Nexas Nl100 User manual

NexLink NL100 OBD/EOBD Code Reader

NEXAS

User Manual

www.nexastech.com

V1.1

NexLink NL100 User Manual

Disclaimer

All information, illustrations, and specifications contained in this manual are

based on the latest information available at the time of publication. The right is

reserved to make change at any time without notice.

Safety Precautions and Warnings

To prevent personal injury or damage to vehicles and/or the NL100, please

read this user’s manual first carefully and observe the following safety

precautions at a minimum whenever working on a vehicle:

Always perform automotive testing in a safe environment.

Do not attempt to operate or observe the tool while driving a vehicle.

Operating or observing the tool will cause driver distraction and could

cause a fatal accident.

Wear safety eye protection that meets ANSI standards.

Keep clothing, hair, hands, tools, test equipment, etc. away from all moving

or hot engine parts.

Operate the vehicle in a well-ventilated work area: Exhaust gases are

poisonous.

Put blocks in front of the drive wheels and never leave the vehicle

unattended while running tests.

Use extreme caution when working around the ignition coil, distributor cap,

ignition wires and spark plugs. These components create hazardous

voltages when the engine is running.

Put the transmission in P (for A/T) or N (for M/T) and make sure the parking

brake is engaged.

Keep a fire extinguisher suitable for gasoline/chemical/ electrical fires

nearby.

Don’t connect or disconnect any test equipment while the ignition is on or

the engine is running.

Keep the NL100 dry, clean, free from oil/water or grease. Use a mild

detergent on a clean cloth to clean the outside of the NL100, when

necessary.

NexLink NL100 User Manual

TABLE of CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................... 1

2. GENERAL INFORMATION ................................................................... 1

2.1 ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS (OBD) II...................................................... 1

2.2DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS)................................................. 2

2.3 LOCATION OF THE DATA LINK CONNECTOR (DLC)................................. 3

2.4OBD II MONITOR READINESS STATUS .................................................. 3

2.5OBD II DEFINITIONS ........................................................................... 4

2.6OBD II MODES OF OPERATION ............................................................ 5

3. PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS ................................................................. 8

3.1 OUTLINE............................................................................................ 8

3.2 SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................. 9

3.3ACCESSORIES .................................................................................... 9

3.4POWER SUPPLY .................................................................................. 9

3.5BATTERY MONITOR........................................................................... 10

4. CONNECTIONS & GENERAL OPERATIONS.....................................11

4.1CONNECTIONS...................................................................................11

4.2READY TEST .................................................................................... 12

4.3DTC LOOKUP .................................................................................. 12

4.4REVIEW DATA................................................................................... 13

4.5SETUP ............................................................................................. 13

5. DIAGNOSE.......................................................................................... 14

5.1 READ CODES ................................................................................... 15

5.2 ERASE CODES.................................................................................. 16

5.3 I/M READINESS ................................................................................ 16

5.4 DATA STREAM .................................................................................. 16

5.5 VIEW FREEZE FRAME........................................................................ 17

5.6 O2 SENSOR TEST............................................................................. 17

5.7 ON-BOARD MONITOR TEST................................................................ 17

5.8 EVAP SYSTEM .................................................................................. 17

5.9 VEHICLE INFOMATION........................................................................ 17

6. FAQ ..................................................................................................... 18

NexLink NL100 User Manual

1. INTRODUCTION

The NL100 is specially developed for heavy duty vehicles, which supports all 10

modes of OBDII test (EVAP, O2 Sensor, I/M Readiness, MIL Status, VIN Info,

and On-board monitors testing etc.) for a complete diagnosis and enables users

to read DTCs, clear DTCs and view the datastream with a live color graphing. It

covers a wide range of vehicles since it offers multiple data bus protocols, such

as J1587 and J1939. It can be connected to PC through the USB cable for

upgrade to keep updated with the latest software version.

Notice: NL100 may automatically reset while being disturbed by strong static

electricity. THIS IS A NORMAL REACTION.

2. General Information

2.1 On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) II

The first generation of On-Board Diagnostics (called OBD I) was developed by

the California Air Resources Board (ARB) and implemented in 1988 to monitor

some of the emission control components on vehicles. As technology evolved

and the desire to improve the On-Board Diagnostic system increased, a new

generation of On-Board Diagnostic system was developed. This second

generation of On-Board Diagnostic regulations is called “OBD II”.

The OBD II system is designed to monitor emission control systems and key

engine components by performing either continuous or periodic tests of specific

components and vehicle conditions. When a problem is detected, the OBD II

system turns on a warning lamp (MIL) on the vehicle instrument panel to alert

the driver typically by the phrase of “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon”.

