Innova 7111: How to inspect your vehicle using On-Board Diagnostic (OBD2) Systems

Purpose

Innova 7111 Scan tool supports OBD2 functions and is essential to check your vehicle before performing an Emissions/Smoke Check. This function allows checking the status of several emissions-related systems including Check Engine Light (MIL) status, trouble codes, emission monitors, vehicle info, and others. In addition, you have access to real-time solutions to quickly troubleshoot and fix automotive issues.

Procedures

Step 1 - Connect the Innova 7111 tablet scanner to the vehicle, and select "OBD2 Diagnostics"

Turn on the ignition but do not start the vehicle.
Connect the INNOVA 7111 to your vehicle via the OBD connector to automatically retrieve the vehicle’s: VIN, model information, and odometer readings.
Next, select the "OBD2 Diagnostics" function. The scan tool automatically starts checking the vehicle’s computer system to retrieve and display its diagnostic data.

Step 2 - Inspect the Check Engine Light (MIL) status.

When the MIL ON status icon is red, it alerts you to indicate that the vehicle is experiencing an emissions-related problem, and this is the primary reason why your vehicle will not pass an emissions inspection.
Emissions testing is a requirement mandated by states to ensure that your vehicle is not polluting the environment. A lit check engine light (MIL) is the normal standard to fail any state-mandated emissions inspection. It is essential that this is corrected prior to any emissions testing.
The first step to solving a MIL condition is to perform a comprehensive diagnostic test with a compatible OBD2 diagnostic scan tool. The 7111 is the ideal diagnostic tool designed to troubleshoot and diagnose the root cause of a lit Check Engine Light. The tool is designed to access all the vehicle’s computer diagnostic systems to retrieve diagnostic codes, including the code that triggered the MIL (MIL DTC).

Step 3 - Inspect for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC)

In addition to identifying the MIL DTC, you should check to see if other DTCs were retrieved. These will be labeled as "Stored DTC", "Pending DTC" or "Permanent DTC".
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 stored DTC is another type of code that can cause the ECM to command the Check Engine Light (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 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 4 - Inspect the 'Emission Readiness Monitor' Status.

Under the OBD2 Diagnostics tab, you can view the vehicle’s “Emissions Readiness Monitor” status by the icon’s color.

Note: A red icon shows that the indicated monitor has not completed its diagnostic test routine. This will usually result in a failed emissions test, so it is important to ensure that all supported monitors are “green” prior to conducting an emissions test.

Step 5 - Perform the OBD Mode Test.

Tap on the “OBD Mode Tests” at the top of the 7111 scan tool to perform the various available emissions readiness tests. When available, these tests will return test values with acceptable ranges, and/or a pass or fail state, so you can determine if a system is functioning outside of its optimal range.
Available tests include:
- Mode $01: Inspection/ Maintenance Monitor Test displays the monitor readiness status for gasoline and diesel engines.
- Mode $05: Oxygen Sensor displays oxygen sensor monitoring test results.
- Mode $06: Onboard Diagnostic Mode Test displays the on-board monitoring test results for specific monitored systems that the vehicle performs to determine when an engine code should be triggered.
- Mode $08: Evaporative Test allows you to perform bidirectional control of an onboard system or test.

Note: The test is currently limited to some evaporative emissions systems and allows the user to perform leak detection testing.

Features Available to Help Fix and Pass the Emissions Test:

Vehicle Info

The Innova 7111 Scan tool is able to retrieve and display the vehicle’s information required for emissions testing:
- VIN: The complete Vehicle Identification Number.
- YMME: The vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size.
- Module No: The control module’s identification number(s).
- Cal ID: The vehicle's calibration ID(s). These IDs uniquely identify the software version(s) for the vehicle's control module(s).
- CVN: The Vehicle's Calibration Verification Number(s) (CVNs) required by ODB2 regulations. CVNs are used to determine if emission-related calibrations for the vehicle under test have been changed.
- The In-use Performance Tracking (IPT): The tablet can retrieve IPT statistics for monitors supported by the vehicle under test.
It is really necessary when your vehicle gets some drivability problems that need to be reprogrammed, this information can help you determine whether or not the module requires a reflash.

Fix for DTCs

When your vehicle has the MIL DTC, the Innova 7111 Scan tool provides validated fixes by ASE master technicians. Each solution provides the most likely fix(s) and includes the actual parts required and projected costs. It is a function designed to quickly troubleshoot and fix automotive issues.

TSBs and Recalls

Tap TSBs and Recalls in the report header to view additional repair resources.
Recalls: This shows the total number of available safety recalls mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the vehicle under test. By law, automakers are required to advise the owner if the vehicle is found to possibly have a serious defect that may compromise the safety of its passengers. Owners are advised on how to claim the necessary repairs at no cost to the owner.
TSBs: Technical Service Bulletins, or TSBs, have nothing to do with recalls. TSBs are manufacturer provided repair procedures designed to resolve a multitude of issues with specific systems or components.

Scheduled Maintenance

The Scheduled Maintenance page provides a listing of scheduled maintenance procedures due at the next service interval.
The Next Service shows the odometer reading at which the associated services procedures are due.
The list of Fix Names shows a scheduled inspection or repair/replacement procedure. In cases of replacement procedures, the entry shows the required replacement part(s), the "per unit" part cost, and the number of parts required for the procedure. You can buy parts directly by selecting the Buy Parts button in the 7111 scan tool.

Predicted Failures

The Predicted Failure page lists components and systems that may experience a failure within the next 12-month period. The list provides the following information:
- Predicted Failure(s) within 12 months: A brief description of the predicted failure/repair/maintenance procedure required.
- Probability of Failure: Expressed as a percentage of 100; shows a bar graph and numerical value.
- Price: Estimated cost to accomplish the associated repair/maintenance procedure.