Zurich ZR4 User manual

Table of Contents
i ZR4
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ................................... 1
ABOUT THE
VEHICLES COVERED ............................................................. 2
CONTROLS AND INDICATORS .............................................. 3
DISPLAY FUNCTIONS ............................................................ 4
DISPLAY AND SETTINGS ........................................................ 5
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTICS
OBD2 TERMINOLOGY ............................................................ 7
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCs) .............................. 8
OBD2 MONITORS ................................................................... 11
PREPARATION FOR TESTING
BEFORE YOU BEGIN .............................................................. 14
USING THE CODE READER
CODE RETRIEVAL PROCEDURE .......................................... 15
ERASING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCs) ............. 20
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
THE MAIN MENU ..................................................................... 22
VIEWING VEHICLE INFORMATION ....................................... 22
EVAP TEST .............................................................................. 25
VIEWING MONITOR ICON DESCRIPTIONS ......................... 26
VIEWING THE LED MEANING ................................................ 26
ADJUSTMENTS, SETTINGS AND LANGUAGE ..................... 27
OBD UPDATER ........................................................................ 29
TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................. 29
WARRANTY AND SERVICING
LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY ................................................. 30

Safety Precautions
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
1
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Read all safety warnings and all instructions.
Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in
electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.
1. Operating a vehicle indoors CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide. This is a poison you cannot see
or smell. NEVER operate vehicle inside a home or garage, EVEN IF
doors and windows are open. Only use OUTSIDE and far away
from windows, doors, and vents.
2. People with pacemakers should consult their physician(s) before
use. Electromagnetic fields in close proximity to heart pacemaker
could cause pacemaker interference or pacemaker failure. Caution
is necessary when near coil, spark plug cables, or distributor of
running engine. Engine should be off during distributor adjustment.
3. Keep clothing, hair, hands, tools, test equipment, etc. away from all
moving or hot engine parts.
4. Put the transmission in PARK (for automatic transmission) or
NEUTRAL (for manual transmission) and make sure the parking
brake is engaged.
5. Put blocks in front of and behind the drive wheels.
6. Read vehicle service manual before inspecting, maintaining, or
repairing a vehicle.
7. Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles.
8. Never leave the vehicle unattended while running tests.
9. Keep a fire extinguisher suitable for gasoline/chemical/electrical fires
nearby.
10. Don’t connect or disconnect any test equipment while the ignition is
on or the engine is running.
11. This product is not a toy. Keep it out of reach of children.
12. Keep the Scan Tool dry, clean, free from oil, water or grease. Use a
mild detergent on a clean cloth to clean the outside of the Scan Tool,
when necessary.
13. The warnings, precautions, and instructions discussed in this
instruction manual cannot cover all possible conditions and
situations that may occur. It must be understood by the operator that
common sense and caution are factors which cannot be built into
this product, but must be supplied by the operator.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

