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The document provides an overview of the ScanMaster-ELM automotive diagnostic software including its features, installation instructions, and troubleshooting tips.

The ScanMaster-ELM software is used to read and clear diagnostic trouble codes, view live sensor and parameter data, and diagnose issues on vehicles that are OBD-II compliant.

The ScanMaster-ELM supports SAE J1850 PWM, SAE J1850 VPW, ISO 9141-2, ISO 14230-4 KWP, and ISO 15765-4 CAN protocols for communicating with vehicles.

Automotive Diagnostic Software

Scan Master
ELM

User Manual
Version 2.0

2009

Copyright 2009 WGSoft.de. All rights reserved

ScanMaster-ELM

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Basic Features ............................................................................


Minimum Platform and Software Requirements ...................................
What is OBD-II?
...........................................................................
EOBD - European On-Board Diagnostic ...............................................
Which OBD-II protocol is supported by vehicle? ..................................
Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC) Mapping Diagram Explanation ............
OBD-II Diagnostic Protocol ................................................................
Installation .......................................................................................
Options ............................................................................................
Start Form ........................................................................................
Vehicle Info .......................................................................................
System Status ...................................................................................
Trouble Codes ..................................................................................
Freeze Frame ..................................................................................
Oxygen Sensor Test Results ..............................................................
Monitored Test Results ......................................................................
Sensor Data .....................................................................................
PID Config ........................................................................................
Report .............................................................................................
Fuel Consumption Display ..............................................................
Terminal Mode ...............................................................................
Acceleration Test ...........................................................................
Dyno Test .....................................................................................
Troubleshooting ............................................................................
Glossary ...........................................................................................

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ScanMaster-ELM

Basic Features

Supports:
1. SAE J1850 PWM (41.6 Kbaud)
2. SAE J1850 VPW (10.4 Kbaud)
3. ISO 9141-2 (5 baud init, 10.4 Kbaud)
4. ISO 14230-4 KWP (5 baud init, 10.4 Kbaud)
5. ISO 14230-4 KWP (fast init, 10.4 Kbaud)
6. ISO 15765-4 CAN (11 bit ID, 500 Kbaud)
7. ISO 15765-4 CAN (29 bit ID, 500 Kbaud)
8. ISO 15765-4 CAN (11 bit ID, 250 Kbaud)
9. ISO 15765-4 CAN (29 bit ID, 250 Kbaud)
Automatically determines and identifies to the user the vehicle communication
protocol under test.
Supports generic SAE J1979 (Mode $01) parameter identifiers (PIDs) $00 through
$87.
Displays all or custom list of diagnostic data parameters supported by the vehicle's
OBD II controller with line graphs and meters.
View the condition of the vehicle system at the time when an emission related
diagnostic trouble code was stored with Freeze Frame mode.
Read emission DTCs (and their common SAE descriptions) that cause the MIL to be
illuminated. Plus, display the DTC number for the non-SAE defined DTC numbers and
descriptions that are reported by OBD II emission ECUs.
Supports over 4200 generic diagnostic trouble codes descriptions from SAE J2012 and
over 3600 enhanced OBD-II codes, or a codes defined by the Original Equipment
Manufacturer (OEM).
Clear all emissions-related diagnostic information. (Mode $04)
Review the results of the oxygen sensor testing performed by the vehicle's powertrain
control module with Oxygen Sensors mode (Mode $05).
Displays non-continuous diagnostic test results specific to the vehicle manufacturer
(Mode $06 data) with the Monitoring Tests Results mode.
Reports vehicle's continuously monitored emissions-related tests that have failed
during a drive cycle and have not matured to indicate a diagnostic trouble code with
Pending Diagnostic trouble Codes mode.
Displays specific information applicable to the vehicle under test (VIN, Calibration ID,
Calibration Verification Number, In-Use Performance Tracking).
Metric and English units of measure.

Shows Readiness for State Inspection.

Shows Fuel Consumption since version 1.3.

Drag Measurement since version 1.8.

Power and Torque Measurement since version 1.9.

Direct connection methods for USB, Bluetooth and WLAN interfaces since version
2.0.

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ScanMaster-ELM

Minimum Platform and Software Requirements


You must have Microsoft Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/7 with Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 or
later or Firefox installed on your computer as well as Acrobat Reader.
Minimum hardware requirements:

Pentium 200MHz or faster


64MB of RAM or higher
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive
Free COM or USB Port

For Bluetooth or WLAN interface the computer must have Bluetooth or WLAN

Warnings

ATTENTION!

During a test drive the computer or notebook should be secured fixed in the car.
During a test drive the passenger should handle these units.
OBD connection cable, adapters and other tools should not disturb control of the car.
Do not run the engine in closed rooms. A running engine produces perilous gases.

