GM OBD II

System
Student Manual

GM OBD II System
Activity 3
Scan Tool Usage
Performance Objectives:
The purpose of this activity is to help the student acquire the skills necessary to read and
interpret automotive scan tool data.
Upon completion of this activity you should be able to:
Describe the operation and purpose of the scan tool
Demonstrate how to access data with a scan tool
Tools and Equipment:
Scan Tool
Digital Multimeter
Model 2651/60 GM OBD II System Trainer
OR
Model 2651/60S GM OBD II Suitcase Trainer
OR
Model 2651/60 GM OBD II System Trainer (Dry)
References:
Service Manual Information
Scan Tool Operation Manual
Digital Multimeter Operation Manual

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Scan Tool Use:

For many years diagnostic scan tools have been used with some automotive computer control
systems. For example, G.M. and Chrysler have been using scan tools since the early 1980s.
With OBD II, all new Powertrain Control Systems must provide a minimum use of scan tools.
Most manufactures will also provide additional diagnostic capabilities.
There are two groups of scan tools:
A. Factory scan tools are designed to specialize on one manufacturers systems.
For example:
G.M. dealers use Tech II
Ford dealers use NGS (New Generation Star)
Chrysler dealer use DRB III (Digital Readout Box)
B. Independent/Aftermarket scan tools are also very common. Snap-On and OTC
are examples of this type.
With

your instructor, identify the scan tool you will use during this program.
1. What is the model scan tool you will be using?

At

this time look over the Scan Tool Operation Manual and identify the common features
required of OBD II Systems.
2. Is this scan tool (and update cartridge) compatible with 1996 OBD II System?

3. The scan tool connector must be compatible with a new standard OBD II Data Link
Connector (DLC). How many cavities are provided in this connector?

A very common function of a scan tool is to retrieve the system Data Stream. This allows
technicians to see all the information going in and out of the systems computer (PCM). This
feature will be used throughout Level I of this program.
4. Does the scan tool you will be using also allow
Retrieving DTC Diagnostic Trouble Codes?
Retrieving Freeze Frame?
Determining System Status Flags?
These features are also required of OBD II Systems and will be presented in Level II of this
program.

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GM OBD II System Activity 3

Service Manual Information:

Refer to pages 6E-7 to 6E-17.
5. Page 6E-7 begins by saying: Use the typical Scan Data Values Table only after....

6. What useful information is provided or pages 6E-8 to 6E-11?

7. What additional information is offered on pages 6E-12 to 6E-17?

Study these pages. This information is very useful and will be referred to throughout this program.

The scan tool is an Essential Tool when diagnosing OBD II Systems.

Refer to pages 6E-53 and 6E-54.

8. The Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic System Check is the starting point for any
drivability complaint. It is an
to identify a problem
created by an Electronic Engine Control System Malfunction. (Page 6E-53)

Refer to the Powertrain OBD II System Check on Page 6E-54.

9. What equipment is required in Step 2?
10. What information is used in Step 5?

Refer to pages 6E-499 and 6E-500, Engine Special Tools and Equipment.
11. Technician A says a Digital Multimeter is used during Powertrain System diagnosis.
Technician B says a test light may be used during Powertrain System diagnosis.
Who is correct?
a. Technician A
b. Technician B
c. Both A and B
d. Neither A nor B

Note: Test lights should only be used as directed in the Service Procedures. Do not use for
general probing.

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With increased use of Computer Controlled Transmissions refer to Section 7A of the Service Manual
Information.
12. What information is provided on pages 7A-65?
13. What is offered on pages 7A-55 and 7A-56?

Page 7A-171 present Transmission Special Tools and Equipment.

14. Is a Digital Multimeter expected for Transmission Diagnosis?
In addition to Scan Tools, Digital Multimeters are often used during Computer Control System
Diagnosis.

With your instructor, locate the DMM available for use during this program. If necessary refer
to the meter operation manual.

Note: ATech Model 1820 program presents the basics of DMM use.
Complete the On-Trainer Worksheet at this time.

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GM OBD II System Activity 3

ON-TRAINER WORKSHEET
Activity 3
Set-Up:
Set the following input signals on the trainer as shown:
Inputs:
Ignition Switch
Off
A/C Request Switch
Off (Down)
Trans Range Switch
P (Park)
Intake Air Temperature
20 C
Coolant Temperature
80 C
MAF
Auto
Fuel Tirm
Auto
Throttle (Throttle Body)
Closed
Outputs:
A/C Pressure Switch
Oil Pressure Switch

Down
Down

Note: Be sure all Fault Switches on the rear panel are in the OFF position.
System Operation:
Turn System Power ON in the lower right-hand corner of the board.

Turn Ignition Switch to the ON position (Engine OFF).

Turn Ignition Switch, crank and start Engine.

Initialize your Scan Tool to show Engine Coolant Temperature and Intake Air Temperature.

Turn the ECT Switch and the IAT Switch completely counter-clockwise.
1. What does your Scan Tool show reading in the English measuring units mode for:
a. ECT
b. IAT
2. What does your Scan Tool show reading in the Metric measuring units mode for:
a. ECT
b. IAT

Turn both the ECT Switch and the IAT Switch completely clockwise.
3. What does your Scan Tool show reading in the English measuring units mode for:
a. ECT
b. IAT

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4. What does your scan tool show reading in the Metric measuring units mode for:
a. ECT
b. IAT

Set the ECT Switch to 80 degrees and the IAT Switch to 20 degrees.
5. Set the scan tool to read Engine RPM and record the value?
6. Vary the Throttle and observe the engine RPM readout on the scan tool. Describe what
happens.

Set the scan tool to read out Fault Codes in the system.
7. Does the system have any fault codes set?

Turn the MAF Potentiometer completely clockwise.

8. When the MIL comes on, read the Fault Code with the scan tool and record it.

9. Go to the Service Manual Information and find a description for this Fault Code.
What does this Fault Code mean?

Set MAF Potentiometer to Auto position.

Use the Scan Tool to clear this Fault Code.

Turn Ignition Switch OFF.

Conclusion:
The diagnostic scan tool is another essential tool when troubleshooting todays automotive
computer control systems. Scan tool diagnosis is required of all OBD II Powertrain Control
Systems.
Scan tools used to study scan data will be offered throughout Level I OBD II System Operation.
Level II OBD II System Diagnosis will also require use of the scan tool.
It is important that you understand the scan tool you will be using. Review with your instructor
any questions you may have.

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GM OBD II System Activity 3