Vehicle diagnostics: The latest tools at a glance

Vehicle diagnostics: The latest tools at a glance

For 20 years now, every newly registered car has been equipped with an OBD-2 interface. The so-called on-board diagnosis records the vehicle's sensor data, which is delivered to the control units. With the appropriate diagnostic device, the workshop can get an overview of the vehicle's condition and read out the data that is interpreted as faulty by the vehicle electronics and stored in the so-called error memory. 

Standardized interface

The shape of the OBD-2 connector, its installation in the vehicle and the shape of the error codes are precisely regulated by law. The two-row standard plug is usually located under the steering wheel or in the left footwell on the fuse box. The cable of the diagnostic device or a radio plug-in module is connected to this, which sends the data to a tablet or smartphone. The advantage of the radio solution: By eliminating the cable connection, the mechanic can move around the vehicle unhindered. An app on the receiving device, which is constantly updated online by the manufacturer, always provides the latest vehicle information.

Look for errors: This is what the 4 numbers stand for

When the check engine light lights up, the vehicle electronics report a defect that should be examined by a workshop. If the error message is ignored, the vehicle can automatically activate an emergency program, which results in a significant reduction in engine power and is only intended to enable the driver to go to the workshop. By connecting the diagnostic device to the OBD-2 connector, the automotive technician receives a complete overview of all vehicle systems, including the stored error codes that indicate specific defects. A combination of letters and numbers takes him directly to the defective component. The letters P stand for drive, B for body, C for the chassis and U for the data bus. A four-digit number narrows down the possible source of the error even more precisely. The meaning in detail:

• Ziffer 1: Norm-Code oder Hersteller-spezifischer Code
• Ziffer 2: Baugruppe (1-2 = Kraftstoffversorgung/Luftzufuhr, 3 = Zündsystem, 4 = Abgas-Reinigung, 5 = Geschwindigkeitsregelung und Leerlaufverstellung, 6 = Steuergerät und Ausgangssignale, 7-8 = Getriebe)
• Ziffer 3 und 4: Exakte Bezeichnung des Bauteils

Once the defective component is found, it is repaired or replaced. However, the cabling of the sensors should be checked beforehand, as broken cables or oxidized connections can also trigger error messages. After the repair, the error is deleted using the diagnostic device; a subsequent test drive should confirm that the defect has been successfully resolved.

Diagnostic Specialists: The Magnificent Seven

AVL-DiTest, Bosch, Continental, Hella Gutmann, Mahle, Sun and Texa are the manufacturers of the diagnostic devices that are most often used in Austrian workshops. Below is the latest news from diagnostic specialists at the beginning of 2021, sorted alphabetically:

AVL DiTest

With version 2020-03, the measurement technology experts from Graz are providing a new update for their multi-brand diagnostic system XDS 1000. This contains updates to various functions, vehicle models and variants. One focus concerns passenger cars from the Volkswagen Group, especially models from the Audi, Skoda and VW brands. At the same time, the scope of information in the XIS Pro repair database will be significantly expanded and a special feature will be added: For certain repairs, 3D animated images in GIF format will in future expand the well-known repair instructions. The advantages of the latest software version 2020-03 at a glance:

• Neue Funktionen für Elektroniksysteme für Airbags, Bremsen, Getriebe, Klima und Motoren für Modelle des Volkswagen-Konzerns.
• Lesen und Zurücksetzen von Fehlercodes für alle genannten Systeme.
• Zusätzliche Messwerte für eine schnelle Diagnose und Fehlerbeseitigung.
• Abdeckung aller verfügbaren Steuergeräte bei Audi A4, A5 und Q5, Skoda Oktavia, Kodiaq und Karoq sowie VW Golf, Touran und Tiguan.
• Auslesen, zurücksetzen und löschen von knapp 70.000 unterschiedlichen Fehlercodes.
• Fehlerumgebungsdaten für das Aufspüren sporadischer Fehler.
• Von Airbag- bis Zentralelektronik: Aktualisierte Informationen für 26 Elektroniksysteme für die aktuelle Bauart des Ford Focus.
• Motorelektronik: Zusätzliche Daten zur Regeneration und dem Ersatz von Dieselpartikelfilter des Renault Megane.
• Große Modellabdeckung: 930 verschiedene PKW-Fahrzeugmodelle von 43 Herstellern und 235 Leicht-LKW- / LKW-Modellen. NEU: Updates zu fünf Marken mit 13 verschiedenen Fahrzeugmodellen.

