Matco Tools MaxLiteA User manual

I
MDMAXLITEA
WARNING
1. Always perform automotive testing in a safe environment.
2. Do not connect or disconnect any test equipment while
the ignition is on or the engine is running.
3. DO NOT attempt to operate the tool while driving the
vehicle. Have second personal operate the tool. Any
distraction may cause an accident.
4. Before starting the engine, put the gear lever in the
Neutral position (for manual transmission) or in the Park
(for automatic transmission) position to avoid injury.
5. NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in vicinity of
battery or engine. Do not operate the tool in explosive
atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable
liquids, gases, or heavy dust.
6. Keep a fire extinguisher suitable for gasoline/chemical/
electrical fires nearby.
7. Wear an ANSI-approved eye shield when testing or
repairing vehicles.
8. Put blocks in front of the drive wheels and never leave
the vehicle unattended while testing.
9. Use extreme caution when working around the ignition
coil, distributor cap, ignition wires and spark plugs. These
components create hazardous voltage when the engine
is running.
10. To avoid damaging the tool or generating false data,
please make sure the vehicle battery is fully charged and
the connection to the vehicle DLC (Data Link Connector)
is clear and secure.
11. Automotive batteries contain sulfuric acid that is harmful
to skin. In operation, direct contact with the automotive
batteries should be avoided. Keep the ignition sources
away from the battery at all times.
12. Keep the tool dry, clean, free from oil, water or grease.
Use a mild detergent on a clean cloth to clear the outside
of the equipment when necessary.
13. Keep clothing, hair, hands, tools, test equipment, etc.
away from all moving or hot engine parts.
14. Store the tool and accessories in a locked area out of the
reach of children.
15. Do not use the tool while standing in water.
16. Do not expose the tool or power adapter to rain or wet
conditions. Water entering the tool or power adapter
increases the risk of electric shock.
1 7. 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 various
poisonous compounds (hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide,
nitrogen oxides, etc.) that cause slower reaction time and
result in death or serious personal injury.

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MDMAXLITEA
INTENDED USE OFTHETOOL
Compatible with Passenger cars and commercial vehicles,
the MDMAX4 diagnostic tool is exclusively intended for
professional technicians.
Do not use this tool outside of the designed intent. Never
modify the tool for any other purpose or use.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Made in China
to Matco specifications
FCC Warning
Any Changes or modifications not expressly approved by
the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Note: 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 uses and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more
of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.

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MDMAXLITEA
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician
for help.
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits
set forth for an uncontrolled environment. End user must
follow the specific operating instructions for satisfying RF
exposure compliance.
The device is designed to meet the requirements for
exposure to radio waves est ablished by the Federal
Communications Commission (USA). These requirements
set a SAR limit of 1.6 W/kg averaged over one gram of tissue.
The highest SAR value reported under this standard during
product certification for use when properly worn on the body
is 0.905 W/kg.

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MDMAXLITEA
Table of Contents
1 Introduction ......................................................................1
1.1 Product Profile..................................................................1
1.2 Features ...........................................................................1
1.3 Technical Specifications....................................................2
1.4 Accessory Checklist .........................................................3
2 Components & Controls ..................................................4
3 Preparations......................................................................6
3.1 Charging MaxLiteA..........................................................6
3.2 Power ON/OFF ................................................................6
3.3 Locator & Navigation Buttons..........................................7
3.4 Desktop ...........................................................................7
3.5 Changing Language.........................................................8
3.6 Wi-Fi Setup ......................................................................8
4 Initial Use ..........................................................................9
4.1 User Registration............................................................. 9
4.2 Basic Operations on Diagnostic App ............................. 11
4.2.1 Switch between different function modules ........... 11
4.2.2 How to arrange diagnostic vehicle software icons? 12
4.2.3 How to distinguish if the software is locked or not?12
4.3 Function Modules .......................................................... 12
4.3.1 Diagnostics ............................................................. 12
4.3.2 Toolbox .................................................................... 13
4.4 Diagnostics toolbar ........................................................ 13
5 Start Diagnostics............................................................14
5.1 Connections................................................................... 14
5.2 Start Diagnostics ........................................................... 15
5.2.1 Max VIN (VIN SCAN) ............................................... 15
5.2.2 Manual Diagnosis.................................................... 18
5.3 Maintenance Reset .......................................................29
5.3.1 Oil Reset Service ....................................................29
5.3.2 Electronic Parking Brake Reset...............................30
5.3.3 Steering Angle Calibration.......................................30
5.3.4 ABS Bleeding .......................................................... 30
5.3.5 Tire Pressure Monitor System Reset ......................30
5.3.6 IMMO Service ........................................................30
5.3.7 Injector Coding........................................................ 31
5.3.8 Battery Maintenance System Reset .......................31
5.3.9 Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Regeneration ...........32
5.4 Diagnostic History (Previous Sessions) ........................32
5.5 I/M Readiness................................................................32
5.5.1 Continuous Monitors ..............................................33
5.5.2 Non-Continuous Monitors....................................... 34
5.6 Vehicle Voltage ...............................................................39

