Snap-On ETHOS, User Manual

Page 1: ...User Manual February 2009 ZEESC312J Rev A ...

Page 2: ...tion specifications and illustrations in this manual are based on the latest information available at the time of printing Snap on reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice Visit our Web site at ethos snapon com North America snapondiag com Europe sun diagnostics com Europe FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CALL 1 800 424 7226 North America CALL 44 0 845 601 4736 United Kingdom E mail D...

Page 3: ... Conforms to Product Model Applied European standards King s Lynn 28 03 2007 Name A Barker Position Director European Supply Chain Signature Snap on Diagnostics a division of Snap on UK Holdings Ltd Denney Road King s Lynn Norfolk PE30 4HG England IEC 60950 1 2001 First Edition ETHOS EESC312 EESC112 EN 61326 1 1997 A1 1998 A2 2001 A3 2003 EN6100 3 2 2000 EN6100 3 3 1995 A1 2001 Document number ce ...

Page 4: ...and test procedures It is important to perform tests in an appropriate and acceptable manner that does not endanger your safety the safety of others in the work area the equipment being used or the vehicle being tested It is assumed that the operator has a thorough understanding of vehicle systems before using this product Understanding of these system principles and operating theories is necessar...

Page 5: ...zard Bold type states how to avoid the hazard Italic type states the possible consequences of not avoiding the hazard An icon when present gives a graphical description of the potential hazard Example WARNING Risk of unexpected vehicle movement Block drive wheels before performing a test with engine running A moving vehicle can cause injury Important Safety Instructions For a complete list of safe...

Page 6: ...pt Button 7 Directional Buttons 7 Power Button 7 Connections 7 DC Power Input 8 USB Port 8 Mini USB Port 8 Data Cable Connector 8 CompactFlash Card Slot 8 Power Supply 8 Vehicle Power 9 Battery Power 9 AC DC Power Supply 9 93L Data Cable 10 Chapter 3 Getting Started 11 Supplying Power 11 Installing the Batteries 11 Connecting to Vehicle Power 12 Connecting the AC DC Power Supply 14 Powering On the...

Page 7: ... Units 34 Setup 34 Sys System Information 35 Connect to PC 35 Backup to CF 36 Update from CF 36 Recording and Viewing Movies 36 Service Menu 36 Chapter 6 Maintenance 38 Cleaning and Damage Inspection 38 Display Window Replacement 38 Replacing the Batteries 39 Disposing of the Batteries 40 Storage Tips 40 Making a Backup CompactFlash CF Card 41 Restoring from a CompactFlash CF Card 41 Updating from...

Page 8: ...greater than arrow indicates an abbreviated set of selection instructions Example Select Utilities Tool Setup Date The previous statement abbreviates the following procedure 1 Navigate to the Utilities button 2 Use the directional keys to navigate to and highlight the Tool Setup submenu 3 Use the directional keys to navigate to and highlight the Date option from the submenu 4 Press Y a to confirm ...

Page 9: ...oided may result in damage to the test equipment or vehicle Example IMPORTANT IMPORTANT Do not force the CompactFlash card into the slot 1 1 5 Procedures An arrow icon indicates a procedure Example z To change screen views 1 Select the View button The drop down menu displays 2 Select an option from the menu The screen layout changes to the format you selected 1 2 Additional Manuals The scan tool h...

Page 10: ...ck brake system ABS and more Your scan tool can also graph live data parameters record data clear diagnostic trouble codes DTCs from the vehicle electronic control module ECM memory and reset the vehicle malfunction indicator lamp MIL Contact your sales representative for availability of software add ons and upgrades Figure 2 1 ETHOS scan tool 2 1 Functional Description This section illustrates ex...

Page 11: ... button 2 S button 3 b Up button 4 N x back button 5 CompactFlash card slot under endgrip 6 c Right button 7 Power button 8 d Down button 9 e Left button Figure 2 3 ETHOS unit top view 1 DC power supply input 2 Data cable connector 3 USB port 4 Mini USB port 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 5 1 2 3 4 ...

Page 12: ... 2 2 Technical Specifications Display Light Emitting Diode LED backlight monochrome screen 320 x 240 resolution 4 7 inch 119 38 mm diagonal Batteries 6 1 5V AA AC adapter Input 100 240V 47 63 Hz Output 15V DC Dimensions Width 9 05 inches 229 9 mm Height 5 70 inches 144 7 mm Depth 1 67 inches 42 3 mm 1 2 ...

Page 13: ...ns protocols SAE J1850 VPW SAE J1850 PWM ISO 9141 2 ISO 14230 4 KWP 2000 ISO 15765 4 CAN In addition the optional vehicle communications software allows you to access enhanced diagnostic information for specific vehicle manufacturers 2 3 Control Buttons The scan tool has the following control buttons Figure 2 2 on page 4 S function N x back Y a accept b Up d Down e Left c Right Power 2 3 1 S Butto...