Bosch

Today, one in three independent workshops in Europe uses Esitronic, Bosch's comprehensive workshop software for multi-brand diagnostics for cars, light commercial vehicles, trucks and off-highway vehicles. The Bosch Esitronic 2.0 software package covers over 90,000 vehicle models from more than 150 brands. The current update brings new practical features and functions such as diagnostic access to vehicles from Mercedes Benz and the FCA Group, whose vehicle electronics are protected from manipulation and unwanted access, as well as the Experience-Based Repair (EBR) information module. The EBR database contains practical information on more than a million frequently occurring repair cases. There is also a further development in the KTS 250 diagnostic tester from Bosch. This now also supports the mechanic in everyday workshop life with a practical email sending function. The advantages of the Bosch diagnostic solution at a glance:

• Diagnose und Wartung an Fahrzeugen von Mercedes Benz und der FCA-Gruppe mit zugriffsgeschützter Schnittstelle dank Esitronic weiterhin möglich
• Esitronic-Informationsmodul EBR – Erfahrungsbasierte Reparatur mit über einer Million realen Anwendungsfällen und Fahrzeugkombinationen
• Steuergeräte-Diagnosetester KTS 250 jetzt mit praktischer E-Mail-Sendefunktion

Continental VDO

After the system starts, the Autodiagnos Check system provides Fast Check service functions that immediately list vehicle systems such as the brake system, tire pressure monitoring system, battery or air conditioning clearly in the menu. Afterwards, only the vehicle manufacturer is selected. The device searches for the correct vehicle model and year of manufacture as well as the associated control unit. Detailed knowledge of which function can be found in which control unit is therefore not required. The device then guides you through the service process step by step. This follows the Fast Check principle and an important basic rule: only task-relevant information is displayed. This saves the user from complicated selection options. The advantages at a glance:

• Effizient im Einsatz: Schnellzugriff auf Fahrzeugsysteme unterstützt Werkstattarbeiten rund um Servicethemen wie Inspektion, Motor, Bremsanlagen, Getriebe und Lenkung
• Schnell und unkompliziert in der Menüführung: Fahrzeugsystem sowie Hersteller auswählen und direkt mit dem Service starten
• Einfach in der Anwendung: dank selbstständiger Steuergeräte-Identifizierung kein detailliertes Diagnosewissen erforderlich
• Alltagstauglich für jede Werkstatt: Gerät deckt alle wesentlichen Serviceanwendungen einer Werkstatt herstellerübergreifend ab

Hella Gutmann

mega macs X is the name of the innovative diagnostic device from Hella Gutmann. In contrast to previous diagnostic solutions, it has neither a display nor a keyboard - but does have a cable with an illuminated CARB plug for the vehicle's OBD interface. The entire intelligence, including processor, diagnostic software and diagnostic protocols such as CAN FD and DoIP for new vehicle models such as Skoda Octavia, Volvo XC 90 and Golf 8 from Volkswagen, is concentrated in its impact-protected housing. A tablet, notebook or PC with one of the standard operating systems (Windows, Android, Apple IOS, Linux) can be used to operate and display the vehicle diagnostics. A specially tailored, impact-protected Hella Gutmann tablet is also available. The mega macs If you want to start with the minimal functions of reading/deleting error codes and internet-based diagnostics (DoIP), choose the smallest variant. Later upgrades to X2 to X5 are possible at any time via the new online service portal macs 365. Activations over the air allow the mega macs X to grow with the dynamic needs of the workshop. The options extend up to a top diagnostic solution on the level of the mega macs 77 SDI with guided measurements and new functions or data types for driver assistance systems and lighting systems as well as e-mobility. The advantages at a glance:

• Hochgradig flexible Diagnoselösung
• Modulares Gerätekonzept mit separater Anzeige-/Bedieneinheit
• Individuell konfigurierbare Funktions- und Datenmodule