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6 Toolbox.............................................................................41
6.1 Saved Reports ............................................................... 41
6.1.1 Health Report ..........................................................41
6.1.2 Recorded Data......................................................... 41
6.1.3 Data Samples ..........................................................42
6.1.4 Shared Data Samples ..............................................42
6.2 Feedback .......................................................................42
6.3 Update...........................................................................42
6.3.1 Update Diagnostic Software & APP........................43
6.3.2 Set Frequently Used software ................................43
6.4 Settings.......................................................................... 43
6.4.1 General....................................................................44
6.4.2 VCI Management ....................................................44
6.4.3 Icon Size..................................................................45
6.4.4 MD Printer Connection ...........................................45
6.4.5 Shop Information ....................................................46
6.4.6 Favorites..................................................................46
6.4.7 Hide or Remove Software.......................................47
6.5 About ............................................................................. 47
Appendix - FAQ..................................................................48

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MDMAXLITEA
1 Introduction
1.1 Product Profile
MaxLiteA is an evolutionary smart solution for specialized
light-duty vehicles diagnosis and maintenance. It inherits
from advanced diagnosing technology and is characterized
by covering a wide range of vehicles, featuring powerful
functions, and providing precise test result.
Through the wired communication between the vehicle and
tablet, it achieves full OBD functions and basic diagnostic
functions of the 4 electronic control systems (ECM, TCM,
ABS and SRS), The diagnostic functions include Reading ECU
information & DTCs, Clearing DTCs and Reading live data.
Moreover, taking advantage of the mobile Internet, it also
integrates One-click Update and Repair Data (MaximusFix).
MaxLiteA adopts a high performance-price ratio display
tablet, which comes loaded with the powerful 4-core 1.5GHz
processor, 2G RAM, and, a physical quick-access keypad a
5” capacitive touch screen with a resolution of 1280 x 720
pixels.
1.2 Features
1. Diagnose:
• MaxVIN: This module allows you to use the VIN
information of the currently identified vehicle to
access its data (including vehicle information, historical
diagnostic records) from the cloud server to perform
quick test.
• Local Diagnosis: To perform diagnosis by executing on-
screen commands step by step. Diagnosis functions
include: Read ECU information & DTCs, Clear DTCs,
Read live data.
• Flexible subscription: In addition to the basic diagnostic
functions, MaxLiteA enables user to extend itself to a
professional diagnostic tool which supports all systems
and all functions by purchasing a “Full Diagnostic” plan.
• Maintenance & Reset: Supports 9 kinds of common
maintenance and reset items, such as Oil lamp reset,
DPF regeneration and ABS bleeding etc.
• Battery Monitor: Monitors the vehicle’ real-time battery
voltage.
• I/M Readiness: I/M refers to Inspection and
Maintenance that is legislated by the Government
to meet federal clean-air standards. I/M Readiness
indicates whether or not the various emissions-related
systems on the vehicle are operating properly and
are ready for Inspection and Maintenance testing.
Moreover, this module also has a direct access to
generic OBD, saving time to enter into the system.
• One-click Update: Lets you update your diagnostic
software online.
• Diagnostic History (Previous Session): Provides a quick
access to the tested vehicles and users can choose to

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1.3 Technical Specifications
Item Description
Operating system Android
CPU 4-core processor, 1.5GHz
Display 5 inch capacitive touch screen
with 1280 x 720 resolution
RAM 2GB
ROM 16GB
Connectivity WLAN (802.11 b/g/n)
Charging via • Power adapter
• Vehicle’s DLC
Touch input & physical
buttons Supported
Working temperature 14oF ~ 122oF
Storage Temperature -4oF ~ 158oF
view the test report or resume from previous diagnostic
session, without the necessity of starting from scratch.
• Pre- and Post- Repair Result Comparison: By comparing
the pre-repair and post-repair report, you can clearly
determine which vehicle issues have been fixed and
which remained unsolved.
• Diagnostic Feedback: Enables you to submit the vehicle
issue to us for analysis and troubleshooting.

