Questions & Answers

The OBD X BOX is suitable for all Cars, vans, Light Commercial vehicles and Hybrids installed with a standard 16 pin OBD port and using most of the common Can Bus protocols. Although we haven’t tried it, we believe it may work on some late model Motorbikes installed with OBD, but an adaptor lead may be required. CanBus is fitted to most vehicles from about 2008 onwards.

It must be a car or light commercial vehicle using one of the many supported Can Bus Protocols although the OBD X BOX does support some K-Line equipped vehicles.

You must be able to communicate with the vehicle using any basic OBD Scan Tool and have access to a Tool that can read Manufacturer specific fault codes you may rely on for future reference.

Some vehicles only allow their DTC’s to be deleted with their engines’ off and ignition on, in these instances the OBD X BOX can still be used with great effect. Click here to read more

Some vehicles use codes that can only be deleted using Manufacturer specific tools, in these instances you might not be able to read or delete these codes. There may be times where the OBD X BOX reads codes that appear without descriptions and may make no sense, but these can still be deleted. The general rule is, if a code can be read by the OBD X BOX, it can also be deleted.

You should always first use a professional Scan Tool that’s capable of reading both OBD and Manufacturer specific fault codes. Record any Manufacturer codes first, but at this stage do not delete them, now select normal OBD with your tool and evaluate those codes that are present.

If faults on the vehicle are related to Manufacturer codes, then carry on using your specific tool. If most related codes are found through OBD then view any Freeze Frame and live data before putting your tool away, but still do not delete any codes.

There is no point in continuing using your basic fault code reader and Deleter at this stage, it’s now time to connect your OBD X BOX and benefit from using its unique features.

Like we said earlier……………..

“The OBD X BOX is not instead of, but as well as all the other OBD Scan Tools you may already have, it performs Amazing Functions no other OBD Scan Tool can, it compliments all other tools.”

It all depends on if the vehicle is in Limp Mode and also if the Technician has any intention of repairing the faults. We have answered this question elsewhere on here, please see the following link: OBD X BOX vs Re-Map.

Definitely not. The OBD X BOX is intended to be used as a new type of diagnostic tool incorporating selective OBD fault code deletion functions not available on any other Scan Tool.

The Technicians Tool Kit should be your first purchase as this comes complete with all the individual items you will need to familiarise yourselves with the OBD X BOX.

Having used the OBD X BOX as a diagnostic tool there will be occasions where you’d wished you could have left it on the vehicle. Instead of leaving the more robust workshop friendly Technicians module on it you can instead buy the lower cost Fix Assist module and leave this on the vehicle instead.

The Fix Assist Kit comprises of a module and 16 pin OBD lead, this is all you will need if you’ve already purchased the Technicians Tool Kit.

The OBD X BOX works on most, but not all vehicles. If an OBD X BOX were to be purchased by a garage to help solve a particular vehicle fault but wasn’t suitable, the garage would keep the OBD X BOX for the next problem vehicle. If a member of the general public bought one to deal with their own specific vehicle fault, and it didn’t work, they would then most likely want to return it. This is just one of the many reasons we will only supply the OBD X BOX to Garages and Industry Professionals.

Yes, it can. Some members call out their Emergency Breakdown Services if the EML comes on, even though their vehicle may still be driving normally as before.

Drivers often panic when a dashboard warning light comes on, to make matters worse the vehicles handbook sometimes states the vehicle shouldn’t be driven with the EML on.

The EML can come on for any number of reasons, some of which can be very important whilst others are not, the importance of these fault codes are best left for Professional Technicians to decide.  

 Temporarily installing an OBD X BOX Fix Assist Module in these situations would allow members to continue with their journey and on to a Repair Centre. The OBD X BOX would soon pay for itself by saving on avoidable recovery costs.

The member could be re-assured that if the EML were to come back on for any new and further unknown faults codes, they could call again for further assistance.

Some vehicles stuck in Limp Mode can also have their restricted reduced power mode temporarily overridden to enable the vehicle to be moved safely.

Link: Fix Assist Kit

The OBD X BOX only has to be connected to a computer or Android device for the initial settings when first connected to a vehicle, or for its firmware updates. When leaving the module on a vehicle the unit is simply disconnected from the computers software by selecting disconnect or quit, or by exiting the programme.

Very Important

Before disconnection, make sure the Pause/Play button has been selected and left in the Play position otherwise Code Deletion will not continue. When re-connecting the module, you will have to select at least the refresh button before the PC is able to display any code deletion history.

It can, but only because of how quickly and repeatedly it deletes fault codes in a way no other OBD Scan Tool can.

Blocked DPF’s cause back pressure, when the vehicles ECU’s pressure and soot limits of its DPF are exceeded, the driver will often experience a “Limp Mode” situation. When this happens the vehicle has to be taken to a garage or the Emergency Breakdown Services called out who will generally attempt to clean the DPF by forced regeneration.

Most vehicles only allow forced regeneration to start when exhaust gas temperatures (EGT’s) reach a minimum required value, and this is where the problem starts. If the vehicle is stuck in “Limp Mode” and can’t be driven normally, there is little chance of sufficient EGT’s being reached.

