In car designs, electronic control systems are increasingly being used. Carrying out diagnostics of a modern car without using tools for analyzing the operation of electronic control systems can provide insufficiently complete information about its technical condition.
Diagnostic tools for determining the technical condition of electronic control systems can be divided into three categories:
- stationary (bench) diagnostic systems
- on-board diagnostic software that allows you to indicate faults with the corresponding codes
- on-board diagnostic software that requires a special additional reader to access
Bench diagnostic systems
These systems are not connected to the on-board electronic control units and are therefore independent of the vehicle's on-board diagnostic system. They usually diagnose individual engine mechanisms and ignition systems, which is why they are often called motor testers. The main elements of the motor-tester are sensors, as well as a block for processing and displaying the results of measurements of perceived signals. Sensors and recording devices are connected to cables using plugs and clamps.
Rice. motor tester
Motor-testers are based on computers, have a keyboard, display, disk drives, CD-ROM drive. The kit usually includes a set of connecting wires and cables, a stroboscope, and in some cases an exhaust gas analyzer. Information is entered into a computer using an appropriate analyzer, which contains analog-to-digital converters, comparators, amplifiers and other signal pre-processing devices. The analyzer is connected to the necessary elements on the car using a set of cables, which is a set of wires connected to the negative, positive terminals of the battery and the ignition coil, high voltage wires to the ignition coil and the spark plug of the first cylinder, and in addition, a non-contact current sensor on the bus battery charging, engine oil temperature sensor (inserted instead of the dipstick), intake manifold vacuum sensor, etc.
The main part of the motor tester is an oscilloscope, on the screen of which various oscillograms appear, reflecting the operating mode and technical condition tested parts and devices of the ignition system. The evaluation of the signal appearing on the oscilloscope screen is based on the analysis of changes (in the presence of faults) in the nature of electrical processes occurring in low and high voltage circuits. By separate parts of the image, one can also judge the operation of some elements of the power supply and ignition systems, and the nature of the change makes it possible to identify the causes of malfunctions.
The motor tester's computer processes the information received from the engine and presents the results on the display or as a printout on a printer. The motor tester can be supplied with a set of laser CDs with technical information about various car models, as well as instructions for the operator on how to connect the motor tester to the car and on the sequence of control operations.
Before diagnosing, the car model, type of engine, transmission, ignition system, fuel injection and other parameters characterizing the object of diagnosis are entered. Motor testers are capable of diagnosing most automotive systems, including starting, power supply, ignition systems, assessing cylinder compression, and measuring power system parameters.
Modern motor testers can provide information about the state of the ignition system in the form of numbers or an oscillogram of the process. An example is the M3-2 motor-tester (Belarus), with which you can determine the condition of the engine (by developed power, power balance by cylinders, relative compression), starter, generator, relay-regulator, battery, breaker-distributor, electrical wires, candles ignition, lambda sensor, injection nozzles gasoline engines, diesel fuel equipment, measure with a stroboscope the ignition timing for gasoline engines and injection for diesel engines.
As automotive electronics become more complex, the functionality of stationary systems expands, since it is necessary to diagnose not only engine control, but also brake systems, active suspension etc.
The versatility of computer motor testers is determined by their software. Many of them work in the Windows operating system familiar to most users.
The disadvantages of motor testers include the fact that they are difficult to detect non-permanent faults in complex electronic systems, when a fault in one system manifests itself in the form of symptoms in other systems that are functionally related to the first.
Onboard diagnostic software that allows fault codes to be indicated
Automotive software systems in most of the leading countries of the world since the 80s of the XX century. are provided with the function of reading fault codes using a warning lamp, for example check engine- check the engine. This is the simplest type of on-board diagnostics, which consists in conditionally assigning digital codes to a number of faults in the electronic control system. These codes, when their corresponding faults appear, are stored in the memory of the electronic control unit of the system. After certain manipulations, these codes can be displayed by a control light in the form of a series of long and short pulses. After visual reading of the pulses, their meaning can be deciphered using special tables.
Rice. Example of placement of the Check engine indicator (position 1)
On-board diagnostic software that requires a special optional reader to access
Reading information from such software is carried out using special devices - scanners. Controlled parameters and fault codes are read directly from the electronic control unit and interpreted by service specialists.
A scanner, or a scanning device, is a portable computer tester used to diagnose various electronic control systems by reading digital information from the vehicle's diagnostic connector.
The scanner, as a rule, has a small LCD display, so viewing data on it, even using frame scrolling, is not always convenient. It is usually possible to connect the scanner to a computer via a serial port for data transfer. Special software allows you to view data from the scanner in tabular and graphical form on a computer monitor, save them, and create databases for serviced vehicles.
Rice. Programmable scanner DST-2M (Russia) without a personal computer
Scanners differ in their functionality and range of tested vehicles.
Specialized scanners used to diagnose cars of only one brand have the widest capabilities. The use of such scanners, due to their narrow specialization, is limited to individual car service enterprises servicing cars of specific models. Scanners designed for diagnosing injection systems and other mechanisms, assemblies and systems of cars of various models have become more widespread.