Page 14: ...using the direction buttons To answer Yes when a Yes or No choice is given 2 3 4 Directional Buttons The directional or arrow buttons move the cursor or highlight in their respective directions Up b Down d Left e Right c 2 3 5 Power Button The Power button powers up the tool and turns it off See Powering On the Unit on page 14 and Powering Off the Unit on page 15 for details 2 4 Connections This s...

Page 15: ...e data cable connector is used to connect the scan tool to a vehicle data link connector DLC for testing For related information see the following sections 93L Data Cable on page 10 Connecting to Vehicle Power on page 12 2 4 5 CompactFlash Card Slot The CompactFlash CF card slot located under the handgrip adds optional functionality to the scan tool The ETHOS unit does not require a CF card to ope...

Page 16: ...r supply to the DC power supply input on top of the unit when the scan tool is communicating with the vehicle For related information see Connecting to Vehicle Power on page 12 2 5 2 Battery Power This scan tool can receive power from six internal type AA batteries Alkaline or rechargeable nickel metal hydride NiMH batteries must be used Standard lead zinc batteries do not provide sufficient power...

Page 17: ... sections DC Power Input on page 8 Connecting the AC DC Power Supply on page 14 2 6 93L Data Cable An 93L Data Cable Figure 2 6 is included with your scan tool The data cable plugs directly into the 16 pin data link connector DLC on OBD II vehicles Figure 2 6 93L Data Cable ...

Page 18: ... metal hydride NiMH batteries may also be used Do not use standard lead zinc batteries as they do not provide sufficient power to operate the scan tool and may leak and damage your ETHOS For related information see the following sections Battery Power on page 9 Replacing the Batteries on page 39 IMPORTANT IMPORTANT Your scan tool will not operate and may be damaged if the battery polarity is incor...

Page 19: ...ot use different brands of batteries together Do not try to recharge batteries that are not specifically designed to be recharged Do not allow children to install batteries unsupervised Follow the battery manufacturer s instructions as to proper handling storage and disposal of batteries Improper use of batteries can result in personal harm 3 3 Connecting to Vehicle Power The 93L Data Cable includ...

Page 20: ...r 3 93L Data cable 2 Attach the 25 pin connector of the 93L Data Cable to the connector saver Figure 3 2 Tighten the captive screws to ensure a good connection 3 Connect the 16 pin connector of the 93L Data Cable to the DLC of the test vehicle See the appropriate vehicle communication software VCS manual for vehicle diagnostic connector locations 4 Turn the ignition on NOTE i This scan tool can co...

Page 21: ...can tool is communicating with the vehicle 3 5 Powering On the Unit When power is supplied you can power on your scan tool For related information see Powering Off the Unit on page 15 z To power on the scan tool Press the Power button Figure 2 2 on page 4 The unit beeps and the main menu screen displays after a few seconds 3 6 Selecting a Language NOTE i This Selecting a Language section applies t...

Page 22: ...hout actually connecting to a vehicle A sample vehicle with mock test results is provided to help you become familiar with menus and basic operations These simulated programs are available for a number of different vehicle manufacturers z To open the OBD II demonstration program 1 Select Global OBDII from the main menu 2 Press Y a at the software confirmation screen 3 Select OBD Training Mode 4 Se...

Page 23: ... screen 1 Title bar 2 Toolbar 3 Main body 4 1 1 Title Bar The title bar at the top of the screen provides basic information about current tool operating conditions Title bar options vary depending upon vehicle make and model what test is being performed or what menu is selected Title bar information may include The identification ID of the test vehicle The name of the active menu or database The c...

Page 24: ... the LEDs vary by manufacturer 4 1 2 Toolbar The toolbar located under the title bar contains a number of selectable buttons that control tool functions Toolbar button operations are shown in Table 4 2 see Using Tools on page 33 for details Table 4 1 Title bar icon definitions TYPE ICON DEFINITION Power source Indicates power is being supplied by the internal batteries Indicates the internal batte...

Page 25: ...main body Press the up b and down d buttons Next Frame Moves forward one frame when viewing recorded or paused data Record When collecting data indicates the data being displayed is paused and not being updated Custom Data List Lets you selects which parameters to display from the list View Switches between text and graph display modes Lock Unlock Locks or unlocks the highlighted parameter Print S...

Page 26: ...tions with the vehicle The message automatically clears once the internal operation is complete 4 3 2 Confirmation Messages Confirmation messages inform you when you are about to perform an action that cannot be reversed or when an action that requires your confirmation to continue has been initiated When a user response is not required the message displays briefly before disappearing 4 3 3 Warnin...