About the Code Reader
VEHICLES COVERED
2
VEHICLE EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATION
VEHICLE
MANUFACTURER
OBD II
CERTIFIED
ENGINE FAMILY EFN2.6YBT2BA
DISPLACEMENT 2.6L
THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO U.S. EPA AND STATE
OF CALIFORNIA REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO
1999 MODEL YEAR NEW TLEV PASSENGER CARS.
REFER TO SERVICE MANUAL FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
TUNE-UP CONDITIONS: NORMAL OPERATING ENGINE TEMPERATURE,
ACCESSORIES OFF, COOLING FAN OFF, TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL
SPARK PLUG
TYPE NGK BPRE-11
GAP: 1.1MM CATALYST
EXHAUST EMISSIONS STANDARDS STANDARD CATEGORY
CERTIFICATION
IN-USE
TLEV
TLEV INTERMEDIATE
OBD II
CERTIFIED
VEHICLES COVERED
The Code Reader is designed to work on all OBD2 compliant vehicles.
All 1996 and newer vehicles (cars and light trucks) sold in the United
States are OBD2 compliant. This includes all Domestic, Asian and
European vehicles. Coverage for new model vehicles may be limited
and will be available once released by the automaker. Availability is
typically 12 to 24 months after the release of the model year.
Some 1994 and 1995 vehicles are OBD2 compliant. To find out if a
1994 or 1995 vehicle is OBD2 compliant, check the following:
1. The Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) Label. This
label is located under the hood or by the radiator of most vehicles. If
the vehicle is OBD2 compliant, the label will state “OBD II
Certified.”
2. Government Regulations require that all
OBD2 compliant vehicles must have a
“common” sixteen-pin Data Link
Connector (DLC).
Some 1994 and 1995 vehicles have 16-pin connectors but are not
OBD2 compliant. Only those vehicles with a Vehicle Emissions
Control Label stating “OBD II Certified” are OBD2 compliant.
Data Link Connector (DLC) Location
The 16-pin DLC is usually
located under the instrument
panel (dash), within 12 inches
(300 mm) of center of the panel,
on the driver’s side of most
vehicles. It should be easily
accessible and visible from a
kneeling position outside the
vehicle with the door open.
On some Asian and European vehicles the DLC is located
behind the “ashtray” (the ashtray must be removed to access it)
or on the far left corner of the dash. If the DLC cannot be
located, consult the vehicle’s service manual for the location.
12345678
9 10111213141516
NEAR
CENTER
OF DASH
BEHIND
ASHTRAY
LEFT CORNER
OF DASH

About the Code Reader
CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
3
CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
Figure 1. Controls and Indicators
See Figure 1 for the locations of items 1 through 9, below.
1. ERASE button - Erases Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and
"Freeze Frame" data from your vehicle's computer, and resets
Monitor status.
2. DTC/FF button - Displays the DTC View screen and/or scrolls the
LCD display to view DTCs and Freeze Frame data.
3. DOWN button - When in MENU mode, scrolls down through the
menu and submenu selection options. When LINKED to a vehicle,
scrolls down through the current display screen to display any
additional data.
4. ENTER button - When in MENU mode, confirms the selected
option or value.
5. GREEN LED - Indicates that all engine systems are running
normally (all Monitors on the vehicle are active and performing their
diagnostic testing, and no DTCs are present).
8
5
6
3
2
1
4
9
7

About the Code Reader
DISPLAY FUNCTIONS
4
6. YELLOW LED - Indicates there is a possible problem. A “Pending”
DTC is present and/or some of the vehicle's emission monitors have
not run their diagnostic testing.
7. RED LED - Indicates there is a problem in one or more of the
vehicle's systems. The red LED is also used to show that DTC(s)
are present. DTCs are shown on the Code Reader’s LCD display. In
this case, the Multifunction Indicator (“Check Engine”) lamp on the
vehicle's instrument panel will light steady on.
8. LCD Display - Displays test results, Code Reader functions and
Monitor status information. See DISPLAY FUNCTIONS, below, for
details.
9. CABLE - Connects the Code Reader to the vehicle's Data Link
Connector (DLC).
DISPLAY FUNCTIONS
Figure 2. Display Functions
See Figure 2 for the locations of items 1 through 10, below.
1. I/M MONITOR STATUS field - Identifies the I/M Monitor status area.
2. Monitor icons - Indicate which Monitors are supported by the
vehicle under test, and whether or not the associated Monitor has
run its diagnostic testing (Monitor status). When a Monitor icon is
solid, it indicates that the associated Monitor has completed its
diagnostic testing. When a Monitor icon is flashing, it indicates that
the vehicle supports the associated Monitor, but the Monitor has not
yet run its diagnostic testing.
3. Vehicle icon - Indicates whether or not the Code Reader is
being properly powered through the vehicle's Data Link Connector
(DLC). A visible icon indicates that the Code Reader is being
powered through the vehicle's DLC connector.
4
3
2
5
6
1
8
9
10
7
11