There are programs that allow you to enter information directly into the computer through the serial port from the car diagnostic connector using the appropriate connecting cable. In this case, a personal computer performs the functions of a scanner, it is sometimes called a computer scanner. When using a personal computer, there is no need to have a set of software cartridges for various systems and models, since the capacity of the computer's hard disk allows you to store all the necessary data and programs on it.
Self-diagnosis system vehicle in the process of its operation it continuously compares the current values of the signals with the reference values in the memory of the electronic control unit. In addition, it monitors the reaction of the actuators. Any inconsistencies between the parameters to each other or to the reference values are regarded as a malfunction, each of which has its own code. Previously, control systems could determine and remember 10-15 codes, modern systems store up to several hundred codes related not only to the engine, but also to the automatic transmission, anti-lock system(ABS), airbags, climate control, etc.
In some control units, self-diagnosis allows you to adjust the ignition timing, and on vehicles without a converter, to adjust the carbon monoxide content in the exhaust gases. In addition, on modern models of scanners, the so-called test diagnostics is implemented: input signals are given at a certain moment, followed by checking the sensors and the response of the actuators.
The scanner checks the input and output parameters of electrical circuits and informs the operator about their value. Thus, it only fixes the presence or absence of faults in any node, but does not allow determining their causes, which can be many for the same values of controlled parameters.
According to the method of storing information, hardware scanners are divided into cartridge and programmable. To bring the cartridge scanner into working condition, you need a cartridge with diagnostic cable corresponding to the tested vehicle model. The set of such a scanner consists of three main parts: the scanner itself, replaceable cartridges and connecting cables designed to be connected to the diagnostic connector of the vehicle being checked. Each cartridge is designed to work with its type of control unit.
Rice. Cartridge scanner for diagnosing cars of one or certain brands
Programmable scanners do not have this disadvantage. Their built-in memory (Flash-memory) can be repeatedly reprogrammed using a personal computer. Older versions of the software can be updated online or via a CD supplied by the vehicle or scanner manufacturer. Such scanners are well adapted for operation in a car service. Moreover, they allow you to diagnose the systems of a moving vehicle.
More informative are scanners connected to a personal computer. An adapter is used to coordinate the data received by the computer from the control unit.
Rice. Programmable scanner with personal computer
Currently most widespread received Bosch KST-500 and KST-520 scanners used with a personal computer, as well as DST-2, DST-10-Kf scanners (Russia), etc.
Scanners have several modes of operation. In the "Errors" mode, the screen displays digital codes one or another malfunction stored in the memory of the control unit on the car. The "Parameters" mode allows you to evaluate the operation of the engine when the car is moving: voltage in the on-board network, detonation, crankshaft speed, mixture composition, speed, etc. To view changes in engine operation parameters in dynamics, the "Data acquisition" mode is provided. Some scanners, such as KST-520, for monitoring the operation of the injection system and other vehicle systems in dynamics, can display a graphical representation of the signals on the screen, i.e. allow them to be observed visually. The capabilities of the scanners when checking the injection system of a particular vehicle are determined by the diagnostic functions of the control unit this car, however, as a rule, all scanners read and erase fault codes, display digital parameters in real time, may actuate some executive mechanisms(nozzles, relays, solenoids).
The scanner is connected through a special connector on the car to a specific control unit or the electronic system as a whole.
Until 2000, most cars were equipped with diagnostic connectors that had a different number and arrangement of pins, which did not allow the use of universal scanners for retrieving information. Therefore, in 2000, the OBD-II standard for electronic control equipment was adopted by most vehicle manufacturers. The requirements of this standard include:
- standard diagnostic connector
- standard location of the diagnostic connector
- standard communication protocol between the scanner and the automotive on-board diagnostic system
- standard list of fault codes
- saving the parameter values in the memory of the electronic control unit of the frame when an error code appears (“frozen” frame)
- monitoring by on-board diagnostic tools of elements, the failure of which can lead to an increase in toxic emissions into the environment
- access to both specialized and universal scanners to error codes, parameters, "frozen" frames, testing procedures, etc.
- a single list of terms, abbreviations, definitions used for elements of the electronic systems of the car and error codes
The illustration shows the 16-pin diagnostic connector, which is standard on OBD-II compliant vehicles.
Rice. Standard diagnostic connector
The diagnostic connector is located in the passenger compartment (usually under the dashboard) and provides access to system data. Any scanner can be connected to this connector.
Reading diagnostic codes
Fault codes can be read in two ways. The first (for self-diagnosis systems that are already becoming a thing of the past) - with an LED probe connected to the diagnostic connector, or using a diagnostic control lamp. The codes are deciphered using the already mentioned tables that are part of the operational documents for the car. The second, modern, way is to receive codes with a scanner. As a rule, these devices not only extract error codes, but also decrypt them.
To warn the driver about a malfunction of the electronic control system, there is a warning lamp on the instrument panel. After turning on the ignition on a serviceable car, the lamp burns for 3 ... 10 s, and then should go out. If the lamp does not go out, this indicates a malfunction of the control system, and this system should be checked for certain codes. According to requirements normative documents According to the traffic safety of some countries, a car with active fault codes of certain electronic control systems is not allowed to operate.