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ScanMaster-ELM

What is OBD-II?
OBD-II stands for On-Board Diagnostics second (II) generation, a computer-based system
built into all model year (MY) 1996 in USA and newer light-duty cars and trucks. OBD-II
monitors the performance of some of the engines' major components, including individual
emission controls. The system provides owners with an early warning of malfunctions by way
of a dashboard "Check Engine" light (also known as a Malfunction Indicator Light or MIL, for
short). By giving vehicle owners this early warning, OBD-II protects not only the
environment but also consumers, identifying minor problems before they become major
repair bills.

EOBD - European On-Board Diagnostic


EOBD is a standard that is issued by the European Community. The main goal with the
standard is to give the authorities a tool to control the exhaust emission from vehicles. The
EOBD standard has been implemented in petrol cars throughout the European Union from
01.01.2001 (EU directive 98/96/EC). For LPG and Diesel vehicles the implementation of
applicable regulations is scheduled to take place before 2005. The EOBD standard includes
five different communication protocols: ISO 9141-2, ISO 14230-4(KWP2000), SAE J1850
VPW, SAE J1850 PWM and ISO 15765-4 CAN.
If the car supports EOBD you have the possibilities to read out stored information from the
ECU in the car, including:

Read fault codes


Erase fault codes
Read freeze frame data
Get real-time data (displayed as numbers or graphs)
Get monitoring results from oxygen sensors
Get result from readiness test

To read out the information you require an OBD-II/EOBD diagnostic tool such as the
ScanMaster software together with an approbiate interface for the connection between the
cars diagnostic connector and the computer or notbook.

How do I know the OBD system is working correctly?


When you turn on the ignition, the "Service Engine Soon" or "Check Engine" light should
flash briefly, indicating that the OBD system is ready to scan your vehicle for any
malfunctions. After this brief flash, the light should stay off while you drive as long as no
problems are detected. If so, you'll be glad to know that your vehicle is equipped with an
early warning system that could save you time, money, and fuel in addition to helping
protect the environment!

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ScanMaster-ELM

Which OBD-II protocol is supported by vehicle?


All cars and light trucks built for sale in the United States after 1996 are required to be OBDII compliant. The European Union adopted a similar law in 2000 for gasoline-powered
vehicles, and in 2003 for cars with diesel engines.
An OBD-II compliant vehicle can use any of the five communication protocols: J1850 PWM
and VPW, ISO9141, ISO14230 (also known as Keyword Protocol 2000), and more recently,
CAN (ISO15765/SAE J2480). Car manufacturers were not allowed to use CAN until model
year 2003.
As a general rule, you can determine which protocol your vehicle is using by looking at the
pinout of the DLC:

The following table explains how to determine the protocol:


Pin 2

Pin 6

Pin 7

Pin 10

Pin 14

Pin 15*

Standard

CAN High

ISO 9141-2
K Line and
J1850 Bus
ISO/DIS
14230-4

CAN Low

ISO 9141-2
L Line and
ISO/DIS
14230-4

must have

must have

J1850 PWM

must have

J1850 VPW

must have

may have

ISO9141/14230

must have

must have

CAN

J1850
Bus+

The connector should have: Pin 4 - Chassis Ground, Pin 5 - Signal Ground, Pin 16 - Battery
power

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ScanMaster-ELM

This means that:


Protocol

The connector must have pins

PWM

2, 4 and/or 5, 10, and 16

VPW

2, 4 and/or 5, and 16, but not 10.

ISO

4 and/or 5, 7, and 16. Pin 15 *may or may not be present.

CAN

4 and/or 5, 6, 14 and 16

*For ISO communications, pin 15 (L-line) is not always required. Pin 15 was used on earlier
ISO/KWP2000 cars to "wake-up" the ECU before communication could begin on pin 7 (KLine). Later cars tend to communicate using only pin 7 (K-Line).
Because of the different protocol a car might have it is recommended to use an interface
which supports all protocols as all modern interfaces do.

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ScanMaster-ELM

Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC) Mapping Diagram Explanation


The mapping diagram of DLC locations contains a divided instrument panel (IP) with
numbered areas. Each numbered area represents specific sections of the IP where
manufacturers may have located DLCs. This document briefly clarifies the numbered
locations on the mapping diagram. We will use this mapping diagram to catalog
manufacturer responses to the recent 208 letter requesting OBD DLC locations for 96MY and
future vehicles. Areas 1-3 fall within the preferred DLC location while the remaining areas, 48, fall into the allowable DLC location according to EPA requirements. Areas 4-8 require that
manufacturers label the vehicle in the preferred location to notify parties of the alternate
connector location.

