With the number of ECUs in buses and coaches higher than ever before, how do you know which ECU is causing the problem when a fault occurs? Actia UK may have the solution.
Due to the growing number of ECUs now fitted to commercial vehicles, along with the often complicated and expensive dedicated diagnostic solutions, there is now a requirement for Multi-SCAN – a first-step scan tool that monitors the J1939 CAN bus network to identify the ECU that is at fault, read sensor values and read/clear fault codes.
The first step: Multi-SCAN
Whether there is an unknown warning light on the dash, or the technician is unsure which ECU is creating a fault, Multi-SCAN can help. By interrogating the J1939 CAN bus, the scan tool can point you in the right direction to rectify a fault without the workshop having to purchase dedicated and often expensive OEM tools. Many faults can be identified by reading a sensor value that is being reported incorrectly, or by simply identifying ECUs that are not communicating any messages on the CAN Network.
Part of the family
Multi-SCAN is actually a recent addition to Actia’s Multi-MUX family. The tool is an additional bolt-on that retains the same look, feel and simplicity of use for new and existing users of Multi-MUX that enables ‘First Aid’ diagnostics of the vehicle driveline ECUs (e.g. engine, transmission, ABS, retarder).
Concentrating on the vehicle powertrain, Multi-SCAN will report all faults detected on the ECUs, enabling the potential problem area to be identified quickly. In some cases, this will be sufficient to identify the problem, correct it and clear the fault codes (e.g. low oil level). As Multi-SCAN is a bolt-on to Multi-MUX, existing Multi-MUX users can simply upgrade their subscription without purchasing new hardware or installing new software. This means that the workshops save valuable time and money in comparison to purchasing multiple separate solutions from different diagnostic tool providers.
Data capture
Multi-SCAN is also synchronised with ACTIA Cloud data respiratory, ensuring that the diagnostic data set is always up to date with changes to the J1939 standard. Via a single communications interface and a suitable laptop or tablet PC, Multi-SCAN links with the vehicle’s major systems and removes the need for several ECU interfaces.
One final aspect to the Multi-SCAN that technicians find particularly useful is the tool’s ability to capture J1939 data and store it in a file that can be emailed to OEMs/system experts for further information. This function is normally only available with high-cost engineering tools and would require the visit of a service engineer.