Page 27: ...n tool by entering VIN characters and answering questions See the appropriate Vehicle Communication Software Manual for instructions 3 Select the system Enter the system to be tested engine transmission ABS etc See the appropriate Vehicle Communication Software Manual for instructions 4 Connect the ETHOS unit to the vehicle Follow the on screen connection instructions to connect to the vehicle See...

Page 28: ... the ID to the last vehicle tested See Main Menu Identification Options on page 22 for details Previous Vehicles and Data lets you quickly set the ID of any of the last 20 vehicles previously tested This selection is also used to access data files that you saved in tool memory See Main Menu Identification Options on page 22 for details Tools opens the Tools menu See Using Tools on page 33 for deta...

Page 29: ...has been entered 3 Press Y a to continue 5 2 1 Main Menu Identification Options The main menu offers two options for quickly identifying the test vehicle Last Vehicle Previous Vehicles and Data Select Last Vehicle to reuse the identification information of the last vehicle that you tested Figure 5 2 on page 21 z To select the last vehicle tested 1 From the main menu select Last Vehicle The vehicle...

Page 30: ... made from Last 20 a vehicle ID confirmation screen displays after the software loads Verify the ID 3 Press Y a to continue A connection message displays 4 Connect the data cable to the vehicle then press Y a The menu for the last system tested on the selected vehicle displays 5 3 Selecting a System You must select the vehicle control system you wish to test Figure 5 6 Delete Restore Last 20 Previ...

Page 31: ...hicle power on the DLC For these applications a separate cable adapter and power cable are needed to power the unit contact your sales representative for availability Optional data cable adapters are available for a number of vehicle manufacturers The power cable connects to a port on the cable adapter IMPORTANT IMPORTANT Never connect the optional power cable or AC DC power supply to the DC power...

Page 32: ... available for the vehicle Functional Tests displays a submenu of tests available for the vehicle Service Reset displays a submenu of options for resetting service reminder lamps Stop Communication electronically disconnects the scan tool from the vehicle 5 5 1 Codes Menu Selecting Codes Menu opens a submenu Figure 5 9 on page 26 that typically includes Trouble Codes displays a submenu of choices ...

Page 33: ...ls on page 33 for button function details Main Body During data display The main body of the display is horizontally divided into two frames Figure 5 11 Three parameters can be fixed at the top of the list so they do not change as you scroll through the parameter list in the lower frame Use the Lock Unlock button on the upper toolbar to select which parameters are fixed see Locking Parameters on p...

Page 34: ...use The toolbar icon changes to Record the Cursor Previous Frame and Next Frame buttons display and a frame counter displays below the toolbar Figure 5 12 Figure 5 12 Sample paused frame of data 1 Cursor button 2 Previous Frame button 3 Next Frame button 4 Record button 5 Frame counter total number of frames 6 Frame counter current frame 1 2 ST TRIM 1 O2 B1 S1 mV 109 INJ PW B1 mS 19 3 ST TRIM 1 1 ...

Page 35: ...used When the button is highlighted each press of the Y a button advances the data 10 frames A vertical line indicates the cursor position when viewing data graphs Figure 5 13 Figure 5 13 Sample cursor indicator Customizing the Data List The Custom Data List button lets you determine which parameters display from the list Not including unnecessary parameters can speed up the screen update rate z T...

Page 36: ...meter 6 Once you custom data list is configured press N x to return to the data display Changing Screen Views The View button switches the screen view between Text view and Graph view When Graph view is selected the data graphs of four parameters display in the main body of the screen Figure 5 15 Use the up b and down d buttons to scroll and view other parameters Button Description Select Deselect...

Page 37: ... from scrolling or to release previously locked lines of data Up to three lines of data may be held at a time the bottom line of the display cannot be locked This feature allows you to position related parameters together making it easier to monitor their values and spot inconsistencies When viewing in text mode locked data lines move to the upper frame on the main body of the display screen When ...

Page 38: ...elps when trying to isolate an intermittent problem or verify a repair during a road test Saved files also provide documentation that helps you explain driveability problems to your customers A number of data movies can be stored which can later be opened by selecting the Tool button or by selecting Tools on the main menu Each movie contains up to 240 frames of data z To save a movie Select Save A...

Page 39: ...main menu See Using Tools on page 33 for details 5 5 3 Generic Functions Select Generic Functions from a VIN specific menu and a submenu of OBD II tests displays Figure 5 18 Figure 5 18 Sample Generic Functions menu Menu choices may include Freeze Frame displays data stored in ECM memory Readiness Monitors displays the status of monitors required for OBD II compliance Mode 6 Non Cont displays the ...