Preferred Location(s)
Location #1: This location represents a DLC positioned on the underside of the IP directly

under the steering column (or approximately 150mm left or right of the steering column).
Visualizing the underside of an IP divided into three equal parts from inside the passenger
compartment, this represents the center section.
Location #2: This location represents a DLC positioned on the underside of the IP between

the steering column and the drivers side passenger door. Visualizing the underside of an IP
divided into three equal parts from inside the passenger compartment, this represents the
left section.
Location #3: This location represents a DLC positioned on the underside of the IP between

the steering column and the center console. Visualizing the underside of an IP divided into
three equal parts from inside the passenger compartment, this represents the right section.

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ScanMaster-ELM
Allowable Location(s)
Location #4: This location represents a DLC positioned on the upper part of the IP

between the steering column and the center console (but not on the center console, see
location #6).
Location #5: This location represents a DLC positioned on the upper part of the IP

between the steering column and the driver side, passenger door.
Location #6: This location represents a DLC positioned on the vertical section of the center

console and left of the vehicle center line.


Location #7: This location represents a DLC positioned 300 mm right of the vehicle

centerline either on the vertical section of the center console or on the passenger side of the
vehicle.
Location #8: This location represents a DLC positioned on the horizontal section of the

center console either left or right of the vehicle center line. This does not include the
horizontal section of the center console that extends into the rear passenger area (see
location #9).
Location #9: This location, not shown, represents any DLC positioned in an area other than

those mentioned above (e.g., in the rear passenger area on the driver side armrest).

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ScanMaster-ELM

OBD-II Diagnostic Protocol


The diagnostic protocol for OBD-II is SAE J1979. A diagnostic request or response message
has a maximum of seven data bytes. The first byte following the header is the test mode. It
is also called the service identifier (SID or PID). The following bytes vary depending on the
specific test mode.
There are nine diagnostic test modes:
Mode $01 Request Current Powertrain Diagnostic Data - This service gives access
to current emission-related data values, including analogue inputs and outputs, digital inputs
and outputs and system status information.
Mode $02 Request Powertrain Freeze Frame Data - This service gives access to
current emission-related data values in a freeze frame. A freeze frame consists of data values
stored at a specific event; such as an engine malfunction of some kind.
Mode $03 Request Emission-Related Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Codes - The
purpose of this service is to enable the external test equipment to obtain confirmed
emission-related DTCs.
Mode $04 Clear/Reset Emission-Related Diagnostic Information - The purpose of
this service is to provide a means for the external test equipment to command ECUs to clear
all emission-related diagnostic information. This includes:

Number of diagnostic trouble codes


Diagnostic trouble codes
Trouble codes for Freeze Frame data
Freeze Frame data
O2 test data
Status of system monitor tests
On-board monitor test results
Travelled distance with activated MIL
Number of warm startups since DTC clear
Travelled distance since DTC clear
Engine runtime (minutes) with MIL activated
Time since DTC clear
as well as learned adaptive values of the injection system.

Other manufacturer specific clear/reset actions might be possible.


Mode $05 Request Oxygen Sensor Monitoring Test Results - The purpose of this
service is to allow access to the on-board oxygen sensors monitoring test results.
Mode $06 Request On-Board Monitoring Test Results for Non- Continuously
Monitored Systems - This service gives access to the results for on-board diagnostic
monitoring tests of specific components/systems that are not continuously monitored.
Examples of this are catalyst monitoring and the evaporative system monitoring.

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ScanMaster-ELM
Mode $07 Request On-Board Monitoring Test Results for Continuously
Monitored Systems - Through this service, the external test equipment, can obtain test
results for emission-related Powertrain components/systems that are continuously monitored
during normal driving conditions.
Mode $08 Request Control of On-Board System, Test or Component - This service
enables external test equipment to control the operation of an on-board system, test or
component.
Mode $09 Request Vehicle Information - This service gives access to vehicle specific
vehicle information such as Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and Calibration IDs.

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ScanMaster-ELM

Installation
Start the ScanMaster-ELM installation by double clicking the installation file. The installation
wizard will provide instructions for how to complete the installation.

Installation start up

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ScanMaster-ELM

Accept the License Agreements

Select Destination Location or better accept the predefined Location for easier updates later
on

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ScanMaster-ELM

Only for the ScanMaster-ELM OEM version for ElmCan interfaces you will see the window
above where you choose the type of interface you have: USB interface or serial interface. For
ElmCan-USB interface you choose USB and for all others (serial, Bluetooth or WLAN) you
choose Serial.

Select Start Menu Folder

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ScanMaster-ELM

Setup has finished installing ScanMaster on your computer.

