Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Integrated Diagnostic System Scan Tool Usage
If The Integrated Diagnostic System Scan Tool Does Not Communicate With The Vehicle Communication Module
- Check the Vehicle Communication Module connection and power from the DLC.
- Check the communication between the scan tool and the Vehicle Communication Module.
- Follow scan tool instructions to retry.
If The Integrated Diagnostic System Scan Tool Does Not Communicate With The Vehicle
The IDS scan tool first attempts to communicate with the PCM. After establishing communication with the PCM, the scan tool then attempts to communicate with all other modules on the vehicle.
- Verify the scan tool operation with a known good vehicle.
- Verify the ignition is ON.
- If an IDS session cannot be established with the vehicle, (IDS may state "No communication can be established with the PCM"):
- Choose "NO" when the scan tool prompts to retry communication.
- Enter a PCM engineering part number, tear tag, or calibration number to identify the vehicle and start a session. These identifying numbers may be found:
- The PCM engineering part number and the 4-character tear tag are printed on the PCM label.
- (PTS website users only) The PCM engineering part number can be determined from OASIS using the VIN. Choose "HVBoM" from the OASIS tab menu and search Powertrain engine modules for the PCM engineering part number (If the first character is a "P" in the part number, enter only the characters following the "P" into IDS).
- Establish a session based on the PCM information (above).
- Using the tool box menu, run the network test.
- Determine if all modules on the network are unresponsive or if only the PCM does not communicate.
- Recommended practice: Refer to Module Communications Network, Diagnosis and Testing, to diagnose the network outage or no response from the PCM.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.