EPA420-R-00-017

October 2000

On-Board Diagnostic Hand-Held

Scan Tool Technology:

Adherence to the Society of Automotive Engineers

Requirements for Scan Tools and an

Evaluation of Overall Scan Tool Capability

Arvon L. Mitcham

Lead Project Engineer, On-Board Diagnostics

Certification and Compliance Division

Office of Transportation and Air Quality

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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DISCLAIMER

The following report is for informational purposes and is property of the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This report is not intended to be an EPA

endorsement for any manufacturer participating in this evaluation, a marketing

exercise, nor a determination for the ability to repair a vehicle using a hand-held scan

tool. Any attempt to use this report in this manner is inappropriate and a

misrepresentation, and may result in legal action.

This report deals with hand-held scan tool functions related to On-Board Diagnostic

Systems, emission-related parameters and/or the display of emission-related engine

parameters. In addition, this report only examines a partial set of the possible handheld scan tool functions. For more detailed information, you should contact the

manufacturer directly or visit the manufacturer’s website included at the top of the

scan tool product information pages (where available) in Appendix IV: “Scan Tool

Product Information.”

Some of the information in this report was received from the participating companies

in this scan tool evaluation. If companies did not respond or were not able to be

contacted, their scan tool is not included in this report. Also, at the time of

publication, some of the information was not available and, therefore, this

information is purposely omitted and will be included in future report updates. You

may find information on the scan tool manufacturers included in this report, other

manufacturers of hand-held scan tools, and other automotive repair equipment

through the Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI, www.etools.org). 

Thank you.
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1. Abstract

In order to address concerns about On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) equipment capability and

the interaction of service technicians with OBD equipped vehicles, EPA evaluated current OBD

hand-held scan tool technology. A variety of OBD hand-held scan tools were acquired from

aftermarket scan tool and original equipment manufacturers (OEM), and evaluated against the SAE

requirements for OBD hand-held scan tools. Also, in response to the public, EPA collected and is

providing additional information on additional features and characteristic information about each

OBD hand-held scan tool used in this evaluation. This report summarizes this information and

provides a brief overview of OBD hand-held scan tool requirements and features.

In summary, all of the scan tools evaluated in this study meet the basic requirements of a

service technician, a state Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Program, and a public consumer

considering an OBD hand-held scan tool. The results of this evaluation demonstrate that the OBD

hand-held scan tools examined adhere to the SAE requirements for an OBD hand-held scan tool and

also provide many additional features. One scan tool in its original configuration does not support

SAE J1979 Modes 6, the latest test results for non-continuous monitors, but this function is available

via free software upgrade from the manufacturer. 

As a whole, the OBD hand-held scan tools are inconsistent with respect to readiness status

nomenclature (see Appendix III: “Readiness Status Chart” for more detail) which can cause

confusion in I/M lanes or first-time users. Efforts should be made to standardize the readiness status

nomenclature on OBD hand-held scan tools. 

Also, when comparing the engine parameters displayed on an aftermarket scan tool to an

OEM scan tool, we found that the aftermarket scan tools and the OEM scan tools had comparable

numbers of engine parameters listed in both generic and enhanced (i.e., manufacturer-specific) mode

(see Appendix II: “Engine Parameters” for more detail). 

Our evaluation of scan tool characteristics demonstrates that each scan tool is unique in terms

of the physical design, delivery format and display of information, and the additional features that

are offered (see Appendix IV: “Scan Tool Product Information” for more details or check the

manufacturers’ website). Thus, the distinguishing factors are subjective in nature and it is up to the

individual purchaser to determine the characteristics they require when choosing a scan tool.

However, this evaluation can assure them that, at a minimum, the basic requirements for an OBD

hand-held scan tool have been met. 

2. Introduction

In the early 1980s, automobile manufacturers began using electronics and on-board

computers to control many of the engine functions. The increasing complexity of vehicle technology

led manufacturers to develop ways to effectively diagnose vehicle problems as a result of new

electronic hardware. Thus, the earliest form of vehicle on-board diagnostics was developed by auto

manufacturers to decrease the down-time spent diagnosing vehicles. 
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In 1989, CARB issued regulations requiring the second generation of OBD regulations, often

referred to as OBDII. CARB required OBDII systems on 1994 and later MY light-duty vehicles and

trucks, and medium-duty vehicles and engines sold in California. In 1990, Congress finalized the

Clean Air Act Amendments including a mandate to the Environmental Protection Agency to develop

regulations requiring OBD systems on all 1994 and newer vehicles sold nationwide and known as

Federal OBD. These regulations expanded the list of components that were monitored to include

emission-related components and added a self-diagnosing function that evaluated component

condition beyond the simple connectivity and pass/fail checks that previously existed on first

generation OBD or OBD I vehicles. This further increased the complexity of vehicle technology but

also added significant amounts of information available to diagnose vehicle problems. 

