A: Every Matco Code Reader and Scan Tool is ready to be used right out of the package, and is configured with the latest version of the firmware available at the time of manufacture. There is no need to connect it to a PC to upload any data.
NOTE: If, for some reason, the tool is unable to connect to your vehicle, we recommend that you try it with the vehicle running to see if that changes anything.

A: Matco’s Code Readers and Scan Tools are designed to retrieve information that is stored in your vehicle’s computer. With the exception of initiating the EVAP system leak test (for vehicles that support this functionality), the tools do not command, control, or otherwise enter information on your vehicle. It is not possible for these tools to damage your vehicle’s electronic system.

A: It is not necessary to purchase any additional adapters. All OBD2-compliant vehicles that were manufactured and built after 1996 are equipped with a standardized universal 16-pin connector. The cable supplied with the Code Reader will allow for connection to all vehicles equipped with an OBD2-compliant computer system.

A: The Matco OBD2 cable uses only 14 pins because it is not necessary to use all 16 pins of the vehicle’s Data Link Connector (DLC) to test the OBD2 system. The two missing (unused) pins are designed to test other parts of the vehicle’s system that does not involve the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL).

A: We always recommend connecting the Scan Tool to your vehicle first, before turning on the ignition or starting the vehicle. So long as this procedure is followed, you can use the Scan Tool on the vehicle while it is running.
IMPORTANT: If it is necessary to drive the vehicle while observing the Scan Tool’s display (such as when performing a Drive Cycle), ALWAYS have a second person help you. One person should drive while the second person observes the Scan Tool’s display.

A: Yes. The MD1042/MD1052 Scan Tools are capable of retrieving and viewing live-data stream.

A: Definitions for all available DTCs (both Generic and Manufacturer-specific) can be accessed through the Matco Carscan website (http://matco.carscan.com). Go to the Tech Info section, then choose DTC Library, and follow the on-screen instructions.

A: Definitions for all available DTCs (both Generic and Manufacturer-specific) can be accessed through the Matco Carscan website (http://matco.carscan.com). Go to the Tech Info section, then choose DTC Library, and follow the on-screen instructions.

A: We do not offer any manuals with code definitions. Definitions for all available DTCs (both Generic and Manufacturer-specific) can be accessed through the Matco Carscan website (http://matco.carscan.com). Go to the Tech Info section, then choose DTC Library, and follow the on-screen instructions.

A: All of the OBD2-compatible Code Readers and Scan Tools manufactured by Matco will work on any OBD2-complaint vehicle, including those using the newer CAN bus. Currently, there is no cut off year for our tools.

A: Matco Code Readers and Scan Tools are designed to work on all OBD2-compliant vehicles. OBD2-compliant means all 1996 and newer cars, light duty trucks/vans and SUVs sold in the United States. Vehicles sold in other countries, although similar, are not configured the same as vehicles sold in the United States, and our tools may not be able to link to them. There are times when our tools will link to vehicles sold outside the United States, but this functionality is not guaranteed.

A: Yes, as long as the vehicle is OBD2-compliant. check the Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI) label. If the label states that the vehicle is OBD2-compliant, the scan tool is compatible with the vehicle.
NOTE: Vehicles that weigh more than 8500lbs Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) are not required by law to OBD2 compliant, and therefore are usually not. These vehicles are considered to be heavy-duty vehicles and do not need to comply with the same rules as light/medium duty vehicles.

A: Vehicles that weigh more than 8500lbs Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) are considered “heavy duty vehicles,” and are not required to be OBD2-compliant. You can, however, check the emission Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI) label. If the label states that the vehicle is OBD2-compliant, the scan tool is compatible with the vehicle.

A: Every Code Reader and Scan Tool manufactured by Matco is compatible with the newer 29-bit Extended CAN computer systems.

A: Yes. The Matco Scan Tool is capable of retrieving manufacturer specific codes. The tool will retrieve both Generic (P0, P2, P3, and U0) and Manufacturer Specific (P1, P3, and U1) OBD2 DTCs.

A: The green, yellow, and red LEDs (light emitting diodes) provide a quick way to help you determine if a vehicle is ready for an Emissions Test (Smog Check).
Green = System Pass; Your vehicle is ready for an Emissions Test
Yellow = A potential problem may exist; Further investigation is required before attempting an Emissions Test
Red = The vehicle has a stored trouble code; Vehicle must be repaired before attempting an Emissions Test.

A: Yes. The model MD1042/MD1052 Scan Tools are compatible with ABS and SRS systems.

