20080827CI00 CReaderV Guide

8/2/2019 20080827CI00 CReaderV Guide

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LAUNCH CReaderV Guide

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CReaderV

Guide


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1. INTRODUCTION

CReaderV is newly developed by LAUNCH, specially designed for carowners or DIYs to diagnose any vehicle that is compliant to OBDII/EOBD.

It not only can read/clear DTCs, but also can read live data in 2 modes,and perform many special tests. Tri-languages make it operation easilyfor a technician. The feature of upgrading online ensures it can test newmodel cars and/or functions in the future.

NOTICE:CREADERV MAY AUTOMATICALLY RESET WHILE BEINGDISTURBED BY STRONG STATIC ELECTRICITY. IT IS NORMAL.

2. General Information-About OBDII/EOBD

2.1 On-Board Diagnost ic s (OBD) I I

The first generation of On-Board Diagnostics (called OBD I) wasdeveloped by the California Air Resources Board (ARB) andimplemented in 1988 to monitor some of the emission controlcomponents on vehicles. As technology evolved and the desire toimprove the On-Board Diagnostic system increased, a new generation ofOn-Board Diagnostic system was developed. This second generation ofOn-Board Diagnostic regulations is called "OBD II".

The OBD II system is designed to monitor emission control systems andkey engine components by performing either continuous or periodic testsof specific components and vehicle conditions. When a problem isdetected, the OBD II system turns on a warning lamp (MIL) on thevehicle instrument panel to alert the driver typically by the phrase ofCheck Engine or Service Engine Soon. The system will also storeimportant information about the detected malfunction so that a techniciancan accurately find and fix the problem. Here below follow three pieces ofsuch valuable information:

1) Whether the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is

commanded 'on' or 'off';2) Which, if any, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are stored;3) Readiness Monitor status.


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2.2 Diagno st ic T roubl e Codes (DTCs)

OBD II Diagnostic Trouble Codes are codes that are stored by theon-board computer diagnostic system in response to a problem found inthe vehicle. These codes identify a particular problem area and areintended to provide you with a guide as to where a fault might beoccurring within a vehicle. OBD II Diagnostic Trouble Codes consist of afive-digit alphanumeric code. The first character, a letter, identifies whichcontrol system sets the code. The other four characters, all numbers,provide additional information on where the DTC originated and theoperating conditions that caused it to set. Here below is an example toillustrate the structure of the digits:


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2.3 Locat ion of the Data L ink Connec tor (DLC)

The DLC (Data Link Connector or Diagnostic Link Connector) is thestandardized 16-cavity connector where diagnostic code readersinterface with the vehicle's on-board computer. The DLC is usuallylocated 12 inches from the center of the instrument panel (dash), under

or around the drivers side for most vehicles. If Data Link Connector isnot located under dashboard, a label should be there telling location. Forsome Asian and European vehicles, the DLC is located behind the

DTC Example

P 0 2 0 2

Identifying specific

malfunctioning section

of the systems

Systems

P=Powrtrain

B=Body

C=ChassisU=Network

Code Type

Generic(SAE)

P0,P2,P34-P39

B0,B3

C0,C3

U0,U3

Manufacturer Specific:

P1,P30-P33B1,B2

C1,C2

U1,U2

Sub-systems

1=Fuel and air metering

2=Fuel and air metering

3=Ignition system or misfire

4=Auxiliary emission controls

5=Vehicle speed,idle control, and

auxiliary inputs

6=Computer and auxiliary outputs7=Transmission

8=Transmission

9=Transmission


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ashtray and the ashtray must be removed to access the connector. If theDLC cannot be found, refer to the vehicles service manual for thelocation.

2.4 OBD I I Readiness Mon it ors

An important part of a vehicles OBD II system is the Readiness Monitors,which are indicators used to find out if all of the emissions componentshave been evaluated by the OBD II system. They are running periodictests on specific systems and components to ensure that they areperforming 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 allmonitors are supported by all vehicles and the exact number of monitorsin any vehicle depends on the motor vehiclemanufacturers emissions control strategy.