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4Password
envelope 1(A piece of paper bearing
Product S/N and Activation
Code, which is required for
your registration.)
1.4 Accessory Checklist
The following accessory items are only for reference. For
detailed items, please consult from the local agency or check
the package list supplied with this tool together.
No. Name Qt. Picture
1 MaxLiteA tablet 1
2 Diagnostic cable 1
(To connect to vehicle’s
DLC.)
3Power adapter &
charging cable 1
(To supply power to the
tablet through connection
to AC outlet)

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2 Components & Controls
There are two main components to the MaxLiteA system:
• MaxLiteA Tablet -- the central processor and monitor for
the system (For details, please refer to Chapter 2.1.)
Fig. 2-1
• Diagnostic Cable -- A cable for connecting the tablet to the
vehicle’s DLC (For details, please refer to Chapter 2.2.)
Fig. 2-2
Fig. 2-3 MaxLiteA Tablet
Table 2-1 formulates ports and indicators of MaxLiteA tablet:

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No. Name & Descriptions
1DB-15 diagnostic connector -- To connect to vehicle's
DLC (Data Link Connector) via diagnostic cable.
2Power/Screen Lock Button -- To turn the tablet on/off
with long press, or lock the screen with short press.
3OK -- Confirms a selection (or action) from a menu
list.
4
/ -- Move cursor up and down for selection.
/ -- Move cursor left or right for selection; Or
turn page up and down when more than one page
is displayed.
5BACK -- Exit the current program or return to the
previous screen.
6HOME -- Press to the home(Job menu) screen.
7 Audio Speaker
8 5" Capacitive Touch Screen
9Charging LED -- Red means charging and Green
means fully charged.
10
Charging/Data I/O Port -- Connects the power
adapter to the AC outlet to charge the tablet /
Connects to a PC to exchange data.

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1. Insert one end of the included
charging cable into the power
adapter.
2. Connect the other end to the
charging port of the tablet.
3. Plug the power adapter into
the AC outlet.
4. After the battery is
fully charged and the
charging complete
symbol replaces
the charging symbol.
Disconnect the power
adapter from the AC
outlet.
3 Preparations
3.1 Charging MaxLiteA
Notes:
• Only use the included power adapter to recharge the
tablet. Use of any other adapter will damage the tool. We
assume no responsibility for damage or loss resulting
from using other similar adapters other than the specified
one.
• Always charge on a non-flammable surface in a well-
ventilated area.
1. To check the battery
power level, press and
hold the Power button
about 3 seconds to turn
on the tablet.
2. Power level is indicated as
a percentage in the upper
right corner of the screen.
If the power level drops
below 10% while the
tablet is on, a "Connect
Charger" notification will
appear on the screen.
Charging with the Included 5V Power Adapter
Charging via vehicle DLC port
1. Plug one end of the
diagnostic cable into the DB-
15 diagnostic connector of
the tablet.
2. Connect the other end to
the vehicle’s DLC (Data Link
Connector) port.
3. After the battery is
fully charged and the
charging complete
symbol replaces
the charging symbol.
3.2 Power ON/OFF
Note: If it is the first time you use the tablet or the tablet
keeps idle for a long time, it could fail to be turned on. It
results from low battery. In this case, please recharge it for a
while and try to turn it on.

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1. Press and hold the POWER but-
ton for about 3 seconds to turn
on the tablet. The system starts
initializing and then enters the
home screen.
2. To turn the tablet off,
press and hold the
POWER button until
an option menu
appears. Tap on
"Power Off".
3.3 Locator & Navigation Buttons
On-screen keys and status bar are as follows:
1
Tap
on
to return to the previous screen or exit the
application. Alternatively user can perform the same
function by pressing the
button on the tool.
2
Tap on
to navigate to the Android System’s home
screen. Alternatively user can perform the same
function by pressing the
button on the tool.
3
Tap on
to display a list of applications that are
currently running or recently used. To open an
application, tap on it. To remove an application, swipe
it upwards.
4
Tap on to capture the current screen and all
captured screenshots are stored in the Screenshots
folder.
3.4 Desktop
Adjusting Screen Brightness
The tablet is equipped with a built-in light intensity sensor. It
can adjust the screen brightness according to the ambient
light intensity automatically. Alternatively, you can also adjust
it manually.
1. On the home screen, tap on
Settings ->Display ->Bright-
ness.
2. Drag the slider to adjust it.
Tips: Reducing the
brightness of the
screen is helpful to
save the power of the
tablet.
Setting Standby Time
If no activities are made within the defined standby period,
the screen will be locked automatically and the system
enters sleep mode to save power. To set the standby time
interval:
1. On the home screen, tap on
Settings -> Display -> Sleep.
2. Choose the desired
sleep time.

