Scan Tool Set-Up and Functionality

This vehicle is equipped with two Data Link Connectors (DLCs). The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has two modes of communication. One for Generic Scan Tool (GST) use which has generic diagnostic capability that is mandated by the U.S. government and is accessed through the On-Board Diagnostics II Data Link Connector (OBD II DLC). The other mode of communication is for expanded diagnostic capability and is accessed through the same fuse panel Data Link Connector (DLC) that has been used in past years on this vehicle. In order for the scan tool to communicate with the PCM in the proper mode the scan tool must be connected to the appropriate DLC (OBD II DLC for generic diagnostics and the fuse panel DLC for expanded diagnostics). If the New Generation STAR (NGS) tester is used to communicate with the vehicle, an OBD II DLC cable or the fuse panel DLC cable must be connected to the tool. Refer to the NGS owner manual or scan tool manufacturer's manual for specific information.





New Generation STAR (NGS) Tester
1. Key OFF.
2. Verify that the proper memory (EPROM) card is inserted in the NGS.
3. Connect OBD II DLC cable or fuse panel DLC cable to the NGS.
4. Connect OBD II DLC cable securely into the OBD II DLC, for generic diagnostics or the fuse panel DLC cable for expanded diagnostics.
5. Connect the NGS power supply cable to vehicle.
6. Turn key to ON or start vehicle if necessary. The NGS is ready to communicate with vehicle computers.
7. Follow instructions on the NGS screen display or in the scan tool manual.
8. To disconnect tool, turn key to OFF and disconnect NGS from the appropriate DLC and power supply.

Generic Scan Tool (GST)
Refer to the manufacturer's manual for specific cables and/or adapters required for scan tool hookup.









OBD II Data Link Connector
The OBD II DLC is located in the passenger compartment. It is attached to the instrument panel and accessible from the driver seat.

The OBD II DLC is rectangular in design and capable of accommodating up to 16 terminals. The connector has keying features to allow easy connection. The vehicle connector and the test equipment connector have latching features that ensure the test equipment connector will remain mated when properly connected.





Communication Error
It is possible to get a communication error from a scan tool when initiating a diagnostic test or accessing Parameter Identification (PIDs). The communication error could be caused by operator error the vehicle wiring, connectors, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or other control modules connected to the OBD II DLC wiring. The PCM will respond to a scan tool whenever the tool requests a test. If manually entering the message strings using a generic scan tool, the numeric codes will be at the end of the string of characters. These are not Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). Listed are some of the numeric codes and generic descriptions that a scan tool may display when trying to perform some PCM operations. It is possible to get other numeric codes not listed. For a complete list of communication response codes, refer to Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) document J2190 enhanced E/E Diagnostic Test Modes. Some are normal responses to valid requests. The others are communication error responses. If the tool displays any of the communication error responses, refer to Pinpoint Test Step QA1 after checking scan tool connections, cable/adapters and entry of vehicle information.