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.
Freeze Frame Data
Freeze frame data is technical data which indicates engine's condition at time of first malfunction. This data will remain in memory even if another emission-related DTC is stored, with the exception of misfire or fuel system DTCs. Once freeze frame data for misfire or fuel system DTC is stored, it will overwrite any previous data after which the freeze frame data will not be overwritten again.
Apply parking brake. Place shift lever in Park (A/T) or Neutral (M/T). Block wheels. Turn off all electrical accessories. Ensure engine is at normal operating temperature.
Perform visual inspection. Ensure air cleaner and inlet ducts are clean, and system wiring harness is properly connected. Check for bent or broken connector terminals and corroded or loose wires. Check Powertrain Control Module (PCM), sensors and actuators for physical damage. Check engine coolant for proper level and mixture. Check for proper transmission fluid level and quality.
Turn ignition off. Ensure proper memory (EPROM) card is inserted into NGS scan tool. Connect service connections of adapter cable to vehicle Data Link Connector (DLC) and the NGS scan tool. See Figure and Figure . Connect NGS scan tool power supply cable to power and listen for a double beep to indicate that scan tool is on.
To access freeze frame data, program scan tool using the following steps:
- Select GENERIC OBD II FUNCTIONS.
- Select CONT.
- Select FREEZE FRAME PID DATA.
- Select START and follow scan tool prompts.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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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.
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