Due to these advances, it became more imperative to have equipment capable of

communicating effectively with the vehicle OBD system and delivering this information to the

technician. It was deemed necessary to standardize many aspects of the OBD system, including such

things as the data link connector, communication protocol(s), and nomenclature. The Society of

Automotive Engineers (SAE) developed these standardized methods or recommended practices to

provide implementation guidance and design requirements for vehicle manufacturers complying with

the OBD requirements and equipment and tool manufacturers developing service equipment, and

to ensure vehicle and equipment compatibility. Some of these standards are referenced in the OBD

Regulations making them a requirement for manufacturers to follow, such as the standards for scan

tool operation.

As a result of this SAE initiative and the advances made in computer technology, a new

generation of hand-held scan tool was developed to interact with the OBD II/Federal OBD systems.

The hand-held scan tool became more powerful in terms of storage, processing, and display; and

assumed a more prominent role in the diagnosis of vehicle component malfunctions. Thus, the handheld scan tool became one of the primary links to proper diagnosis and repair of OBD equipped

vehicles.

With these developments, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA)

decided to evaluate OBD hand-held scan tool technology. A previous evaluation was conducted in

1996-1997 to examine compliance with SAE recommended practices (SAE J1978 and J1979) and

the number of engine parameters available on OBD hand-held scan tools. The results of the previous

evaluation were presented at the 1998 SAE International Congress and Exposition in a Service

Technicians Society (STS) session entitled “OBD II: A User’s Perspective.” However, several

questions were raised by the audience about other scan tool capabilities and were beyond the scope

of the previous evaluation. In addition, as we consider utilizing OBD in Inspection and Maintenance

(I/M) Programs, there is increasing concern about OBD vehicle and equipment

interaction/compatibility. Therefore, this evaluation expands the scope beyond that of the previous

OBD hand-held scan tool evaluation, and this report discusses the methodology used to evaluate the

scan tools and the results of our evaluation.
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3. Scan Tool Selection

Scan tools were selected from the aftermarket manufacturers and the OEMs based on

knowledge of companies in the scan tool market. In addition, a search of Equipment and Tool

Institute (ETI) membership revealed information on additional aftermarket scan tool manufacturers.

Out of the many aftermarket scan tools available on the market, we were able to acquire the

following eight: 

• Actron Kal-Equip 9615

• Auto Xray EZ-Link OBDII Scanner

• Blue Streak Electronics BDM Pro Diagnostic Monitor

• Interro Systems PST 500

• Matco Tools Determinator 

• MPSI Pro Link 9000 

• SPX-OTC Monitor Enhanced 4000

• Vetronix Corporation Mastertech

The OEM scan tools provide a good contrast to the aftermarket scan tool since the OEM scan

tools are designed for a manufacturer specific vehicle. Therefore, the following OEM scan tools

were used for the evaluation with the manufacturer of the scan tool in parenthesis where available:

• Chrysler DRBIII (SPX-Miller)

• Ford New Generation Star Tester (Hickok)

• General Motors Tech II/SPX-OTC Tech 2 Flash (Hewlett-Packard)

• Toyota Diagnostic Tester (Vetronix). 

4. Vehicle Selection

The vehicles used in the evaluation were originally selected from a vehicle Fleet available

at the EPA’s NVFEL. These vehicles are provided to private vehicle owners in exchange for their

vehicle’s participation in an emissions program. Originally, the following vehicles were used from

this fleet:

• 1997 Buick LeSabre

• 1996 Chevy Lumina

• 1996 Dodge Intrepid

• 1996 Ford Taurus Wagon

However, this list was expanded as new test programs on OBD equipped vehicles were

developed. Approximately forty-eight 96 or newer, OBD-equipped employee vehicles were

identified at the NVFEL and utilized for these test programs. Each scan tool was not evaluated on

all of the forty-eight vehicles but on average, was used with 5-10 different vehicles for the purposes

of coverage. The following is a summary of the employee-owned vehicles used with the number of

vehicles in parenthesis:
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• Audi/VW (2)

• Daimler-Chrysler (11)

• Ford Motor Co. (12)

• General Motors (13)

• Honda (3)

• Mazda (1)

• Toyota (5)

• Volvo (1).

5. SAE Requirements for OBD Scan Tools

Compliance with the SAE standards provides scan tool compatibility with OBD equipped

vehicles and addresses concerns about OBD equipment, in particular hand-held OBD scan tools.

