AutoLink AL301 - Car diagnostic tool Autel - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL AutoLink AL301 Autel

1. Safety Precautions and Warnings

To prevent personal injury or damage to vehicles and/or the scan tool, read this instruction manual first and observe the following safety precautions at a minimum whenever working on a vehicle: Always perform automotive testing in a safe environment. 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 PARK (for automatic transmission) or NEUTRAL (for manual transmission) 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 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.2

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;

OBD II Diagnostic Trouble Codes 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 consists of a five-digit alphanumeric code. The first character, a letter, identifies which control system sets the code. The other four characters, all numbers, 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:3

2.3 Location of the Data Link Connector (DLC)

The DLC (Data Link Connector or Diagnostic 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’s 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’s service manual for the location. Identifying specific malfunctioning section of the systems Systems B=Body C=Chassis P=Powertrain U=Network Code Type Generic (SAE): P0, P2, P34-P39 B0, B3 C0, C3 U0, U3. Manufacturer Specific: P1, P30-p33 B1, B2 C1, C2 U1, U2 Sub-systems 1= Fuel and Air Metering 2= Fuel and Air Metering 3= Ignition System or Engine Misfire 4= Auxiliary Emission Controls 5= Vehicle Speed Control and Idle Controls 6= Computer Output Circuits 7= Transmission Controls 8= Transmission Controls DTC Example P 0 2 0 24

An important part of a vehicle’s OBD II system is the Readiness Monitors, which are indicators used to find out if all of the emissions components have been evaluated by the OBD II system. They are running periodic tests on specific systems and components to ensure that they are performing within allowable limits. Currently, there are eleven OBD II Readiness Monitors (or I/M Monitors) defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Not all monitors are supported by all vehicles and the exact number of monitors in any vehicle depends on the motor vehicle manufacturer’s emissions control strategy. Continuous Monitors -- Some of the vehicle components or systems are continuously tested by the vehicle’s OBD II system, while others are tested only under specific vehicle operating conditions. The continuously monitored components listed below are always ready: 1）Misfire 2）Fuel System 3）Comprehensive Components (CCM) Once the vehicle is running, the OBD II system is continuously checking the above components, monitoring key engine sensors, watching for engine misfire, and monitoring fuel demands. Non-Continuous Monitors -- Unlike the continuous monitors, many emissions and engine system components require the vehicle to be operated under specific conditions before the monitor is ready. These monitors are termed non-continuous monitors and are listed below:5

2.5 OBD II Monitor Readiness Status

OBD II systems must indicate whether or not the vehicle’s PCM’s 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’s 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 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 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 operating conditions may include a mix of highway driving and stop and go, city type driving, and at least one overnight-off period.6 For specific information on getting your vehicle’s OBD monitor system ready, please consult your vehicle owner’s manual.

2.6 OBD II Definitions

Power-train 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 can not turn the MIL off until necessary repairs are completed or the condition no longer exists. DTC -- Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) that identify 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. 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 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 and7 the monitor that needs to be reset. For vehicle specific drive cycle, consult the vehicle’s Owner’s 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.8

2) Operating Temperature: 0 to 50°C (32 to 122 F°)

3) Storage Temperature: -20 to 70°C (-4 to 158 F°)

4) External Power: DC12V provided via the vehicle’s battery

1) Works with all 1996 and newer cars & light trucks that are

OBDII compliant (including the CAN, VPW, PWM, ISO and KWP2000 protocols).

2) Reads and clears generic and manufacturer specific Diagnostic

Trouble Codes (DTCs) and turns off check engine light.

3) Supports multiple trouble code requests: generic codes, pending

codes and manufacturer’s specific codes.

4) Reviews the emission readiness status of OBD monitors.

5) Retrieves VIN (Vehicle Identification No.) on 2002 and newer

vehicles that support Mode 9.

6) Determines the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) status.

7) Easy to use with one plug-in; Highly reliable and accurate.

8) Easy-to-read crystal-clear backlit 2-line LCD display.

9) Stand-alone unit with no need for an additional laptop computer

10) Small in size and conveniently fits in your palm.

11) Safely communicates with the on-board computer.