Using the OBD X BOX to very quickly and repeatedly delete DPF related codes will, on most vehicles, allow “Limp Mode” to be overridden. Driving the vehicle normally for a short distance until hot, enables the Technician to now connect his preferred Scan Tool and often carry out a DPF regeneration.

An alternative method of cleaning excessively blocked DPF’s is to inject a carbon dissolving fluid into the DPF core through a lambda sensor or temp’ sensor fitting. Leaving the fluid to soak for a while and driving the vehicle out of “Limp Mode” using the OBD X BOX often unblocks them enough to enable a normal regeneration to be carried out afterwards.

Each one has its benefits, none of them is best, so why not use both of them.

The DTC Alert function isn’t just for Technicians to use, it’s for customers too. Using the optional Piezo speaker to alert the driver precisely when, in “Real Time”, a pending, or registered fault code has occurred is of great assistance.

The driver of the vehicle may even be able to re-produce the exact driving conditions at will of when the fault occurs. This will give the Technician some valuable info in directing them to simulate and maybe even to help them diagnose the fault.

It’s not normal for customers to be shown Freeze Frame data, so there’s no help here from them then. This captured static information isn’t three dimensional or dynamic, it’s just a snapshot of Engine Management data at the time of the fault, and has to be carefully analyzed by the Technician.

 There’s nothing better than driving a vehicle under all speeds, loads, temperatures and different RPM’s and to experience exactly when a fault code occurs. The OBD X BOX is the only tool currently available that’s able to do this.

Technicians using Scan Tool Freeze Frame data to help them diagnose those difficult intermittent faults should carry on as before. The DTC Alert feature of the OBD X BOX is additional to, and not instead of what their other Scan Tools already do.

Link: Unique DTC Alerter

Some Engine Management faults are caused by poor electrical connections or fractured wires that intermittently may cause the Engine Management Light to come on.

 These types of faults can be very difficult to diagnose, especially when the initial fault code is only a pending one that doesn’t immediately illuminate the EML when the fault first occurs.

A Wiggle test is where the Technician, moves, tugs and pulls on as many wires and connections as possible to try and make any intermittent wiring faults bring on a fault code or change in the engines tone.

These faults can cause the EML to come on but often only register as pending fault codes therefore not visually alerting the Technician by illuminating the Engine Management Light.

The OBD X BOX can be used to alert, whilst moving any poor connections, and using the optional audible speaker, precisely when a fault code occurs and when it is deleted. This unique OBD Scan Tool feature can be used to help diagnose any difficult and otherwise almost impossible to find connection or wiring faults.

For this test the DTC’s request frequency should be set to a minimum 1 sec and the DTC delete frequency at whatever low number you prefer, i.e. 2 to 5 secs for example.

Strictly not, for obvious safety reasons the OBD X BOX only deletes Engine Management System Codes, Automatic Transmission and 4WD System are the only exception.

Some Auto Transmission and 4WD codes can only be accessed by using vehicle specific Scan Tools, and as such cannot be deleted by the OBD X BOX. However, many codes can be read through normal OBD, and like we’ve mentioned before, if the module can read them, it can also delete them. To get an idea of which codes are available just look through the OBD X BOX code Database, this can be viewed even when the module isn’t connected to the OBD.

No, it does not, just like any other Scan Tool, the OBD X BOX sends a delete code command to the Vehicles ECU based on its selected settings. Once the module is disconnected, the Vehicle returns completely back to standard as no permanent changes can ever be made.

No it cannot. The Module has an “Auto Sleep Mode” that checks to see if the engine is still running. Shortly after the engine is switched off the OBD X BOX goes to sleep and only re-awakes when the engine is re-started. This can be checked by observing the red LED built into the main harness. Sleep mode ensures no other ECUs on the vehicles Can Bus system are kept awake which could result in a flat battery. Note, sleep mode only works if the module is disconnected from the PC or Android App.   Link: Sleep Mode.

The Sleep Mode function prevents the OBD X BOX from keeping other modules on the vehicles Can Bus network awake as this could cause a battery drain.

If the OBD X BOX was to permanently communicate with the engine’s ECU with the ignition off, this alone is not enough to drain the battery in the short term.

By default, the OBD X BOX goes to sleep when the engines RPM signal is lost, it only re-awakes several seconds after the engine re-starts.

Some vehicles only allow their fault codes to be deleted when their engines are off but with the ignition on (KOEO). In this instance it will be necessary to set the OBD X BOX ECU connection delay to zero seconds.

For this setting to work the Sleep Mode feature must be disabled so there is no delay in the OBD X BOX connecting to the vehicles ECU as soon as the ignition is switched on.

For the majority of vehicles Sleep Mode isn’t necessary and the OBD X BOX will not cause a battery drain, Technicians should still check for this before returning the vehicle.

Around 70%, which is about every two in every three vehicles, for obvious reasons the function can’t work on some vehicles that require their ignition to be on but engine off. The OBD X BOX will always send very fast “Delete Chosen Codes” or a “Delete All Codes” messages to the vehicles ECU but some vehicles are programmed not to respond to such commands, unfortunately this is beyond our control.