As mentioned in the introduction, SAE has developed guidelines to facilitate the standardization of

OBD vehicle technology, information and equipment. In particular, the SAE standards for OBD

hand-held scan tools that were considered in conducting this evaluation are as follows:

• J1962 - describes the standardized 16-pin trapezoidal connector

• J1978 - describes the basic functions that an OBD Scan Tool will support:

 Automatic hands-off determination of the communication protocol

 Obtaining and displaying the status and results of vehicle on-board diagnostic

evaluations (supported and completed readiness tests and malfunction

indicator lamp (MIL) status)

 Obtaining and displaying -

• diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)

• emissions related current data (i.e., engine parameters)

• emissions related freeze frame data

• latest test parameters and results (i.e., Mode 6 of SAE J1979)

• other emission related test parameters and results as described in SAE

J1979

 Clearing stored emissions related DTCs, freeze frame data and diagnostic test

results

• J1979 - describes diagnostic test modes for emission related diagnostic data that is
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displayed by all scan tools and are as follows:

 Mode #1 - Request for current powertrain diagnostic data including: engine

parameters, MIL status and readiness codes

 Mode #2 - Request for powertrain freeze frame data

 Mode #3 - Request emission-related powertrain diagnostic trouble codes

(DTCs)

 Mode #4 - Clear/Reset emission-related diagnostic information including

MIL status, DTCs, freeze frame and readiness codes

 Mode #5 - Request oxygen sensor monitor test results

 Mode #6 - Request latest on-board monitoring test results for non-continuous

monitor systems (i.e., catalyst, exhaust gas re-circulation (EGR), evaporative

system, etc.)

 Mode #7 - Request latest on-board monitoring test results for continuous

monitor systems (i.e., fuel trim, misfire, comprehensive components)

• J1850, ISO 9141-2 and ISO 14230-4 - describes the various communication

protocols and message formats that a manufacturer may use when developing and

implementing the OBD software on a vehicle

• J2012 - describes the recommended standardization of numeric DTCs and the

descriptions accompanying the DTCs.

For more information on OBD requirements, refer to “SAE On-Board Diagnostics for Light and

Medium Duty Vehicles Standards Manual - 2000 Edition.”

6. Additional Scan Tool Functions

In addition to the SAE requirements, some additional functions were considered and

evaluated but are not required. This is not a complete list of scan tool functions but a cross-section

of common functions that were brought to our attention or might be encountered. The additional

functions included but are not limited to:

• Additional LEDs - scan tool has lights adjacent to the screen that change as engine

values change on the screen; this allows a technician to be aware of engine changes

if they are unable to see the values on the screen
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• Bi-directional Control - scan tool can control certain vehicle components or initiate

systems tests on command

• Graphical Display - scan tool can display real-time engine parameters or recorded

data in graph (bar or line) format

• Heavy Duty Applications - scan tool can work on Medium Duty (8,500 - 14,000 lbs.

GVWR) or Heavy Duty Vehicles (>14,000 lbs. GVWR)

• Help Menu/Trouble Code Library - scan tool can guide a technician through certain

procedures or has a built-in library of all the SAE generic trouble codes

• Printer/Computer Output - scan tool connects to a printer or computer and prints or

displays information from the vehicle

• Record/Playback or Snapshot Mode - scan tool can record a block of real-time engine

data and replay that information in order to root cause a malfunction

• Reprogramming of Vehicle PCM- scan tool can perform off-board or on-board

reprogramming of a vehicle’s computer modules, specifically the powertrain (PCM)

• Scopes and Meters - scan tool can operate as a multi-meter (measure voltage,

resistance, current, etc.) or an oscilloscope

• Troubleshooting/Diagnostic Aid - scan tool provides additional information that can

aid in diagnosing a problem, typically a library that describes common failure modes

and components associated

Many scan tools offer software for vehicle systems other than Engine and Powertrain such as Antilock Brake, Transmission, Chassis and Body. For more details, you should contact the manufacturer

directly or visit their website that has been included (where available) on the product information

sheet in Appendix IV: “Scan Tool Product Information” for each scan tool.

7. Additional Scan Tool Information

Before and during the course of this evaluation, queries about OBD hand-held scan tool cost

and general needs, such as vehicle coverage, have been raised. In order to be as useful and

informative as possible, EPA decided to gather this information and include it in this report. This

information is detailed separately in Appendix IV: “Scan Tool Product Information.” and includes

the following information:

• Scan tool dimensions
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 • Scan tool weight

• Scan tool screen dimensions

• Screen display characteristics

• Power supply/voltage ratings

• Operating/Storage temperature

• Approximate price range of scan tool (basic version - full capability)

• Additional functionality

• Additional equipment

• Vehicle coverage

For more details, you should contact the manufacturer directly or visit their website that has been

included (where available) on the product information sheet in Appendix IV: “Scan Tool Product

Information” for each scan tool.

