Advanced Automotive Test Equipment Co.

Will I have to buy a separate version of AutoEnginuity's ScanTool for each of the three standard vehicle interfaces (Ford, GM, Chrysler/Asian/European)?

No. AutoEnginuity's scan tool includes all three vehicle interfaces in a single compact connector. This is a cost savings of hundreds of dollars over the competitors' units.

Will I have to buy updates every year to keep the ScanTool current?

No. Our OBDII connector was designed on an electrical interface standard that hasn't changed in years. With the advent of new interfaces like CAN, we understand that changes may be required and the unit is field updatable. The software is updated every quarter for any new features that vehicle manufacturers implement and best of all it's free.

I’m not a professional mechanic, even with AutoEnginuity's scan tool, will I have to take my car to an authorized service center for repairs?

That depends on your skill set and your vehicle’s problem. The whole point of our product is to help you figure out what service, if any, your vehicle requires. Whether you are a skilled technician or a Do-It-Yourselfer, AutoEnginuity’s scan tool offers you unparalleled access to your vehicle’s engine computer so that you can examine system test results and live sensor data. What’s more, our User Guide is packed with information that will help you understand engine management and how to use our tool to diagnose the problem. If you don't have the tools or mechanical skills to perform the work, then at least you'll be armed with the knowledge of what the problem really is. In those cases where the Check Engine/Service Engine Soon indicator is illuminated for something as trivial as a loose gas cap, you can prevent the costly and time-consuming trip to an authorized service center without ever turning a wrench.

Is there enough information in the generic OBDII interface to service my vehicle?

Yes. The generic OBDII interface supports sensors that can tell you if something is wrong with your vehicle. If your vehicle is equipped with OBDII, then the emission-related sensors are directly affecting your vehicle’s performance. If any of those sensors detect a malfunction your vehicle will perform badly or can breakdown. For the most part, the sensors used by the generic OBDII interface are those that are required for even the most complex servicing. If your vehicle supports an OBDII enhanced interface (GM, Ford, Chrysler, Mazda, and Toyota), then you can also purchase the optional expansion modules, which support more sensors and fault codes. The enhanced support gives you even more information with which to diagnose your vehicle.

Why not buy a cheap tool to clear the Check Engine/Service Engine Soon indicator or wait for it to go away?

The Check Engine/Service Engine Soon indicator is connected to the engine computer, which constantly senses for faults. Even if you did reset the Check Engine/Service Engine Soon indicator, or wait for the computer to stop sensing the fault, something is wrong. It's unwise to pretend that the fault didn't happen. A potentially serious engine-related issue could strand you on the side of the road and/or cost you a lot more money, because you ignored it or waited until it was too late to service the vehicle. You need the peace of mind that your vehicle is in top operating condition. Even if the problem is trivial, it could affect your vehicle’s performance—and that’s costing you money.

What's the difference between PDA and PC versions?

The PC version has a more extensive user-interface. The feature set is almost identical between the platforms with minor exceptions. First, enhanced Chrysler is not available for the PDAs at this time. The current version of the Palm doesn't support GM Light Truck body. Otherwise, they are feature complete with PC version. Want both the compact size of a PDA and the power of a PC? Get the Panasonic ToughBook laptop with a 8" or 12" touch-screen.

What would be the differences between RS-232C serial and USB versions of the OBDII connector?

First, the vehicle bus is the limiter, so USB will not be faster then RS-232C serial. The advantages of RS-232C serial is it can have cable lengths up to 100ft whereas USB can't without powered repeaters. Also, RS-232C serial is required for Dual Mode (PC/PDA) connectors. (Since almost all PDAs can't be a host for USB devices.) USB does have the advantage of Plug-n-Play without device drivers and no port configurations necessary for operation.

What if my computer doesn't have an RS-232C (9-pin) serial/COM port?

Not all newer computers have the traditional 9-pin serial connector; instead they are being equipped with USB. If your computing device has USB only, then you will need a USB-to-Serial adapter. A USB-to-Serial adapter simply connects to your USB port and gives you a fully functional traditional 9-pin serial connector. AutoEnginuity has verified our product with dozens of USB-to-Serial adaptors (IO Gear, Prolific, Belkin, etc.). This adaptor can also be purchased from us. Note: Not all USB-to-Serial adaptors are made equal. We have tried some based on the FDTI chipset (Cables Unlimited) and Radio Shack that perform extremely poorly. We highly recommend getting any of the above or anything based on the Prolific chipset.

