Patent ID: 7953530
Filing Date: 2011-05-31
Classification: G01M,G07C

Abstract:
1. A method of diagnosing the power plant of a vehicle with diagnostic instrumentation including a microprocessor, the power plant including an engine, a power train control module, sensors and a key for starting the engine, the method including the steps of: (a) programming the microprocessor to extract parameter identification data (hereinafter “PID data”) from the power train control module; (b) programming the microprocessor with values in the form of Break Points; (c) programming the microprocessor to process extracted PID data to generate values in the form of calculated PIDS (hereinafter “CPIDS”); (d) with the key in the on position and the engine off (“KOEO”), extracting PID data from the power train control module with the diagnostic instrumentation and, with the microprocessor, generating from such KOEO extracted PID data at least one CPID, and checking at least some of such KOEO extracted PID data against at least one value selected from the group including Break Points and CPIDS; (e) with the key in the on position and the engine cranking (“KOEC”), extracting PID data from the power train control module with the diagnostic instrumentation and, with the microprocessor, generating from such KOEC extracted PID data at least one CPID, and checking at least some of such KOEC extracted PID data against at least one value selected from the group including Break Points and PIDS; and (f) with the key in the on position and the engine running (“KOER”), extracting PID data from the power train control module with the diagnostic instrumentation and, with the microprocessor, generating from such KOER extracted PID data at least one CPID, and checking at least some of such KOER extracted PID data against at least one value selected from the group including Break Points and CPIDS.