8. Results

The next two pages are the tabulated results of adherence to the SAE standards (Figure #1)

and the features of the OBD hand-held scan tools (Figure #2) used in this evaluation. Additional

data on the OBD hand-held scan tools used in this evaluation can be found in Appendix II, “Engine

Parameters” and Appendix III, “Readiness Status Chart,” and individual scan tool characteristics can

be found in Appendix IV, “Scan Tool Product Information.” Also, for more details, you should

contact the manufacturer directly or visit their website that has been included (where available) on

the product information sheet, in Appendix IV: “Scan Tool Product Information,” for each scan tool.
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OBDII

PARAMETERS: 

SAE Requirements $

J1962 -

Standardized

Connector

J1978 - OBDII

Scan Tool

Functionality

J1979 -

Diagnostic Test

Modes (1-7)

J1850, ISO9141-2 &

14230-4 - 

Communication

Protocols

J2012 -

Standardized 

DTC usage

Scan Tools

Actron KAL-Equip 9615 XX X X X

Auto Xray EZ-Link Scanner X X X* X X

no

avai

Blue Streak Electronics 

BDM Pro Diagnostic Monitor XX X X X

Chrysler DRBIII XX X X X

Ford New Generation 

StarTester (NGS) XX X X X

GM Tech 2 &

SPX-OTC Tech 2 Flash XX X X X

Interro Systems PST 500 XX X X X

Matco Tools Determinator XX X X X

MPSI Pro Link 9000 XX X X X

SPX-OTC Monitor 

Enhanced 4000 XX X X X

Toyota Diagnostic Tester XX X X X

Vetronix Corp. Mastertech XX X X X

Figure #1: SAE Requirements for OBD-equipped vehicle communications and OBD scan too
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OBDII PARAMETERS:

Features $

Display

Additional LED

Control

Bi-Directional

Graphical Display

Applications

Heavy Duty

DTC Library

Help Menu/ 

Output 

Computer/Printer

or Snapshot Mode

Record/Playback 

of Vehicle PCM

Reprogramming 

Scan Tools

Actron KAL-Equip 9615 -X - - X - X - 

Auto Xray 

EZ-Link Scanner - - - - XXX - 

Blue Streak Electronics 

BDM Pro Diagnostic Monitor XX X - - X X X 

Chrysler DRBII -X - - -X - X 

Ford New Generation 

Star Tester (NGS) -X XX XXX X 

GM Tech 2 &

SPX-OTC Tech 2 Flash -X - X -XX X 

Interro Systems PST 500 -- - -X- - - 

Matco Tools Determinator -X - - XXX - 

MPSI Pro Link 9000 - - - X XXX - 

SPX-OTC Monitor XX - - - X X - 

Toyota Diagnostic Tester XX X - XX X X 

Vetronix Corp. Mastertech XX X X XX X X 

Figure #2: Additional OBD hand-held scan tool features selected for this evaluation. 
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9. Observations and Future Considerations

9-1 Vehicle Communications

There have been external reports of communications problems but during our evaluation, we

did not experience any. The only communication problems encountered were attributed to our scan

tool’s software version and, once it was updated to the latest version, performed properly. Although

the SAE protocols are specified, communication speeds increase from model year to model year.

As a result, there is a need to ensure that scan tools have the latest software version to maintain pace

with vehicle technology. In addition, certain manufacturers have deviated slightly from the complex

specifications for the SAE communication protocols and some incompatibility may occur until scan

tool manufacturers can compensate for this deviation in sub-sequent software updates. Therefore,

vehicle communications can also be a function of the scan tool or of the vehicle design, but can be

remedied through software upgrade.

9-2 Readiness Status Nomenclature

As a group, the OBD hand-held scan tools do not use consistent nomenclature when

readiness status. Many of the scan tools do not distinguish between continuous monitors (misfire,

fuel trim, comprehensive components) and non-continuous monitors (catalyst, oxygen sensor,

evaporative system, EGR) (see Appendix II: “Additional Scan Tool Data” for further detail). SAE

J1979 defines the system status information that must be displayed, including readiness codes, and

distinguishes between continuous and non-continuous monitors. While this is not a significant issue,

there is the potential for confusion when using the hand-held scan tool to review information. This

situation has already occurred in a state OBD-I/M pilot program currently being performed. More

consideration should be devoted to developing a consistent nomenclature for readiness status.