Deinstallation
For deinstallation please use the common Windows procedure for deinstalling software.
Simply delete the item ScanMaster-ELM in the software list of the Windows system settings.

Product Activation
For the ScanMaster-ELM OEM version please see next chapter below.
To be able to use ScanMaster-ELM permanently, you must register the product with your
dealer within 21 days after you install it. You will then receive an activation code with which
you can activate the program license.
As long as the ScanMaster-ELM license is not activated, you will be asked to register the
program each time you start it.
Notes
Registration is bound to the PC on which ScanMaster-ELM is installed by means of a
hardware code. The activation code you receive from your dealer when registering
ScanMaster-ELM can therefore only be used on the PC on which you perform the
registration. If you want to install ScanMaster-ELM on another PC or if you reinstall the
program after changing the hardware configuration of your PC, you must register the
program again.

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ScanMaster-ELM
Note the following concerning the hardware code
The hardware code is used exclusively to generate a valid activation code for your PC.
Software or personal data on the PC are not taken into account for the hardware code. Only
general hardware components are used for generating the code.
The hardware code cannot be decoded, so it is not possible to see from the hardware code
which components are installed in a PC.
Registration (not for ScanMaster-ELM OEM)
Following successful installation this screen will appear.

Now you need to enter your name and company on which you would like to register the
program.
Then click "Continue >>"
The following window appears.

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ScanMaster-ELM
You inform your dealer about the "Install Code" and you get a registration key of him, which
you enter in this window. Then click on "Register" to complete the activation.
If you have carried out the procedure correctly you will see the confirmations screen.
Congratulations! You have now installed and registered ScanMaster-ELM Software. Click "OK"
and you are finished.

Product Activation for ScanMaster-ELM OEM


For the ScanMaster-ELM OEM version the activation method is different. You will get detailled
descriptions from your dealer for activating ScanMaster-ELM OEM which is normally delivered
with the ElmCan interface together.

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ScanMaster-ELM

Options
Before you start to work with the program, it is recommended to carry out the most
important program options. Open the appropriate item in menue Options or click on the
symbol in the symbol list below.

Communication

Make first the settings for your interface type. Choose between

Serial (serial interface with serial connection cable to the computer with 9-pin
connector, interface type ElmCan-Serial)

USB (USB interface with USB connection cable to the computer, the interface must
have a FTDI chip like the ElmCan-USB interface)

Bluetooth (wireless connection to the computer, the interface connects wireless via
Bluetooth radio to the computer, the computer must have buildin Bluetooth or an
USB Bluetooth dongle with Bluetooth software stack from Microsoft, Blue Soleil,
Toshiba or Widcomm, interface typ ElmCan-BT)

WLAN (wireless connection to the computer, the interface connects wireless via WLAN
radio to the computer, the computer has buildin WLAN, interface type ElmCanWLAN)

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ScanMaster-ELM
For the above connections USB, Bluetooth and WLAN there is a direct connection with this
medium. Also a connection via a virtual com port is possible with these mediums choosing
Serial (virtual com port driver).
Selecting Serial the applicable COM-Port number may be selected manually (if known, for the
physical 9-pin connector mostly port 1, for virtual com ports a number greater 4) or the
correct COM-Port number might be searched automatically by ScanMaster-ELM. For first use
leave the baudrate at 38,400 bps.

Confirm with OK to use the serial interface then.


For an USB type interface you select USB:

First click Test button to find the USB interface and to test it. Once the test was successful
you will get the information and data about the device similar as in the pictures below.

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ScanMaster-ELM

Confirming with OK you can use the USB interface now.


If you have a Bluetooth interface you choose as interface type Bluetooth after the
Bluetooth software stack was installed at the computer. Please read the documentation
about your Bluetooth stack. Also the attachment about Bluetooth in the ElmCan hardware
manual may help understanding the behavior of Bluetooth devices.

In the left picture above there is no Bluetooth stack available on the computer, a search for
devices will fail therefore. The right picture shows however the Toshiba stack and click at the
Search Devices button will just do that. The search will be only successful when the
Bluetooth OBD-2 interface is powered up, so it must be connected to the car.

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ScanMaster-ELM

Once found mark the line in the list, so the line is highlighted and click Test button to test
the interface.

During the test you may be asked to enter the security key for the interface. See the
interface documentation for this step.

Confirm the settings with OK buton in the Options window above. The Bluetooth interface
is ready for use now.

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ScanMaster-ELM
If you own a WLAN OBD-2 interface, select interface type WLAN. The formerly needed WLAN
driver HW-VSP is not needed anymore with ScanMaster-ELM version 2.0 and higher.
Choosing interface type WLAN the standard IP address and port number is already
predefined for the ad-hoc mode connection between the interface and the computer. If you
run the system in infrastructure mode make the appropriate settings according to your
network.

