0 CDA
EPA420-R-00-017
October 2000
On-Board Diagnostic Hand-Held
Scan Tool Technology:
Adherence to the Society of Automotive Engineers
Requirements for Scan Tools and an
Evaluation of Overall Scan Tool Capability
Arvon L. Mitcham
Lead Project Engineer, On-Board Diagnostics
Certification and Compliance Division
Office of Transportation and Air Quality
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
-------
DISCLAIMER
The following report is for informational purposes and is property of the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This report is not intended to be an EPA
endorsement for any manufacturer participating in this evaluation, a marketing
exercise, nor a determination for the ability to repair a vehicle using a hand-held scan
tool. Any attempt to use this report in this manner is inappropriate and a
misrepresentation, and may result in legal action.
This report deals with hand-held scan tool functions related to On-Board Diagnostic
Systems, emission-related parameters and/or the display of emission-related engine
parameters. In addition, this report only examines a partial set of the possible hand-
held scan tool functions. For more detailed information, you should contact the
manufacturer directly or visit the manufacturer's website included at the top of the
scan tool product information pages (where available) in Appendix IV: "Scan Tool
Product Information."
Some of the information in this report was received from the participating companies
in this scan tool evaluation. If companies did not respond or were not able to be
contacted, their scan tool is not included in this report. Also, at the time of
publication, some of the information was not available and, therefore, this
information is purposely omitted and will be included in future report updates. You
may find information on the scan tool manufacturers included in this report, other
manufacturers of hand-held scan tools, and other automotive repair equipment
through the Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI, www.etools.org).
Thank you.
-2-
-------
1. Abstract
In order to address concerns about On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) equipment capability and
the interaction of service technicians with OBD equipped vehicles, EPA evaluated current OBD
hand-held scan tool technology. A variety of OBD hand-held scan tools were acquired from
aftermarket scan tool and original equipment manufacturers (OEM), and evaluated against the SAE
requirements for OBD hand-held scan tools. Also, in response to the public, EPA collected and is
providing additional information on additional features and characteristic information about each
OBD hand-held scan tool used in this evaluation. This report summarizes this information and
provides a brief overview of OBD hand-held scan tool requirements and features.
In summary, all of the scan tools evaluated in this study meet the basic requirements of a
service technician, a state Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Program, and a public consumer
considering an OBD hand-held scan tool. The results of this evaluation demonstrate that the OBD
hand-held scan tools examined adhere to the SAE requirements for an OBD hand-held scan tool and
also provide many additional features. One scan tool in its original configuration does not support
SAE Jl 979 Modes 6, the latest test results for non-continuous monitors, but this function is available
via free software upgrade from the manufacturer.
As a whole, the OBD hand-held scan tools are inconsistent with respect to readiness status
nomenclature (see Appendix HI: "Readiness Status Chart" for more detail) which can cause
confusion in I/M lanes or first-time users. Efforts should be made to standardize the readiness status
nomenclature on OBD hand-held scan tools.
Also, when comparing the engine parameters displayed on an aftermarket scan tool to an
OEM scan tool, we found that the aftermarket scan tools and the OEM scan tools had comparable
numbers of engine parameters listed inboth generic and enhanced (i.e., manufacturer-specific) mode
(see Appendix II: "Engine Parameters" for more detail).
Our evaluation of scan tool characteristics demonstrates that each scan tool is unique in terms
of the physical design, delivery format and display of information, and the additional features that
are offered (see Appendix IV: "Scan Tool Product Information" for more details or check the
manufacturers' website). Thus, the distinguishing factors are subjective in nature and it is up to the
individual purchaser to determine the characteristics they require when choosing a scan tool.
However, this evaluation can assure them that, at a minimum, the basic requirements for an OBD
hand-held scan tool have been met.
2. Introduction
In the early 1980s, automobile manufacturers began using electronics and on-board
computers to control many of the engine functions. The increasing complexity of vehicle technology
led manufacturers to develop ways to effectively diagnose vehicle problems as a result of new
electronic hardware. Thus, the earliest form of vehicle on-board diagnostics was developed by auto
manufacturers to decrease the down-time spent diagnosing vehicles.
-3-
-------
In 1989, CARB issued regulations requiring the second generation of OBD regulations, often
referred to as OBDII. CARB required CEDE systems on 1994 and later MY light-duty vehicles and
trucks, and medium-duty vehicles and engines sold in California. In 1990, Congress finalized the
Clean Air Act Amendments including a mandate to the Environmental Protection Agency to develop
regulations requiring OBD systems on all 1994 and newer vehicles sold nationwide and known as
Federal OBD. These regulations expanded the list of components that were monitored to include
emission-related components and added a self-diagnosing function that evaluated component
condition beyond the simple connectivity and pass/fail checks that previously existed on first
generation OBD or OBD I vehicles. This further increased the complexity of vehicle technology but
also added significant amounts of information available to diagnose vehicle problems.