9-3 Data Stream Update Rates

There is a mis-conception that the OEM scan tools have a faster data stream update rates

than aftermarket scan tools causing the incorrect conclusion that the OEM scan tools are more

powerful than the aftermarket scan tools. However, OEM proprietary data link(s), or enhanced data,

and their messaging techniques provide the ability for a scan tool to send and receive data at a much

faster rate than the legislated data link(s) and their messaging technique. Therefore, it is a difference

between generic and enhanced data, and not a difference between OEM and Aftermarket scan tools.

In addition, the update rate of the scan tool is dependent on the protocol used by the vehicle

manufacturer. Some protocols are slower than others and, since aftermarket scan tools must support

all of these different protocols, there may be a slower update rate depending on the communication

protocol the vehicle uses. 

Also, tailoring the data list to only the parameters needed or the parameters that change more

frequently will increase the update rate. This is tied to the speed at which data can be requested and

received from the vehicle computer data link: the more parameters requested, the longer the time

between the first parameter in the list to update to the last parameter in the list to update.
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In summary, the difference in data stream update rate is more of a function of user application

rather than scan tool ability.

10. Conclusions

The current OBD hand-held scan tools meet the SAE basic requirements, have many

additional features and should be acceptable for use by a service technician or an I/M program in a

centralized or de-centralized arena.

Many hand-held scan tool manufacturers are developing OBD PC-based scan tools that have

the same functionality as a OBD hand-held scan tool coupled with the increased power and

flexibility of a desktop or laptop computer. Since the hand-held scan tool serves as the foundation

for this technology, the basic groundwork for PC-based scan tools exists and has proven to be

effective.

11. Reference Materials

1. SAE On-Board Diagnostics for Light and Medium Duty Vehicles Standards Manual -

2000 Edition

2. Aspire, Inc. OBD Systems Inspection and Diagnostics Inspector Reference Guide
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Appendix I

Acknowledgments

Students that were involved with the data gathering and processing

Mark Christian Alexander Smith

Elena Garcia Shannon Elliott

Individuals from the aftermarket manufacturers, state programs, and 

other government agencies that were helpful in completing this report

Tom Moye

Vermont Department of Environmental Quality

James Duckworth

Utah-Davis County Health Department I/M Programs

Mike McCarthy

California Air Resources Board

Charlie Gorman

Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI)

Scan Tool Manufacturers

Actron:

Bill Kilduff

Tom Carter

John D. Wiedemann

Hamid Namaky

Ford:

Timothy Bednark

Gwendolyn Ald

Marita Judson

Roger Judson

SPX Corporation:

Fred E. Kaleal

Rob Kochie

Jim Wanberg

Auto Xray, Inc.:

William J. Miller

General Motors:

William Wiegand

Toyota:

Mark Saxonberg

Blue Streak Electronics:

Aron Regev

Fabian De Nobrega

Jeff Elder

Interro:

Kevin Ramsey

Vetronix:

Bernard J. Carr

Mark Hall

Chrysler:

Chris Micha

Rich Pershell

Ray Williams

MPSI:

Chet Taras

Thomas Kotenko
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Appendix II

Engine Parameters

The previous scan tool evaluation determined compliance with the SAE recommended practices (SAE J1978

and J1979) for a scan tool and compared the number of engine parameters available between OEM and

aftermarket scan tools. Figure #3 is a comparison of the engine parameters from that evaluation and applies

only to the following scan tools:

• MPSI Pro Link 9000 

• SPX-OTC Monitor Enhanced 4000

• Vetronix Corporation Mastertech

• Chrysler DRBIII

• Ford New Generation Star Tester (Hickok)

• General Motors Tech II (Hewlett-Packard)

• Toyota Diagnostic Tester (Vetronix).

VEHICLES OEM

(Enhanced/Generic)

AFTERMARKET

(Enhanced/Generic)

1997 Buick LeSabre 81/26 70/20

1996 Chevrolet Lumina 60/33 42/27

1996 Ford Taurus Wagon 127/31 46/26

1996 Dodge Intrepid 49/30 44/25

1996 Honda Accord --/25 --/19

1995 Toyota Camry 61/25 --/24

Group Average 76/28 51/24

Figure #3: Number of engine parameters in enhanced 

and generic mode for OEM and aftermarket scan tools.

For the OEM scan tools, enhanced values were obtained by using the OEM scan tool on the manufacturer

specific vehicle and counting (and/or summing) the number of engine parameters listed in the menus labeled

“engine data” or similar terminology (duplicate parameters between multiple engine data menus were

eliminated where possible). The generic values were obtained by placing the OEM scan tool into generic

mode (if it was able to perform this function) on each non-manufacturer specific vehicle, counting the engine

parameters, and averaging the values for all scan tools on each vehicle scanned. We were unable to acquire

a Honda-specific scan tool so the enhanced space under the OEM tool is blank.