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3.5 Changing Language
MaxLiteA supports multiple languages. To change the
language of the tablet, please do the following:
1. On the home screen, tap
on Settings -> Language &
Input -> Languages.
2. Tap on “Add a language”
and choose the desired lan-
guage from the list.
3. Tap and hold the desired
language, drag it to the
top of the screen and
release. The system will
change to the chosen
language.
3.6 Wi-Fi Setup
MaxLiteA has built-in Wi-Fi that can be used to get online.
Once you’re online, you can register your tool, update
diagnostic software & APK and send email on your network.
Note: Once WLAN is set as ON, the tablet will consume
more power. While it keeps unused, please set it off to
save power. While WLAN is not in use, please turn it off to
conserve battery power.
Connect to a Wi-Fi Network
1. On the home screen, tap
on Settings > WLAN.
2. Move the Wi-Fi switch
to ON, the tablet starts
searching for available wire-
less LANs.
3. Select the desired Wi-Fi
network from the list. If
the chosen network is
open, you can connect
directly. A password
may be required for se-
cured networks.
Disconnect from a Wi-Fi Network
1. On the home screen, tap
on Settings > WLAN.
2. Tap on the network with
a “Connected” status,
then tap on “Forget”.

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4 Initial Use
4.1 User Registration
Users need to go through an sign-up process before using
this tool.
Notes:
• Before registering, please make sure that your tablet has
a strong and stable Wi-Fi signal.
• While activating device, the Serial number and Verification
code can be found in the included password envelope. To
obtain Activation code, please contact with your dealer.
Follow the steps below to proceed:
1. Tap on “MaxLite” on the home screen to Fig. 4-1.
Fig.4-1
A. For new user, tap on “REGISTER BASIC MODE” to go to
step 2.
B. “REGISTER FULL SOFTWARE” enables you to choose the
coverage that works for you.
2. Fill in your account information and device information and
then tap on “ACTIVATE” to enter Fig. 4-3.
Notes:
Serial number is a 12-digit number starting with 98 -- you
can find it on the back of your tool.
Verification code is a 8-digit number stored in the Private &
Confidential sheet.
Activation code is printed on the receipt, or consult your
dealer for it.
Fig.4-2

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On-screen Buttons:
Recover Current Device Activation: If you have already
activated your MaxLiteA, tap on it to navigate to the
following screen.
Input Serial number, Email address and Password, and then
tap on “SUBMIT” to sign in and go to Fig. 4-3.
Click Here to Reset Password: If you forgot the password,
tap on it to go to the following screen.
Follow the on-screen instructions to reset a new password.
3. Tap on “RUN DIAGNOSTICS” to launch diagnostics. See
Fig. 4-4.
Fig.4-3
On-screen Buttons:
Sign Out: Tap on it to log out the system.
Update Profile: Tap on it to modify personal information.
Update App: If a newer App version is detected, this option
will appear on the screen. Tap on it to keep synchronized
with the latest version. Once updated, this option will
disappear (Note: To perform this function, a stable network
signal is required).
4. Tap on “ ” on the top left-hand corner of the screen (Fig.
4-4) to switch to the Toolbox module. See Fig. 4-5.

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MDMAXLITEA
Fig. 4-4
Fig. 4-5
Note: If a red dot appears on upper right corner of the
Update logo, it indicates newer software is available.
5. Tap on “Update” to enter the update center.
Fig.4-6
Make sure all brands are selected, tap on “Update” to start
updating.
Tap on the “OK” button on the pop-up message box when
update is complete.
Note: Download and installation will take approximately 10
minutes depending on the internet connection.
4.2 Basic Operations on Diagnostic App
4.2.1 Switch between different function modules
There are 2 function modules available on the MaxLiteA:
Diagnostics and Toolbox.

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Fig. 4-7
Swipe in from the left/right edge of the screen to switch
between function modules.
Alternatively, you can also tap on on the upper left corner
of the screen to toggle between Diagnostics and Toolbox.
4.2.2 How to arrange diagnostic vehicle software
icons?
All software icons, by default are organized by the system.
Many display rules are available to meet your preference.
To re-organize it, press and hold certain software icon, an
option menu pops up on the screen. Choose the display rule
and the system will arrange the icon as desired.
If you choose “Pin to the top”, the icon will be displayed on
the top of the screen and marked with an orange solid dot.
4.2.3 How to distinguish if the software is locked or
not?
If the software is locked, tap on it to display the latest
software summary. In this case, you need to purchase the
software to unlock its content. Once it is unlocked, the
software icon will turn into orange.
4.3 Function Modules
There are 2 function modules available on the MaxLiteA:
Diagnostics and Toolbox.
4.3.1 Diagnostics
It mainly includes the following items:
Automotive
Configures MaxLiteA to operate
as a diagnostic tool exclusively for
passenger cars.
Max VIN (VIN Scan) and Manual
Diagnosis are supported.
Service Resets
To perform all kinds of common
repair & maintenance items, including
electronic throttle position reset, ABS
bleeding, oil lamp reset and DPF
regeneration etc.