Due to these advances, it became more imperative to have equipment capable of
communicating effectively with the vehicle OBD system and delivering this information to the
technician. It was deemed necessary to standardize many aspects of the OBD system, including such
things as the data link connector, communication protocol(s), and nomenclature. The Society of
Automotive Engineers (SAE) developed these standardized methods or recommended practices to
provide implementation guidance and design requirements for vehicle manufacturers complying with
the OBD requirements and equipment and tool manufacturers developing service equipment, and
to ensure vehicle and equipment compatibility. Some of these standards are referenced in the OBD
Regulations making them a requirement for manufacturers to follow, such as the standards for scan
tool operation.
As a result of this SAE initiative and the advances made in computer technology, a new
generation of hand-held scan tool was developed to interact with the OBD II/Federal OBD systems.
The hand-held scan tool became more powerful in terms of storage, processing, and display; and
assumed a more prominent role in the diagnosis of vehicle component malfunctions. Thus, the hand-
held scan tool became one of the primary links to proper diagnosis and repair of OBD equipped
vehicles.
With these developments, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA)
decided to evaluate OBD hand-held scan tool technology. A previous evaluation was conducted in
1996-1997 to examine compliance with SAE recommended practices (SAE J1978 and J1979) and
the number of engine parameters available on OBD hand-held scan tools. The results of the previous
evaluation were presented at the 1998 SAE International Congress and Exposition in a Service
Technicians Society (STS) session entitled "OBD II: A User's Perspective." However, several
questions were raised by the audience about other scan tool capabilities and were beyond the scope
of the previous evaluation. In addition, as we consider utilizing OBD in Inspection and Maintenance
(I/M) Programs, there is increasing concern about OBD vehicle and equipment
interaction/compatibility. Therefore, this evaluation expands the scope beyond that of the previous
OBD hand-held scan tool evaluation, and this report discusses the methodology used to evaluate the
scan tools and the results of our evaluation.
-4-
-------
3. Scan Tool Selection
Scan tools were selected from the aftermarket manufacturers and the OEMs based on
knowledge of companies in the scan tool market. In addition, a search of Equipment and Tool
Institute (ETI) membership revealed information on additional aftermarket scan tool manufacturers.
Out of the many aftermarket scan tools available on the market, we were able to acquire the
following eight:
Actron Kal-Equip 9615
Auto Xray EZ-Link OBDII Scanner
• Blue Streak Electronics BDM Pro Diagnostic Monitor
Interro Systems PST 500
• Matco Tools Determinator
MPSI Pro Link 9000
SPX-OTC Monitor Enhanced 4000
• Vetronix Corporation Mastertech
The OEM scan tools provide a good contrast to the aftermarket scan tool since the OEM scan
tools are designed for a manufacturer specific vehicle. Therefore, the following OEM scan tools
were used for the evaluation with the manufacturer of the scan tool in parenthesis where available:
Chrysler DRBHI (SPX-Miller)
Ford New Generation Star Tester (Hickok)
General Motors Tech II/SPX-OTC Tech 2 Flash (Hewlett-Packard)
Toyota Diagnostic Tester (Vetronix).
4. Vehicle Selection
The vehicles used in the evaluation were originally selected from a vehicle Fleet available
at the EPA's NVFEL. These vehicles are provided to private vehicle owners in exchange for their
vehicle's participation in an emissions program. Originally, the following vehicles were used from
this fleet:
1997 BuickLeSabre
• 1996 Chevy Lumina
1996 Dodge Intrepid
• 1996 Ford Taurus Wagon
However, this list was expanded as new test programs on OBD equipped vehicles were
developed. Approximately forty-eight 96 or newer, OBD-equipped employee vehicles were
identified at the NVFEL and utilized for these test programs. Each scan tool was not evaluated on
all of the forty-eight vehicles but on average, was used with 5-10 different vehicles for the purposes
of coverage. The following is a summary of the employee-owned vehicles used with the number of
vehicles in parenthesis:
-5-
-------
Audi/VW (2)
Daimler-Chrysler (11)
Ford Motor Co. (12)
General Motors (13)
Honda (3)
Mazda (1)
Toyota (5)
Volvo (1).
5. SAE Requirements for OBD Scan Tools
Compliance with the SAE standards provides scan tool compatibility with OBD equipped
vehicles and addresses concerns about OBD equipment, in particular hand-held OBD scan tools.