I have an IBM ThinkPad with a serial/COM port. Why doesn't the software connect to the vehicle?

The IBM ThinkPad also has a IrDA port that can collide with your serial/COM port. The best way to solve this problem is to disable the IrDA port. This can be done in the Device Manager (varies per operating system version). While you're there, verify that the serial/COM port is enabled. When asked, reboot the PC. This will re-enable the serial/COM port. After the computer reboots, return to the Device Manager and determine which port number the serial/COM is now on. (This can change when you re-boot.) Finally, restart ScanTool and select the serial/COM port.

I have an HP 1910 Pocket PC. Why can't I find a serial cable?

The HP 1910 Pocket PC doesn't have a serial cable available for it. Our OBDII connector will not work with this Pocket PC device.

How do I know if my vehicle is OBDII/EOBD compliant?

If your passenger vehicle or light truck was manufactured for sale in the U.S., with the model year of 1996 and newer (and rarely some 1994 and 1995 vehicles), you will have the OBDII interface. EOBD vehicles follow the same rules except new gasoline models became complaint in 2000 and existing models became compliant in 2001. EOBD diesel vehicles start with the 2004 model years. You can also check in the engine compartment for an emissions sticker that will verify your vehicle's compliance.

For vehicle's 1994 and 1995, CARB has provided this list: CARB_OBDII_Compliance.pdf

What OBDII/EOBD vehicles does the ScanTool or SpeedTracer not work with?

We will connect to the Duramax, Cummins, and Powerstroke diesel vehicles; however, because their gross vehicle weight exceeds the maximum requirements of the OBDII standard, they are not OBDII compliant and a very limited amount of data and sensors will report with generic OBDII. However, with the enhanced Ford, GM, or Chrysler interfaces, the proprietary powertrain and other systems sensors are available.

What is CAN?

CAN is short for Controller Area Network. It will be the required electrical interface for all vehicles beginning in the model year of 2008. Some vendors began using CAN exclusively in the model year of 2004 (Ford, Jaguar, and Mazda). While other manufacturers implemented it selectively in their vehicles beginning in the 2004 model year (Mercedes, Porsche, SAAB, and Toyota for example). The CAN option is a new daughter board that fits inside our existing OBDII connector design. Adding the CAN option requires the OBDII connector to be returned to us so that we can update a ROM and insert the daughter board. Once this is done it can be updated in the field.

If I buy the CAN hardware option, will I still be able to connect to the older OBDII protocols?

Yes, CAN is an additional protocol. You will then have the ability to operate all four electrical protocols in a single compact connector.

How can I tell if the unit I purchased has CAN installed in my OBDII connector?

All USB OBDII connectors are pre-built with CAN. The RS-232C version have will have eight pins for CAN-enabled version; and six for the non-CAN.

What is the wireless option?

With the popularity of the Bluetooth wireless technology appearing in PDAs and laptops, we decided to work with AirCable to provide this cabless solution to our connectors. Bluetooth has a range of 33 feet and is easier to use than other wireless technologies. Because Bluetooth is a "cable replacement" technology, it doesn't require sophisticated network protocols and complex handshaking. This means its installation and operation are much simpler than other wireless technologies. If you buy the Bluetooth solution when you buy your OBDII connector we will insert a power supply inside the OBDII connector to drive the Bluetooth transceiver. Without this power supply, you'll be required to externally power the Bluetooth transceiver. Our Bluetooth transceivers are also modified to specifically work in our communications environment so that you don't have to set anything up. The Bluetooth transceiver is a small module that then attaches to the end of our OBDII connector instead of the normal serial cable. By not building the Bluetooth module into our OBDII connector, you can still use the standard serial cable for those times that your computing device is not Bluetooth-enabled.

Why not use 802.11x for wireless?

802.11x is expensive and complex. Too complex for something as simple as replacing a cable. Bluetooth has a protocol purely for serial cable replacement making its use the right choice.

I never see the "OBDII Connector Found" message. What am I doing wrong?

In most cases, this is caused by a serial port not operating correctly or there is no power on the vehicle's DLC. Always check that your serial port is not already being used and set to the correct baud rate or faster. (We recommend 115.2k; however, 19.2K is the minimum.) Lastly, check pins 16 (V) and 4 or 5 (GND) for ~12V. If you find no voltage, check the vehicle's DLC fuse. For most Fords and GM vehicles, check the Cigarette Lighter fuse. For most Dodge trucks, check the radio fuse.