Note:
If the above settings in Options / Communication are not made or not made correctly to
your type of interface then no connection between the interface and the computer is
possible. You will seen a message in the start screen: Interface not found.
Protocol
Select the right diagnostic protocol which is supported by the vehicle. If you do not know the
protocol or work with several vehicles with different protocols, select "0 - Automatic". In this
case the interface will look for the right protocol and build up the connection with the
vehicle. This procedure takes however some time until the applicable protocol is found
during initialisation.

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ScanMaster-ELM
Language, Measurement system

GUI Language
Select desired language of the program GUI. So that this attitude gets valid, the program
must be started newly.
System of measurements
It is possible with the program to work with metric and English system of measuring. You
can determine this in the selection box.
General

This tab provides the following settings:

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ScanMaster-ELM
Save on exit
Check "Form size" and "Form position" or Maximize on startup if you wanted that these
attitudes are stored.
Communication Datalogging
Activate it when asked to send a logfile to the support in the case of trouble shooting. The
generated logfile helps to find out any reason for a problem which might occurred. Because
a log continously saves each session, this item should not be activated if not really needed,
otherwise it results into a large file after times.
PIDs

This settings are for the global scan rate (high, middle, low) of sensor values. The value 10
for a low priority means that all sensors with this priority are only asked each 10th scan for its
value. This is e.g. applicable for the engine cooling temperature which does not change very
fast and therefore must not be scanned each scan cycle. Note, this are the global values for
priority, each PID can be adjusted in the PID configuration screen separately.

Graph
The graph tab provides settings for the number of graphs shown in the graph screen at
startup (it can be changed later in the graph screen also), the line width of the graph plots
and the background color of the graph. The Reset button resets the settings to the default.

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ScanMaster-ELM

Skins

Since version 1.3 of ScanMaster-ELM Skins can be used to alter the look of the application by
the user. Select the desired Skin and change its color with the slider gadget.

User Info
This tab takes the user data which are used also in the diagnostic reports.

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ScanMaster-ELM

All settings tabs are explained herewhich. Time to start a diagnostic session now.

Start Form
This is the start screen. It has a Connect button and a Disconnect button. The Connect
button starts the communication with the vehicle and the Disconnect button breaks off the
communication.

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ScanMaster-ELM

Only for some older cars from Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Opel are the buttons Alfa and Opel to
connect with at the right bottom of the screen (see above). These cars do have the 16-pin
connector but no OBD-2 compliant ECUs (years of build 1996 2001). All other OBD-2
compliant cars connects with the Connect button (left). The resulting new window has a
button Supported ECUs which shows right this when clicked. Opel means Vauxhall as well
and Alfa offers the choice of engine or selespeed ECU.
Depending of the used interface type and the found transfer protocol of the car the
initialisation log informations in the start screen may look different. The picture of the page
before was taken with an USB interface and ISO 9141-2 protocol.

This start screen above shows the connection with a Bluetooth type interface and the same
car as before. The next screenshot is of a WLAN interface. Remark the different GUI
languages as configured in Options / Languages.

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ScanMaster-ELM

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ScanMaster-ELM
In the case more than one ECU are detected during initialisation, a window pops up to select
the ECU for further diagnostics. Start diagnostics with the lowest ECU number and select it
to proceed (picture above).

Vehicle Info

This screen shows the general information about the vehicle (VIN, CALID, CVN, IPT) as far
as they are supported by the vehicle.

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ScanMaster-ELM

System Status

This screen shows the MIL Status, number of stored DTCs and the readiness tests. All
available ECUs will be presented in this form.
Depending of the vehicle more or less monitored systems are shown as supported. The
monitored status should be completed for a car in good condtion. A not completed status as
shown above results from a recent error code clearing or a not functional system. Same as a
stored error code and lighted MIL such a car is not ready for state inspection. Repair the
faulty system in case of stored error codes or check again after some further driving cycles
to maintain the readiness for emission tests.
Same as for any other screen click Read to get the actual data out of the ECU.

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ScanMaster-ELM

Trouble Codes

This screen shows the Stored (Mode $03), Pending (Mode $07) and Permanent (Mode $0A)
DTCs. Permanent DTCs are introduced with the latest version of the SAE standard J1979.
Press "Read" to read the codes. Two categories of trouble codes exist: Generic and
enhanced. Generic codes are standard for all vehicle manufacturers. Enhanced codes are not
unique and may overlap with another manufacture, or even the same manufacturer on
different models. Select "Manufacturer" from the dropdown menu to show the right
manufacturer-specific codes.
Check your vehicles service manual for DTC meaning if you think the codes you are getting
do not make sense.
Remember:

Visual inspections are important!


