36 Special functions outside diagnosis
Maintenance Light Reset is a common feature in automotive diagnostic tools. It is usually necessary to reset the maintenance light or timer after the vehicle undergoes routine maintenance (such as changing the oil, filter, etc.) to ensure that the owner and maintenance personnel can accurately track the next maintenance cycle. Most modern vehicles will light up the maintenance light after a certain mileage or time to remind the owner to perform regular maintenance.
Application scenarios for resetting maintenance lights:
1.Reset after oil change: After each oil change, the maintenance light or timer must be reset, usually through the on-board computer.
2.Air filter, brake pad replacement: Some high-end models also require the maintenance lights of these components to be reset to provide correct reminders at the next maintenance.
3.After cleaning or replacing other vehicle parts: such as replacing air filters, brake oil, spark plugs, etc., the vehicle usually has corresponding maintenance lights that need to be reset.
EPB (Electronic Parking Brake) is a technology that operates the brakes through an electronic control system. Compared with the traditional mechanical handbrake, EPB is more modern and convenient, and is usually integrated with other vehicle electronic systems (such as electronic stability program, automatic parking, etc.). EPB controls the start and stop of the parking brake through a button or switch instead of a traditional lever or pedal. Modern EPB systems are usually able to automatically apply and release the brakes to ensure that the vehicle stops steadily according to conditions such as vehicle speed and slope.
Working principle of EPB electronic brake:
- Electric control: EPB uses motors and electrical controls to replace traditional mechanical handbrake devices. Car owners can operate the parking brake with a button or knob.
- Automatic application and release: EPB can automatically apply the brake when the vehicle starts and stops, and can also automatically release it when the vehicle starts, reducing the complexity of manual operation.
- Integration with other systems: EPB is usually integrated with the vehicle's automatic parking function (Auto Hold), the function to prevent the vehicle from rolling, etc., and can be automatically activated when parking.
Common functions:
- Electronic parking brake activation: Press the button and the electronic brake will automatically activate to ensure the vehicle is stationary.
- Automatic brake release: After starting the engine, the electronic brake will automatically release to ensure a smooth start of the vehicle.
- Fault detection: Some diagnostic tools can check the status of the EPB system through the OBD-II interface, including brake pad wear, system faults, etc.
EPB related functions in vehicle maintenance and diagnosis:
- EPB reset: After replacing the brake pads or performing brake system repairs, the EPB system needs to be reset to ensure the normal operation of the electronic brake system.
- EPB brake pad calibration: After replacing the brake pads, the brake pads are calibrated through the EPB system to ensure the accuracy of the brake function.
- EPB manual operation mode: When the vehicle fails or requires manual operation, the EPB can enter manual mode, and the technician can reset the system through specific operations.
- EPB diagnostic function: Use the car diagnostic tool to read the EPB system fault code to help the technician accurately diagnose the problem.
Electronic Steering Matching is a key function in modern automotive electronic systems, mainly used to ensure that the vehicle's electronic steering system (such as electronic power steering, EPS) can work properly. The electronic steering system uses an electronic control unit (ECU) to adjust the strength of the steering assist, so after replacing steering components, repairing the steering system, or replacing the electric power steering motor, the steering system usually needs to be re-matched or calibrated.
Application scenarios of electronic steering matching:
- 1.After replacing the steering module or motor: When the vehicle's electronic steering system components (such as the steering gear, power motor or electric power steering pump) need to be replaced, electronic steering matching must be performed to ensure that the new components are compatible with the vehicle's electronic control system.
- 2.Repairing the steering system: After a steering system failure, ensure that the new sensor or module can work properly through matching and calibration.
- Vehicle tuning or electronic system update: When the system software is upgraded or the vehicle is tuned, steering matching is required to ensure that the system can operate normally under the latest software version.
- 3.Modifying or replacing steering components: If the owner modifies the steering system (such as adding an electronic power steering system), steering matching is also required.
Key steps in the matching process:
- Read fault codes: Read the fault codes of the steering system through the diagnostic tool to check whether there are any problems related to the electronic steering.
- Perform electronic steering matching: Use the diagnostic tool or the vehicle's dedicated software to perform the matching process of the electronic steering.
- Calibrate the steering sensor: Calibrate the position of the steering sensor to ensure that the vehicle can correctly sense the steering angle and force.
- Calibrate the power motor: Ensure that the electronic steering power motor works under appropriate load to provide a smooth steering feel.
Electronic steering matching diagnostic tool functions:
- Automatic diagnosis and reset: Many modern automotive diagnostic tools are able to perform electronic steering matching through the OBD-II interface.
- Fault code reading and clearing: Helps technicians diagnose whether there is a hardware or software problem with the steering system.
- Real-time data monitoring: Monitors real-time data from the steering sensor, power motor and other steering components to ensure that everything is working properly.
