Obd Ii Definitions - Launch Creader 5001 User Manual

Creader 5001 English User's Manual
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constantly evaluating, they will be reported as "Ready" all of the time. If testing of a
particular supported non-continuous monitor has not been completed, the monitor status
will be reported as "Not Complete" or "Not Ready."
In order for the OBD monitor system to become ready, the vehicle should be driven under a
variety of normal operating conditions. These operating conditions may include a mix of
highway driving and stop and go, city type driving, and at least one overnight-off period. For
specific information on getting your vehicle's OBD monitor system ready, please consult
your vehicle owner's manual.

2.6 OBD II Definitions

Powertrain Control Module (PCM) – It is the OBD II terminology for the on-board computer
that controls engine and drive train.
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) -- Malfunction Indicator Light (Service Engine Soon, Check
Engine) is a term used for the light on the instrument panel. It is to alert the driver and/or the
repair technician that there is a problem with one or more of vehicle's systems and may
cause emissions to exceed federal standards. If the MIL illuminates with a steady light, it
indicates that a problem has been detected and the vehicle should be serviced as soon as
possible. Under certain conditions, the dashboard light will blink or flash. This indicates a
severe problem and flashing is intended to discourage vehicle operation. The vehicle
onboard diagnostic system cannot turn the MIL off until the necessary repairs are
completed or the condition no longer exists.
DTC -- Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) that identifies which section of the emission control
system has malfunctioned.
Enabling Criteria -- Also termed Enabling Conditions. They are the vehicle-specific events
or conditions that must occur within the engine before the various monitors will set, or run.
Some monitors require the vehicle to follow a prescribed "drive cycle" routine as part of the
enabling criteria. Drive cycles vary among vehicles and for each monitor in any particular
vehicle. Please refer to the vehicle's factory service manual for specific enabling
procedures.
OBD II Drive Cycle -- A specific mode of vehicle operation that provides conditions required
to set all the readiness monitors applicable to the vehicle to the "ready" condition. The
purpose of completing an OBD II drive cycle is to force the vehicle to run its onboard
diagnostics. Some form of a drive cycle needs to be performed after DTCs have been
erased from the PCM's memory or after the battery has been disconnected. Running
through a vehicle's complete drive cycle will "set" the readiness monitors so that future
faults can be detected. Drive cycles vary depending on the vehicle and the monitor that
needs to be reset. For vehicle specific drive cycle, consult the service manual.
Freeze Frame Data -- When an emissions related fault occurs, the OBD II system not only
sets a code but also records a snapshot of the vehicle operating parameters to help in
identifying the problem. This set of values is referred to as Freeze Frame Data and may
include important engine parameters such as engine RPM, vehicle speed, air flow, engine
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