Problems with wiring and connectors are common, especially for intermittent faults.
Mechanical problems (vacuum leaks, binding or sticking linkages, etc.) can make a
good sensor look bad to the computer.
Incorrect information from a sensor may cause the computer to control the engine in
the wrong way. Faulty engine operation might even make the computer show a
known good sensor as being bad!

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ScanMaster-ELM
To clear the diagnostic information, click 'Clear' and follow the prompts.
Stored Diagnostic Trouble Codes
This mode displays emission related Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) number, ECU number
and description and text description for DTCs that are currently stored in the vehicle ECU.
The software will display the quantity of stored DTCs as well as the ECU storing them.
Pending Diagnostic Trouble Codes
Pending DTCs mode enables you to obtain test results for emissions-related components and
systems that are continuously monitored. This mode reports tests that have failed during the
driving cycle and have not matured to indicate a DTC. Results are displayed in DTC format
together with the reporting ECU.

Clear Diagnostic Information


The Clear mode clears all MIL illuminating DTCs that are emission related. This function
also clears additional diagnostic information that the controller has saved.
This includes:
Number of diagnostic trouble codes
Diagnostic trouble codes
Trouble code for freeze frame data
Freeze frame data

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ScanMaster-ELM

Oxygen sensor test data


Status of system monitoring tests
On-board monitoring test results
Distance traveled while MIL is activated
Number of warm-ups since DTC cleared
Distance traveled since diagnostic trouble codes cleared
Minutes run by the engine while MIL activated
Time since diagnostic trouble codes cleared
as well as adaptive data of the fuel injection system

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ScanMaster-ELM

DTC Search
The program has an integrated database with trouble codes of different manufacturers.
If you liked to find a text description to a code, you click on the
symbol. A window
appears where you can enter the code. The descriptions of all manufacturers who are stored
in the program are shown to this code.

Alternatively you may look into the internet with button Online Search if your computer is
connected to the internet.

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ScanMaster-ELM

Anatomy of the DTC


A DTC is made up of 5 digits. The figure below demonstrates the composition of a DTC. With
this information it is easier to trouble shoot a DTC without knowing the description of the
code.

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ScanMaster-ELM

Freeze Frame

Press "Read" to read the Freeze Frame. The Freeze Frame screen displays the freeze frame
log as stored by the car ECU. When a Diagnostic Trouble Code occurs that illuminates the
Check Engine light, the vehicles computer saves the current values of the vehicle sensors at
the instant the error occurred. If a freeze frame exists, it will displayed. Each vehicle
supports a different complement of sensors. The freeze frame screen displays only sensors
appropriate for the vehicle under test. This screen will remain blank if no freeze frame
information is available from the vehicle.
Frame selection box
A left mouse click on up-down arrow will change the requested frame number. The frame
number byte will indicate 0 for the mandated freeze frame data. Manufacturers may
optionally save additional freeze frames (up to 255).

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ScanMaster-ELM

Oxygen Sensor Test Results

The Oxygen Sensor screen displays the vehicles oxygen sensor test results. The results
displayed here are measured by the vehicles on-board computer (ECU) and not the scan
tool. These are not live values but instead the results of the ECUs last O2 sensor test.
Not any vehicle supports these data. Go to Monitored Test Results tab (mode 06) and read
the O2 values there if your car does not support mode 05.

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ScanMaster-ELM

Monitored Test Results


This mode allows access to the results for on-board diagnostic monitoring tests of specific
components and systems that are not continuously monitored. Test results are requested by
test ID.
The vehicle manufacturer is responsible for assigning Manufacturer Defined Test IDs for
different tests of a monitored system. The latest test values (results) are to be retained,
even over multiple ignition OFF cycles, until replaced by more recent test values (results).
Test values (results) are requested by On-Board Diagnostic Monitor ID. Test values (results)
are always reported with the Minimum and Maximum Test Limits.
If an On-Board Diagnostic Monitor has not been completed at least once since Clear/reset
emission-related diagnostic information or battery disconnect, then the parameters Test
Value (Results), Minimum Test Limit, and Maximum Test Limit shall be set to zero (0) values.
The ScanMaster has a built-in database of descriptions and scaling values derived directly
from the manufacturers. If the Test Results data reported from your vehicle is listed in the
database, ScanMaster will translate it for you. Keep in mind that not all Test Results data is
documented by the manufacturer, and not all manufacturers even support Test Results.

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ScanMaster-ELM

See also the different readings of another car in the screenshot below:

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ScanMaster-ELM

Sensor Data
The ScanMaster displays sensor measurements in either English or Metric units. The default
units of measure are located on the Options / Language Form.
Live Data Grid - This screen shows a list of the available data parameters that the car
supports. To read the data press "Read" button. Stop button stops the reading.

