Actron KAL9615 - Manual (Page 29)

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KAL makes it easy to fix computer-controlled vehicles
Using the KAL OBD II System Tester to obtain trouble codes is fast and easy. Trouble
codes give you valuable knowledge - whether you go for professional service or do it
yourself. Now that you know what trouble codes are and where they come from, you
are well on your way to fixing today’s computer-controlled vehicles!
When to Read Codes
Many vehicles have a “Malfunction Indicator Lamp” or MIL,
which has been referred to as a “Check Engine” light in the
past. With the advent of OBD II, all engine trouble lights are
now called “Malfunction Indicator Lamps” or MIL.
About the Malfunction Indicator Lamp
_ Malfunction Indicator Lamp: normal operation
The engine computer turns the Malfunction Indicator Lamp on and off as needed.
This dashboard message is either amber or red and labeled:
“Check Engine”, “Service Engine Soon”, “Service Engine Now”, or marked with a
small engine picture or diagram
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp is normally OFF when the engine is RUNNING.
NOTE: The Malfunction Indicator Lamp will turn on when the ignition key is in ON
position, but the engine is OFF prior to starting the vehicle. This is a normal
test of all the dashboard message lights.
_ Malfunction Indicator Lamp: problem spotted
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp does not come on, you may have an electrical
problem which needs repair. Refer to the “Diagnostic Circuit Check” steps in the
“Basic Diagnostic Procedures” section of your vehicle service manual.
_ Malfunction Indicator Lamp: intermittent problem
When the light remains ON after the engine is RUNNING, the computer sees a
problem that does not go away (known as a “current” failure). The light will stay on
as long as the problem is present. A trouble code is stored in computer memory
(a “history” or “memory” code). Use the OBD II System Tester at the earliest
convenient time to obtain codes.
When the light comes ON, then goes OFF while the engine is RUNNING, the
computer saw a problem, but the problem went away (known as an “intermittent”
failure). A trouble code is stored in computer memory (a “history” or “memory”
code). The light went out because the problem went away, but the code stays in
memory. Use the OBD II System Tester at the earliest convenient time to obtain
codes.
NOTE: The computer will automatically erase these codes after repeated restarts
if the problem does not return.
Use the Malfunction Indi-
cator Lamp to tell you
when trouble codes have
been stored in memory