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Continuous Monitors -- Some of the vehicle components or systemsare continuously tested by the vehicles OBD II system, while others aretested only under specific vehicle operating conditions. The continuously

monitored components listed below are always ready:1Misfire2Fuel System3Comprehensive Components (CCM)Once the vehicle is running, the OBD II system is continuously checkingthe above components, monitoring key engine sensors, watching forengine misfire, and monitoring fuel demands.

Non-Continuous Monitors -- Unlike the continuous monitors, manyemissions and engine system components require the vehicle to beoperated under specific conditions before the monitor is ready. Thesemonitors are termed non-continuous monitors and are listed below:1) EGR System2) O2 Sensors3) Catalyst4) Evaporative System5) O2 Sensor Heater6) Secondary air Injection7) Heated Catalyst8) A/C system

2.5 OBD I I Moni tor Readiness Stat us

OBD II systems must indicate whether or not the vehicles PCMs monitorsystem has completed testing on each component. Components thathave been tested will be reported as Ready, or Complete, meaningthey have been tested by the OBD II system. The purpose of recordingreadiness status is to allow inspectors to determine if the vehicles OBD IIsystem has tested all the components and/or systems.

The powertrain control module (PCM) sets a monitor to Ready or

Complete after an appropriate drive cycle has been performed. Thedrive cycle that enables a monitor and sets readiness codes to Readyvaries for each individual monitor. Once a monitor is set as Ready or


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Complete, it will remain in this state. A number of factors, includingerasing of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with a code reader or adisconnected 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 particularsupported non-continuous monitor has not been completed, the monitorstatus will be reported as Not Complete or Not Ready.

In order for the OBD monitor system to become ready, the vehicle shouldbe driven under a variety of normal operating conditions. Theseoperating conditions may include a mix of highway driving and stop andgo, city type driving, and at least one overnight-off period. For specificinformation on getting your vehicles OBD monitor system ready, pleaseconsult your vehicle owners manual.

2.6 OBD I I Def ini t ions

Powertrain Control Module (PCM) -- OBD II terminology for theon-board computer that controls engine and drive train.

Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) -- Malfunction Indicator Light (ServiceEngine Soon, Check Engine) is a term used for the light on theinstrument panel. It is to alert the driver and/or the repair technician thatthere is a problem with one or more of vehicle's systems and may cause

emissions to exceed federal standards. If the MIL illuminates with asteady light, it indicates that a problem has been detected and thevehicle should be serviced as soon as possible. Under certain conditions,the dashboard light will blink or flash. This indicates a severe problemand flashing is intended to discourage vehicle operation. The vehicleonboard diagnostic system can not turn the MIL off until the necessaryrepairs are completed or the condition no longer exists.

DTC -- Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) that identify which section of theemission control system has malfunctioned.

Enabling Criteria -- Also termed Enabling Conditions. They are thevehicle-specific events or conditions that must occur within the engine


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before the various monitors will set, or run. Some monitors require thevehicle to follow a prescribed drive cycle routine as part of the enablingcriteria. Drive cycles vary among vehicles and for each monitor in any

particular vehicle.OBD II Drive Cycle -- A specific mode of vehicle operation that providesconditions required to set all the readiness monitors applicable to thevehicle to the ready condition. The purpose of completing an OBD IIdrive cycle is to force the vehicle to run its onboard diagnostics. Someform of a drive cycle needs to be performed after DTCs have beenerased from the PCMs memory or after the battery has beendisconnected. Running through a vehicles complete drive cycle will setthe readiness monitors so that future faults can be detected. Drive cyclesvary depending on the vehicle and the monitor that needs to be reset.For vehicle specific drive cycle, consult the vehicles Owners Manual.Freeze Frame Data -- When an emissions related fault occurs, the OBDII system not only sets a code but also records a snapshot of the vehicleoperating parameters to help in identifying the problem. This set ofvalues is referred to as Freeze Frame Data and may include importantengine parameters such as engine RPM, vehicle speed, air flow, engineload, fuel pressure, fuel trim value, engine coolant temperature, ignitiontiming advance, or closed loop status.Fuel Trim (FT) - Feedback adjustments to the base fuelschedule.Short-term fuel trim refers to dynamic or instantaneousadjustments. Long-term fuel trim refers to much more gradual

adjustments to the fuel calibration schedule than short-term trimadjustments. These long-term adjustments compensate for vehicledifferences and gradual changes that occur over time.