A: Yes. Every Code Reader and Scan Tool manufactured by Matco provides the capability to both retrieve and erase the codes that are causing the MIL to illuminate.

A: The Scan tool is capable of retrieving “Vehicle Informatio.” (the VIN and controller ID numbers) to determine the version of programming in the vehicle’s computer.

A: Matco’s Code Readers and Scan Tools do offer limited bi-directional functionality for vehicles that support the EVAP system leak test. The tool does not execute the leak test, but commands the vehicle’s on-board computer to initiate the test. The vehicle manufacturer regulates the criteria and method for stopping the test once it has been started.

A: Yes. Every Code Reader and Scan Tool manufactured by Matco provides the capability of capturing and displaying the “Freeze Frame” from the vehicle’s computer when a trouble arises.

A: Freeze Frame Data is a set of values that were present within the engine at the time a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) was set. Freeze Frame data includes important engine operating parameters, such as engine RPM, vehicle speed, engine coolant temperature, ignition timing advance, etc. After a repair is made, Freeze Frame data can be used to “recreate” the original conditions that were present when the DTC was originally stored. This is a critical step in determining if the repair was successful.
NOTE: Freeze Frame data is stored for the primary (first) code only.

A: These Scan Tools offer OBD1 capabilities through the purchase of an optional OBD1 Upgrade package.

A: You can download a copy of the Owner’s Manual in Adobe PDF format (for viewing and printing using Adobe’s Acrobat Reader) from the http://matco.carscan.com

A: No. Once you have purchased a Code Reader/Scan Tool and accompanying software CD, you can always download the latest version of the software from the Matco Carscan website (http://matco.carscan.com). Go to the Support section, and then choose Downloads.

A: You can upgrade the Scan Tool firmware and Matco PC Link software through the Matco Carscan website “Upgrade” page. Use the following steps:
If necessary, establish a connection to the Internet.
If necessary, double-click the icon on your computer’s desktop to launch Matco PC Link. The Matco PC Link “Welcome” screen displays.
Connect one end of the Matco PC Link RS-232 cable to the Scan Tool. Connect the other end of the cable to an available port on your computer.
When the Matco PC Link software recognizes the Scan Tool, the message “Follow PC LINK Instructions at PC to transfer data” shows on the Scan Tool’s display and the Matco PC Link screen refreshes to display the appropriate menus for the recognized Scan Tool model/version.
Click the UPGRADE button. The “Matco Carscan Upgrade” page automatically detects if there is a newer version of the firmware for your Scan Tool, or software for the Matco PC Link application. If an upgrade for the Scan Tool or the Matco PC Link application is not available, the message “Your software has the most current update available” displays.
If an upgrade for the Scan Tool or the Matco PC Link application is available, the message “There is an upgrade available for you” displays. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the upgrade.

A: We are using the mini USB cable, the latest technology on all of the Matco tools. If you are having an issue linking to the Matco software you would need to check the connection to the tool and making sure it is in tightly. Along with that make sure it is not damaged or kinked.

A: When Onboard Diagnostics II (OBD2) was first conceived as a means of monitoring vehicle emissions, it was obvious there would be a significant amount of information to manage and monitor. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) created guidelines for managing this information, and developed a list of "diagnostic modes" that scan tools would need to support. The scan tool modes and other OBD2 requirements are defined in a document called SAE J1979. The “Mode 01” data stream is defined as the “Live Data” stream, which indicates “real time” sensor readings and switch status of the vehicle’s systems. The real time (Live Data) vehicle operating information (values/status) that the vehicle’s computer supplied to the Scan Tool for each sensor, actuator, switch, etc., is called Parameter Identification (PID) Data. The expected response for each PID is given, along with information on how to translate the response into meaningful data.
NOTE: Not all vehicles will support all PIDs, and there can be manufacturer-defined custom PIDs that are not defined in the OBD2 standard.