As mentioned in the introduction, SAE has developed guidelines to facilitate the standardization of
OBD vehicle technology, information and equipment. In particular, the SAE standards for OBD
hand-held scan tools that were considered in conducting this evaluation are as follows:
J1962 - describes the standardized 16-pin trapezoidal connector
J1978 - describes the basic functions that an OBD Scan Tool will support:
*• Automatic hands-off determination of the communication protocol
*• Obtaining and displaying the status and results of vehicle on-board diagnostic
evaluations (supported and completed readiness tests and malfunction
indicator lamp (MIL) status)
*• Obtaining and displaying -
diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
emissions related current data (i.e., engine parameters)
emissions related freeze frame data
latest test parameters and results (i.e., Mode 6 of SAE J1979)
other emission related test parameters and results as described in SAE
J1979
>• Clearing stored emissions related DTCs, freeze frame data and diagnostic test
results
J1979 - describes diagnostic test modes for emission related diagnostic data that is
-6-
-------
displayed by all scan tools and are as follows:
* Mode #1 - Request for current powertrain diagnostic data including: engine
parameters, MIL status and readiness codes
>• Mode #2 - Request for powertrain freeze frame data
>• Mode #3 - Request emission-related powertrain diagnostic trouble codes
(DTCs)
* Mode #4 - Clear/Reset emission-related diagnostic information including
MIL status, DTCs, freeze frame and readiness codes
>• Mode #5 - Request oxygen sensor monitor test results
>• Mode #6 - Request latest on-board monitoring test results for non-continuous
monitor systems (i.e., catalyst, exhaust gas re-circulation (EGR), evaporative
system, etc.)
>• Mode #7 - Request latest on-board monitoring test results for continuous
monitor systems (i.e., fuel trim, misfire, comprehensive components)
J1850, ISO 9141-2 and ISO 14230-4 - describes the various communication
protocols and message formats that a manufacturer may use when developing and
implementing the OBD software on a vehicle
J2012 - describes the recommended standardization of numeric DTCs and the
descriptions accompanying the DTCs.
For more information on OBD requirements, refer to "SAE On-Board Diagnostics for Light and
Medium Duty Vehicles Standards Manual - 2000 Edition."
6. Additional Scan Tool Functions
In addition to the SAE requirements, some additional functions were considered and
evaluated but are not required. This is not a complete list of scan tool functions but a cross-section
of common functions that were brought to our attention or might be encountered. The additional
functions included but are not limited to:
Additional LEDs - scan tool has lights adjacent to the screen that change as engine
values change on the screen; this allows a technician to be aware of engine changes
if they are unable to see the values on the screen
-7-
-------
Bi-directional Control - scan tool can control certain vehicle components or initiate
systems tests on command
• Graphical Display - scan tool can display real-time engine parameters or recorded
data in graph (bar or line) format
Heavy Duty Applications - scan tool can work on Medium Duty (8,500 -14,000 Ibs.
GVWR) or Heavy Duty Vehicles (>14,000 Ibs. GVWR)
• Help Menu/Trouble Code Library - scan tool can guide a technician through certain
procedures or has a built-in library of all the SAE generic trouble codes
• Printer/Computer Output - scan tool connects to a printer or computer and prints or
displays information from the vehicle
Record/Playback or Snapshot Mode - scan tool can record a block of real-time engine
data and replay that information in order to root cause a malfunction
• Reprogramming of Vehicle PCM- scan tool can perform off-board or on-board
reprogramming of a vehicle's computer modules, specifically the powertrain (PCM)
Scopes and Meters - scan tool can operate as a multi-meter (measure voltage,
resistance, current, etc.) or an oscilloscope
• Troubleshooting/Diagnostic Aid - scan tool provides additional information that can
aid in diagnosing a problem, typically a library that describes common failure modes
and components associated
Many scan tools offer software for vehicle systems other than Engine and Powertrain such as Anti-
lock Brake, Transmission, Chassis and Body. For more details, you should contact the manufacturer
directly or visit their website that has been included (where available) on the product information
sheet in Appendix IV: "Scan Tool Product Information" for each scan tool.
7. Additional Scan Tool Information
Before and during the course of this evaluation, queries about OBD hand-held scan tool cost
and general needs, such as vehicle coverage, have been raised. In order to be as useful and
informative as possible, EPA decided to gather this information and include it in this report. This
information is detailed separately in Appendix IV: "Scan Tool Product Information." and includes
the following information:
• Scan tool dimensions
-------
Scan tool weight
• Scan tool screen dimensions
Screen display characteristics
Power supply/voltage ratings
Operating/Storage temperature
Approximate price range of scan tool (basic version - full capability)
Additional functionality
Additional equipment
Vehicle coverage
For more details, you should contact the manufacturer directly or visit their website that has been
included (where available) on the product information sheet in Appendix IV: "Scan Tool Product
Information" for each scan tool.