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3. Product Descriptions

3.1 Out l ine o f CReaderV

Cable with OBD II CONNECTOR -- Connects the CReaderV to the

vehicles Data Link Connector (DLC).

LCD DISPLAY -- Indicates test results.

EXIT BUTTON -- Returns to previous menu.

UP/DOWN BUTTONs Move cursor up or down for selection; or turn

page up or down when more one page displayed

ENTER BUTTON--Confirms a selection (or action) from a menu list

USB PORT -- Connects to computer to update the CReaderV online.


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3.2 Spec i f ica t ions

1) Display: Backlit, 160 x 160 pixels2) Operating Temperature: 0 to 60C (32 to 140 F)3) Storage Temperature: -20 to 70C (-4 to 158 F)4) Power: 8 to 18 Volts provided via DLC

5) Unit Dimensions: 126 mm88 mm22 mmLengthWidth

Thickness

6) Test Cable length:0.9m

3.3 Acc essor ies Inc luded

1) Users Manual -- Instructions on tool operations2)USB cable--Connect to a computer for upgrading online

3.4 Pow er supply

The power of the CReaderV is provided via the vehicle Data LinkConnector (DLC). Follow the steps below to power it up:1) Find DLC on vehicle A plastic DLC cover may be found for some vehicles and youneed to remove it before plugging the OBD2 cable.2) Plug the connector at the end of OBD II cable to the vehicles DLC.

3.5 Tool Setup a nd sel f te st

Select [Tool Setup] in the Main Menu(see page xx) and press [ ] andthe screen will display the interface as shown below:


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The CReaderV allows you to make the following adjustments, settings

and selftest:1) Language: Selects desired language.Choose [Select Language] and press [ ], the screen will display theinterface as shown below:

You can press [ ] [ ] key to choose English, French or Spanish. Andthen you press[ ] to confirm. The system will convert to the chosenlanguage interface at once.2) Contrast adjustment: Adjusts the contrast of the LCD display

Choose [Adjust Contrast] and press [ ], the screen will display theinterface as shown below:


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In the [Adjust Contrast] interface, you can adjust the contrast of screen.

Press [ ] to increase contrast or press [ ] to decrease contrastaccording to you desired.

3Measure unit: USA or metric

Choose [Measure Unit] and press [ ], the screen will display theinterface as shown below:

Press [ ] or [ ] to select unit and press [ ] to confirm.4) Selftest: Test buttons and LCD operation.In the [Self Test] interface, you can do LCD Test and Buttons Test.


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Select [LCD Test] and press [ ] to enter the LCD test interface as

shown below:

And then the screen will display with a dark background automatically.You can see if there is hot pixel against the dark background.

After check is complete, please press [ ] to return to the previousinterface. And choose [Keyboard Test], press [ ] to perform keyboard

test.


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You can press [ ], [ ] or [ ]. If they appear on the screen, itindicates that the Button is normal and you can use them for testing.If there isnt any icon appearing on the screen, please contact Launch forrepair.After all the operation is complete, Press [ ] to return to Main Menuand end the test.

3.6 Vehic le Coverage

The CReaderV is specially designed to work with all OBD II compliant

vehicles, including Control Area Network (CAN). It is required by EPAthat all 1996 and newer vehicles (cars and light trucks) sold in the UnitedStates must be OBD II compliant and this includes all American, Asianand European vehicles.

A small number of 1994 and 1995 model year gasoline vehicles are OBDII compliant. To verify if a 1994 or 1995 vehicle is OBD II compliant,check the Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) Label which islocated under the hood or by the radiator of most vehicles. If the vehicleis OBD II compliant, the label will designate OBD II Certified.

Additionally, Government regulations mandate that all OBD II compliantvehicles 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


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Link Connector) under the dash and the Vehicle Emission ControlInformation Label must state that the vehicle is OBD II compliant.

Documents

20080827CI00 CReaderV Guide