A: To record the Live Data, the Scan Tool must be linked to the vehicle’s computer, and the vehicle’s engine must be running. Once a link is established and the engine is running, you must set your preferences for recording Live Data through the Scan Tool’s Live Data screen. An overview of the necessary steps is provided below. Detailed instructions are provided in the Scan Tool Owner’s Manual.
Press and release the ENTER/LD button to place the Scan Tool in "Live Data" mode.
Press and hold the ENTER/LD button until the "Mode Selection Menu" appears.
Use the scroll buttons, as necessary, to highlight “Live Data Menu”, then press the ENTER/LD button.
Use the scroll buttons, as necessary, to highlight “Record Live Data”, then press the ENTER/LD button.
Use the scroll buttons, as necessary, to highlight “Record by manual trigger” (if you want to manually start Live Data recording) or “Record by DTC trigger” (if you want Live Data recording to start automatically when a DTC is set), then press the ENTER/LD button.
Use the UP and DOWN buttons, as necessary, to select the desired trigger point (Beginning, Middle or End), then press the ENTER/LD button.
The tool is now ready to record Live Data. If you selected the “Record by manual trigger” option, press the ENTER/LD button to start recording. If you selected the “Record by DTC trigger” option, Put the engine in the operating condition that causes the DTC to set; Live Data recording will begin when the DTC is set.
IMPORTANT: If it is necessary to drive the vehicle in order to set the DTC, ALWAYS have a second person help you. One person should drive while the second person observes the Scan Tool’s display.

A: The Scan Tool will display the enhanced PIDs that are available for your vehicle. The PIDs that are displayed for a given vehicle vary, depending on how the vehicle’s computer is programmed. There is no set list that will tell you what PIDs should be displayed.

A: This condition occurs when power is not being supplied to the #16 pin of the vehicle’s Data Link Connector (DLC). This is usually caused by a blown fuse, and is commonly associated with the vehicles with the cigarette lighter. You should check the condition of all fuses, but the defective fuse will most often be associated with a system that has power at all times, such as the cigarette lighter, horn or dome lights.

A: This is an indication that the batteries installed in the Scan Tool no longer have sufficient power to operate the tool correctly. The batteries provide power to the tool whenever it is not connected to a vehicle. Installing a fresh set of batteries will correct this problem.
NOTE: If changing the batteries does not correct the problem, connect the Scan Tool to your vehicle and see if it will power up this way. Even without batteries, the tool should power up when connected to your vehicle as it is using the vehicles battery source for power.

A: The I/M MONITOR STATUS icons represent Monitors inside the vehicles computer. Monitors are special computer programs used by the vehicle’s computer to verify proper operation of specific emissions-related components or systems (Oxygen Sensor, Catalytic Converter, EGR Valve, Fuel System, etc.) to ensure their proper operation. If a Monitor icon is flashing, it indicates the associated Monitor is currently in “HAS NOT RUN” status. A Monitor will not run until the proper set of conditions required to enable it to perform the self-diagnosis and testing of its assigned engine system have occurred. When a Monitor icon is solid, it indicates the associated Monitor is currently in “HAS RUN” status; the Monitor was able to meet all the conditions required to enable it to perform and complete the self-diagnosis and testing of its assigned engine system. When the conditions are met to allow each monitor to run during a single trip (of multiple subsequent trips), it is called performing a Drive Cycle.

A: The “Unable to establish link” message indicates that the Scan Tool was not able to establish a link with the vehicle’s computer. Check the cable connections at the vehicle’s Data Link Connector (DLC) and at the Scan Tool. Turn the ignition off, wait 10 ~ 12 seconds, then turn the ignition back on to reset the vehicle’s computer.
NOTE: If you continue to receive the “Unable to establish link” message, try starting the vehicle first, then connect the Scan Tool to the vehicle’s DLC with the engine running. If the condition continues, it may be necessary to update the Scan Tool firmware. If you are still unable to link to your vehicle after performing these steps, please contact our technical support team for additional assistance.

A: The Scan Tool is designed to retrieve Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) from your vehicle’s computer. These codes serve as a starting point for repairs. You should never replace a part based only on the DTC definition. Each DTC will lead you to a system or circuit on the vehicle that will require further testing to isolate the cause of the code. Each DTC has a specific set of testing procedures and instructions that must be followed to confirm the location of the problem. To accomplish this testing, additional tools as well as a good service manual are required.
After making repairs, you should always erase the DTC(s) from the computer’s memory, follow the manufacturer's Drive Cycle recommendation for setting the vehicle’s Monitors. After completing the Drive Cycle, you should perform the code retrieval procedure again to confirm the repair. If no DTCs are present, then the repair was successful. However, if you retrieve the same code or any other code, then further testing and repairs are needed.

A: Volkswagen has an issue with communication when the vehicle has an aftermarket alarm or radio installed. This issue is not limited to Matco tools only, but occurs with all Code Readers that are on the market. Consult your local Volkswagen dealership or Service Center for the proper testing procedures in this case.