8. Results
The next two pages are the tabulated results of adherence to the SAE standards (Figure #1)
and the features of the OBD hand-held scan tools (Figure #2) used in this evaluation. Additional
data on the OBD hand-held scan tools used in this evaluation can be found in Appendix n, "Engine
Parameters" and Appendix HI, "Readiness Status Chart," and individual scan tool characteristics can
be found in Appendix IV, "Scan Tool Product Information." Also, for more details, you should
contact the manufacturer directly or visit their website that has been included (where available) on
the product information sheet, in Appendix IV: "Scan Tool Product Information," for each scan tool.
-9-
-------
OBDII
PARAMETERS:
SAE Requirements =^>
Scan Tools
Actron KAL-Equip 9615
Auto Xray EZrLink Scanner
Blue Streak Electronics
BDM Pro Diagnostic Monitor
Chrysler DRBIII
Ford New Generation
StarTester (NGS)
GM Tech 2 &
SPX-OTC Tech 2 Flash
Interro Systems PST 500
Matco Tools Determinator
MPSI Pro Link 9000
SPX-OTC Monitor
Enhanced 4000
Toyota Diagnostic Tester
Vetronix Corp. Mastertech
J1962 -
Standardized
Connector
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
J1978 - OBDII
Scan Tool
Functionality
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
J1979 -
Diagnostic Test
Modes (1-7)
X
X*
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
J1850, ISO9141-2 &
14230-4 -
Communication
Protocols
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
J2012 -
Standardized
DTC usage
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
COMMENTS
*Lacks Mode 6
(latest test results for
non-continuous monitors)
available through free upgrade
Figure #1: SAE Requirements for OBD-equipped vehicle communications and OBD scan tools.
-10-
-------
3BDII PARAMETERS:
Features =*•
Scan Tools
Actron KAL-Equip 9615
Auto Xray
EZrLink Scanner
Blue Streak Electronics
BDM Pro Diagnostic Monitor
Chrysler DRBII
Ford New Generation
Star Tester (NGS)
GM Tech 2 &
SPX-OTC Tech 2 Flash
Interro Systems PST 500
Matco Tools Determinator
MPSI Pro Link 9000
SPX-OTC Monitor
Toyota Diagnostic Tester
Vetronix Corp. Mastertech
1 Additional LED
Display
-
-
X
-
-
-
-
-
-
X
X
X
IBi-Directional
Control
X
-
X
X
X
X
-
X
-
X
X
X
$
fa
T3
tr
o'
£L
5
v>
T3
¥
-
-
X
-
X
-
-
-
-
-
X
X
1 Heavy Duty
Applications
-
-
-
-
X
X
-
-
X
-
-
X
0 K
H
O^
£ £
a- n>
'-i 3
|t
X
X
-
-
X
-
X
X
X
-
X
X
1 Computer/Printer
Output
-
X
X
X
X
X
-
X
X
X
X
X
1 Record/Playback
or Snapshot Mode
X
X
X
-
X
X
-
X
X
X
X
X
IReprogramming
of Vehicle PCM
-
-
X
X
X
X
-
-
-
-
X
X
t/3
o
0
T3
OJ
fa
a-
£
ff
3
-
-
X
X
X
-
-
-
-
X
X
X
Illrouble Shooting/
IIDiagnostic Aid
-
-
X
X
X
-
-
-
-
-
-
X
Figure #2: Additional OBD hand-held scan tool features selected for this evaluation.
-11-
-------
9. Observations and Future Considerations
9-1 Vehicle Communications
There have been external reports of communications problems but during our evaluation, we
did not experience any. The only communication problems encountered were attributed to our scan
tool' s software version and, once it was updated to the latest version, performed properly. Although
the SAE protocols are specified, communication speeds increase from model year to model year.
As a result, there is a need to ensure that scan tools have the latest software version to maintain pace
with vehicle technology. In addition, certain manufacturers have deviated slightly from the complex
specifications for the SAE communication protocols and some incompatibility may occur until scan
tool manufacturers can compensate for this deviation in sub-sequent software updates. Therefore,
vehicle communications can also be a function of the scan tool or of the vehicle design, but can be
remedied through software upgrade.
9-2 Readiness Status Nomenclature
As a group, the OBD hand-held scan tools do not use consistent nomenclature when
readiness status. Many of the scan tools do not distinguish between continuous monitors (misfire,
fuel trim, comprehensive components) and non-continuous monitors (catalyst, oxygen sensor,
evaporative system, EGR) (see Appendix II: "Additional Scan Tool Data" for further detail). SAE
J1979 defines the system status information that must be displayed, including readiness codes, and
distinguishes between continuous and non-continuous monitors. While this is not a significant issue,
there is the potential for confusion when using the hand-held scan tool to review information. This
situation has already occurred in a state OBD-I/M pilot program currently being performed. More
consideration should be devoted to developing a consistent nomenclature for readiness status.
