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Scanner Operations
Connecting to a Vehicle
5.2 Connecting to a Vehicle
Make a selection from the systems available for testing list and instructions for connecting the
scan tool to the vehicle with the data cable display on the screen (
Figure 5-4
Sample vehicle connection message
If an adapter and key are needed, the instructions tell you which ones to use, and also where to
locate the vehicle diagnostic connector to perform the selected tests. Refer to the appropriate
Vehicle Communication Software Manual
for additional details.
5.2.1 Cables
A data cables and a cable adapter are used to connect the scan tool to the test vehicle. The 26-pin
end of the cable attaches to the data cable port on the scan tool and is secured with two captive
screws. The 16-pin end of the OBD-II cable directly plugs into the adapter, which attaches to the
data link connector (DLC) of the test vehicle.
On-screen instructions on the scan tool tell you how to connect the data cable once a test vehicle
has been identified. The screen message also includes the location of the vehicle diagnostic
connector that the cable attaches to for testing the selected system.
All OBD-II vehicles have vehicle battery power (B+) available on the DLC, and a green LED in the
vehicle connector end of the cable illuminates whenever power is supplied to the cable. A
replaceable 7.5 amp blade-type fuse, also on the vehicle connector end of the cable, protects the
unit from high circuit voltage and current. An LED that fails to illuminate indicates either a vehicle
power circuit problem or a blown data cable fuse.
The auxiliary power cable supplies power for testing non-OBD-II models that do not have B+
available on the diagnostic connector. An OBD-I Data Cable and adapters (optional in some
markets) are required for testing non-OBD-II models.