For the aftermarket scan tools, the values were obtained by entering enhanced (i.e., manufacturer specific)

and generic mode, counting the engine parameters, and averaging the values for all scan tools on each vehicle

scanned. During the previous evaluation, the Asian-specific software was unavailable and this portion is not

part of the current evaluation. Therefore, the enhanced portion of the aftermarket scan tool under the Honda

and Toyota vehicles is blank.

The numbers at the bottom of the chart represents the group average for all the scan tools in enhanced and

generic mode. This data demonstrates that, on average, aftermarket scan tools are comparable to OEM scan

tools in terms of delivering engine parameters.
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Appendix III

Readiness Status Display of the Scan Tools

Figure #4 on the next page was adapted from the Aspire, Inc. “OBD Systems Inspection and

Diagnostics Inspector Reference Guide.” The chart that appeared in the Aspire, Inc. publication

included the Interro PST500, OTC Monitor Enhanced 4000, Snap-On MT2500, Vetronix

MasterTech and Tech 1A, and the EASE Simulation Quick Code. We have added the scan tools

used in this evaluation that were not included in the Aspire, Inc. publication (with the permission of

Aspire, Inc.). 
-17-

Readiness Status Display of Various Scan Tools

Scan Tool

Continuous Monitors

(misfire, fuel trim, comprehensive components)

Non-Continuous

Monitors

Non-Continuous

Monitors

U

Displays Ready As: Displays Ready As: Displays Not Ready As: 

Un

Actron Kal-Equip 9615 "ok" "ok" "inc" Auto Xray EZ-Link Scanner "Completed" "Completed" "Not Completed" "NBlue Streak Electronics BDM Pro Diagnostic "CONT" "RDY" "NOT RDY" D

unsu

Chrysler DRBIII Does not display continuous monitors "Completed" "Not Completed" Ford New Generation Star Tester "CONT" "YES" "NO" GM Tech 2/SPX-OTC Tech 2 Flash Does not display continuous monitors "YES" "NO" D

unsu

Interro Systems PST 500 Monitor without "*" Monitor without "*" Monitor with "*" D

unsu

Matco ToolsDeterminator "ok" "ok" "inc" MPSI Pro-Link 9000 "SUP" "DONE" "PEND" SPX-OTC MonitorEnhanced 4000 "DONE” "DONE" "PEND" Toyota DiagnosticTester "Available" "COMPL" "INCMPL" Vetronix Mastertech "Available" "COMPL" "INCMPL" 

Figure #4: Readiness status Nomenclature for the scan tools in the evaluation.
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w

h SCREEN

D

H

W

Appendix IV

Scan Tool Product Information

Explanation of Measurements for Individual Scan Tools

All measurements listed for the individual scan tool properties are presented in English units and the

International System of Units (SI) in parenthesis, where applicable. For the dimensions of the scan

tool and scan tool screen, measurements were taken at the widest part of the scan tool as if a user

were holding the scan tool. Also, many of the manufacturers provide detailed information on

measurements and these are arranged to simulate a user holding the scan tool. The measurements

are reported as follows:

Scan Tool Dimensions: Height (H) x Width (W) x Depth (D) 

Scan Tool Screen Dimensions: Height (h) x Width (w)

Measurements were acquired according to Figure #5 below:

Figure #5: Diagram of scan tool measurements.
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Actron KAL-Equip 9615

www.actron.com

Scan Tool Properties

Scan Tool Dimensions: 7.6" x 4.0" x 1.4" (19 cm x 10 cm x 3.5 cm)

Scan Tool Weight: 1.1 lbs. (0.5 kg)

Scan Tool Screen Dimensions: 1" x 2.4" (2.5 cm x 6 cm)

Screen Display Characteristics: 4 lines, 20 characters/line, LCD

Power Supply/Voltage Ratings: 7.5 V - 16 V, DC

Operating/Storage Temperature: 14-122/ -4 - 158 (F (-10 - 50/ -20 - 70 (C)

Price Range: $379.99

Additional Functionality

Additional Equipment

Vehicle Coverage

1996 - Current Year OBDII equipped

vehicles
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Auto Xray EZ-Link Scanner

www.autoxray.com

Scan Tool Properties

Scan Tool Dimensions: 7.3" x 3.8" x1.5" (18.4 cm x 9.5 cm x 3.8 cm)

Scan Tool Weight: 0.75 lbs. (0.34 kg)

Scan Tool Screen Dimensions: 0.6" x 2.4" (1.6 cm x 6 cm)