9-3 Data Stream Update Rates
There is a mis-conception that the OEM scan tools have a faster data stream update rates
than aftermarket scan tools causing the incorrect conclusion that the OEM scan tools are more
powerful than the aftermarket scan tools. However, OEM proprietary data link(s), or enhanced data,
and their messaging techniques provide the ability for a scan tool to send and receive data at a much
faster rate than the legislated data link(s) and their messaging technique. Therefore, it is a difference
between generic and enhanced data, and not a difference between OEM and Aftermarket scan tools.
In addition, the update rate of the scan tool is dependent on the protocol used by the vehicle
manufacturer. Some protocols are slower than others and, since aftermarket scan tools must support
all of these different protocols, there may be a slower update rate depending on the communication
protocol the vehicle uses.
Also, tailoring the data list to only the parameters needed or the parameters that change more
frequently will increase the update rate. This is tied to the speed at which data can be requested and
received from the vehicle computer data link: the more parameters requested, the longer the time
between the first parameter in the list to update to the last parameter in the list to update.
-12-
-------
In summary, the difference in data stream update rate is more of a function of user application
rather than scan tool ability.
10. Conclusions
The current OBD hand-held scan tools meet the SAE basic requirements, have many
additional features and should be acceptable for use by a service technician or an I/M program in a
centralized or de-centralized arena.
Many hand-held scan tool manufacturers are developing OBD PC-based scan tools that have
the same functionality as a OBD hand-held scan tool coupled with the increased power and
flexibility of a desktop or laptop computer. Since the hand-held scan tool serves as the foundation
for this technology, the basic groundwork for PC-based scan tools exists and has proven to be
effective.
11. Reference Materials
1. SAE On-Board Diagnostics for Light and Medium Duty Vehicles Standards Manual -
2000 Edition
2. Aspire, Inc. OBD Systems Inspection and Diagnostics Inspector Reference Guide
-13-
-------
Appendix I
Acknowledgments
Students that were involved with the data gathering and processing
Mark Christian
Elena Garcia
Alexander Smith
Shannon Elliott
Individuals from the aftermarket manufacturers, state programs, and
other government agencies that were helpful in completing this report
Tom Moye
Vermont Department of Environmental Quality
Mike McCarthy
California Air Resources Board
James Duckworth
Utah-Davis County Health Department I/M Programs
Charlie Gorman
Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI)
Scan Tool Manufacturers
Actron:
Bill Kilduff
Tom Carter
John D. Wiedemann
Hamid Namaky
Auto Xray, Inc.:
William J. Miller
Blue Streak Electronics:
Aron Regev
Fabian De Nobrega
Jeff Elder
Chrysler:
Chris Micha
Rich Pershell
Ray Williams
Ford:
Timothy Bednark
Gwendolyn Aid
Marita Judson
Roger Judson
General Motors:
William Wiegand
Inter ro:
Kevin Ramsey
MPSI:
Chet Taras
Thomas Kotenko
SPX Corporation:
Fred E. Kaleal
Rob Kochie
Jim Wanberg
Toyota:
Mark Saxonberg
Vetronix:
Bernard J. Can-
Mark Hall
-14-
-------
Appendix II
Engine Parameters
The previous scan tool evaluation determined compliance with the SAE recommended practices (SAE J1978
and J1979) for a scan tool and compared the number of engine parameters available between OEM and
aftermarket scan tools. Figure #3 is a comparison of the engine parameters from that evaluation and applies
only to the following scan tools:
MPSI Pro Link 9000
SPX-OTC Monitor Enhanced 4000
• Vetronix Corporation Mastertech
Chrysler DRBIII
• Ford New Generation Star Tester (Hickok)
• General Motors Tech II (Hewlett-Packard)
• Toyota Diagnostic Tester (Vetronix).
VEHICLES
1997 Bui ckLeSabre
1996 Chevrolet Lumina
1996 Ford Taurus Wagon
1996 Dodge Intrepid
1996 Honda Accord
1995 ToyotaCamry
Group Average
OEM
(Enhanced/Generic)
81/26
60/33
127/31
49/30
-725
61/25
76/28
AFTERMARKET
(Enhanced/Generic)
70/20
42/27
46/26
44/25
-11 9
-724
51/24
Figure #3: Number of engine parameters in enhanced
and generic mode for OEM and aftermarket scan tools.
For the OEM scan tools, enhanced values were obtained by using the OEM scan tool on the manufacturer
specific vehicle and counting (and/or summing) the number of engine parameters listed in the menus labeled
"engine data" or similar terminology (duplicate parameters between multiple engine data menus were
eliminated where possible). The generic values were obtained by placing the OEM scan tool into generic
mode (if it was able to perform this function) on each non-manufacturer specific vehicle, counting the engine
parameters, and averaging the values for all scan tools on each vehicle scanned. We were unable to acquire
a Honda-specific scan tool so the enhanced space under the OEM tool is blank.
