How To Read Mode 6 Data

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mode $06 scan tool data screen

OBD Two Style $06 Diagnostics

Way $06 is an advanced diagnostic mode inside the onboard diagnostic (OBD 2) system on 1996 and newer vehicles that keeps watch on how all of the sensors and other emission control components are performance. Information technology tin only exist accessed with a professional grade scan tool, and requires browse tool software that can catechumen the hexadecimal (16-fleck computer lawmaking) into ordinary numbers and values. In other words, it is an advanced diagnostic mode that can reveal the inner workings of the OBD Two organization, and can tell you when a code is going to prepare fifty-fifty before it sets the code and turns on the Cheque Engine light. An inexpensive lawmaking reader or bones scan tool tin can't access or read mode $06 data.

Normally, almost technicians ignore mode $06. On older browse tools, it was very difficult to access. And if they establish it, the hexadecimal code looked like gibberish. You had to employ conversion tables to interpret the code into ordinary numbers, and yous had to find the vehicle manufacturer's reference codes to decipher what each line meant. Then it was a pain to utilise, and many technicians didn't even know it existed.

Equally time went on, scan tool manufacturers began to add software to their tools that made Style $06 easier to find a use. Many professional grade scan tools now display all of the mode $06 data in plain English language with units of measure out for various types of data (pressure, temperature, etc.). Some volition even flag in blood-red values that are out of range, making information technology much easier to spot problems that may set a code.

The greatest value of fashion $06 from a diagnostic standpoint is that it can verify repairs have fixed a problem without having to look days for sure OBD II self-tests to run.

To brand sure a vehicle'south emissions do not exceed federal limits, the OBD II organization runs diverse self-checks (called "monitors") while the vehicle is being driven. Some of these monitors are "continuous" and monitor certain sensors and systems all the fourth dimension. Other monitors (called "not-continuous" monitors) only run after sure operating conditions have been met. Consequently, non-continuous monitors may be dull to complete their cocky-checks, and may not set a error code for several days or even weeks later on a fault occurs. So existence able to verify a repair has fixed a problem without having to wait for the Check Engine light to maybe come up back on is a god fashion for repair shops to reduce comebacks and unhappy customers.

Mode $06 is most useful for checking misfires on Fords, and for checking the catalytic converter and evaporative emissions (EVAP) arrangement on most cars. The latter 2 are non-continuous monitors and can be very tedious to complete depending on driving atmospheric condition.

Using Way $06 to Diagnose Misfires

Every time a cylinder misfires, OBD II adds 1 number to a running count of misfires for that cylinder. When the rate of misfire in any cylinder exceeds a certain threshold (typically effectually two percent), it will ordinarily set a misfire code for that cylinder and turn on or flash the Check Engine light. If the misfire rate is less than about two pct, however, it ordinarily will NOT set a code. Even so, the misfire may all the same exist noticeable plenty that you can feel it when the engine is under load or accelerating.

By using your scan tool to access Mode $06 data, you tin can read the actual misfire counts that accept been recorded for each cylinder. Note: This may require looking up the Mode $06 test reference code for the cylinder misfire information unless your scan tool translates that data for you. For example, on a Ford, the cylinder misfire data may exist listed under TID $053. Each cylinder is identified every bit Component $01, $02, $03, etc., where the $ number corresponds to the cylinder number in the engine'due south firing order.

Commonly, the misfire count should be zero or very close to zero for each cylinder if at that place are no problems. If there have simply been a few occasional misfires (say less than 100 over a given time catamenia), that is commonly acceptable. Only if y'all run across a relatively high count (say more than than several hundred or a thousand misfires for a given cylinder), it would tell y'all the cylinder is experiencing an abnormal misfire charge per unit and there is a problem with ignition, fuel or pinch in that cylinder.

How Mode $06 Data is Displayed

On older professional grade scan tools, all of the manner $06 information is in hex code with no units of measure defined. On newer professional person course scan tools, the software will often translate the Mode $06 data into familiar terms and units of measure. The data is listed in three columns:

* "TID" stands for Examination identification. This is the sensor or component that is beingness monitored on that line.

* "CID" stands for Component identification. This is the exam consequence for that sensor or component.

* PASS or Fail in the last cavalcade indicates if the value is within range or out of range (less than the minimum acceptable value or greater than the maximum adequate value for that sensor or component).

Translating Mode $06 Hex Code

If a browse tool does non translate the way $06 hex lawmaking, tables that list the TID and CID definitions must be used to make sense of the information. Non all vehicle manufacturers publish their mode $06 data. Ford and GM's manner $06 information tin can be institute on the vehicle manufacturer's service information websites, and on the International Automotive Technicians Network website (www.iatn.internet).

For GM Mode 06 charts, Click Hither.

Additional Mode 06 Diagnostic Information:

Fashion 06 parameters for GM 4.6L engine (PDF file)
Honda Mode 06 info for MY 2005 (PDF file)

Maximizing Your Browse Tool with Mode 06 (Vehicle Service Pros)