The system will also store important information about the detected malfunction

so that a technician can accurately find and fix the problem. Here below follow

three pieces of such valuable information:

1) Whether the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is commanded ‘on’ or ‘off’;

2) Which, if any, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are stored;

3) Readiness Monitor status.

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2.2 Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) are codes that are stored by the on-board

computer diagnostic system in response to a problem found in the vehicle.

These codes identify a particular problem area and are intended to provide you

with a guide as to where a fault might be occurring within a vehicle. OBD II

Diagnostic Trouble Codes consist of a five-digit alphanumeric code. The first

character, a letter, identifies which control system sets the code. The second

character, a number, 0-3; other three characters, a hex character, 0-9 or A-F

provide additional information on where the DTC originated and the operating

conditions that caused it to set. Here below is an example to illustrate the

structure of the digits:

NexLink NL100 User Manual

2.3 Location of the Data Link Connector (DLC)

The DLC (Data Link Connector) is the standardized 16-cavity connector where

diagnostic scan tools interface with the vehicle's on-board computer. The DLC

is usually located 12 inches from the center of the instrument panel (dash),

under or around the driver 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 service manual for the location.

2.4 OBD II Monitor Readiness Status

OBD II systems must indicate whether or not the vehicle PCM monitor

system has completed testing on each component.Components that have

been tested will be reported as Ready, or Complete, meaning they have been

tested by the OBD II system.The purpose of recording readiness status is to

allow inspectors to determine if the vehicle OBD II system has tested all the

components and/or systems.The power-train control module (PCM) sets a

monitor to Ready or Complete after an appropriate drive cycle has been

performed. The 5 drive cycle that enables a monitor and sets readiness codes

to Ready varies for each individual monitor. Once a monitor is set as Ready or

Complete, it will remain in this state. A number of factors,including erasing of

diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with a scan tool or a disconnected battery, can

NexLink NL100 User Manual

result in Readiness Monitors being set to Not Ready.Since the three continuous

monitors are constantly evaluating, they will be reported as Ready all of the

time. If testing of a particular supported non-continuous monitor has not been

completed, the monitor status will be reported as Not Complete or Not Ready.

In order for the OBD monitor system to become ready, the vehicle should be

driven under a variety of normal operating conditions. These conditions may

include a mix of highway driving and stop and go, city type driving, and at least

one overnight-off period. For specific information on getting your vehicle OBD

monitor system ready, please consult your vehicle user manual.

2.5 OBD II Definitions

Powertrain Control Module (PCM) -- OBD II terminology for the on-board

computer that controls engine and drive train.

Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) -- Malfunction Indicator Light (Service

Engine Soon, Check Engine) is a term used for the light on the instrument panel.

It is to alert the driver and/or the repair technician that there is a problem with

one or more of vehicle’s systems and may cause emissions to exceed federal

standards. If the MIL illuminates with a steady light, it indicates that a problem

has been detected and the vehicle should be serviced as soon as possible.

Under certain conditions, the dashboard light will blink or flash. This indicates a

severe problem and flashing is intended to discourage vehicle operation. The

vehicle onboard diagnostic system cannot turn the MIL off until the necessary

repairs are completed or the condition no longer exists.

DTC -- Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) that identifies which section of the

emission control system has malfunctioned.

Enabling Criteria -- Also termed Enabling Conditions. They are the

vehicle-specific events or conditions that must occur within the engine before

the various monitors will set, or run. Some monitors require the vehicle to follow

a prescribed “drive cycle” routine as part of the enabling criteria. Drive cycles

vary among vehicles and for each monitor in any particular vehicle. Please refer

to the vehicle’s factory service manual for specific enabling procedures.

OBD II Drive Cycle -- A specific mode of vehicle operation that provides

conditions required to set all the readiness monitors applicable to the vehicle to

NexLink NL100 User Manual

the “ready” condition. The purpose of completing an OBD II drive cycle is to

force the vehicle to run its onboard diagnostics. Some form of a drive cycle

needs to be performed after DTCs have been erased from the PCM’s memory

or after the battery has been disconnected. Running through a vehicle’s

complete drive cycle will “set” the readiness monitors so that future faults can

be detected. Drive cycles vary depending on the vehicle and the monitor that

needs to be reset. For vehicle specific drive cycle, consult the service manual.