Fault codes are sometimes conventionally divided into "slow" and "fast".
Consider "slow" codes. If a malfunction is detected, its code is stored in memory and the corresponding control lamp turns on on the instrument panel. You can find out which code this is in one of the following ways (depending on the specific version of the control unit):
- read information from the LED on the control unit case, which periodically flashes and goes out
- connect certain terminals of the diagnostic connector with a conductor or short a certain terminal of the connector to ground and turn on the ignition, after which the control lamp will flash periodically, transmitting information about the fault code
- connect an LED or an analog voltmeter to certain contacts of the diagnostic connector and, by flashing the LED (or fluctuations of the voltmeter needle), get information about the fault code
Since "slow" codes are intended for visual reading, their transmission frequency is very low (about 1 Hz), the amount of information transmitted is small.
Codes are usually issued in the form of repeated sequences of flashes. The code contains several digits, the semantic meaning of which is then deciphered according to the fault table, which is part of the operational documents for the car. Long flashes (1.5-2.5 s) transmit the senior (first) digit of the code, short (0.5-0.6 s) - the junior (second) digit.
An example of displaying code 1-3-1-2 corresponding to a malfunction electronic injector injection of the first cylinder of the Hyundai engine, is shown in the figure:
Rice. Example of displaying a fault code
After a malfunction is detected, it is localized by sequentially checking those elements of the electronic control system that are in the electrical circuit responsible for generating the read code (sensors, connectors, wiring, etc.).
"Slow" codes are simple, reliable, do not require expensive diagnostic equipment, but are not very informative.
"Quick codes" provide a selection of a large amount of information from the memory of the electronic control unit via a serial interface. This interface and the diagnostic connector are used both for testing and tuning the vehicle at the factory, and for diagnosing.
One of the functions implemented by scanners is to check the sensor signal for rationality, i.e. for compliance with the required (standard) signals. The sensor may be faulty and send incorrect information to the control unit. If the control unit program does not provide for checking the sensor signal for rationality, then control algorithms are implemented in them using incorrect sensor information. This will incorrectly calculate important output parameters, such as the ignition timing and the duration of the injector release pulse, which will lead to a deterioration in the vehicle's driving characteristics, the engine may stall after starting, etc. However, as long as the incorrect signal from the sensor is within the normal range in quantitative terms, no error codes will be recorded in the memory of the electronic unit and the malfunction will not be indicated in any way.
To detect a malfunction, the function of disabling the "suspicious" sensor is implemented. Then the electronic unit will write the error code into memory and change the signal from the sensor to the calculated (backup) value. For example, when the sensor is turned off mass flow air, its signal is replaced by a backup signal calculated from the throttle position and engine speed. If, after disconnecting the “suspicious” sensor, engine performance improves, this means that the sensor is faulty.
IN modern blocks management as the software improves, it becomes possible to detect such malfunctions. This is the so-called test for rationality and correct functioning, which is implemented in onboard diagnostic systems second generation (OBD-II). It lies in the fact that the current values of the signals from all sensors are constantly checked for one-to-one compliance with the standard signals for a given engine operation mode. The nominal values of the signals are stored in the permanent memory of the microprocessor of the electronic unit.
For the convenience of measuring the input and output signals of the electronic control unit, a signal splitter is used. It is a set of cables and connectors connected between the electronic control unit and the wiring harness for access to input and output signals. The splitter includes a patch panel for connecting instrumentation to any harness circuit.
Rice. Signal splitter RS-2 (Russia)
The operation of individual sensors can be simulated by a special sensor simulator, for example, ID-4 type. It is designed to simulate the output voltage of potentiometric and resistive sensors of an electronic control system. injection engines. This simulator allows you to simulate the signal of the throttle position sensor, carbon monoxide adjustment potentiometer, intake manifold pressure sensors, atmospheric pressure, mass air flow and other sensors. The cables included in the simulator allow you to connect to various types of connectors.
Rice. Sensor simulator ID-4 (Russia)
Deleting trouble codes
After repair, all codes should be deleted from the memory of the control unit, otherwise the unit will erroneously take them into account when subsequently controlling the vehicle's systems.
There are three methods for deleting (erasing) fault codes:
- Erasing codes on command from a scanner connected to the diagnostic socket. On some early model vehicles, this procedure is not possible because it is not supported by the control unit. This method is the most preferred and recommended by manufacturers.
- If there is no scanner or the electronic unit does not support erasing codes with a scanner, turn off the power to the unit by removing the appropriate fuse. Together with the error codes, the information for adaptive control will also be erased from the unit's memory.
- Disconnection from the "mass" of the battery bus. It should be borne in mind that in this case, along with the codes, other information is also erased (setting the time on the electronic clock, radio codes, etc.).
From the point of view of an electronics engineer, a car is a moving box full of embedded systems. For those who are going to devote their lives to the automotive industry, as well as for those who just want to learn more about the internal structure of the car, this material may be useful.