Page 40: ... complete list of data parameters to the printer Print Screen prints only the data currently being displayed on the screen Save Movie works like the Save button in the data display toolbar See Saving on page 31 for details Save Screen saves data displayed on the current screen to tool memory Show S Menu Shortcuts opens this menu so you can quickly reconfigure the button setting Toggle Record Pause...

Page 41: ...a printer through the USB port Time Zone sets the internal clock Daylight Saving modifies the internal clock for daylight savings time Battery Type sets low battery warning message threshold for disposable or rechargeable batteries Brightness opens a widow for adjusting the backlighting on the display screen Table 5 1 Units of measurement defaults and options SETTING DEFAULT OPTION Temperature deg...

Page 42: ...ght a menu item and press Y a 3 Press N x to return to the main menu 5 6 4 Sys System Information The Sys selection lets you view your scan tool configuration information Figure 5 21 Figure 5 21 Sample system information screen z To display system information 1 Select Sys The System Information displays 2 Scroll Down d to view all of the information 3 Press N x to return to the main menu 5 6 5 Con...

Page 43: ...ew a movie 1 Select Previous Vehicles and Data from the menu 2 Select Saved Data on the toolbar 3 Select a movie The movie opens and plays in real time The Play button changes to the Pause button at the end of the movie Movie reviewing tips The Pause Play and View toolbar buttons are active while a movie is playing so you can stop the movie or switch to graph view at any time The Previous Frame an...

Page 44: ...ol inoperative z To open the Service Menu 1 Simultaneously hold down the Y a and N x buttons 2 Press the Power button to open the Service Menu The Service menu displays IMPORTANT IMPORTANT Do not attempt to open view or alter any of the files in any of the folders These are software operating files and any changes will hamper tool functionality ...

Page 45: ... wiring and connectors for dirt and damage At the end of each working day clean the housing wiring and connectors with a slightly damp cloth 6 2 Display Window Replacement Use the optional Display Window Kit to replace the hard plastic faceplate of the Ethos unit Thoroughly clean the scan tool first and work carefully to keep dirt out of the unit during window replacement z To install the Display ...

Page 46: ...6 2 Figure 6 2 Replacement window 5 Fit the new window onto the unit Figure 6 2 6 Lightly push down the edge of the window to engage the lock tabs 7 Fit the endgrip 6 3 Replacing the Batteries When replacing the scan tool batteries use Alkaline or rechargeable nickel metal hydride NiMH type AA batteries only Do not use standard lead zinc batteries as they do not provide sufficient power to operate...

Page 47: ...ttery compartment on the rear of the tool for correct battery polarity 4 Replace the battery cover NOTE i If installing rechargeable batteries be sure to reset the battery type on the Tools Setup menu see Setup on page 34 This helps prolong the life of the batteries and notifies you when it is time to recharge them 6 3 1 Disposing of the Batteries Always dispose of materials according to local reg...

Page 48: ... time 6 Press N X to exit when prompted Once the backup is complete leave the CF card in your ETHOS The backup CF stores the tool programming as well as your saved data so it is a good idea to backup on a regular basis 7 Replace the right handgrip and your ETHOS is ready to use 6 6 Restoring from a CompactFlash CF Card The following procedure can be used to restore the scan tool software after a c...

Page 49: ...ompted press Y a to read the software version on the CF The software version on the CF card displays make sure it is a more recent version than what is currently installed Figure 6 4 Figure 6 4 CF software version confirmation screen 8 Press Y a to continue with the installation 9 Follow the screen prompts and refer to the installation instructions supplied with the CF card to complete the update ...

Page 50: ...adapter and power cable are needed to power the unit Poor or loose cable connections or damaged cables can cause erratic or no communication Make sure all connections are clean and tight Measure resistance on suspect cables If using an optional power cable make sure it is properly connected The power cable connects to a port on the cable adapter Never connect the optional power cable or the AC DC ...

Page 51: ...tool to operate A 5 Unit Will Not Power On The following conditions will prevent your scan tool from powering on Missing or expired internal batteries see Battery Power on page 9 and Installing the Batteries on page 11 You are connected to a vehicle diagnostic connector that does not supply power A 6 Unit Will Not Power Off The scan tool should not be shut down if it is actively communicating with...

Page 52: ...ain body 26 Main menu 21 Making selections 18 Manual conventions Description 1 N N button 7 P Pausing data 27 Power button 7 Power supply 8 10 11 Powering off 15 Powering on 14 Previous vehicles and data 21 Printing 32 34 R Restarting 44 S S button 6 33 Safety iv v safety information iv Saving 31 Screen layout 16 18 Screen messages 19 Service menu 36 System information 35 System selection 23 T Tec...