Freeze Frame Data -- When an emissions related fault occurs, the OBD II

system not only sets a code but also records a snapshot of the vehicle

operating parameters to help in identifying the problem. This set of values is

referred to as Freeze Frame Data and may include important engine

parameters such as engine RPM, vehicle speed, air flow, engine load, fuel

pressure, fuel trim value, engine coolant temperature, ignition timing advance,

or closed loop status.

Fuel Trim (FT) - Feedback adjustments to the base fuel schedule. Short-term

fuel trim refers to dynamic or instantaneous adjustments. Long-term fuel trim

refers to much more gradual adjustments to the fuel calibration schedule than

short-term trim adjustments. These long-term adjustments compensate for

vehicle differences and gradual changes that occur over time.

2.6 OBD II Modes of Operation

Here is a basic introduction to the OBD II communication protocol. Mode byte:

The first byte in the stream is the mode number. There are 10 modes for

diagnostic requests. The first byte in the response data bytes is this same

number plus 64. For example, a mode 1 request would have the first data byte

= 1, and the response would have the first data byte = 65. Here is a brief

description of the modes:

Mode $01–Identifies the Powertrain information and shows current data

available to the scan tool. This data includes: DTC set, status of on-board

tests, and vehicle data such as engine RPM, temperatures, ignition advance,

speed, air flow rates, and closed loop status for fuel system.

Mode $02–Displays Freeze Frame data. Same data as in mode 1,but it was

captured and stored when a malfunction occurred and a DTC was set. Some of

the PIDs for mode one are not implemented in this mode.

NexLink NL100 User Manual

Mode $03–Displays the type of powertrain or emission related DTCs

stored by a 5 digit code identifying the faults. There may be more than one

response message if there are more trouble codes than will fit in the data bytes

of the response message, or if there are more than one ECU computer

responding.

Mode $04–Used to clear DTCs and Freeze Frame data. This clears all

diagnostic trouble codes that may be set including freeze frame data and

readiness monitors.

Mode $05–Displays oxygen sensor test results. This mode displays the

oxygen sensor monitor screen and the test results gathered about the oxygen

sensor.

There are ten numbers available for diagnostics:

1.$01 Rich-to-Lean O2 sensor threshold voltage.

2.$02 Lean-to-Rich O2 sensor threshold voltage.

3.$03 Low sensor voltage threshold for switch time measurement.

4.$04 High sensor voltage threshold for switch time measurement.

5.$05 Rich-to-Lean switch time in ms.

6.$06 Lean-to-Rich switch time in ms.

7.$07 Minimum voltage for test.

8.$08 Maximum voltage for test.

9.$09 Time between voltage transitions in ms.

Mode $06–Non-continuously Monitored Systems test results. There are

typically a minimum value, a maximum value, and a current value for each

non-continuous monitor. This data is optional, and it is defined by a given

vehicle maker if it’s used.

Mode $07–A request for DTCs (pending) from Continuously Monitored

Systems after a single driving cycle has been performed to determine if

repair has fixed a problem. This is used by service technicians to verify

repair was performed properly and after clearing diagnostic trouble codes.

NexLink NL100 User Manual

Mode $08–This special Control Mode requests control of the on-board

system, test, or component bi-directionally (where applicable). This mode

is manufacturer specific.

Mode $09–Reports vehicle information. This information includes vehicle

VIN number and calibration information stored in the vehicle ECUs.

Mode $0A–Requests Emission-Related Diagnostic Trouble Codes with

Permanent Status. This mode is required for all emissions-related DTCs. The

presence of permanent DTCs at an inspection without the MIL illuminated is an

indication that a proper repair was not verified by the on-board monitoring

system.

NexLink NL100 User Manual

3. Product Descriptions

3.1 Outline

Figure 3-1

No.

Name

Descriptions

①

LCD display

128*64, backlit, Indicates test results

②

OBD Cable

.Connects the NL100 to the vehicle’s Data

Link Connector (DLC)

NexLink NL100 User Manual

③/⑥

/ button

Move cursor up or down for selection

④

ENTER button

Confirm a selection or action

/⑨

ESC button

Cancel a selection or action or return to

3.2 Specifications

Screen:128*64 Backlit, LCD display

Input voltage range: 8~18V

Operating current: <100mA@12V (Typical)

Power consumption: < 1.2W (Typical)

Operating temperature: 32°F~122°F / 0°C~50°C

Storage tempetature: -4°F~158°F / -20°C ~70°C @ RH60%

3.3 Accessories

User’s Manual -- Instructions on tool operations

USB cable -- Connect to a computer for upgrading online

Main Unit

3.4 Power supply

The power of the NL100 is provided via the vehicle’s Data Link Connector

(DLC). Follow the steps below to power it up:

1. Find DLC on the vehicle:

The DLC is the connector where diagnostic code readers interface with the

vehicle’s on-board computer and usually located in the driver’s cab.