Screen Display Characteristics: 2 lines, 16 characters/line, LCD

Power Supply/Voltage Ratings: 4 AA batteries

Operating/Storage Temperature: 32-122 (F/ -4 - 158 (F (0 - 50 (C/ -20 - 70(C)

Price Range: $199.99 - $449.99

Additional Functionality

Internet Upgrade through PC Link

Additional Equipment

EZ Link XP240 Pro Pack (OBD I software) PC Link System (computer output)

Vehicle Coverage

1996 - Current Year OBDII equipped vehicles 1982-95 OBD I equipped domestic vehicles

(Chrysler, Ford GM)
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Blue Streak Electronics BDM Pro Diagnostic Monitor

www.bsecorp.com

Scan Tool Properties

Scan Tool Dimensions: 10" x4.9" x2.3" (25.4 cm x 12.4 cm x 5.9 cm)

Scan Tool Weight: 2.2 lbs. (1 kg)

Scan Tool Screen Dimensions: 4.1" x 3.1" (10.4 cm x 7.9 cm)

Screen Display Characteristics: 12 lines, 50 characters/line, LCD w/ Cold

Flourescent Light (CFL) back-lighting

Power Supply/Voltage Ratings: 10 V - 16 V DC, 4 AA Batteries (alternate)

Operating/Storage Temperature: 32-122 / 68-140 (F (0-50 / 20-60 (C)

Price Range: $2900 - $3200

Additional Functionality

Dual-channel Oscilloscope Digital Multi-meter (volt, ohm, frequency)

Temperature Measurement Current Measurement

Additional Equipment

Temperature Probe Multi-Meter Probes (included with kit)

Printers- Thermal and Infrared PC Link Software

Secondary Ignition Kit Mastermind Chassis Cartridge

Amp Probe BDM Domestic I Cartridge (OBD I vehicles)

(included with kit)

Vehicle Coverage

1996 - Current Year OBDII equipped

vehicles

1981-1995 General Motors

1983-1995 Chrysler and Ford
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Chrysler DRBIII

Scan Tool Properties

Scan Tool Dimensions: 6.4” x 13.5” x 3.6” (16.3 cm x 34.3 cm x 9.1 cm)

Scan Tool Weight: 4.0 lbs (1.81 kg)

Scan Tool Screen Dimensions: 3.1” x 3.9” (7.9 cm x 9.9 cm)

Screen Display Characteristics: 12 lines, 32 (or 40) characters/line, LCD 

(240 x 320)

Power Supply/Voltage Ratings: 8 – 18VDC 

Operating/Storage Temperature: 32 - 122 / -4 - 158 (F (0-50/ -20 - 70 (C)

Price Range: $2600 - $4230

Additional Functionality

Dual-channel Oscilloscope Digital Multi-meter (volt, ohm, frequency)

Temperature Measurement Current Measurement

Pressure Measurement

Additional Equipment

Pressure sensors & adapters 0 – 2000 Amp current probe (AC/DC)

Sonic belt tension adapter Temperature Probe

0 – 10 Amp Shunt Inclinometer Sensors (for Viper Alignments)

Scope cables (1x & 10x) PCMCIA Cards (SuperCard, SuperCard2, ST22 Support)

Vehicle Coverage

1983 - 2001 Chrysler/Plymouth/Jeep/Dodge

and Captive (import 2-door coupe)

1996 - Current Year OBDII equipped vehicles
-23-

Interro PST 500

www.interro.com

Scan Tool Properties

Scan Tool Dimensions: 9" x 3.5" x 1.8" (22.9cm x 8.9cm x 4.5cm)

Scan Tool Weight: 1.3 lbs. (0.6 kg)

Scan Tool Screen Dimensions: 1.8" x 2" (4.5cm x 5.1cm)

Screen Display Characteristics: 10 lines, 20 characters/line, LCD screen

Power Supply/Voltage Ratings: 7 V - 18 V, Nominal 12 V, 200 - 300 mA

Operating/Storage Temperature: 41-113 / 68-140 (F (5-45 / 20-60 (C) 

Price Range: $895

Additional Functionality

Additional Equipment

Vehicle Coverage

1996 - Current Year OBDII equipped

vehicles
-24-

Matco Tools MD 2001 “Determinator”

www.matcotools.com

Scan Tool Properties

Scan Tool Dimensions: 8.2" x 5.2" x 1.8" (21cm x 13cm x 4.6cm)

Scan Tool Weight: 1.1 lbs. (0.5 kg)

Scan Tool Screen Dimensions: 1" x 3"(2.5cm x 7.6cm)

Screen Display Characteristics: 4 lines, 20 characters/line, LCD

Power Supply/Voltage Ratings: 7.5 V - 16 V, DC

Operating/Storage Temperature 14 - 122 / -4 - 158 (F (-10 - 50/ -20 - 70 (C)

