This module covers the use of scanner functional tests.
Functional Tests are a great way to isolate the cause of a problem among the controller, a component, wiring or other issues. Functional tests let you override the vehicle controller to take control of a system and determine if the vehicle responds properly or not.
The Functional Tests selection is used to access OEM model specific subsystem tests. Available tests vary by manufacturer, year, and model. Only the tests supported by the motorcycle are displayed in the menu.
Typical functional tests are:
- Information Tests — are read-only tests (for example, displaying serial or identification numbers)
- Toggle Tests — switch a component, such as a solenoid, relay, or switch, between two operating states.
- Variable Control Tests — command a certain value for a system or component.
- Reset Tests — reset adaptive or learned values.
- Scripted Tests — these tests are software routines that place the vehicle into special operating modes for performing certain repairs, such as bleeding brakes with ABS.
Selecting Functional Tests opens a menu of test options that vary by make, year, and model. Selecting a menu option either activates the test or opens a submenu of additional choices.
Follow all screen instructions while performing tests. How and what information is presented on the screen varies according to the type of test being performed and the vehicle being serviced.
A Test icon on the toolbar activates the test, and a Return, or similarly named, icon cancels the test. For variable control tests, the variable value displays between the main body and the toolbar.
Plus and Minus icons on the toolbar increase and decrease the variable value.
A Data List icon, shown to the left, is available on the toolbar for some tests.
This feature allows you to change which data list displays in the main body without exiting the functional test. The icon is only available when the test is inactive. From the Main Menu select Functional Tests.
Toggle and variable control tests often display functional test controls on the toolbar at the top of the screen with PID data in the main body.
A Test icon on the toolbar activates the test, and a Return, or similarly named, icon cancels the test.
For variable control tests, the variable value displays between the main body and the toolbar. Plus and Minus icons on the toolbar increase and decrease the variable value.
A Data List icon, shown to the left, is available on the toolbar for some tests. Not all test or motorcycle support or have multiple data lists. This feature allows you to change which data list displays in the main body without exiting the functional test.
The icon is only available when the test is inactive.
From the Main Menu Engine select Functional Tests. Select Actuator Tests. Select Air Cleaner Intake Valve to Start the test. The next screens give us step-by-step test instructions.
Select Continue. Select On or Off and listen or observe changes in data as valve is toggled. A Test icon on the toolbar activates the test, and a Return, or similarly named, icon cancels the test.
For variable control tests, the variable value displays between the main body and the toolbar.
By using the functional test and selecting ON, you are overriding the controller. If you command the relay to turn ON and it does not activate you’ve just eliminated the controller from the possible causes. This pinpoints the likely problem to the relay or wiring.
Plus and Minus icons on the toolbar increase and decrease the variable value.
SPECIAL FUNCTIONS
Other useful types of functional tests are Special Functions which may allow you to change or reset parameter values such as Idle speed adjustments.
A good example of a powerful Special Function is Idle Speed Adjustment. Select Continue. Follow on screen Instructions. Use plus (Up) or minus (Down) to adjust the idle speed to your new desired value. Select Y or checkmark to set the new idle speed.
Let's make a Custom Data list and double check our work. Select just the parameters you want for your diagnosis. Let’s select Engine Speed and Desired Idle.
This will speed the data refresh rate to help you catch short intermittent glitches. Here's your Custom Data list. Now you can observe the vehicle data response when you command the RPM higher or lower.