Innova SDS50 SDS-Tech: Reading and Clearing Powertrain Trouble Code

Purpose

To guide you on reading and erasing the Powertrain Trouble Codes in the vehicle when the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is ON.

Introduction

The use of Scan Tools in diagnosing and repairing modern vehicles is becoming increasingly important and common. Scan Tools allow us to identify potential issues and provide appropriate solutions.

This article demonstrates retrieving and erasing Powertrain Trouble Codes on a 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander V6 3.0L using the Innova SDS50 SDS-Tech Tablet Scan Tool.

Procedure

Step 1 - Connect the Innova SDS50 SDS-Tech Tablet Scan Tool to the vehicle and select 'OBD2 Diagnostics'

First, connect the Innova SDS50 SDS-Tech Tablet Scan Tool to your vehicle via the Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC) to retrieve the vehicle's information, such as Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and model.

Then, select the 'OBD2 Diagnostic' function.

Step 2 – Check the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) DTC and Freeze Frame Data

Upon accessing the 'OBD2 Diagnostics' feature on the Scan Tool, the display appears as shown in the image. This feature provides several essential diagnostic functions, including Reading DTCs, Erasing DTCs, Live Data, Freeze Frame Data, OBD Mode Tests, O2 Sensor Test and Drive Cycle Procedure.

The red MIL ON status icon indicates a problem with emissions and is the main reason why the vehicle will fail an emissions inspection. The fault code that triggers the MIL and its recording conditions (Freeze Frame Data) are crucial for the repair process.

Step 3 - Check the Fix for DTCs

Tap the 'Fix for DTCs'

The Fix for DTC function provides real-world solutions from thousands of ASE-certified technicians. So, you can make repairs with confidence.

Step 4 - Check the Other DTCs

Aside from locating the MIL DTC, verify other retrieved DTCs found in 'Stored DTC', 'Pending DTC', or 'Permanent DTC'.

A stored DTC is another type of code that can cause the Engine Control Module (ECM) to command the MIL ON. It can be the first fault of a ‘1-trip’ code or the second successive fault of a ‘2-trip’ code. If the diagnostic test passes for three successive tries, the ECM will turn off the MIL. However, this DTC will continue to be ‘stored’, and after a specified number of warm-up cycles without a recurrence, the DTC is erased from the vehicle’s memory.

A Pending DTC is a code that is set during a ‘2-trip’ cycle. A vehicle will consider the code to be a Pending DTC when the computer only sees it once during its ‘2-trip’ cycle. At this point, the MIL is not commanded ‘ON’. If the system failure is found on the second consecutive trip, the MIL is commanded ‘ON’, and Freeze Frame data is stored in the vehicle’s computer memory.

A Permanent DTC is a code that is stored when a MIL DTC is confirmed, and the MIL has been illuminated. This DTC can only be cleared by a pre-set module strategy and cannot be erased by clearing/erasing DTCs with a Scan Tool, a Keep-Alive Memory (KAM) reset, or a battery disconnect. However, a Permanent DTC is cleared, and the MIL is turned off at the fourth monitoring cycle only after three consecutive and confirmed fault-free monitoring cycles.

Step 5 - Erease DTCs

After fixing any issues causing the MIL DTC and other DTCs in the vehicle, erase the DTCs to disable the MIL icon. To accomplish this, press the 'Erase DTCs' option and wait for the Scan Tool to remove the codes from the vehicle's system.

Reference Video