Until the beginning of this century, there were not so many electronic systems in cars. Some expensive models have electronic ignition, cruise control and climate control, but it was a fairly primitive analog electronics system. A lot has changed since then. Modern cars, even basic models, have dozens of microprocessors and microcontrollers of various capacities, from tiny 4-bit devices to 32-bit or even 64-bit monsters.
Each of these devices contains a specific program to perform certain tasks, so the software is one of the critical factors vehicle quality and reliability. To streamline the development of automotive embedded systems and software for them, special standards have been introduced, and here is a basic (but not complete) list of them:
- The CAN bus is a means to reliably connect multiple electronic systems together with a minimum of wires.
- MISRA C (and C++) - A detailed list of rules on the use of the C language in critical safety systems such as automobiles.
- OSEK / VDX is a standard for real-time operating systems used in automobiles and similar systems.
- Genivi is the standard for Linux-based systems used for in-car infotainment systems.
Let's take a closer look at each of these standards.
CAN bus
Wiring in cars is traditionally laid on a point-to-point basis. This circuit is easy to understand and maintain, but quickly becomes overly complex as the number of electronic systems increases. At some point, using the system bus starts to make sense. A bundle of wires is sent from one device to another, and each device has a unique bus address and only responds when it sees that address on the bus. Several bus systems are used in automotive systems, but the CAN bus is the most well known and widely used.
Embedded developers often lament that no programming language is perfect for their specific needs. In a way, this situation is not surprising, because although so many developers are working on building embedded applications, they are still only a very small group in the world of community programming. However, some languages have been designed with embedded systems in mind, such as PL/M, Forth, and Ada. But they are not generally accepted.
A compromise that has been almost universally accepted is the C language. The C language is compact, expressive, and powerful. It provides the programmer with the means to write efficient, readable, and easily maintainable code. All these features led him to his popularity. Unfortunately, this language also allows careless developers to write dangerous code that can cause serious problems at all stages of project development. In cars and other safety-critical systems, this can be a big problem.
That is why, in the late 1990s, the Motor Industry Software Reliability Association (MISRA) introduced a set of rules for using the C language in vehicle systems. This standard became known as MISRA-C. A similar approach to using the C++ language has also been established. Although these principles were written for automotive software developers, they soon began to be extended to other applications where safety is critical.
OSEK/VDX
OSEK/VDX is a standard for RTOS for use in vehicle control systems. It has been designed from the ground up for this purpose and includes the essential features needed to keep a critical system secure. The key feature is the absence of dynamic objects; everything is created statically at build time. The inherent simplicity of this implementation does not significantly limit software developers, but eliminates a significant potential source of system failure. And it is not surprising that other industries are showing interest in this standard. Operating systems that support OSEK/VDX are available today from a variety of vendors.
Most car infotainment systems do not have strict security requirements and are not too tied to real time, so Linux is good choice because it provides wide choose additional software components. And Genivi is the standard for implementing Linux in this context.
The automotive world is not as simple as it seems at first glance. There are a lot of incomprehensible and ambiguous things in the world of the automotive industry. tangled car instructions various incomprehensible abbreviations of new technologies, abbreviations of options and much more confuse us. And in all this variety of technology, what we understand most is the new electronic innovations in the field of in-car entertainment electronics. Motto modern world- it is better to live with the help of technology than to abandon them.
When it comes to new consumer automotive technologies, many of us get confused by the multitude. To shed light on many technical innovations in cars and not let consumers get confused, our online publication has prepared for you a special overview of the freshest, latest and newest automotive technology. Having learned about them in more detail, it will be easier for you to navigate and use them in new cars.
If you are alone, then almost certainly when making a final decision key role will play new electronic technology. We have specially selected the most common modern technologies (functions) that last years began to be installed on modern cars. Most of the functions in the review are present in new cars, the cost of which is no more than 1.5 million rubles.
Therefore, it will be easy for you to determine which features you would like to see in your car.
1) Bluetooth
Bluetooth has recently become a symbol of wireless car speakerphone. But this wireless technology can also provide a short distance to connect various modern gadgets to on-board computer car. If you have a modern smartphone running modern operating systems: Ios Android, BlackBerry or Windows Phone, then most likely your device has a Bluetooth function.
Also, almost any modern smartphone has a profile for setting up an SMS message profile using Bluetooth technology. These settings will help you configure how you want to send an SMS message using the car speakerphone. How? Everything is very simple. You can create short templates of SMS messages in drafts in advance. With the help of a voice command, you will send a message in response to the received message, which in many cars you can read on the LCD screen of the multimedia system.
Also, for example, users of Apple phones can use the phone using the built-in Siri (receive, read, send SMS, receive calls, etc.) through a wireless speakerphone. To activate it, you must press the speakerphone button on the steering wheel. Of course, for this, the phone must first be connected with via Bluetooth to the vehicle system.
Almost all cars equipped with Bluetooth can receive streaming music from your gadgets. This type of connection allows you to play music from your phone, smartphone, tablet or MP3 player on the car's speakers. As a convenience to many modern cars, to control music and sound volume, there is no need to use electronic gadgets that transmit music streaming wirelessly. You can do all this on the car's multimedia system.