About the Code Reader
DISPLAY AND SETTINGS
5
4. Link icon - Indicates whether or not the Code Reader is com-
municating (linked) with the vehicle's on-board computer. When visible,
the Code Reader is communicating with the computer. If the Link icon is
not visible, the Code Reader is not communicating with the computer.
5. Computer icon - When this icon is visible it indicates that the
Code Reader is linked to a personal computer.
6. DTC Display Area - Displays the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)
number.
7. Test Data Display Area - Displays DTC definitions, Freeze Frame
data and other pertinent test information messages.
8. SYSTEM icon - Indicates the system with which the code is
associated:
MIL icon
9. FREEZE FRAME icon - Indicates that there is Freeze Frame data
from “Priority Code” (Code #1) stored in the vehicle’s computer
memory.
10. Code type - Indicates the type of code being displayed; Generic
Stored, Generic Pending, Generic permanent, etc.
11. Severity - Indicates the level of severity for the priority code (code
number “1”), as follows:
1- Service should be scheduled and repairs made when convenient.
This DTC typically has no immediate threat to essential system
components in the short term.
2- Repair immediately if drivability issues are present. Threat to
essential system components if not repaired as soon as possible.
3- Stop and repair vehicle immediately to prevent interrelated
failures. Harmful and damaging to essential system components.
The I/M Monitor Status icons are associated with INSPECTION
and MAINTENANCE (I/M) READINESS STATUS. Some states
require that all vehicle Monitors have run and completed their
diagnostic testing before a vehicle can be tested for Emissions
(Smog Check). A maximum of fifteen Monitors are used on OBD2
systems. Not all vehicles support all fifteen Monitors. When the
Code Reader is linked to a vehicle, only the icons for Monitors
that are supported by the vehicle under test are visible on the
display.
DISPLAY AND SETTINGS
The first time the unit is connected to a
vehicle, you must select the desired display
language (English, French or Spanish) and
unit of measurement (USA or Metric) as
follows:
1. Use the DOWN button to highlight
the desired display language.

About the Code Reader
DISPLAY AND SETTINGS
6
2. When the desired display language is
selected, press the ENTER button
to confirm your selection.
The Unit of Measurement screen
displays.
3. Use the DOWN button to highlight
the desired unit of measurement.
4. When the desired unit of measurement
is selected, press the ENTER button
to confirm your selection.
The Firmware Screen displays for
three seconds.
After the initial language and unit
of measurement selections are
performed, these, as well as other
settings, can be changed as de-
sired. Proceed to ADJUSTMENTS,
SETTINGS AND LANGUAGE on
page 27 for further instructions.

Onboard Diagnostics
OBD2 TERMINOLOGY
7
OBD2 TERMINOLOGY
The following terms and their definitions are related to OBD2 systems.
Read and reference this list as needed to aid in the understanding of
OBD2 systems.
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) - The PCM is the OBD2
accepted term for the vehicle’s “on-board computer.” In addition
to controlling the engine management and emissions systems,
the PCM also participates in controlling the powertrain
(transmission) operation. Most PCMs also have the ability to
communicate with other computers on the vehicle (ABS, ride
control, body, etc.).
Monitor - Monitors are “diagnostic routines” programmed into the
PCM. The PCM utilizes these programs to run diagnostic tests, and
to monitor operation of the vehicle’s emissions-related components
or systems to ensure they are operating correctly and within the
vehicle’s manufacturer specifications. Currently, up to fifteen
Monitors are used in OBD2 systems. Additional Monitors will be
added as the OBD2 system is further developed.
Not all vehicles support all fifteen Monitors.
Enabling Criteria - Each Monitor is designed to test
and monitor the operation of a specific part of the vehicle’s emissions
system (EGR system, oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, etc.). A
specific set of “conditions” or “driving procedures” must be met before
the computer can command a Monitor to run tests on its related
system. These “conditions” are known as “Enabling Criteria.” The
requirements and procedures vary for each Monitor. Some Monitors
only require the ignition key to be turned “On” for them to run and
complete their diagnostic testing. Others may require a set of complex
procedures, such as starting the vehicle when cold, bringing it to
operating temperature, and driving the vehicle under specific
conditions before the Monitor can run and complete its diagnostic
testing.
Monitor Has/Has Not Run - The terms “Monitor has run” or
“Monitor has not run” are used throughout this manual. “Monitor
has run,” means the PCM has commanded a particular Monitor to
perform the required diagnostic testing on a system to ensure the
system is operating correctly (within factory specifications). The term
“Monitor has not run” means the PCM has not yet commanded a
particular Monitor to perform diagnostic testing on its associated part
of the emissions system.
Trip - A Trip for a particular Monitor requires that the vehicle is
being driven in such a way that all the required “Enabling Criteria”
for the Monitor to run and complete its diagnostic testing are met.
The “Trip Drive Cycle” for a particular Monitor begins when the
ignition key is turned “On.” It is successfully completed when all the
“Enabling Criteria” for the Monitor to run and complete its diagnostic
testing are met by the time the ignition key is turned “Off.” Since
each of the fifteen monitors is designed to run diagnostics and
testing on a different part of the engine or emissions system, the
“Trip Drive Cycle” needed for each individual Monitor to run and
complete varies.