12) No batteries needed--powered via detachable OBD II cable.

3.4 Vehicle Coverage10

The Autolink AL301 OBDII Scanner is specially designed to work with all OBD II compliant vehicles, including those equipped with next-generation protocol -- Control Area Network (CAN). It is required by EPA that all 1996 and newer vehicles (cars and light trucks) sold in the United States must be OBD II compliant and this includes all Domestic, Asian and European vehicles. A small number of 1994 and 1995 model year gasoline vehicles are OBD II compliant. To verify if a 1994 or 1995 vehicle is OBD II compliant, check the Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) Label which is located under the hood or by the radiator of most vehicles. If the vehicle is OBD II compliant, the label will designate ―OBD II Certified‖. Additionally, Government regulations mandate that all OBD II compliant vehicles must have a ―common‖ sixteen-pin Data Link Connector (DLC). For your vehicle to be OBD II compliant it must have a 16-pin DLC (Data Link Connector) under the dash and the Vehicle Emission Control Information Label must state that the vehicle is OBD II compliant.11

4. Operating Instructions

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

1. Turn the ignition off.

2. Locate the 16-pin Data Link Connector (DLC) and plug into the

Scan Tool cable connector to the DLC.

3. Wait for the LCD display to read ―C.A.N.OBD2‖.

4. Turn the ignition on. But do not start the engine.

5. Press the ENTER button. A sequence of messages showing the

OBD2 protocols will be observed on the display until the vehicle protocol is detected.12 Not all the above messages will be displayed unless protocol of the vehicle being tested is the last one—the ISO9141 protocol. They will stop appearing after the vehicle protocol is detected and a confirmation message of ―XXX Protocol‖ is displayed. If a “LINK ERROR!” message shows up, turn the ignition off for about 10 seconds, check if the Scan Tool’s OBDII connector is securely connected to the vehicle’s DLC, and then turn the ignition back to on. Repeat the procedure from step 5. If the “LINK ERROR” message does not go away, then there may be problems for the Scan Tool to communicate with the vehicle.

6. Wait for the main menu to come up after a brief overview

displaying the scanning results with the total number of DTCs and the overall I/M Monitor Status.

7. Select “DTC” from the main menu by pressing the ENTER

button. If there are no Diagnostic Trouble Codes retrieved, the display will indicate “NO CODES”. If there are any Diagnostic Trouble Codes, then the total number of the Fault Codes followed by that of the Pending Codes will be reported on the display.13

8. Read the Diagnostic Trouble Codes by pressing the SCROLL

button. The first code number will appear on the first line of the LCD display, the numerical sequence of the code and the total number of the codes stored will appear on the second line. To view additional codes, press the SCROLL button to scroll, as necessary, until all the codes have been shown up. If the code retrieved is a pending code, a ―PD‖ will show on the LCD display in the end. To view previous codes, press the SCROLL button to scroll through to the end, and then start from the first of the list.

9. Look up part 5 for Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions. Match

the retrieved DTC(S) with those listed and read the definitions.

CAUTION: Erasing the Diagnostic Trouble Codes allows the Scan Tool to delete not only the codes from the vehicle’s on-board computer, but also “Freeze Frame” data and manufacturer specific enhanced data. Further, the I/M Readiness Monitor Status for all vehicle Monitors is reset to Not Ready or Not Complete status. Do not erase the codes before the system has been checked completely by a technician.14

1. If you decide to erase the DTCs, Select ―2. ERASE” from the

main menu by pressing the ENTER button. If the Scan Tool is not connected or no communication is established with the vehicle yet, then refer to “Reading Codes” from 1 to 6 at Paragraph 4.1.

3. If you do not want to proceed with erasing the codes, SCROLL

5. If the codes are cleared successfully, an “ERASE DONE!”

will appear. Press the ENTER button to return to the main Menu list.15

HOT KEY: Pressing and Holding the SCROLL button for about 3 seconds will allow you to erase the DTCs more quickly than through the main menu.