While streaming music from your mobile device, you can see the song name, timer, and other important information on the screen of your in-car infotainment system.
2) USB ports
The USB ports are great for charging electronic gadgets and connecting electronic devices(e.g. for playing music) that do not have the ability to connect to the vehicle system via Bluetooth technology. For example, old MP3 players, mobile phones. Also, using this port, you can connect your flash drive with music recorded to the car.
Playing music via a USB port has a number of advantages over Bluetooth. So when transmitting a music stream wirelessly, bluetooth system compresses the audio file fast transfer over a wireless radio channel, which degrades the sound quality of melodies.
3) Proximity car key and ignition
We have more important things to do than dig through our pockets or bags for our car keys. To do this, there is a wireless electronic car key technology. The principle of operation is simple. In your pocket or bag is electronic key, which when you approach the car sends a special code to the car to open the door. Approaching the car, you simply open the door, get into the car and press the engine start button without inserting the key into the ignition. Very handy feature, which has recently been installed on many new cars.
4) Application integration
Unfortunately, such technologies are not yet highly developed in our country due to the high cost and quality of mobile Internet. Abroad, the picture is completely different. So, in some premium cars, special blocks began to appear, where a mobile Internet modem is built in, distributing Internet via WiFi, both to electronic user gadgets and to be able to access the network using the infotainment system. For example, network access can be useful for listening to online music or watching online video streaming by passengers.
5) Voice recognition
Interaction with the software of the car using voice at first was not a very reliable and high-quality technology. At first, such systems operated with failures and errors. Fortunately, electronic technology does not stand still, and progress is moving forward. Modern software and modern electronic chips allow you to control many car systems with your voice.
If earlier the system required the exact pronunciation of a certain command, today it is enough to say part of the command and the system will recognize what you want.
The new speech recognition system makes it easy to manage navigation system. Previously, in order to set the address of the route by voice, it was necessary to pronounce the name separately locality, street, house, etc. today, most mobile navigation systems in cars can recognize the exact address of a destination when the full address is spoken at once.
6) Remote control of the car
Do you think it is possible with a vehicle remote control system. To do this, in the App Store or Google Play there are special applications. So with these programs, you can disable or enable the alarm. Also at a distance you can block the car if necessary. Some vehicles allow smartphone applications to receive indoor and outdoor temperature data, view related diagnostic data such as fuel level, fuel consumption, range, as well as receive vehicle location data from satellite navigation and many other information.
7) Blind spot monitoring system
World studies show that a large proportion of accidents occur due to the blind spots of the car. In an attempt to stop this epidemic of accidents, most automakers have begun equipping their vehicles with blind spot monitoring. Everything works very simply. If, while the car is moving, there is a car or other object in a dead, not visible zone, the system warns the driver about it. On side mirror or a warning sign appears on the dashboard.
8) Strip control system
This technology is designed to help drivers control their lane. Special touch sensors and cameras monitor road markings. In the event of a lane crossing, the vehicle warns the driver about this either by sound signal, or vibration that is transmitted to the steering wheel. In many luxury cars such as Acura, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi, a new generation of similar system, which, under certain settings, can automatically change the position of the steering wheel itself in order to align the car in the event of an uncontrolled exit from the lane.
9) Telematics
This new technology allows you to not only connect your smartphone to your car's infotainment system, but also get a range of . If the car is equipped with a mobile Internet modem and is connected to an unlimited tariff plan, then you can make calls from your phone via the car Internet using the car interface. This will not only save you mobile phone traffic, but will make communication more convenient.
Telematics functions also include programming information system car to make emergency calls using your cell phone in the event of an accident. In such a case, the system automatic mode will send an emergency call via your smartphone.
Including some automakers build in multimedia system concierge service, which you can call using your smartphone, which automatically connects to the car system as soon as you get into it or simply press a special button in the car. In fact, the telematics option is a guardian angel.
10) Adaptive cruise control
Many auto industry collision warning systems are in the field of safety. In the near future, they will appear on almost all modern cars. It is also extremely necessary, as are airbags, without which not one car can do now.
Most pre-collision systems work with millimeter-wave radar or stereoscopic cameras that monitor the environment around the car and scan the area for an object. possible dangers. When an obstacle is detected, the system warns the driver of the danger of a collision.
More advanced versions of collision avoidance technology can independently (without driver intervention) apply the brake pedal in an emergency (if the system determines that a collision is imminent).
Based on this system, automakers have invented a new generation of the most beloved and popular automotive system cruise control. So new feature was named adaptive cruise control. For its operation, the same stereoscopic cameras or radar are used to detect obstacles while moving. When this function is enabled and the settings cruising speed movement, the system automatically maintains a set speed and a certain distance to the vehicle in front.
In some expensive luxury cars, the system is extended with the ability to automatically brake without the driver's participation in the event of a car approaching an obstacle, avoiding a collision. As soon as the danger of a collision disappears, the vehicle will pick up the required speed again.
Normally, adaptive cruise control works when the vehicle is moving at speeds between 40 and 150 km/h.