Onboard Diagnostics
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCs)
8
OBD2 Drive Cycle - An OBD2 Drive Cycle is an extended set of
driving procedures that takes into consideration the various types of
driving conditions encountered in real life. These conditions may
include starting the vehicle when it is cold, driving the vehicle at a
steady speed (cruising), accelerating, etc. An OBD2 Drive Cycle
begins when the ignition key is turned “On” (when cold) and ends
when the vehicle has been driven in such a way as to have all the
“Enabling Criteria” met for all its applicable Monitors. Only those
trips that provide the Enabling Criteria for all Monitors applicable to
the vehicle to run and complete their individual diagnostic tests
qualify as an OBD2 Drive Cycle. OBD2 Drive Cycle requirements
vary from one model of vehicle to another. Vehicle manufacturers
set these procedures. Consult your vehicle’s service manual for
OBD2 Drive Cycle procedures.
Do not confuse a “Trip” Drive Cycle with an OBD2 Drive Cycle.
A “Trip” Drive Cycle provides the “Enabling Criteria” for one
specific Monitor to run and complete its diagnostic testing. An
OBD2 Drive Cycle must meet the “Enabling Criteria” for all
Monitors on a particular vehicle to run and complete their
diagnostic testing.
Warm-up Cycle - Vehicle operation after an engine off period where
engine temperature rises at least 40°F (22°C) from its temperature
before starting, and reaches at least 160°F (70°C). The PCM uses
warm-up cycles as a counter to automatically erase a specific code
and related data from its memory. When no faults related to the
original problem are detected within a specified number of warm-up
cycles, the code is erased automatically.
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCs)
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are
meant to guide you to the proper
service procedure in the vehicle’s
service manual. DO NOT replace parts
based only on DTCs without first
consulting the vehicle’s service manual
for proper testing procedures for that
particular system, circuit or component.
DTCs are alphanumeric codes that are used to identify a
problem that is present in any of the systems that are
monitored by the on-board computer (PCM). Each trouble
code has an assigned message that identifies the circuit,
component or system area where the problem was found.
OBD2 diagnostic trouble codes are made up of five characters:
The 1st character is a letter (B, C, P or U). It identifies the “main
system” where the fault occurred (Body, Chassis, Powertrain, or
Network).
The 2nd character is a numeric digit (0 thru 3). It identifies the
“type” of code (Generic or Manufacturer-Specific).
Diagnostic Trouble
Codes (DTCs) are
codes that identify a
specific problem area.

