Abstract: A method includes a computer operating in a first state in which a parameter-identifier condition indicator is not displayed. The computer determines a vehicle identifier corresponding to a vehicle. The vehicle includes a component corresponding to a component identifier and system corresponding to a system identifier, and can exhibit a symptom corresponding to a symptom identifier. The computer determines the component identifier, system identifier, and/or symptom identifier, and a corresponding PID topic. The computer switches to a second state. The method includes determining, a parameter-identifier topic corresponding to parameter-identifier(s).

Abstract: A method comprises determining first and second measurements at different times. The first measurement includes a measurement of a signal output by a first vehicle component and the second measurement includes a measurement of a signal output by a second vehicle component, or the first measurement includes a measurement of a condition of the first vehicle component and the second measurement includes a measurement of a condition of the second vehicle component. A determination is made based at least in part on a difference between the first and second measurements exceeding a measurement threshold. The determination indicates that the first and/or second vehicle components is malfunctioning. The method includes outputting a notification indicating that the first and/or second vehicle components, which are matched with each other based on a common characteristic with respect to the vehicle, is malfunctioning. The first and second times are within a threshold amount of time.

Abstract: Methods and system pertaining to displaying vehicle data parameters (VDP) are described. A vehicle service tool (VST) with a display can receive vehicle data messages or signals from a vehicle to receive the VDP. Some of the VDP can be associated with a PID. The VST can display VDP thresholds and indicators when a received VDP has breached a VDP threshold. The VST can determine being changed from a landscape orientation to a portrait orientation or vice versa and responsively change the presentation of VDP graphs displayed by the display. The display can receive various inputs such as a drag-and-drop or pinch-and-expand input to alternatively change the presentation of the VDP graphs being displayed. Changing a VDP presentation of graphs can include resizing or repositioning one or more VDP graph windows including a VDP graph.

Abstract: Methods and system pertaining to displaying vehicle data parameters (VDP) are described. A vehicle service tool (VST) with a display can receive vehicle data messages or signals from a vehicle to receive the VDP. Some of the VDP can be associated with a PID. The VST can display VDP thresholds and indicators when a received VDP has breached a VDP threshold. The VST can determine being changed from a landscape orientation to a portrait orientation or vice versa and responsively change the presentation of VDP graphs displayed by the display. The display can receive various inputs such as a drag-and-drop or pinch-and-expand input to alternatively change the presentation of the VDP graphs being displayed. Changing a VDP presentation of graphs can include resizing or repositioning one or more VDP graph windows including a VDP graph.

Abstract: A method for efficiently determining whether a distributorless or hybrid ignition system is the origin of engine problems by consecutively disconnecting and reconnecting the primary connector from each coil of the ignition system. Once a single primary connector is disconnected from a coil and engine misfiring or roughness declines, the problem cylinder pair has been located. The method further includes measuring the firing line voltage of accessible spark plug wires for each cylinder to identify a single faulty cylinder, that may now be serviced.

Abstract: A tester for conveniently diagnosing the fuel injectors of an internal combustion engine is described. The fuel injector includes an injector coil that is charged during an energizing period. The tester calculates the difference between two sample signals obtained during the energizing period. The tester determines a first operational status of the injector based on this difference, and a second operational status based on the level of at least one of the sampled signals.

Abstract: A tester for conveniently diagnosing the fuel injectors of an internal combustion engine is described. The fuel injector includes an injector coil that is charged during an energizing period. The tester calculates the difference between two sample signals obtained during the energizing period. The tester determines a first operational status of the injector based on this difference, and a second operational status based on the level of at least one of the sampled signals.