When organizing or expanding a car service, it must be remembered that the purchased equipment and hired workers are far from all that is necessary to organize the work of a service station, including a diagnostic post. Usually one of the most necessary components-Information Support. Sometimes service stations try to satisfy their informational hunger with books and CDs from stores and markets, designed for use by motorists and containing information on separate model car of certain years of manufacture. These attempts are doomed to failure for several reasons: First, these books are for private, not professional use - they lack important aspects repairs, and most importantly, diagnostics (at the same time, they abound with details unnecessary for a professional). Secondly, for a good coverage of everything with such information about who and what drives with us, we need a lot of such books.
The way out is to purchase professional literature and electronic information databases on diagnostics and repair, as well as other software for automating the work of a car service. In this review, for those who have bought (or are going to buy) equipment for a car service (diagnostic, repair, etc. - it doesn’t matter), what kind of software and information software is used (more precisely
Must be used) in any car service (from a garage to a large dealership):
1. Management and accounting software (software)
This class includes accounting software, business process automation software, warehouse accounting software, time tracking software, work order preparation and accounting software, etc. Many of the software products provide integration with spare parts catalogs (for automatically downloading prices and models details in accounting documents), information bases of standard hours (for automating the loading of work lists and calculating their cost).
The specifics of this software is not yet within the scope of our company's specialization - therefore, more detailed information I don't talk about him. Present on the market a large number of software products for solving these problems, such as stand-alone ones and those that are add-ons to universal systems (for example, products based on the 1C platform). Here are a few links “for starters” - products of the Avtodealer company, the 1C-Rarus implementation center, the BVS Logic company, the VERDI company, the TurboService system, the LogicStar-Avto system, the AIS @ system.
2. Software for specialized equipment - this includes software for scanners, motor testers, software for working with gas analyzers and smoke meters, software for chip tuning, software for measuring systems body repair and so on. Here, in principle, everything is clear. As a rule, such software is supplied with the hardware itself. Often, software of this class performs not only its basic (diagnostic, etc.), but also reference and training functions.
On the one hand, the capabilities of a particular software and hardware complex are limited by the capabilities of the existing software for it. For example, the now very popular K-L-Line adapter will not be able to work with big amount brands than it currently works without the release of new software for it. On the other hand, the boundaries of the development of software capabilities are rigidly predetermined by the hardware capabilities of the hardware. Therefore, for example, the same K-L-Line adapter will not be able to work with cars that have the OBD-II-VPW or OBD-II-PWM diagnostic exchange protocol, since they are simply hardware incompatible (that is, it is impossible to develop software with the appropriate functions for it ).
Some specialized equipment software can also be used separately (without hardware) - for example, the Autorobot Data System program for the well-known body straightening complex of the same name with an electronic measuring system can be used separately as a reference system for control points and body dimensions.
3. Basic reference software - this includes information and reference databases on diagnostics and repair, electronic catalogs spare parts, manuals of standard hours, manuals on the geometric dimensions of cars, etc. Such bases, as well as equipment, are divided into two large classes - dealer (authorized, original, primary) and unauthorized (secondary, non-original, as a rule, multi-brand).
Dealer databases include information on one or more related car brands (eg VW-Audi) and are prepared by the car manufacturer itself. The information in them on a separate brand is the most complete and reliable. However, officially such bases are distributed only within the framework of the dealer network of the corresponding brand. Accordingly, non-dealer stations (even if they specialize in one brand) can only purchase this information from pirates. The most famous dealer bases for diagnostics and repair of VW-Audi (ELSA), BMW (BMW TIS, BMW WDS), Ford (Ford TIS), Mercedes (Mercedes WIS), Opel (Opel TIS), Renault (Dialogys), Volvo ( VADIS), etc., as well as spare parts catalogs for VW-Audi (ETKA), BMW (BMW ETK), Mercedes (Mercedes EPC), etc.
Multi-brand databases include information on many car brands at once (database developers try to cover “everything that drives”). The multi-brand base does not exclude the fact that it also contains some dealer materials. The most famous products are the diagnostic and repair bases BOSCH ESI, Alldata, Autodata, Mitchell-on-Demand, Atris WM-KAT-Technik, Open@Car, Workshop, CAPS, ATSG, etc.
Licensed versions of these bases in Russia are not readily available in terms of acquisition - since we know only two official distributors - BOSCH (ESIftronic base]) and Legion-Avtodata (Autodata base). The cost of licensed products creates a high barrier for DOS in front of small and medium-sized stations - about $980 for the full version of the Autodata database and from several thousand euros (!) for an annual subscription (!) for the full ESI. Counterfeit versions of multi-brand databases are offered literally at every turn for ten times less amounts - from $30 to $250.