Onboard Diagnostics
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCs)
9
Generic DTCs are codes that are used by all vehicle manu-
facturers. The standards for generic DTCs, as well as their
definitions, are set by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
Manufacturer-Specific DTCs are codes that are controlled by the
vehicle manufacturers. The Federal Government does not require
vehicle manufacturers to go beyond the standardized generic
DTCs in order to comply with the new OBD2 emissions standards.
However, manufacturers are free to expand beyond the
standardized codes to make their systems easier to diagnose.
The 3rd character is a letter or a numeric digit (0 thru 9, A thru F). It
identifies the specific system or sub-system where the problem is
located.
The 4th and 5th characters are letters or numeric digits (0 thru 9, A
thru F). They identify the section of the system that is malfunctioning.
P 0 2 0 1
B
C
P
U
-
-
-
-
Body
Chassis
Powertrain
Network
-
-
-
-
Generic
Manufacturer Specific
Generic ("P" Codes) and Manufacturer
Specific ("B", "C" and "U" Codes)
Includes both Generic and Manufacturer
Specific Codes
0
1
2
3
Identifies what section of the system
is malfunctioning
Identifies the system where the problem is
located. "P" Code systems are listed below.
"B", "C" and "U" Code systems will vary.
0
2
3
4
5
6
7
C
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Fuel and Air Metering; Auxiliary Emission
1- Fuel and Air Metering
Controls
Fuel and Air Metering (injector circuit
malfunction only)
Ignition System or Misfire
Auxiliary Emission Control System
Vehicle Speed Control and Idle Control
System
Computer Output Circuits
Transmission
8- Transmission
9- Transmission
A- Hybrid Propulsion
B- Hybrid Propulsion
Hybrid Propulsion
OBD2 DTC EXAMPLE
P0201 - Injector Circuit Malfunction, Cylinder 1

Onboard Diagnostics
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCs)
10
DTCs and MIL Status
When the vehicle’s on-board computer detects
a failure in an emissions-related component or
system, the computer’s internal diagnostic
program assigns a diagnostic trouble code
(DTC) that points to the system (and subsystem)
where the fault was found. The diagnostic
program saves the code in the computer’s
memory. It records a “Freeze Frame” of condi-
tions present when the fault was found, and lights the Malfunction
Indicator Lamp (MIL). Some faults require detection for two trips in a row
before the MIL is turned on.
The “Malfunction Indicator Lamp” (MIL) is the accepted term
used to describe the lamp on the dashboard that lights to warn
the driver that an emissions-related fault has been found.
Some manufacturers may still call this lamp a “Check Engine”
or “Service Engine Soon” light.
There are two types of DTCs used for emissions-related faults: Type “A”
and Type “B.” Type “A” codes are “One-Trip” codes; Type “B” DTCs are
usually Two-Trip DTCs.
When a Type “A” DTC is found on the First Trip, the following events
take place:
The computer commands the MIL “On” when the failure is first found.
If the failure causes a severe misfire that may cause damage to the
catalytic converter, the MIL “flashes” once per second. The MIL
continues to flash as long as the condition exists. If the condition
that caused the MIL to flash is no longer present, the MIL will light
“steady” On.
A DTC is saved in the computer’s memory for later retrieval.
A “Freeze Frame” of the conditions present in the engine or emissions
system when the MIL was ordered “On” is saved in the computer’s
memory for later retrieval. This information shows fuel system status
(closed loop or open loop), engine load, coolant temperature, fuel trim
value, MAP vacuum, engine RPM and DTC priority.
When a Type “B” DTC is found on the First Trip, the following events
take place:
The computer sets a Pending DTC, but the MIL is not ordered “On.”
“Freeze Frame” data may or may not be saved at this time
depending on manufacturer. The Pending DTC is saved in the
computer’s memory for later retrieval.
If the failure is found on the second consecutive trip, the MIL is
ordered “On.” “Freeze Frame” data is saved in the computer’s
memory.
If the failure is not found on the second Trip, the Pending DTC is
erased from the computer’s memory.
The MIL will stay lit for both Type “A” and Type “B” codes until one of
the following conditions occurs:

Onboard Diagnostics
OBD2 MONITORS
11
If the conditions that caused the MIL to light are no longer present
for the next three trips in a row, the computer automatically turns the
MIL “Off” if no other emissions-related faults are present. However,
the DTCs remain in the computer’s memory as a history code for 40
warm-up cycles (80 warm-up cycles for fuel and misfire faults). The
DTCs are automatically erased if the fault that caused them to be
set is not detected again during that period.
Misfire and fuel system faults require three trips with “similar
conditions” before the MIL is turned “Off.” These are trips where the
engine load, RPM and temperature are similar to the conditions
present when the fault was first found.
After the MIL has been turned off, DTCs and Freeze Frame
data stay in the computer’s memory.
Erasing the DTCs from the computer’s memory can also turn off the
MIL. See ERASING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCs) on
page 20, before erasing codes from the computer’s memory. If a
Diagnostic Tool or Code Reader is used to erase the codes, Freeze
Frame data will also be erased.
OBD2 MONITORS
Currently, fifteen Monitors are supported by OBD2 systems. Additional
monitors may be added as a result of Government regulations as the
OBD2 system grows and matures. Not all vehicles support all fifteen
Monitors. Additionally, some Monitors are supported by “spark ignition”
vehicles only, while others are supported by “compression ignition”
vehicles only.
Monitor operation is either “Continuous” or “Non-Continuous,”
depending on the specific monitor.
Continuous Monitors
Three of these Monitors are designed to constantly monitor their
associated components and/or systems for proper operation.
Continuous Monitors run constantly when the engine is running. The
Continuous Monitors are:
Comprehensive Component Monitor (CCM)
Misfire Monitor
Fuel System Monitor
Non-Continuous Monitors
The other twelve Monitors are “non-continuous” Monitors. “Non-
continuous” Monitors perform and complete their testing once per trip.
The “non-continuous” Monitors are:

Onboard Diagnostics
OBD2 MONITORS
12
Oxygen Sensor Monitor
Oxygen Sensor Heater Monitor
Catalyst Monitor
Heated Catalyst Monitor
EGR System Monitor
EVAP System Monitor
Secondary Air System Monitor
The following Monitors will be standard beginning in 2010. The
majority of vehicles produced before this time will not support
these Monitors
NMHC Monitor
NOx Adsorber Monitor
Boost Pressure System Monitor
Exhaust Gas Sensor Monitor
PM Filter Monitor
OBD2 Reference Table
The table below lists current OBD2 Monitors, and indicates the following
for each Monitor:
A. Monitor Type (how often does the Monitor run; Continuous or
Once per trip)
B. Number of trips needed, with a fault present, to set a pending DTC
C. Number of consecutive trips needed, with a fault present, to
command the MIL “On” and store a DTC
D. Number of trips needed, with no faults present, to erase a Pending
DTC
E. Number and type of trips or drive cycles needed, with no faults
present, to turn off the MIL
F. Number of warm-up periods needed to erase the DTC from the
computer’s memory after the MIL is turned off

Onboard Diagnostics
OBD2 MONITORS
13
Name of
Monitor A B C D E F
Comprehensive
Component Monitor Continuous 1 2 1 3 40
Misfire Monitor
(Type 1 and 3) Continuous 1 2 1 3 - similar conditions 80
Misfire Monitor
(Type 2) Continuous 1 3 - similar conditions 80
Fuel System Monitor Continuous 1 1 or 2 1 3 - similar
conditions 80
Catalytic Converter
Monitor
Once per
trip 1 2 1 3 trips 40
Oxygen Sensor
Monitor
Once per
trip 1 2 1 3 trips 40
Oxygen Sensor
Heater Monitor
Once per
trip 1 2 1 3 trips 40
Exhaust Gas
Recirculation (EGR)
Monitor
Once per
trip 1 2 1 3 trips 40
Evaporative
Emissions Controls
Monitor
Once per
trip 1 2 1 3 trips 40
Secondary Air
System (AIR) Monitor
Once per
trip 1 2 1 3 trips 40
NMHC Monitor Once per
trip 1 2 1 3 trips 40
NOx Adsorber
Monitor
Once per
trip 1 2 1 3 trips 40
Boost Pressure
System Monitor
Once per
trip 1 2 1 3 trips 40
Exhaust Gas Sensor
Monitor
Once per
trip 1 2 1 3 trips 40
PM Filter Monitor Once per
trip 1 2 1 3 trips 40