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MDMAXLITEA
Previous Sessions
When a vehicle diagnosis is
performed, MaxLiteA records the
detailed diagnostic information. This
function provides a quick access to
the previously tested vehicles. Testing
can be resumed from the previous
operation without starting from scratch.
4.3.2 Toolbox
It mainly includes the following items:
Maximus Fix
This modules allows you to access
full instructions, flow charts, wiring
diagrams and more to walk through
how to fix and finish the job.
(Note: Contact your Matco distributor
for information on how to get the
Maximus Fix.)
TPMS Database A brief tutorial on how to perform
TPMS functions.
Saved Report Includes Health report, Recorded Data,
Remote Report and Data Samples.
Feedback
This item allows you to feedback your
diagnostic problems to us for analysis
and troubleshooting.
Update To update vehicle diagnostic software
and APK.
DTC Information Quickly retrieve more detailed
definitions of the DTCs.
Settings
To make some system settings,
including VCI Management, MD Printer
Connection, Shop Information, Icon
Size and Hide/Remove Software etc.
About Includes FAQ, Vehicle Coverage, Quick
Start Guide and User Manual etc.
4.4 Diagnostics toolbar
The diagnostics toolbar contains a number of buttons that
enables various procedures. It is hidden under at the top
of the vehicle diagnostic screens throughout the diagnostic
session. Refer to the table below for a brief description of
the functions of the diagnostics toolbar buttons.
Print
Tap on it to print the current screen.
To perform printing, you need to
purchase an extra Wi-Fi printer
separately.
Exit Session Tap on it to exit the current diagnostic
session.

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MDMAXLITEA
5 Start Diagnostics
5.1 Connections
Follow the steps mentioned below to connect the vehicle:
1. Turn OFF the ignition key.
Fig. 5-1
2. Locate vehicle’s DLC socket: The DLC (Data Link
Connector) is the standardized 16-cavity connector where
diagnostic code readers interface with the vehicle’s on-
board computer. It is usually located 12 inches from the
center of the instrument panel (dash), under or around
the driver’s side for most vehicles. If Data Link Connector
is not located under dashboard, a label should be there
telling location. For 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, refer to the vehicle’s service
manual for the location.
Fig. 5-2
3. Plug one end of the diagnostic cable to DB-15 connector
of the tablet, and tighten the captive screws. Connect the
other end to the vehicle’s OBD II DLC (Note: Make sure
that Vehicle battery voltage range should be 11.4-14V).
Fig. 5-3

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MDMAXLITEA
Fig. 5-5
Note: Some 1994 and 1995 vehicles have 16-pin
connectors but are not OBD II compliant. Only those
vehicles with a Vehicle Emissions Control Label stating
“OBD II Certified” are OBD II compliant.
4. Turn ON the ignition key.
5.2 Start Diagnostics
On the Diagnostics page, tap on “Automotive” to enter the
vehicle selection page.
2 approaches are provided for you to access the vehicle
diagnostic software.
5.2.1 Max VIN (VIN SCAN)
When the MaxLiteA tablet is properly connected to
the vehicle’s DLC, you can easily get the VIN (Vehicle
Identification Number) information of the currently identified
vehicle. Once the VIN is successfully identified, the system
will retrieve it from the remote server and then guide you to
vehicle information page without the necessity of step-by-
step manual menu selection (early model may need manual
This tool is specially designed to work with all OBD II
compliant vehicles, including Controller Area Network (CAN).
It is required by EPA that all 1996 and newer vehicles (cars
and light trucks) sold in the United States must be OBD II
compliant and this includes all American, Asian and European
vehicles.
A small number of 1994 and 1995 model year gasoline
vehicles are OBD II compliant. To verify if a 1994 or 1995
vehicle is OBD II compliant, check the following:
1. Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) Label. It is
located under the hood or by the radiator of most vehicles.
If the vehicle is OBD II compliant, the label will designate
“OBD II Certified”.
Fig. 5-4
2. Government regulations mandate that all OBD II compliant
vehicles must have a “common” 16-pin Data Link
Connector (DLC).