Multi-brand databases can be non-specialized (they include information about almost everything - for example, the Autodata database contains adjusting parameters, standard hours and information on diagnostics of electronic control systems, electrical circuits, and much more) and specialized (concerning information on individual vehicle systems - for example, in the CAPS database, electronic control systems are considered, and in the ATSG and Mitchell for Transmissions databases, gearboxes). Naturally, each database contains a different number of information sections - as a rule, multi-brand databases contain the following information:
Technical data - various adjustment data for cars. The databases contain hundreds and thousands of different parameters, standards and other things. It is impossible to remember these numbers even for one serviced brand, but it is also impossible to do repairs and / or diagnostics without having them at hand;
Repair times - the basic norms of time for repair and adjustment operations. This section can be "embedded" in the database (Autodata), supplied as an additional module, supplied as a separate base;
Maintenance and Service schedules - service intervals and descriptions of service operations;
TSB (Technical Service Bulletins) - technical service bulletins - guides and recommendations from car manufacturers on troubleshooting specific typical problems and other issues. These manuals are available for almost all dealer bases (Ford TIS, Opel TIS, BMW TIS), as well as some multi-brand databases (for example, Mitchell on Demand and Alldata). Also in multi-brand databases, for example, in the AutoData database, there is a Trouble shooter section similar in purpose (resolving specific problems). Often, troubleshooting guides are presented in the form of algorithms or flowcharts (such flowcharts can also be purchased separately in the form of a book - “Flowcharts for Troubleshooting in Gasoline Engine Injection and Ignition Systems”.
This includes useful tables (Fault tables) with the analysis of diagnostic trouble codes (DTC - Diagnostic Trouble Code) - such sections are available in almost all electronic databases (Mitchell, Autodata, ELSA, Opel TIS, etc.) and contain not only decoding codes malfunctions, but also the symptoms of their manifestation, possible causes of their occurrence, lists of checks for elimination. Such information is especially useful for novice diagnosticians;
Workshop or Repair - descriptions of the device, repair and diagnostics of individual vehicle systems - engine, gearbox, ABS, air conditioning system, etc .;
Component locations - the location of electronic and mechanical components in the car;
Wiring diagrams or Current flow diagrams - wiring diagrams.
There are also other "formats" of documentation - OFM (Official Factory Manuals), SSP (Service Self Study Programm), etc.
Separately, spare parts catalogs (EPC - Electronic Parts Catalog) can be distinguished. They contain information about spare parts, their applicability, interchangeability, price, and often images. Spare parts catalogs are divided into catalogs of original (manufactured or recommended by the automaker) and non-original (manufactured by third party manufacturers) spare parts. Also, catalogs can be single-brand (contain information about, as a rule, original spare parts for one brand - the most famous are Mercedes EPC, BMW ETK, etc.) and multi-brand (contain information on spare parts for many brands - for example, Tecdoc). Also
There are specialized catalogs for consumables, tuning, catalogs of manufacturers of spare parts, etc.
It should be specially noted that the possession of such an array of valuable information does not relieve a diagnostician, mechanic or auto electrician from the need to have a high level of basic (basic) knowledge about the structure of a car, the principles of operation of its systems, etc.! In addition, skills in working with a PC and literature are required in order to be able to necessary information get from this array.
When buying an information base, it is necessary to take into account (check these questions with the seller):
What cars are in the database? The brands, model years (or model years), the market for which the base was released are important here. Regarding the years of production, it should be noted that almost all existing databases contain the most complete information only on cars of the last decade (mainly, starting from1993) - in particular, this applies to databases such as ELSA, Autodata, BMW TIS, etc.
Needs clarification about the car market. The fact is that the same car model differs depending on which region (market) it is supplied to - and the differences can be not only in the configuration (for example, the presence of air conditioning for hot countries or preheater for the North), but also by design (right-hand drive instead of left-hand drive, increased ground clearance, etc.). Accordingly, wiring diagrams, component locations, spare parts catalog numbers, etc. may differ. European markets are mainly distinguished (Great Britain is singled out separately due to left-hand traffic and, accordingly, right-hand drive cars), Asia (Japan stands out separately - for the same reason as Great Britain) and America. The “Russian market” has the specifics that we travel a little and from everywhere.
When buying a base, it is additionally necessary to clarify which car market it is intended for. For example, the Mitchell on Demand database contains information about American market cars - that is, cars produced in the USA for the domestic market, as well as cars supplied to the US market from other regions (Europe, Asia). It makes sense to search for some cars in such databases under a different brand and/or with a different model (for example, there is no Mitsubishi Pajero in the database, but there is a Mitsubishi Montero). Similar warnings apply to the Autodata database (English market). However, both Mitchell and Autodata tend to indicate when the parameters given apply only to machines in a particular market.
For which systems does the database contain information? Accordingly, if your workshop specializes in gearboxes, you need to have a specialized base (for example, Mitchell on Demand For Transmissions and / or ATSG), but “common” bases also do not interfere.