A plastic DLC cover may be found for some vehicles and you need to

remove it before plugging the OBD II cable. If it cannot be found, refer to the

vehicle’s service manual for the location.

2. Plug OBD II cable to the vehicle’s DLC.

NexLink NL100 User Manual

3.5 Battery Health Check

The power of the NL100 supply by the vehicle’s battery, If using the tool too

long time, the energy of battery will reduce and the voltage is down. The NL100

give 6 levels warning :

A, <10.8V(before Starting): Too Low; Change your battery, otherwise,

might not be able to start;

B, 10.8V-11.8V(before starting): Slightly low; Difficult to start, please turn

off other electronics and start vehicle to charge;

C, 11.8V-12.8V(before starting): Normal;

D, 12.8V-13.2V(after starting): Too Low; Might not be able to charge the

battery, please check other electrical load;

E, 13.2V-14.8V(after starting): Normal;

F, >14.8V: Too High; Might damage the battery, please check the engine

stabilizer;

NexLink NL100 User Manual

4. Connections & General Operations

4.1 Connections

1. Turn the ignition off.

2. Locate the heavy duty vehicle’s DLC.

3. Select the desired diagnostic adaptor according to your vehicle’s DLC.

4. Plug one end of 6pin or 9pin DLC diagnostic adaptor into the included OBD II

16 pin connector, and connect the other end to the heavy duty truck’s DLC.

5. Turn the ignition on. Engine can be off or running.

6. After finishing, the system will enter the main menu interface, as shown in

Figure 4-1.

Figure 4-1

Function Items

Descriptions

Diagnostic

Diagnose your car.

I/M Readiness

Read Readiness status

Battery Health

Check battery power value

DTC Lookup

The description of trouble code

Setting

Setup the language, display contrast, etc

Tool Information

Indicate the hardware and software version .

CAUTION: Don’t connect or disconnect any test equipment with ignition on or

engine running.

NexLink NL100 User Manual

4.2 Ready Test

The Ready Test can be used as a convenient readiness test tool by automotive

technicians to determine if the tested vehicle is ready for an emission test. By

visual and audible indication,you will learn a vehicle’s monitors readiness.

Repairs to the emissions-control systems of a 1996 or newer vehicle cause

the vehicle’s computer (ECU) memory to be cleared. The vehicle must go

through a drive cycle to allow the ECU to perform a series of tests to ensure

that the repair was successful, and before a state mandated emissions test can

be conducted. But how will you know when it is ready? With this scan tool, you

don’t have to drive around endlessly and continuously coming back to the repair

shop for retest if all required tests by the ECU are completed. And you could

also do a quick check of the vehicle to determine if it is ready to receive an

emission test without the hassle of connecting your vehicle to the analyzer or

having to use a complicated scan tool.In the following cases, this function is

especially useful.

You bought a used car and the check engine light had been cleared to mask

potential problems.

You disconnected the battery for tune-ups and other engine repairs, dead

battery replacement, car radio installation and car alarm installation.

You used a scan tool to clear the DTCs.

Your car has been sent to repair.

4.3 DTC Lookup

The DTC Lookup function is used to search for definitions of DTCs stored in

the DTC library and for code breaker information.

1. From Main Screen (Figure 4.1), use the [ ] / [ ] scroll button and [ ] /

[ ] scroll button to select DTC Lookup and press the [ENTER] button.

2. From DTC Lookup screen,use the [ ] / [ ] button to move to the desired

character,use the [ ] / [ ] button to change selected digit/character and

press the [ENTER] button to confirm.

3. View the DTC definition on screen. When DTC definition covers more than

one screen,use the LEFT/RIGHT button or UP/DOWN button to view additional

NexLink NL100 User Manual

information on previous/next screens.

4.4 Review Data

The Review Data function allows viewing of data from last test recorded by the

scan tool,including the codes,live data,I/M etc.

4.5 Setup

Select [Tool Setup] in the main menu and press [OK], the system will enter the

system setup screen:

1) Beeper: Turn ON/OFF the Beeper. Once Beeper is set to ON, the voice will

come when starting and press the key.

2) Language: Configure the system language to your preference.

3) Unit system setting: Set the measurement unit system.

NexLink NL100 User Manual

5. Diagnose

When more than one vehicle control module is detected by the scan tool, you

will be prompted to select the module where the data may be retrieved. The

most often to be selected are the Power train Control Module [PCM] and

Transmission Control Module [TCM].