It is often wanted to read the values of an interesting sensor with a higher data rate. You are
doing this by disabling the other sensors in the PID configuration list, so the interesting
sensor is scanned more often then.

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ScanMaster-ELM

Live Data Meter - This screen can display the parameters in digital format. Four
parameters can be shown at the same time.

Select the wanted sensors (PIDs) out of the list menue above each item.

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ScanMaster-ELM

Live Data Graph - This screen can display the parameters in graphical format. One to
twelve parameters can be shown at the same time.

For scaling the plots use the slider gadgets at the right of the graphs. E.g. a scaling of
-10/+10 for Short Term Fuel Trim at the y-axis is a good value because these values are
never higher than 10. For vehicles changed to run with LPG gas it is importand to watch this
trim values while switching back and forth gasoline to gas. Any hop in the graph shows that
the gas system had to be adjusted, otherwise the ECU might store a trouble code.
Beginning with ScanMaster-ELM version 2.0 the read data can be stored in this screen too.
They can reloaded, played back, printed and exported to a file in CSV format using the
symbols below:

The first symbol at the left adds another graph to the screen (up to 12), the second symbol
deletes a graph. With the folder symbol you load a saved data file, while the disk symbol
opens the requester for saving the actual data into a file.
Using the printer symbol you select the parameter graph for printing. See next picture as
example:

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ScanMaster-ELM

The last symbol on the right is provided to export the data into a file in CSV format which
can loaded in any spreadsheet software for further processing.

PID Config
Here you can decide which sensors are displayed. It is recommended to select the needed
sensors only to receive a higher resolution, quality and accuracy of the graphs.
Note: Not all vehicles supports all parameters. The supported sensors (better called PIDs) of
the car are automatically requested by the software at initialisation.
Settings made here can be stored and reloaded. Each PID may be individually configured.
You may configure the PID description, system of measurement, scan priority and the limits
for the graph. Store your settings with the Save button to use them in your next session.

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ScanMaster-ELM

Open the PID Options window with double click onto the parameter line or use the button
PID Options for the highlighted line. See the tab Graph Options below:

The attitudes can be stored and opened when required again.

Datalogging
Users of the former versions of ScanMaster-ELM will find the datalogging now in the Live
Data Graph screen (see above).

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ScanMaster-ELM

Diagnostic Report
Report Options
The application made it possible to prepare and print a diagnosis report. Click for this on the
symbol in the symbol bar.

Type the customer data in here and select the data which shall be printed.
View A preview window opens where the report can be looked at and printed.
Save Save the report on the hard disk.
Open Open the stored report of the hard disk. The open report can be looked at and
printed.

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ScanMaster-ELM

Report Preview

Diagnosis report can be looked at and printed in the started browser window.

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ScanMaster-ELM

Fuel consumption display


Rising fuel prices leads to the idea to implement a fuel consumption display to the
ScanMaster-ELM application. This can be useful to verify such an existing display in a car or
provide one. It might be also more powerful than an existing display.
A fuel consumption display shows not only the real consumption but is also helpful for the
driver saving fuel and might show engine problems. So when a trouble code is stored in the
ECU, the ECU might switch into an emergency program with a higher fuel consumption. A
high fuel consumption is seen also during strong accelerations and often brakings.
For processing the fuel consumption the data of the mass airflow sensor (MAF) and the
speed sensor (VSS) are needed. The PID config table shows if these sensors are present,
otherwise the display does not work.
Start the display with the symbol below:

The window below shows up:

MAF and VSS values are shown also, here the car stops with idling engine. You may
configure the display with the Options tab:

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ScanMaster-ELM

Select the fuel type, configure the bar indicator and select the measurement type. Activating
Auto switch makes the display switching automatically when the car runs or stops.
The display does not show the average consumption but the actual consumption. So be
warned if you see high values, these are real values when you accelerate e.g.

As always while using the interface and notebook during driving it is warned to handle the
system by the driver. The passenger should work with the system.

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ScanMaster-ELM

Terminal Module
Starting with the below marked symbol or the Tools menue ScanMaster-ELM provides a
Terminal Module.

The Terminal allows to send hexadecimal OBD-2 commands directly to the ECU throught the
interface. You need to configure the appropiate COM-Port with the ComPort button and
then connect to the ECU with the Connect button. That means the Terminal Module does
work only when the interface provides a physical or virtual COM-Port.

The default settings available with the Terminal button are usually sufficient. You may save
your session shown in the log below or clear the log listing. A saved session might be useful
for the support personal.

