ATS Tech Tips

EScan Tips
EScope Tips
Emission Tips

EScan frequently asked questions and tech tips.

6/14/2011

My EScan gives the error "Cannot Detect Data Bus Type"

Sometimes, for various reasons, the EScan Pro scan tool won't be able to automatically detect the data bus type in a vehicle. This can be very frustrating especially if you have a different brand of scan tool that does connect to the vehicle. Following a step-by-step troubleshooting process will often get you up and running quickly.

Step 1 is to try "Change Options" from the main ESCAN tab and manually select the data bus that this vehicle has. Normally, the EScan tool will automatically step through a list of data bus types until it gets a correct response from the ECM. We have noticed with some ECMs that if they are queried with the wrong bus type, they will not respond correctly when then queried with the correct bus type. This prevents the EScan from automatically discovering the correct protocol to use for that particular vehicle. Select the most likely bus type in "Change Options" then try others until the tool connects. This procedure will usually result in the tool connecting to the vehicle.

If the EScan still gives the error "Cannot Detect Data Bus Type", then move on to Step 2. This step will check the tool to see if it is working properly. Locate another vehicle with the same bus type as the problem vehicle and see if the EScan will connect to it. If it doesn't then the EScan likely has an issue that will require returning it to the factory for repair. (Please call the factory to talk to our Technical Support people who will help you arrange for an RMA.) However, if it does connect then the EScan is verified good and the problem lies with the vehicle.

It's important to mention that connecting successfully to the vehicle using a different brand scan tool does not always mean that the EScan is not working properly. The EScan uses GENERIC mode exclusively while many other scan tools are capable of ENHANCED mode which might be able to talk to the ECM using other channels.

EScope frequently asked questions and tech tips.

7/28/2011

EScope Pro locks up and stops responding.

If your EScope Pro is freezing up on you and you have to remove the power from it to reset it, you might have an AC ground loop issue. A ground loop happens when you have multiple paths to ground and they're not all at the same potential. This can setup current paths in your ground connections that can shut the 'scope down.

To test this, unplug the EScope from the AC mains or the external DC input then switch the power over to internal battery. If the 'scope doesn't lock up anymore you have a ground loop problem in your AC mains wiring. Troubleshooting ground loop issues can be very difficult and should be left to experienced electricians. Meanwhile, you can run the EScope on internal battery while making sure you have only one ground connection from the scope to the vehicle. This will allow you to work around the issue until the real cause is identified and fixed.

5/26/2011

Q. Can you monitor the Timing and Function Generator outputs in the MultiTool tab?

A. Yes, to a point. It is possible to select the COUNTER inputs (from the Timing tab) but not the TTL, MOSFET, or FUNCTION GENERATOR outputs. Click the black down arrow underneath each chart in MultiTool to choose what to monitor on that chart.

Q. Why use the included AC Coupler to block DC from getting to the scope input instead of choosing AC coupling in the software?

A. Because of the verticle resolution of the A-D converters in the EScope, it is possible to see more detail if you use an external adapter to block the DC component of the signal. While the AC coupling button will work you will get better results with the external coupler. The AC COUPLING button in the software does not actually insert a capacitor in line with the channel input while the AC Coupler does.

Q. Why do we include the EIgnition software with the EScope package even when the EIgnition hardware was not purchased?

A. The EIgnition is almost fully functional with just the EScope Pro hardware. You can use inductive clamps or ECops to get on the secondaries or you can backprobe the primaries to analyze the ignition waveforms. The only functions that are not available without the EIgnition hardware are the PEAK KV and the KILL functions.

Q. Why does the next higher "channel connected" indicator go grey when you short the previous channel?

A. This is normal behavior of the EScope and is due to the way the internal A-D converters work. It has no effect on the 'scopes ability to display proper waveforms on the next higher channel when you have a signal connected to it. This behavior is present only if the REC TIME is set to a very small number, such as 8ms or less. If you increase the REC TIME setting to at least 16ms, the behavior will cease.

Q. Why do the unused CH X indicators show that the channel is connected to something when CHANNELS USED is set to something less than 1-8?

A.This is normal scope behavior. When CHANNELS USED is set to less than all eight channels, the software turns off all channel functions for the unused channels, including the red "not-connected" indicators. You can use the channel ON indicator, a triangle waveform icon, in conjunction with the "channel-connected" indicator to see which channels are currently active.

Emission tech tips.

Water is a by-product of combustion and is the sworn enemy of all gas analyzers. A gas analyzer is an optical device; it actually looks at the exhaust gas. Just as you cannot see what is in front of you when your windshield is fogged the Emission cannot see the gas when water or water-vapor is in its sample cell (optics). The Emission is equipped with a water separator and filter to prevent water or water-vapor from entering the Emission but the Emission needs your help. The following are a few suggested practices to give your Emission a helping hand in fighting our common foe “Water”.

Always operate your Emission at a height above that of the tail pipe. In this way the water that condenses and collects in the sample hose can’t run down into the Emission.
Whenever possible, have the vehicle at operating temperature prior to insertion of the probe.
Always remove the probe from the tailpipe and run the Emission on the measure function for 3-5 minutes after testing before coiling up the sample hose. This will allow the Emission to purge the water vapor from the sample hose minimizing the water that will condense out once the hose and Emission has cooled.
After long tests, it may also be beneficial to disconnect the sample hose from the back of the Emission and use compressed air to purge vapor and water from the hose.