CAUTION: Don’t connect or disconnect any test equipment with ignition

on or engine running.

1) Turn the ignition off.

2) Locate the vehicle’s 16-pin Data Link Connector (DLC).

3) Plug the scan tool cable connector into the vehicle’s DLC.

4) Turn the ignition on. Engine can be off or running.

5) Turn on the scan tool. Use the UP/DOWN scroll button to select

OBDII/EOBD from the Main Screen (Figure 4.1).

6) Press the OK button to wait for the Menu to appear. A sequence

of messages displaying the OBDII protocols will be observed on the display

until the vehicle protocol is detected.



If the scan tool fails to communicate with the vehicle’s ECU (Engine

Control Unit) more than three times, a “LINKING ERROR!”message

shows up on the display.

Verify that the ignition is ON;

Check if the scan tool’s OBD II connector is securely connected to the

vehicle’s DLC;

Verify that the vehicle is OBD II compliant;

Turn the ignition off and wait for about 10 seconds. Turn the ignition

back to on and repeat the procedure from step 5.

If the “LINKING ERROR”message does not go away, then there

might be problems for the scan tool to communicate with the vehicle.

Contact your local distributor or the manufacturer’s customer service

department for assistance. 

NexLink NL100 User Manual



7) View a summary of system status (MIL status, DTC counts, Monitor status)

on screen. Press [OK] ,a screen similar to Figure 5-9 will appear:

Figure 5-9

5.1 Read Codes

This option is used to read the current, pending or permanent trouble codes.

If the trouble code is found, the system will display the detailed description of

the trouble code:

Figure 5-10 Figure 5-11

In Figure 5-10, 3/12 indicates there are total 12 codes and P0102 is the third

code to display.

If the DTC is defined by the manufacturer, a screen similar to Figure 5-11 will

appear. In this case, press [OK] to select the manufacturer from the list and the

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screen will show the detailed content of the trouble code.

Some DTC have the tips guide, it is the next page of Figure 5-11.It shows

the structures of sensor , the cause and Results of Fault and give you the

parameters and inspection method.

5.2 Erase Codes

It is used to clear all existing trouble codes.

Notes:

Before performing this function, make sure to retrieve and record the trouble

codes.

After clearing, you should retrieve trouble codes once more or turn ignition

on and retrieve codes again. If there are still some trouble codes in the

system, please troubleshoot the code using a factory diagnosis guide, then

clear the code and recheck.

5.3 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.

The purpose of the I/M Readiness Monitor Status is to indicate which of the

vehicle’s Monitors have run and completed their diagnosis and testing, and

which ones have not yet run and completed testing and diagnosis of their

designated sections of the vehicle’s emissions system.

The I/M Readiness Monitor Status function also can be used (after repair of a

fault has been performed) to confirm that the repair has been performed

correctly, and/or to check for Monitor Run Status.

Note: N/A means not available on this vehicle; INC means incomplete or not

ready and OK means Completed or Monitor Ok.

5.4 Data Stream

This item enables you to view all data stream items and the live waveform of all

selected items.Some data stream have the help information ,press the [?] .

NexLink NL100 User Manual

5.5 View Freeze Frame

When an emission-related fault occurs, certain vehicle conditions are recorded

by the on-board computer. This information is referred to as freeze frame data.

Freeze Data is a snapshot of the operating conditions at the time of an

emission-related fault.

Note: If DTCs were erased, Freeze Data may not be stored in vehicle memory

depending on vehicle.

5.6 O2 Sensor Test

The results of O2 sensor test are not live values but instead the results of the

ECU’s last O2 sensor test. For live O2 sensor readings, refer to any of the live

sensor screens such as Graph Screen.

Not all test values are applicable to all vehicles. Therefore, the list generated

will vary depending on vehicle. In addition, not all vehicles support the Oxygen

Sensors screen.

5.7 On-board Monitor Test

This function can be utilized to read the results of on-board diagnostic

monitoring tests for specific components/systems.

5.8 Evap System

The EVAP test function lets you initiate a leak test for the vehicle’s EVAP

system. NL100 does not perform the leak test, but signals to vehicle’s on-board

computer to initiate the test. Before using the system test function, refer to the

vehicle’s service repair manual to determine the procedures necessary to stop

the test.

5.9 Vehicle Infomation

This option allows you to view the relevant information of the vehicle, including

VIN (Vehicle identification Number), CID (Calibration ID) and CVN (Calibration

verification number).

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Nexas NL100 User manual

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