Diagnostic Methods Overview

When performing powertrain diagnostics on On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD II) vehicles, the system may be checked by an off board tester referred to as a scan tool. A Generic Scan Tool (GST) has a capability that is standard across the automotive industry in the United States. However, to perform manufacturer-specific functions, a string of characters must be entered manually. If NGS is used, those functions are selected from a menu. If using a GST to perform diagnostics, refer to the scan tool manufacturer's information for Parameter Identification (PID) string characters.