Mahle

Mahle's TechPRO diagnostic device detects all existing error codes in an average of 30 seconds. The Linux-based system communicates with all modules installed in the vehicle and reports over 54,000 detailed OEM error code descriptions. It stores all data logs locally for replay if necessary at a later time without having to reconnect to the vehicle. The tried-and-tested touchscreen enables simple and intuitive operation of the diagnostic system - from the current vehicle status to guided troubleshooting to the corresponding component coding. Thanks to integrated Wi-Fi, regular software updates are carried out independently via the Internet. Vehicle-specific information such as a circuit diagram or the status display enables quick and result-oriented diagnosis. The user can also be guided through the repair with the help of service instructions. Workshops can also combine TechPRO with the new air conditioning service devices from Mahle and Brain Bee. In addition, the new diagnostic solution from Mahle in combination with the innovative TechPRO ADAS tool enables the quick and easy recalibration of driver assistance systems. The advantages at a glance:

• In sieben Sekunden startklar für die Fahrzeugdiagnose
• Schnelle Anzeige der vorliegenden Fehlercodes
• Kompaktes Design und intuitive Bedienung
• Nahezu 90 Prozent Abdeckung für Fahrzeuge in Europa

Sun

Sun's PDL 8000 intelligent diagnostic system guides the automotive technician through a logical troubleshooting process. This can save time and increase efficiency and productivity. The multi-function tool includes scanner, oscilloscope, meter and guided component test. A selection of features:

• Überprüfung auf Fahrzeug-Fehlercodes.
• Technische Service-Bulletins hinsichtlich des Originalzubehörs.
• „Smart Data“ konfiguriert das Display automatisch für die Anzeige der Fahrzeug-Datenparameter-ID (PIDs) bezüglich des Fehlercodes. Nicht damit zusammenhängende Datenparameter werden herausgefiltert, um den Zeitaufwand zu reduzieren.
• Funktionstests der Komponenten inklusive Rückstellverfahren für den Abschluss der Reparatur nach dem Austausch von Komponenten.
• Boot-Verfahren in 5 Sekunden und sofortige Fahrzeug-ID.
• Der zusammenfassende Bericht über den Zustand des Fahrzeugs vor und nach der Überprüfung zeigt einen vollständigen Überblick der Diagnoseergebnisse.
• Hochgeschwindigkeits-Labor-Oszilloskop mit 2 Kanälen zeigt Live-Signale für zwei Wellenformen in Echtzeit an. Bei sechs Megasamples/Sekunde werden Hochgeschwindigkeitsdetails und Fehler erfasst, die anderen Oszilloskopen entgehen.
• Automatische Messkonfiguration für den angewählten Test oder manuelle Anpassung der Einstellungen.
• Testanwendungen für Sensoren, Magnete, Einspritzdüsen, Lade-/Startsysteme, Zündung, Motoren, Pumpen, ABS, etcetera.

Texas

The Axone Nemo 2 diagnostic device is an all-in-one solution that can be used in conjunction with Navigator NANO S, Navigator TXTs and Navigator TXB Evolution. The system therefore fully covers the diagnostic areas of cars, trucks, off-highway, bike and marine. The powerful device was designed for extreme operating conditions. The housing has a 12-inch Gorilla Glass screen, and the Windows 10 Enterprise operating system runs inside, powered by an Intel Pentium Quad Core processor with 8 GB of RAM and a 250 GB hard drive. Connections are established via a 2-channel Wi-Fi and a Bluetooth 4.2 module. Axone Nemo 2 also has two photo cameras that can be used to create customer reports or send photos for customer service inquiries. The virtual Texa App Shop contains numerous additional applications that can be used, for example, to expand the coverage or functionality of the IDC5 software. The advantages at a glance:

• Magnesiumgehäuse
• 2 Fotokameras Rückseite: 5 MP AF mit FLASH, Vorderseite: 5 MP
• Grafikkarte Intel® UHD Graphics 600
• Storage 250 GB SSD PCIe
• CPU Intel® Pentium N5000
• DISPLAY 12” Gorilla® Glass
• Auflösung 2160×1440 pixel
• Bluetooth® 4.2
• RAM-Speicher 8 GB