In what language is the database shell (menu, etc.) made and in what language is the information presented in the database? I must say right away that you can not delude yourself - in Russian, even shells for a few units of programs. Fully Russian -BMW TIS, Volvo VADIS. Partly Russian - BOSCH ESI, Mercedes WIS - these bases have Russian shells and some information. That is, for normal operation At least you need to know English. If only because in some databases, in addition to Russian and English, there are also documents in German (ELSA, ESIftronic], Mercedes WIS). However, you should not be afraid of this - technical texts are read quite easily. Specialized electronic and paper dictionaries serve as good helpers. As a rule, modern bases are supplied on CD or DVD. At the same time, the DVD format is rapidly gaining popularity, especially when supplying bases that take up more than 3-5 CDs (Mitchell - about 15, ESI - about 30, Alldata - about 100 CDs, etc.). Roughly 1 DVD replaces 6-7 CDs. The latest versions of some bases are supplied only on DVD (for example, ESI). Therefore, before buying a serious base, it makes sense to think about purchasing a DVD drive (especially since compared to the cost of the base itself, this is a penny).
Which system requirements to the computer and the operating system presents the base? Most databases work fine under any operating system - from Windows 98 (working under Windows 95 is usually not guaranteed, but there are no problems) to Windows XP and Vista. However, there are also "finicky" bases - for example, the VW-Audi ELSA dealer base works only under the control of systems on the NT platform (Windows NT, 2000, XP, Vista). Bases, as a rule, do not impose special requirements on the processor and RAM (naturally, the more modern the PC, the faster and more comfortable the work will be).
An important requirement is free place on the hard disk (hard drive). It is always more convenient when the database is completely transferred to the hard disk (some databases provide this option as an option, some are installed only in this mode) - this frees up the CD / DVD drive, makes it unnecessary to constantly search for disks and operations with them, reduces the likelihood of damage to the database ( the disc is easy to scratch, spill, etc.), speeds up work, etc. For example, the same ELSA database is installed only completely on the hard disk and occupies about 11 GB on it.
How to register a base? What is the period of unhindered use of the base after purchase? The term of operation of license bases is usually limited by the validity period of the subscription (usually a year). After its expiration, a paid subscription renewal or purchase is required. new version bases. Restrictions in the operation of unlicensed versions depend on the method of registration of the base, the protection of the base, the "quality of hacking".
What is the order and cost of updates? When purchasing license bases, these conditions must be stipulated - as a rule, updates within the framework of the subscription are carried out free of charge (for example, at BOSCH - quarterly during the year). As a rule, updates for unlicensed databases are not distributed by pirates. If you need to get a fresh version of the database, you simply buy a more recent version (in fairness, it should be noted that pirates in many cases agree and give a discount in such a situation).
4. Additional (auxiliary) reference software - this includes dictionaries, programs for decoding VIN codes, etc. You can even find some of these programs on the Internet for free.
5. Educational software - unfortunately, we do not know of any sensible training software for car service specialists. Nevertheless, it can be said that some manufacturers already include training subsystems in the software supplied with special stands.
It should be noted that information is offered on the market not only in in electronic format on CD and DVD, but also in the form of professional literature. The advantages of books compared to electronic databases are accessibility to staff who do not own or have little knowledge of a PC (and there is one!), lower price licensed versions, availability of publications in Russian. The disadvantages are the inconvenience of searching and working with information, the need to have a large amount of literature in order to replace information in volume corresponding to 1 CD, wear and tear.
It's no secret that in our high-tech age, every innovative tool, which is based on the electronic component, starting from mobile phone and ending with satellites, it contains a lot of internal "stuffing" that controls the functioning of the unit.
In many ways, this also applies to vehicles or, more simply, cars. Modern cars are so crammed with electronics that sometimes you wonder why the driver is here, in fact.
How secure is the automatic system?
However, is everything so simple and safe, is it possible to fully trust, the main task of which is to facilitate the process of driving a car by a driver? The answer is absolutely ambiguous.
Perhaps someone will be surprised by the fact that the software of a modern machine consists of lines of code, which are about 2.5 times more than in one of the most popular computer operating systems of our time - Windows 7.
What conclusion can be drawn from this? Very simple - it is obvious that with such a grandiose amount of data, errors can occur, which, subsequently, will affect wrong work the whole car.
As an example, let's take a case that happened with the Toyota Prius. We will not delve into all the subtleties of the system. automatic control engine, will only note that in the event of a system error, the semiconductors built into the installation overheat, and this leads to the fact that the car may suddenly stop. To update the entire system, you will need to visit a service center.
Electric car manufacturers
The most popular manufacturer of electric cars in the world today, in practice, uses a more advanced method: you can update the system remotely, using a wireless connection. But here one should carefully listen to the opinion of experts who almost unanimously claim that this method not as safe as it might seem at first glance. Why?
The fact is that in this case, a good hacker can access the vehicle's automation using a regular laptop. Bright to that confirmation was the experiment of computer specialists Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek, which they demonstrated at the Black Hat conference. The hackers modeled a car electronics hack and showed what it could lead to.
It's good that this was only a scientific example and no one was hurt. Having picked up speed and reached 80 km / h, the car suddenly stopped responding to commands, the brakes completely failed, and when you press the accelerator pedal, the car turned sharply to the right.
The most amazing thing happened after that: the software that harmed the automatic control system of the car was deleted with lightning speed, so outwardly it all looked like an accident. E
that experiment of hackers showed that not everything is so perfect in the world of modern auto electronics and automakers still have to work hard to present the optimal combination of comfort and safety when using electronic onboard systems car.