For the aftermarket scan tools, the values were obtained by entering enhanced (i.e., manufacturer specific)
and generic mode, counting the engine parameters, and averaging the values for all scan tools on each vehicle
scanned. During the previous evaluation, the Asian-specific software was unavailable and this portion is not
part of the current evaluation. Therefore, the enhanced portion of the aftermarket scan tool under the Honda
and Toyota vehicles is blank.
The numbers at the bottom of the chart represents the group average for all the scan tools in enhanced and
generic mode. This data demonstrates that, on average, aftermarket scan tools are comparable to OEM scan
tools in terms of delivering engine parameters.
-15-
-------
Appendix III
Readiness Status Display of the Scan Tools
Figure #4 on the next page was adapted from the Aspire, Inc. "OBD Systems Inspection and
Diagnostics Inspector Reference Guide." The chart that appeared in the Aspire, Inc. publication
included the Interro PST500, OTC Monitor Enhanced 4000, Snap-On MT2500, Vetronix
MasterTech and Tech 1 A, and the EASE Simulation Quick Code. We have added the scan tools
used in this evaluation that were not included in the Aspire, Inc. publication (with the permission of
Aspire, Inc.).
-16-
-------
Readiness Status Display of Various Scan Tools
Scan Tool
Actron Kal-Equip 9615
Auto Xray
EZrLink Scanner
Blue Streak Electronics
BDM Pro Diagnostic
Chrysler DRBIII
Ford New Generation
Star Tester
GM Tech 21
SPX-OTC Tech 2 Flash
Interro Systems
PST 500
Matco Tools
Determinator
MPSI Pro-Link 9000
SPX-OTC Monitor
Enhanced 4000
Toyota Diagnostic
Tester
Vetronix Mastertech
Continuous Monitors
(misfire, fuel trim, comprehensive components)
Displays Ready As:
"ok"
"Completed"
"CONT"
Does not display continuous monitors
"CONT"
Does not display continuous monitors
Monitor without"*"
"ok"
"SUP"
"DONE"
"Available"
"Available"
Non-Continuous
Monitors
Displays Ready As:
"ok"
"Completed"
"RDY"
"Completed"
"YES"
"YES"
Monitor without
lift!!
"ok"
"DONE"
"DONE"
"COMPL"
"COMPL"
Non-Continuou s
Monitors
Displays Not
Ready As:
"inc"
"Not Completed"
"NOT RDY"
"Not Completed"
"NO"
"NO"
Monitor with"*"
"inc"
"PEND"
"PEND"
"INCMPL"
"INCMPL"
Unsupported
Monitors
Displays
Unsupported As:
"n/a"
"Not Supported"
Does not display
unsupported monitors
"N/A"
"N/A"
Does not display
unsupported monitors
Does not display
unsupported monitors
"n/a"
"N/A"
"N/A"
"N/A"
"N/A"
Figure #4: Readiness status Nomenclature for the scan tools in the evaluation.
-17-
-------
Appendix IV
Scan Tool Product Information
Explanation of Measurements for Individual Scan Tools
All measurements listed for the individual scan tool properties are presented in English units and the
International System of Units (SI) in parenthesis, where applicable. For the dimensions of the scan
tool and scan tool screen, measurements were taken at the widest part of the scan tool as if a user
were holding the scan tool. Also, many of the manufacturers provide detailed information on
measurements and these are arranged to simulate a user holding the scan tool. The measurements
are reported as follows:
Scan Tool Dimensions: Height (H) x Width (W) x Depth (D)
Scan Tool Screen Dimensions: Height (h) x Width (w)
Measurements were acquired according to Figure #5 below:
H
SCREEN
w
w
Figure #5: Diagram of scan tool measurements.
-18-
-------
Actron KAL-Equip 9615
www.actron.com
Scan Tool Properties
Scan Tool Dimensions:
Scan Tool Weight:
Scan Tool Screen Dimensions:
Screen Display Characteristics:
Power Supply/Voltage Ratings:
Operating/Storage Temperature:
Price Range:
7.6" x 4.0" x 1.4" (19 cm x 10 cm
x 3.5 cm)
1. libs. (0.5kg)
1" x 2.4" (2.5 cm x 6 cm)
4 lines, 20 characters/line, LCD
7.5V- 16V, DC
14-1227 -4-158 °F (-10 - 507 -20
- 70 °C)
$379.99
Additional Functionality
Additional Equipment
Vehicle Coverage
1996 - Current Year OBDII equipped
vehicles
-19-
-------
Auto Xray EZ-Link Scanner
www. autoxrav. com
Scan Tool Properties
Scan Tool Dimensions:
Scan Tool Weight:
Scan Tool Screen Dimensions:
Screen Display Characteristics:
Power Supply/Voltage Ratings:
Operating/Storage Temperature:
Price Range:
7.3" x 3.8" xl.5" (18.4 cm x 9.5 cm x 3.