4.3 Retrieving I/M Readiness Status

IMPORTANT: I/M Readiness function is used to check the operations of the Emission System on OBD2 compliant vehicles. It is an excellent function to use prior to having a vehicle inspected for compliance to a state emissions program. An I/M Readiness Status result of “NO” does not necessarily indicate that the vehicle being tested will fail the state I/M inspection. For some states, one or more such monitors may be allowed to be “Not Ready” to pass the emissions inspection. “YES”--All monitors supported on the vehicle have completed their diagnostic testing and the MIL light is not on.\ “NO”--At least one monitor supported on the vehicle has not completed its diagnostic testing, and (or) the ―Check Engine‖( MIL) light is on. “READY”—Indicates that a particular monitor being checked has completed its diagnostic testing. “Not RDY(NOT READY)”—Indicates that a particular monitor being checked has not completed its diagnostic testing. “N/A”—The monitor is not supported on that vehicle. “→”-- A flashing Right Arrow indicates additional information is available on the next screen.16 “←”-- A flashing Left Arrow indicates additional information is available on the previous screen.

1. Select ―3. I/M‖ from the main menu by pressing the ENTER

button. If the Scan Tool is not connected yet, then refer to “Reading Codes” from 1 to 6 at Section 4.1.

2. Use the SCROLL button to view the status of the MIL light

The View VIN function allows you to retrieve the Vehicle Identification No. on 2002 and newer vehicles that support Mode 9.

1. Select ―4. VIN‖ from the main menu by pressing the ENTER

Button. If the Scan Tool is not connected yet, then refer to “Reading Codes” from step 1 to 6 at Section 4.1.

2. Use the SCROLL button to view additional digits of the

17-digit string. “→” -- A flashing Right Arrow indicates additional digits of VIN string are available on the next screen. “← ”-- A flashing Left Arrow indicates additional digits of VIN string are available on the previous screen.

The RESCAN function allows you to retrieve the most current data stored in the ECM or to re-link to the vehicle if communication is disconnected.

1. Select “5. RESCAN” from the main menu by pressing the

If the Scan Tool is not connected yet, then refer to “Reading Codes” from 1 to 6 at Section 4.1.

5. Warranty and Service

5.1. Limited One Year Warranty Autel warrants to its customers that this product will be free from all defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of the original purchase, subject to the following terms and conditions:

1) The sole responsibility of Autel under the Warranty is limited

to either the repair or, at the option of Autel, replacement of the Scan Tool at no charge with Proof of Purchase. The sales receipt may be used for this purpose.

2) This warranty does not apply to damages caused by improper

use, accident, flood, lightning, or if the product was altered or repaired by anyone other than the Manufacturer’s Service Center.

3) Autel shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential

damages arising from the use, misuse, or mounting of the Scan Tool. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you. 5.2. Service Procedures If you have any questions, please contact your local store, distributor or visit our website at www.auteltech.com. If it becomes necessary to return the Scan Tool for repair, contact your local distributor for more information.20

P029A Cylinder 1 - Fuel Trim at Max Limit

P029E Cylinder 2 - Fuel Trim at Max Limit

P02B2 Cylinder 7 - Fuel Trim at Max Limit

P02B6 Cylinder 8 - Fuel Trim at Max Limit

P02B7 Cylinder 8 - Fuel Trim at Min Limit

P02BA Cylinder 9 - Fuel Trim at Max Limit

P02BE Cylinder 10 - Fuel Trim at Max Limit

P02CA Turbocharger/Supercharger "B" Overboost Condition

P02CB Turbocharger/Supercharger "B" Underboost Condition

P0313 Misfire Detected With Low Fuel33 P0314 Single Cylinder Misfire (Cylinder not Specified)

P0315 Crankshaft Position System Variation Not Learned

P0316 Engine Misfire Detected on Startup (First 1000 Revolutions)

P0318 Rough Road Sensor "A" Signal Circuit

P0319 Rough Road Sensor "B" Signal Circuit

P0313 Misfire Detected With Low Fuel

P0314 Single Cylinder Misfire (Cylinder not Specified)

P0315 Crankshaft Position System Variation Not Learned

P0316 Engine Misfire Detected on Startup (First 1000 Revolutions)

P0318 Rough Road Sensor "A" Signal Circuit

P0319 Rough Road Sensor "B" Signal Circuit