- Electronic steering system adaptation and matching: Provides adaptation for newly replaced parts and systems to make them compatible with the vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU).
Exhaust Aftertreatment refers to a series of treatment technologies and components in the vehicle emission system, which are used to reduce pollutants in harmful exhaust gas and meet the emission standards of environmental regulations. Exhaust aftertreatment mainly includes a series of control technologies to help the exhaust gas generated by the vehicle during the combustion process meet environmental emission standards. These systems are usually used in conjunction with the engine's electronic control unit (ECU) and emission sensors to monitor and adjust emissions in real time.
Exhaust aftertreatment function in the diagnostic tool:
- DPF regeneration control: When there is too much carbon deposit in the DPF, the diagnostic tool can start the regeneration process to clear the blockage.
- SCR system monitoring: The diagnostic tool can check the concentration of urea solution and remind the owner when to add urea.
- EGR valve test and cleaning: Helps clean and recalibrate the EGR valve to ensure it works properly.
- Catalyst efficiency monitoring: By reading sensor data, detect the working status and efficiency of the three-way catalytic converter.
- Exhaust sensor fault detection: Monitor the status of the oxygen sensor and NOx sensor to detect whether there is a fault code.
Common problems with exhaust gas aftertreatment:
- DPF blockage: If the DPF cannot be effectively regenerated, it may cause poor exhaust, affect engine performance and may trigger the fault light.
- Insufficient urea solution: When the SCR system lacks urea solution, it may cause NOx emissions to exceed the standard and trigger emission warnings.
- EGR valve blockage or failure: If the EGR valve is blocked or fails due to carbon deposits, it may cause increased NOx emissions or insufficient engine power.
- Oxygen sensor failure: Oxygen sensor failure will affect the fuel injection and emission control of the engine control system, resulting in emissions that do not meet the standards.
Throttle Body Matching is to ensure the proper communication and matching between the throttle and the engine control unit (ECU) after the vehicle has undergone throttle component replacement, repair or system recalibration. The throttle is a key component that controls the flow of air into the engine, and controls the engine speed and power output by regulating the amount of air flow. Throttle matching ensures that the signals from the throttle sensor and the control system can be accurately transmitted, thereby ensuring stable operation of the engine.
Application scenarios of throttle matching:
- Throttle replacement: When the throttle needs to be replaced due to wear, damage or other reasons, the throttle must be matched.
- Throttle cleaning and calibration: Clean the throttle regularly and re-match it to ensure its normal operation and avoid carbon deposits and dust affecting its working performance.
- ECU reset or update: When the engine control unit (ECU) is upgraded or reset, the throttle is usually required to match to ensure that the new control instructions can be transmitted correctly.
- Unstable engine idle: If the engine is unstable at idle, it may be that the throttle needs to be calibrated and matched.
- Vehicle modification: When the vehicle is modified (such as replacing the intake system or air filter), the throttle may need to be matched to ensure the effective cooperation of the new parts.
Steps for throttle matching:
- Read fault codes: Use the diagnostic tool to read fault codes and check whether there are faults in the throttle sensor, motor or other related components.
- Perform throttle learning or matching procedures: Start the throttle matching procedure through the diagnostic tool to let the engine control unit re-identify the position and status of the throttle.
- Clean and calibrate the throttle: Before performing the matching, check and clean the throttle to ensure that it is not affected by carbon deposits and dirt to reduce resistance.
- Calibrate the throttle sensor: Ensure that the throttle sensor is synchronized with the control unit's signal to avoid errors causing engine performance problems.
- Complete the matching and clear the fault code: After the matching is completed, clear the possible fault codes and check whether the throttle has returned to normal working condition.
Common problems and solutions:
- The throttle does not respond or is sluggish: This is usually caused by carbon deposits on the throttle, sensor failure, or control system problems. The throttle needs to be cleaned and matched through the diagnostic tool.
- Unstable engine idle or engine flameout: It may be that the throttle is improperly calibrated or the sensor signal is abnormal. Rematching the throttle through the diagnostic tool can solve this problem.
- The fault code indicates a throttle position sensor failure: If the diagnostic tool shows that the throttle position sensor is faulty, you need to check the connection and status of the sensor and replace or match it if necessary.
Throttle matching diagnostic tool functions:
- Throttle Learning Program: The diagnostic tool can start the throttle learning program to recalibrate the throttle position and sensor signal.
- Fault Code Reading and Clearing: Helps technicians detect fault codes in the throttle system and clear problems that no longer exist.
- Throttle Sensor Status Monitoring: Real-time monitoring of the throttle sensor status to ensure that the signal transmission between it and the ECU is normal.
- Calibration and Matching Execution: The diagnostic tool can calibrate the throttle and control unit to ensure that the throttle operates within the correct parameter range.
- Repair or reset the throttle control system: Repair control problems related to the throttle to ensure that the engine can obtain accurate air flow data.