8cm)
0.75 Ibs. (0.34 kg)
0.6" x 2.4" (1.6 cm x 6 cm)
2 lines, 16 characters/line, LCD
4 AA batteries
32-122 °F/ -4-158 °F (0 - 50 °C/ -20 -
70 °C)
$199.99 - $449.99
Additional Functionality
Internet Upgrade through PC Link
Additional Equipment
EZ Link XP240 Pro Pack (OBD I software)
PC Link System (computer output)
Vehicle Coverage
1996 - Current Year OBDII equipped vehicles
1982-95 OBD I equipped domestic vehicles
(Chrysler, Ford GM)
-20-
-------
Blue Streak Electronics BDM Pro Diagnostic Monitor
www.bsecorp.com
Scan Tool Properties
Scan Tool Dimensions:
Scan Tool Weight:
Scan Tool Screen Dimensions:
Screen Display Characteristics:
Power Supply/Voltage Ratings:
Operating/Storage Temperature:
Price Range:
10" x4.9" x2.3" (25.4 cm x 12.4 cm x 5.9 cm)
2.2 Ibs. (1 kg)
4.1" x 3.1" (10.4 cm x 7.9 cm)
12 lines, 50 characters/line, LCD w/ Cold
Flourescent Light (CFL) back-lighting
10 V - 16 V DC, 4 AA Batteries (alternate)
32-122 / 68-140 °F (0-50 / 20-60 °C)
$2900 - $3200
Additional Functionality
Dual-channel Oscilloscope
Temperature Measurement
Digital Multi-meter (volt,
ohm, frequency)
Current Measurement
Additional Equipment
Temperature Probe
Printers- Thermal and Infrared
Secondary Ignition Kit
Amp Probe
Multi-Meter Probes (included with kit)
PC Link Software
Mastermind Chassis Cartridge
BDM Domestic I Cartridge (OBD I vehicles)
(included with kit)
Vehicle Coverage
1996 - Current Year OBDII equipped
vehicles
1981-1995 General Motors
1983-1995 Chrysler and Ford
-21-
-------
Chrysler DRBIII
Scan Tool Properties
Scan Tool Dimensions:
Scan Tool Weight:
Scan Tool Screen Dimensions:
Screen Display Characteristics:
Power Supply/Voltage Ratings:
Operating/Storage Temperature:
Price Range:
6.4" x 13.5" x 3.6" (16.3 cm x 34.3 cm x 9.1 cm)
4.0 Ibs (1.81 kg)
3. l"x 3.9" (7.9 cm
12 lines, 32 (or 40)
(240 x 320)
x 9.9 cm)
characters/line, LCD
8-18VDC
32- 122 / -4- 158
°F (0-50/ -20 - 70 °C)
$2600 - $4230
Additional Functionality
Dual-channel Oscilloscope
Temperature Measurement
Pressure Measurement
Digital Multi-meter (volt,
ohm, frequency)
Current Measurement
Additional Equipment
Pressure sensors & adapters
Sonic belt tension adapter
0-10 Amp Shunt
Scope cables (Ix & lOx)
0 - 2000 Amp current probe (AC/DC)
Temperature Probe
Inclinometer Sensors (for Viper Alignments)
PCMCIA Cards (SuperCard, SuperCard2, ST-
22 Support)
Vehicle Coverage
1983 -2001 Chrysler/Plymouth/Jeep/Dodge
and Captive (import 2-door coupe)
1996 - Current Year OBOE equipped vehicles
-22-
-------
Interro PST 500
www.interro.com
Scan Tool Properties
Scan Tool Dimensions:
Scan Tool Weight:
Scan Tool Screen Dimensions:
Screen Display Characteristics:
Power Supply/Voltage Ratings:
Operating/Storage Temperature:
Price Range:
9" x 3.5" x 1.8" (22.9cm x 8.9cm
x 4.5cm)
1.31bs. (0.6kg)
1. 8" x 2" (4.5cm x 5. 1cm)
10 lines, 20 characters/line, LCD
7 V - 18 V, Nominal 12 V, 200 -
screen
300mA
41-1 13 / 68-140 °F (5-45 / 20-60 °C)
$895
Additional Functionality
Additional Equipment
Vehicle Coverage
1996 - Current Year OBDII equipped
vehicles
-23-
-------
Matco Tools MD 2001 "Determinator"
www.tnatcotools.com
Scan Tool Properties
Scan Tool Dimensions:
Scan Tool Weight:
Scan Tool Screen Dimensions:
Screen Display Characteristics:
Power Supply/Voltage Ratings:
Operating/Storage Temperature
Price Range:
8.2" x 5.2" x 1.8" (21cm x
13cm x 4.6cm)
1. libs. (0.5kg)
I"x3"(2.5cmx 7.6cm)
4 lines, 20 characters/line,
LCD
7.5V- 16V, DC
14- 122 / -4- 158 °F(-10