Price Range: $ 550.00

Additional Functionality

Additional Equipment

9 Volt Battery Detachable cables for 

Vehicle Coverage

1994 - Current Year OBDII equipped

vehicles

1994 - Current Year OBDII equipped GM,

Ford, Chrysler vehicles (enhanced functions)
-25-

MPSI Pro-Link 9000

www.mpsilink.com

Scan Tool Properties

Scan Tool Dimensions: 8" x 5.3" x 2.8" (20.3cm x 13.3cm x 7cm)

Scan Tool Weight: 2.0 lbs. (1.0 kg)

Scan Tool Screen Dimensions: 0.9" x 3.9" (2.2cm x 9.8cm) 

Screen Display Characteristics: 4 lines, 20 characters/line, LCD back lit

Power Supply/Voltage Ratings: 12.5VDC, 7.5-16.0VDC

Operating/Storage Temperature: 20°-100°F (-12C- 68C),-10°-120°F (-22-88C)

Price Range: $980.00 - $1,400.00

Additional Functionality

 Heavy Duty trucks with separate cartridge Data flight recording for data capture

Additional Equipment

Portable printer for hardcopy print-out Scan/Gas PC software

Optional cables for Heavy Duty Trucks

Vehicle Coverage

1996 - Current Year OBDII equipped

vehicles

1981 - 2000 Chrysler, Ford, and GM

(enhanced functions)

Heavy Duty Trucks from 1989 to 2000, for

Detroit Diesel, Volvo, Cat., Cummins, Hino,

V-MAC, Navistar, GMC, Allison Trans,

Meritor/WABCO, Kelsey Hayes, and Eaton
-26-

Toyota Diagnostic Tester

www.spxotc.com

(Follow the Toyota link to “Special Service Tools”)

Scan Tool Properties

Scan Tool Dimensions: 9.7" x 8.7" x 2" (24.6cm x 22cm x 5.1cm)

Scan Tool Weight: 3.3 lbs. (1.5 kg)

Scan Tool Screen Dimensions: 3" x 3" (7.6cm x 7.6cm)

Screen Display Characteristics: 12 lines, 20 characters/line LCD

Power Supply/Voltage Ratings: 9 - 24 V DC, 1 A, NICAD Battery (alternate

power)

Operating/Storage Temperature: 32 - 122 / -4 - 140 (F (0 - 50 / -20 - 60 (C)

Price Range: $ 1,995 - $2,595

Additional Functionality

Digital Multi-meter Digital Single- and Dual-Trace Oscilloscope

Noise, Vibration and Harshness Analyzer Comprehensive electrical system diagnosis

Additional Equipment

Program Card (required) Input/Output (I/O) Cartridge

Noise, Vibration and Harshness Kit Break-out Box Kit 

Auto Probe

Vehicle Coverage

All OBD II equipped Toyota Vehicles (since

1989)

1994 - Current Year OBDII equipped vehicles
-27-

Vetronix MasterTech

www.vetronix.com

Scan Tool Properties

Scan Tool Dimensions: 9.7" x 8.7" x 2" (24.6cm x 22cm x 5.1cm)

Scan Tool Weight: 2.25 lbs. (1.02 kg)

Scan Tool Screen Dimensions: 3" x 3" (7.6cm x 7.6cm)

Screen Display Characteristics: 12 lines, 20 characters/line (or 20 lines, 26

characters/line), LCD (160 x 160)

Power Supply/Voltage Ratings: 6.5 - 24 V DC, 1 A, NICAD Battery (alternate

power)

Operating/Storage Temperature: 32 - 122 / -4 -140 (F (0 - 50 / -20 - 60 (C)

Price Range: $ 3,195

Additional Functionality

Digital Multimeter Digital Single, Dual-Trace, and Ignition

Oscilloscope

Noise, Vibration and Harshness Analyzer Gas Analyzer (PXA series 4, 5)

Comprehensive Electrical System Diagnosis Non-Contact Infra-Red Temperature probe

Additional Equipment

Program Card (required) Application or Mass Storage Cartridge

Noise, Vibration and Harshness Kit Break-out Box Kit 

Ignition Scope Kit Low Current and Infra-Red Temperature Probes

Vehicle Coverage

1981 - Current Year Chrysler, Ford, and GM

(enhanced functions)

1994 - Current Year OBDII equipped vehicles

1983 - Current Year Asian Imports

(enhanced functions)

Heavy Duty Applications: Cummins CELECT,

Mack VMAC II and III, Navistar Navpack, and Detroit

Diesel DDEC II, III, and IV