Actron 9040 - Manual (Page 2)

2
OBD II stands for On-Board Diagnostics version II. OBD II is a system that the Society of
Automotive Engineers (SAE) developed to standardize automotive electronic diagnosis
to minimize vehicle pollution and to allow you to use the same tool to test any make and
model without special adapters. The SAE established guidelines that provide:
• a universal diagnostic test connector, called the data link connector (DLC), with
dedicated pin assignments.
• a standardized location for the DLC, visible under the dash on the driver’s side.
• a standardized list of Generic diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) used by all
manufacturers. Certain DTCs are reserved for the manufacturer.
SAE publishes recommendations, not laws, but the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) made many of SAE’s
recommendations legal requirements that car makers were required to phase in over a
three-year period. Beginning in 1994, vehicles with a new engine management computer
– about 10% of each manufacturers fleet – were supposed to comply with OBD II
standards. For 1995, OBD II systems were to appear on about 40% of the new vehicles
sold in the USA. Some of the 1994-1995 OBD II systems were not fully compliant, so the
Government granted waivers to give manufacturers time to fine-tune their systems.
Beginning in 1996, most of the new vehicles sold in the USA were fully OBD II compliant.
All information, illustrations and specifications contained in this manual are based on the latest
information available from industry sources at the time of publication. No warranty (expressed
or implied) can be made for its accuracy or completeness, nor is any responsibility assumed by
the manufacturer or anyone connected with it for loss or damages suffered through reliance on
any information contained in this manual or misuse of accompanying product. The manufacturer
reserves the right to make changes at any time to this manual or accompanying product without
obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes.
• Always wear approved eye protection.
• Always operate the vehicle in a well-
ventilated area. Do not breath exhaust
gases — they are very hazardous.
• Always keep yourself, tools and test
equipment away from moving or hot
engine parts.
• Make sure the vehicle is in Park (auto-
matic transmission) or neutral (manual
transmission). Set parking brake and
block the drive wheels.
• Never lay tools on vehicle battery.
Terminals may short together causing
harm to yourself, the tools or the battery.
• Never use the Code Scanner if it has
been exposed to any moisture.
• Never smoke or have open flames near
vehicle. Vapors from gasoline and
charging battery are highly flammable
and explosive.
S a f e t y P re c a u tio ns
• Never leave vehicle unattended while
testing.
• Always keep a fire extinguisher suitable
for gasoline/electrical/chemical fires
readily available.
• Use caution when working around the
ignition coils, ignition wires, and spark
plugs. These components produce High
Voltage when the engine is running.
• When performing road tests, never
operate the tool while driving the vehicle.
Always have one person drive the
vehicle and the other operate the tool.
• Always turn ignition key OFF when
connecting or disconnecting electrical
components, unless otherwise
instructed.
• Always follow vehicle manufacturer’s
warnings, cautions and service
procedures.
To prevent accidents that could possibly result in serious injury and/or damage to
vehicles and/or test equipment, carefully follow all safety rules and test
procedures:
About OBD II