- 507 -20 - 70 °C)
$ 550.00
Additional Functionality
Additional Equipment
9 Volt Battery
Vehicle Coverage
Detachable cables for
1994 - Current Year OBDII equipped
vehicles
1994 - Current Year OBDII equipped GM,
Ford, Chrysler vehicles (enhanced functions)
-24-
-------
MPSI Pro-Link 9000
www.mpsilink.com
Scan Tool Properties |
Scan Tool Dimensions:
Scan Tool Weight:
Scan Tool Screen Dimensions:
Screen Display Characteristics:
Power Supply/Voltage Ratings:
Operating/ Storage Temperature:
Price Range:
8" x 5.3" x 2.8" (20.3cm x 13.3cm x 7cm)
2.0 Ibs. (1.0kg)
0.9" x 3.9" (2.2cm x 9.8cm)
4 lines, 20 characters/line, LCD back lit
12.5VDC, 7.5-16.0VDC
20°-100°F (-12C- 68C),-10°-120°F (-22-88C)
$980.00 - $1,400.00
Additional Functionality
Heavy Duty trucks with separate cartridge Data flight recording for data capture
Additional Equipment
Portable printer for hardcopy print-out
Optional cables for Heavy Duty Trucks
Scan/Gas PC software
Vehicle Coverage
1996 - Current Year OBDH equipped
vehicles
1981 - 2000 Chrysler, Ford, and GM
(enhanced functions)
Heavy Duty Trucks from 1989 to 2000, for
Detroit Diesel, Volvo, Cat., Cummins, Hino,
V-MAC, Navistar, GMC, Allison Trans,
Meritor/WABCO, Kelsey Hayes, and Eaton
-25-
-------
Toyota Diagnostic Tester
www.spxotc.com
(Follow the Toyota link to "Special Service Tools")
Scan Tool Properties
Scan Tool Dimensions:
Scan Tool Weight:
Scan Tool Screen Dimensions:
Screen Display Characteristics:
Power Supply/Voltage Ratings:
Operating/Storage Temperature:
Price Range:
9.7" x 8. 7" x 2" (24.6cm x
22cm x 5.1cm)
3.3 Ibs. (1.5kg)
3" x 3" (7.6cm x 7.6cm)
12 lines, 20 characters/line
9 - 24 V DC, 1 A, NICAD
power)
32 - 122 / -4 - 140 °F (0 -
LCD
Battery (alternate
50 / -20 - 60 °C)
$ 1,995 - $2,595
Additional Functionality
Digital Multi-meter
Noise, Vibration and Harshness Analyzer
Digital Single- and Dual-Trace Oscilloscope
Comprehensive electrical system diagnosis
Additional Equipment
Program Card (required)
Noise, Vibration and Harshness Kit
Auto Probe
Input/Output (I/O) Cartridge
Break-out Box Kit
Vehicle Coverage
All OBD II equipped Toyota Vehicles (since
1989)
1994 - Current Year OBDII equipped vehicles
-26-
-------
Vetronix MasterTech
www.vetronix.com
Scan Tool Properties
Scan Tool Dimensions:
Scan Tool Weight:
Scan Tool Screen Dimensions:
Screen Display Characteristics:
Power Supply/Voltage Ratings:
Operating/Storage Temperature:
Price Range:
9.7" x 8.7" x 2" (24.6cm x 22cm x 5.1cm)
2.25 Ibs. (1.02kg)
3" x 3" (7.6cm x 7.6cm)
12 lines, 20 characters/line (or 20 lines, 26
characters/line), LCD (160 x 160)
6.5 - 24 V DC, 1 A, NICAD Battery (alternate
power)
32 - 122 / -4 -140 °F (0 - 50 / -20 - 60 °C)
$3,195
Additional Functionality
Digital Multimeter
Noise, Vibration and Harshness Analyzer
Comprehensive Electrical System Diagnosis
Digital Single, Dual-Trace, and Ignition
Oscilloscope
Gas Analyzer (PXA series 4, 5)
Non-Contact Infra-Red Temperature probe
Additional Equipment
Program Card (required)
Noise, Vibration and Harshness Kit
Ignition Scope Kit
Application or Mass Storage Cartridge
Break-out Box Kit
Low Current and Infra-Red Temperature Probes
Vehicle Coverage
1981 - Current Year Chrysler, Ford, and GM
(enhanced functions)
1983 - Current Year Asian Imports
(enhanced functions)
1994 - Current Year OBDII equipped vehicles
Heavy Duty Applications: Cummins CELECT,
Mack VMAC II and III, Navistar Navpack, and Detroit
Diesel DDEC II, III, and IV
-27-
------- |