Preparation for Testing
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
14
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Fix any known mechanical problems before performing any test. See
your vehicle's service manual or a mechanic for more information.
Check the following areas before starting any test:
Check the engine oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid (if
applicable), engine coolant and other fluids for proper levels. Top off
low fluid levels if needed.
Make sure the air filter is clean and in good condition. Make sure all
air filter ducts are properly connected. Check the air filter ducts for
holes, rips or cracks.
Make sure all engine belts are in good condition. Check for cracked,
torn, brittle, loose or missing belts.
Make sure mechanical linkages to engine sensors (throttle, gearshift
position, transmission, etc.) are secure and properly connected. See
your vehicle's service manual for locations.
Check all rubber hoses (radiator) and steel hoses (vacuum/fuel) for
leaks, cracks, blockage or other damage. Make sure all hoses are
routed and connected properly.
Make sure all spark plugs are clean and in good condition. Check
for damaged, loose, disconnected or missing spark plug wires.
Make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight. Check for
corrosion or broken connections. Check for proper battery and
charging system voltages.
Check all electrical wiring and harnesses for proper connection. Make
sure wire insulation is in good condition, and there are no bare wires.
Make sure the engine is mechanically sound. If needed, perform a com-
pression check, engine vacuum check, timing check (if applicable), etc.

Using the Code Reader
CODE RETRIEVAL PROCEDURE
15
CODE RETRIEVAL PROCEDURE
Never replace a part based only on the DTC definition. Each DTC has a
set of testing procedures, instructions and flow charts that must be
followed to confirm the location of the problem. This information is found
in the vehicle's service manual. Always refer to the vehicle's service
manual for detailed testing instructions.
Check your vehicle thoroughly before performing any test. See
Preparation for Testing on page 14 for details.
ALWAYS observe safety precautions whenever working on a
vehicle. See Safety Precautions on page 1 for more information.
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Locate the vehicle's 16-pin Data Link
Connector (DLC). See page 2 for
connector location.
Some DLCs have a plastic
cover that must be removed
before connecting the Code
Reader cable connector.
3. Connect the Code Reader’s cable connector to the vehicle's DLC. The
cable connector is keyed and will only fit one way.
If you have problems connecting the
cable connector to the DLC, rotate
the connector 180° and try again.
If you still have problems, check the
DLC on the vehicle and on the Code
Reader. Refer to your vehicle's
service manual to properly check
the vehicle's DLC.
After the Code Reader’s test connector is properly connected to
the vehicle's DLC, the Vehicle icon should display to confirm
a good power connection.
4. Turn the ignition on. DO NOT start the
engine.
5. When the Code Reader’s cable
connector is properly connected to the
vehicle’s DLC, the unit automatically
turns ON.
If the unit does not power on automatically when connected to
the vehicle’s DLC connector, it usually indicates there is no
power present at the vehicle’s DLC connector. Check your fuse
panel and replace any burned-out fuses.
If replacing the fuse(s) does not correct the problem, consult
your vehicle’s repair manual to identify the proper computer
(PCM) fuse/circuit, and perform any necessary repairs before
proceeding.

