diagnosticsupplement-1223 - 6

ESSENTIAL TOOLS
J2534 FUNCTIONALITY
This feature is one that should be particularly
considered nowadays; more so if
no other such capabilities exist in-house.
Locating the source of a fault and properly
diagnosing the root cause is important.
But if the job can't be completed due to
the inability to place software in barren
ECU, you are forced to hire expensive
outside assistance or pass the job along
to a capable shop.
Keep in mind that in several sceFigure
4- Superimposing line graphs allow an easy-to-compare view of data (like throttle position
PIDs) that represents desired and actual positions. If the lines deviate from one another, an
underlying fault exists.
Photo courtesy of Brandon Steckler
of the book simultaneously. This is a great
chart to discover trends. An example of
this would be one from Automotive Test
Solutions and their eSCAN ELITE Fuel
Trim Chart (Figure 3).
Another example of a unique data
arrangement would be merging graphed
data to allow a superimposed view of two
or more PIDs. A direct and easy-to-view
comparison results and offers a quick view
of like PIDs that differ from one another.
For instance, this one from an old E.A.S.E.
scan tool (Figure 4).
For instance, viewing actual and
desired camshaft position PIDs is a quick
" go/no-go " test of the VVT system's functionality.
No need to chase anything else
if the two pieces of graphed data remain
superimposed throughout the entire operating
range of the engine.
BIDIRECTIONAL CONTROLS
The ability to take control of a system's
components allows the technician to virtually
split a troublesome system in half,
offering a " divide and conquer " strategy.
6 DECEMBER 2023 VehicleServicePros.com
Assume for a moment you are faced
with a power window concern with the
passenger-front window being nonfunctional
in the downward position of the
master switch.
After viewing a wiring diagram, a
logical approach would be to then view
data displaying the command status of
the right-front power window. Assuming
the command was never issued by
the ECU, it's logical to verify the input
request from the master switch. Regardless
if the command was received, one
would still like to know if the window
functions as designed.
Using the bidirectional controls of
the scan tool (like this screen capture
from Autel) will bypass the switch input
and directly command the ECU to roll the
window down (Figure 8). Assuming that
window then functioned, the integrity of
the entire output side of the power window
system has been verified. Again, no
need for wasted time disassembling components.
The answer was yielded from the
driver's seat.
narios, even having the ability to upload
the appropriate software may not be
enough. Some procedures known as
post-programming routines may have to
be performed (routines like a throttle angle
relearn, steering angle sensor relearn, or
some security system functions). Some
scan tools will allow the software to upload
but have no ability to perform certain
post-programming routines. This could
render a vehicle inoperable until the routine
is complete.
A few scan tool providers even offer
remote access ability to aid in these programming
and post-flash routines. These
paid-for sessions can also be used as a
teaching guide to help a programming
novice progress.
EXPORT FILES
Today, many scan tools offer the ability to
save data in a format like a PDF or one that
is interactive. This allows for the ability
to export. Transferring these stand-alone
files will allow the data to be analyzed
remotely and offer the same abilities (to a
PC) as the actual scan tool offers.
How can this come in handy? Many
shops are structured with a shop foreman
overseeing productivity, dispatching jobs,
and providing technical assistance to other
technicians requiring it. With the ability
to export files, the diagnostician/shop
foreman can remain in an office or at a
desk. Any technician can be easily trained
to capture data and send files to the shop
foreman.

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diagnosticsupplement-1223

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