data from buffer memory to a file. The saved
“movie” file can be accessed for future reference by
selecting Previous Vehicles and Data > View Saved
Data.
6
Basic Operation
Screen Layout
ETHOS Tech screens typically include three sections:
1) Title bar—displays information such as, active test, vehicle ID, current time,
power source indicator and vehicle communication indicator
2) Toolbar—contains test information and control icons
3) Main body—displays menus and test data. A vertical scroll bar
(right-hand edge) displays when there is additional data
Basic Operation
Scanner
Scanner allows the ETHOS Tech to communicate with the
electronic control systems of a vehicle, to retrieve diagnostic trouble
codes (DTCs), view parameter data and perform diagnostic tests.
Scanner testing requires data cable connection to a vehicle data link
connector (DLC). Depending on the vehicle, the supplied DA-4 data
cable may be used alone or may require optional adapters.
7
Scanner Operation and Menus
Scanner Operation and Menus
zBasic Scanner Testing Procedure
1. Launch Scanner—Select the Scanner icon on the Home
screen.
2. Identify the vehicle—Identify the test vehicle by selecting a
vehicle from the menu.
3. Connect the data cable to the vehicle—Follow the onscreen
connection instructions to connect the data cable to the test
vehicle data link connector (DLC).
4. Select the system—Select the vehicle system to be tested
from the systems menu.
5. Select a test—Select the desired function or test from the Main
menu.
Main menu options will vary by the year, make, and model
of the vehicle. Main menu choices may include:
-Codes Menu—displays diagnostic trouble code (DTC) records
from the vehicle electronic control module. Selecting may open
a submenu of viewing options.
-Clear Codes—erases DTC records and other data from the
ECM. This selection is found on a Codes submenu for some
models.
-Data Display— displays PID data from the vehicle electronic
control module. Selecting may open a submenu of viewing
options.
-Functional Tests—provides specific subsystem tests. The
tests vary depending on the manufacturer and model.
-Actuator Tests—similar to functional tests, checks the
operation of certain actuators, such as solenoid valves and
relays.
-Memory Resets—allows you to reprogram adaptive values for
certain components after making repairs. Selecting opens a
submenu. These options are found on the Functional Tests
Menu for some models.
-System Tests—provides specific subsystem testing.
Performing these tests is similar to functional tests.
-Generic Functions—lets you access certain available
Generic OBD II functions from a proprietary menu (1996 and
newer vehicles only).
8
OBD-II/EOBD
Scanner Demonstration Mode
Your ETHOS Tech includes a Scanner demonstration mode that
takes you through a simulated vehicle identification process and
allows you to explore the capabilities of the Scanner function without
actually connecting to a vehicle.
IMPORTANT:
Do not connect the ETHOS Tech to a vehicle while using the
Demonstration mode.
zStarting the Demonstration
1. From the Home screen, select Scanner.
2. Select Demonstration from the manufacturer menu and follow
the menu choices to navigate to the desired system, test and/or
function.
OBD-II/EOBD
OBD-II/EOBD
OBD-II/EOBD allows you to access generic OBD-II/EOBD data and
tests without identifying the vehicle being tested.
Menu options:
•OBD Direct - initiate a test session, check DLC location, or manually
select communication protocol
•OBD-II Health Check - quickly view or clear generic DTCs and check
readiness monitors
Previous Vehicles and Data
Previous Vehicles and Data allows you to save time by quickly
configuring your ETHOS Tech to a recently tested vehicle and to
access saved data files.
Menu options:
•Vehicle History - displays the last twenty-five vehicles tested and
available for selection
•View Saved Data - displays all saved data files, including screen
images
•Delete Saved Data - permanently erases saved data files from
memory
9
Tools
Tools
Tools
Tools allows you to change the ETHOS Tech settings to your
preferences and transfer saved data files to your PC.
Menu options:
•Connect to PC - transfer saved data files to your PC using a USB
cable and ShopStream Connect™(see ShopStream Connect below).
•Configure Shortcut Button - change the function of the Shortcut
button to one of five options
•Settings - change and adjust display and unit measurement settings to
your preferences
•System Information - displays software version, serial number and
system information
ShopStream Connect / Software Updates and
Upgrades
ShopStream Connect (PC-based software), available at
http://diagnostics.snapon.com/ssc allows you to:
•Download software updates from the Internet and install them on your
ETHOS Tech.
•Transfer data files bi-directionally between the ETHOS Tech and your
PC.
•Save and manage your data files on your PC.
•View, and print your data files using your PC.
•Add or edit notes and comments to your data files.
Software service releases (updates) and upgrades are provided
periodically. When the ETHOS Tech is connected to your PC using
SSC, the SSC software will automatically check for upgrades and
provide installation instructions. Follow the screen prompts to
accept, download and install the software.
Complete ShopStream Connect download and operation
instructions can be found in the ShopStream Connect User Manual,
available at: http://diagnostics.snapon.com/usermanuals
Complete ETHOS Tech software upgrade instructions can be found
in the ETHOS Tech User Manual on the CD included with your
ETHOS Tech kit.
10
Trademarks
Snap-on is a trademark, registered in the United States and other countries, of
Snap-on Incorporated. This publication contains many Snap-on Incorporated
trademarks, including but not limited to Snap-on and ETHOS. All other marks
are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Copyright Information
© 2015 Snap-on Incorporated. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liabilities
The information, specifications and illustrations in this manual are based on
the latest information available at the time of printing. While the authors have
taken due care in the preparation of this manual, nothing contained herein:
•Modifies or alters in any way the standard terms and conditions of the
purchase, lease, or rental agreement under the terms of which the
equipment to which this manual relates was acquired.
•Increases in any way the liability to the customer or to third parties.
Snap-on®reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice.
Contact Information
Websites:
Snap-on Diagnostics and Information
•http://diagnostics.snapon.com
ShopStream Connect
•http://diagnostics.snapon.com/ssc
Training and Support
•http://diagnostics.snapon.com/FAQ
Manuals / Technical Documentation
•http://diagnostics.snapon.com/usermanuals
Customer Care and Technical Assistance - Phone / E- mail:
ZEESC321A1 Rev. B30-B-15 NA
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