Using the Code Reader
CODE RETRIEVAL PROCEDURE
16
6. The Code Reader will automatically
start a check of the vehicle’s computer
to determine which type of
communication protocol it is using.
When the Code Reader identifies the
computer’s communication protocol, a
communication link is established.
If the Code Reader fails to link to
the vehicle’s computer a “Communi-
cation Error” message shows on the
Code Reader’s display.
- Ensure the vehicle is OBD2
compliant. See VEHICLES
COVERED on page 2 for vehicle
compliance verification informa-
tion.
- Verify the connection at the DLC,
and verify the ignition is ON.
- Turn the ignition OFF, wait five seconds, then turn back ON to
reset the computer.
- Press the ENTER button to continue.
If the Code Reader cannot link to
the vehicle’s computer after three
attempts, the message “Contact
Technical Support” displays.
- Press and hold the ENTER
button to return to the Main Menu.
- Turn the ignition off, and discon-
nect the Code Reader.
- Contact Technical Support for
assistance.
7. After approximately 10~60 seconds, the Code Reader will retrieve
and display any Diagnostic Trouble Codes, Monitor Status and
Freeze Frame Data retrieved from the vehicle’s computer memory.
The Code Reader will display a
code only if codes are present in the
vehicle’s computer memory. If no
codes are present, a “No DTC’s or
Freeze Frame data presently stored
in the vehicle’s computer” message
is displayed.
The Code Reader is capable of
retrieving and storing up to 32 codes
in memory, for immediate or later
viewing.

Using the Code Reader
CODE RETRIEVAL PROCEDURE
17
8. To read the display:
Refer to DISPLAY FUNCTIONS on page 4 for a description of
display elements.
A visible icon indicates that the Code Reader is being
powered through the vehicle’s DLC connector.
A visible icon indicates that the Code Reader is linked to
(communicating with) the vehicle’s computer.
The I/M Monitor Status icons indicate the type and number of
Monitors the vehicle supports, and provides indications of the
current status of the vehicle’s Monitors. A solid Monitor icon
indicates the associated Monitor has run and completed its
testing. A blinking Monitor icon indicates the associated Monitor
has not run and completed its testing.
The top line in the Test Data Display Area shows the DTC, the
number of the code currently being
displayed and the total number of
codes retrieved, and the type of
code being displayed (Generic
Stored, Generic Pending, Generic
Permanent, etc).
The upper right hand corner shows
whether or not the displayed code
commanded the MIL on and
whether Freeze Frame data was
stored for the “priority” code.
The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) and related code definition
are shown in the lower section of the display.
In the case of long code definitions, or when viewing Freeze
Frame Data, a small arrow is shown in the upper/lower right-
hand corner of the Code Reader display area to indicate the
presence of additional information. Use the button, as
necessary, to view the additional information.
If a definition for the currently
displayed code is not available, an
advisory message shows on the
Code Reader’s display.
9. Read and interpret the Diagnostic
Trouble Codes using the LCD display
and the green, yellow and red LEDs.
The green, yellow and red LEDs are used (with the LCD
display) as visual aids to make it easier to determine
engine system conditions.

Using the Code Reader
CODE RETRIEVAL PROCEDURE
18
Green LED – Indicates that all
engine systems are “OK” and
operating normally. All monitors
supported by the vehicle have run
and performed their diagnostic
testing, and no trouble codes are
present. All Monitor icons will be
solid.
Yellow LED - Indicates one of the
following conditions:
A. A PENDING CODE IS PRESENT –
If the yellow LED is illuminated, it
may indicate a Pending code is
present. Check the Code Reader’s
display for confirmation. A Pending
code is confirmed by the presence
of a numeric code and the word
“Pending” in the code type.
B. MONITOR NOT RUN STATUS – If
the Code Reader’s display shows a
zero (indicating there are no DTC’s
present in the vehicle’s computer
memory), but the yellow LED is
illuminated, it may be an indication
that some of the Monitors supported
by the vehicle have not yet run and
completed their diagnostic testing.
Check the Code Reader’s display
for confirmation. All Monitor icons
that are blinking have not yet run
and completed their diagnostic
testing; all Monitor icons that are
solid have run and completed their
diagnostic testing.
Red LED – Indicates there is a
problem with one or more of the
vehicle’s systems. The red LED is
also used to indicate that DTC(s)
are present (displayed on the Code
Reader’s screen). In this case, the
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)
lamp on the vehicle’s instrument
panel will be illuminated.
DTC’s that start with “P0”, “P2” and some “P3” are
considered Generic (Universal). All Generic DTC definitions
are the same on all OBD2 equipped vehicles. The Code
Reader automatically displays the code definitions (if
available) for Generic DTC’s.