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ScanMaster-ELM

Acceleration Test
Note: Drag measurements should been taken on public roads. Handling should be done by
the passenger.
Since version 1.8 ScanMaster-ELM provides a drag measurement.

After selecting the max. speed click Run and accelerate the from stop to the choosen end
speed. The calculation of the graph is done automatically then. Results depends of
environments such as wind, incline or load of the vehicle.

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ScanMaster-ELM

Dyno Test
Since version 1.0 ScanMaster-ELM provides a dynamic dyno test for measuring power and
torque. Before starting the needed test drives several settings have to be made for best
results. These are parameters of the car, the gear box, the environments such as air
pressure, temperature, humidity etc. Correction factors of standards DIN 70020, EWG
80/1269, ISO 1585, SAE J1349 or JIS D1001 may be selected for a formerly unknown
accuracy.

The more exact you enter the parameter data, the more exact will be the result of the
calculations. It is also recommended driving the measurement trip in both directions and
compare both results. This way errors resulting from the trip (inclining) or weather (wind
from one direction) can be elimated. The entered width and height of the car takes in
account the wind resistance (cw value), but the weather conditions will affect the results.
Before first use it is recommende to load the delivered sample file (button Open in tab
Measurement) and see how the values are entered.

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ScanMaster-ELM

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ScanMaster-ELM

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ScanMaster-ELM

For the power range to be measured select the start and stop RPM and click the Start
button. The measurements runs automatically between these limits. Save the measurement
into a file for later offline calculation. Beside the screen output the resulting calculated graph
may be printed with Print button.

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ScanMaster-ELM

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ScanMaster-ELM

Trouble shooting
Vehicle electonics and computers (or PDAs, Smartphones) are different worlds. Therefore an
electronic interface is needed to connect these worlds together. The line between the vehicle,
the interface and the computer may have faults however when something doesn't work as it
should.
Look for troubleshooting first into the lines of the initialisation log of the start screen. If you
see during connection any line with ELM Chip found or you see the battery voltage, then
the connection between the computer and the interface is OK. Otherwise:

Check if you have made the right settings in Options / Communucation for your
type of interface. (See above in Options section of this manual and read also the
hardware documentation for your interface.)

Check if the connectors are fixed together.

Check while entering the OBD-2 connector into the car if the 4 Rx/Tx LEDs are
flashing once each other and the power LED stays on. Repeat entering the OBD-2
connector for proof. (The interface is powered by the cars OBD-2 diagnostic
connector. An interface without power has no function.)

If there is no transfer protocol shown at the end of the initialisation log of the start screen (No
Connect message), then there is something wrong within the line of the interface to the ECU
of the car. In this case please check:

Was ignition on and/or the engine running? (If not the ECU has no power and cannot
connect.)

Are all connections between interface and vehicle OK and connected?

Was item 0-Automatic selected in Options / Protocol? (If yes, try with the
supposed protocol of the car from the list. It might be helpful to check the pin
assignment at the cars diagnostic connector. Leave baudrate at the default 38400 bps.)

Is pin number 5 (signal ground) assigned at the cars diagnostic connector? If not you
may jumper pin 4 (chassis ground) to pin 5. In ElmCan interfaces a solder bridge may
be set, see hardware documentation.

If all this has no success then the car might have no OBD-2 compliant ECU, if it is a
car sold in Europe and build before 2001 (gasoline engine) or before 2004 (diesel
engine). Only for some Alfa, Fiat and Opel/Vauxhall without OBD-2 connects with the
Alfa or Opel button.

When you still encounter problems or need other help then the support will be glad to receive
from you a logfile, a description of the shown lines in the start screen and a complete
description of your problem. These needed informations for the support garants a fast answer
to the problem.

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ScanMaster-ELM

Glossary
CAN

Controller Area Network

CARB

California Air Resources Board

DLC

Data Link Connector

DTC

Diagnostic Trouble Code

ECM

Engine Control Module

ECU

Engine Control Unit

EEC

Electronic Engine Control

EGR

Exhaust Gas Recirculation system

EOBD

European On-Board Diagnostics

EPA

Environmental Protection Agency

KWP2000

Key Word Protocol 2000, also known as ISO 14230-4

MIL

Malfunction Indicator Lamp. The "Check Engine Light" on your dash.

O2

Oxygen

OBD

On-Board Diagnostic

OBD II

Updated On-Board Diagnostics standard effective in cars sold in the US after 1-196

PCM

Powertrain Control Module, the on-board computer that controls engine and drive
train

PID

Parameter Identification

PWM

Pulse Width Modulation

SAE

Society of Automotive Engineers

ScanTool

Computer based read-out equipment to display OBD II parameters

SID

Service Identification

VIN

Vehicle Identification Number

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