OBD2 instuctions

[skoville]

Could someone explain how to use the OBD2 in simple terms ? I'm not an idiot but is it necessary to read the 65 page manual and watch the disc ? I know I'm being lazy but jeeze! It's an OBD2 & CAN scan tool by AUTOLINK model AL519.

 

[SupaSwope]

No not really. With the tool you have from what I can see looks very easy to use. But it wouldn't hurt to know a little more. But you can get to and read all your basic information as long as you know what your looking at and for,

 

[skoville]

Thanks, SS.

 

[koda2000]

ODB stands for On Board Diagnostics. First there was ODB I, which was replaced by ODB II in 1996. ODB II uses universal error codes, which mean the same thing on vehicles from multiple manufacturers. There are also manufacture specific codes. Your vehicle has about a dozen emissions related sensors connected to it and these sensors are designed to work w/in a specific voltage range. They report back to the vehicles ECU. As long as they stay within normal operating range, there is no problem and your check engine light (AKA CEL) stays off. When a sensor begins to show it is operating outside of its normal range, there is a problem and the ECU turns on the check engine light. An ODB II scanner interfaces with the ECU through the ODB II diagnostic port (usually found under the dash) and reads the stored ODB II error codes in the ECU. There are hundreds of possible error codes. The code gives a mechanic a place to start looking for the problem, but you can almost never take an error code at face value, as it is only points to a possible problem. Often, one problem can trigger multiple ODB II error codes.

For example: P0301 indicates a misfire on cylinder #1. It does not tell you what the problem is. It could be a bad spark plug, a bad plug wire, a coil problem, a bad fuel injector, or even a valve or piston issue.

More expensive scanners can also read ABS and transmissions error codes.

 

[J_C]

It's a fancy tool, yeah you'll have to read the manual to figure out all features. Glancing at a picture it looks like you need to enter the setup menu and change anything applicable, then just hook it up to the vehicle with key in accessory position (unless you need realtime running data then turn engine on) and hit the OBDII button, then when you get a code, hit the DTC lookup button (or just web search the code).

 

[skoville]

Thanks, all.

 

[imp]

No tool I have reviewed, or asked questions about, can affirmatively "configure" my replacement ABS Module, 2004 Ex, 4.0L. "Configure" came to mean, besides the implications of far more Hoo-Doo, in my Ford Shop Manual, downloading the VIN into the ABS Module. Why the hell, all these modules must have VIN numbers imprinted into them, I have no clue. After several months of dismaying thrashing of problems, which led eventually to "Forced Engine Idle", etc., I replaced the ABS Module. All troubles went away, EXCEPT, ABS light on constantly, non-erasable, "VIN Mismatch". All else works OK, including ABS. Pisses me off. imp