Scan Tool Snapshot Procedure

Reviewing Stored Data in Global Diagnostic System (GDS)

Overview

A snapshot is a recording of what a control module on the vehicle was receiving for information while the snapshot is being made. A snapshot is used to analyze the data during the time a vehicle condition is current. In GDS 2 there is not a traditional snapshot as there has been in the past. GDS 2 saves all past VIN and diagnostic data for future viewing. GDS 2 automatically records data whenever the user views Module Diagnostics, Vehicle Diagnostics and/or Systems Diagnostics. Module Diagnostics includes DTC Data, Identification Information, Data Display, Control Functions and Configuration/Reset Functions. Vehicle Diagnostics includes Vehicle Wide DTCs. Systems Diagnostics includes Inspection/Maintenance Status and Inspection/Maintenance Information.

Reviewing Stored Data

The Review Stored Data function allows viewing and playing of previously recorded vehicle data. This information can be used in analysis of vehicle problems and detection of trigger error conditions. The graph function can be used to compare multiple parameters to see if a component is functioning properly. Recorded sessions can be selected for viewing by the following two methods:

  • From the Home Page, click on Review Stored Data. In the Review Stored Data page, highlight a vehicle in the Sessions screen located in the upper pane and highlight the desired Stored Data in the lower pane, then click the Review button.
  • The user can view stored data without ending a current on-vehicle diagnostic session by clicking the Vehicle Menu button (when active) or Back button until the Session Manager is displayed in the menu. This is used when a user is viewing live data and wants the quickest way to review the data. Click on the Session Manager button. Highlight the desired Stored Data in the lower pane and click the Review button.

Stored Data Review Selections

The following information can be selected in the tabs at the top of the screen:

  • Graphical Data Display – Allows a detailed review of parameter data. The buttons on the right side modify the graph data
  • Diagnostic Data Display – Displays incoming information from the file. The current value of the parameters is displayed on the screen.
  • Line Graph – Allows selected locked parameters to be graphed with parameters overlaid for data comparison. The current value of the parameters is displayed on the screen. Use the buttons on the right side to modify the graph data.
  • Bookmarks – If bookmarks are present, this displays the Type, Description and Time of automatic and manually generated bookmarks.
  • System Information – Displays the GDS 2 Software Version and MDI Serial Number used when the session was recorded.
  • Selected Vehicle Configuration – Displays vehicle identifiers, such as transmission type, for the vehicle selected on the Stored Data Review screen in the Sessions field.
  • RPO – Displays vehicle build information.

Graphical Data Display

On the Graphical Data Display tab there are multiple selections at the top of the page. The selections available are:

  • Create Report – Opens and internet browser page where a data display report can be printed or saved for future reference.
  • Unit Switch – Toggles graph units between English and metric.
  • Lock – When a parameter is selected, clicking the lock button locks a selected parameter for viewing in the Line Graph tab. In the Line Graph tab, locked parameters are isolated and overlaid for data comparison.
  • Up Arrow – Click the up arrow to move a highlighted parameter up a position on the list.
  • Down Arrow – Click the down arrow to move a highlighted parameter down a position on the list.
  • Save As – This selection is available in the Graphical Data Display and Diagnostic Data Display tabs. This allows the user to export the graph data to a worksheet for in depth analysis and to timestamp data.

Review Stored Data Functions

To review the session there are buttons at the bottom of the window to control the cursor. From left to right the buttons are:

  • Insert Bookmark – This button allows the user to insert bookmarks anywhere along the timeline. This provision allows the user to record notes regarding the inserted bookmark.
  • Return Bookmark – This button moves the cursor to the previous bookmark.
  • Back – This button moves the cursor back 1 frame.
  • Timeline Slider Control – This allows the user to slide and select any position on the Timeline required.
  • Forward – This button moves the cursor forward 1 frame.
  • Forward Bookmark – This button moves the cursor forward 1 bookmark.
  • Bookmarks - Allows the user to toggle bookmark visibility ON and OFF.

Graphical Preference Selections

The vertical side bar on the right side of the screen in the Graphical Data Display and Line Graph tabs toggles the Graphical Selection Panel from hidden to visible. The graphical preference selections available are:

  • Reset – Resets the graph display back to the initial standard GDS 2 setting.
  • Grid Line Toggle – This toggle reverses the current state of showing or removing grid lines.
  • Hash Mark Toggle – This toggle reverses the current state of showing or removing data acquisition points or hash marks.
  • Horizontal Graph Compression – Compresses the scale of the graph horizontally.
  • Horizontal Graph Expansion – Expands the scale of the graph horizontally.
  • Vertical Graph Compression – Compresses the scale of the graph vertically.
  • Vertical Graph Expansion – Expands the scale of the graph vertically.
  • Move Centerline of Graph Up – Moves the centerline of the graph up incrementally.
  • Move Centerline of Graph Down – Moves the centerline of the graph down incrementally.