There doesn’t have to be, our first rule in business is to know your customer. If the vehicle you are trying to fix belongs to a regular and well known client, then there is little risk of them running off with your OBD X BOX module.

 If however, they are a new and unknown customer, you should at least charge a reasonable deposit equivalent to what the OBD X BOX module cost you, this way you are not out of pocket should they never return to settle the bill.

When diagnosing difficult and intermittent faults, garage labour charges can often run into several hours. Under these circumstances, customers shouldn’t quibble about what is only 1 to 2 hours equivalent labour cost to programme and install an OBD X BOX to help diagnose any intermittent faults.

Of course it is still suitable although given a choice this is a less preferred option but yes it still works. Unfortunately, the Limp Mode to go Mode function can’t be used, neither can in most cases the module be discreetly left on the vehicle. For diagnostic purposes the OBX X BOX can still be used to delete and record fault code frequency and to re-set Limp Mode with the engine off. ECU connection delay should be set to its minimum and engine starting should be delayed for a second or two to allow fast ECU connection and code deletion.

There may be occasions where an OBD X BOX has been hardwired to a vehicle and the Technician needs to connect another Scan Tool using the vacant OBD port. Connecting two Scan Tools at the same time may sometimes be possible but there could be a conflict and errors in Can Bus data.

Instead of physically unplugging what might be a hidden module, the Technician can simply disconnect it in software.

Having finished using their Scan Tool, the Technician must remember to select Connect to OBD in the connection menu.

Other reasons for disconnecting the OBD X BOX from the OBD port is when using an OBD 2 into 1 splitter cable. This way a technician can connect both an OBD Scan tool and the OBD X BOX, and at the same time, but still choose which one to communicate with by disconnecting the OBD X BOX in the communication menu.

When this selection is made the OBD icon on the bottom left of the page changes to red with a white cross. The icon will stay like this until unselected in the menu, even if the modules power has been interrupted.

The OBD X BOX uses an internal non-volatile memory to ensure none of its settings or record of code deletion data is lost when the modules power supply is disconnected.

Unfortunately not, only one OBD Scan Tool can ever be connected to the Vehicles ECU. We have added into the settings a time delay before the OBD X BOX attempts to communicate from engine start up, this may be of help in some situations.

On some vehicles the answer is yes, there are however some codes that you will only ever be able to read and delete using a vehicle specific tool. We have included a single press and continuous press code delete function, the OBD X BOX in this mode doesn’t request and verify codes, it just sends out a delete signal. This function can be very useful to temporarily override Limp Mode even when the codes cannot be read.

This varies with different vehicles, as during development work we’ve seen anything from less than a second to several seconds. However, by using the DTC Alerter you can at least be sure that you have a Scope trigger point to start working backwards from.

You should first check your 16 pin OBD lead is properly pushed into the diagnostic port. If the module still can’t communicate it is more than likely the vehicle is using the K-Line protocol which is no longer supported.

During early development, the OBD X BOX module was developed to work with K-Line systems, but we decided to concentrate on the latest Can Bus systems. You can still go back to version V0.20 in the updates section and the application often works, even with the latest software. We cannot guarantee to what extent the programme works as it’s no longer supported. We suggest a good idea would be to purchase a separate module and programme it with version V0.20 and keep it stored away from your everyday module.

Not at present, even though we’ve already developed a 24 Volt to 12 Volt step down power adaptor we haven’t yet developed the Commercial Vehicle Programme. We are working on this and will let all our users know when the update becomes available.

Yes, it can, we’ve even extended the Sounders wire length so that if its plugged into the 4mm bullet connectors you can still use a “Bed of Nails” to trigger your Scope.

There will soon be available an Android App suitable for use with mobile phones, laptops and tablet devices, this may even be compatible with some tablet-based Scan Tools.

This feature will be available soon on one of our updates.

No, it cannot, anything on a modern vehicle that is safety related, for example, ABS, Airbags, traction Control, brake lights etc use a High Priority Can Bus network. All Engine Management system data and code deletion signals are considered low priority and as such automatically give priority to the other more important Can Bus Traffic.

Yes there is. There are 2 icons to the bottom left-hand corner of the PC screen, the first icon with the initials XB should turn to green when the PC communicates with the OBD X BOX, the second green icon confirms when the OBD X BOX is connected to the vehicles Engine Management ECU using the OBD Port.

In the unlikely event you’re unable to gain comm’s with the OBD X BOX the following procedure should be carried out.

1. Check the correct supply voltage is present on pin 16 of the vehicles OBD port to confirm battery voltage and also check there’s no voltage drop on pin 4 (vehicle ground). You may also check that the OBD Port is in working order by connecting any other known working OBD Scan Tool.
2. Ensure your Windows computer or Android tablet device has a good power supply and is fully charged.
3. The OBD X BOX Main Harness has a 4-pin Amp Type connector, this is normally used to connect to the Bluetooth Module. Bridge out the 2 middle (Centre pins) using either a steel paperclip or a piece of conductive wire or similar object to short out these 2 pins.
4. Connect the OBD X BOX main harness to the vehicles OBD port and then connect the other end of this main harness to the OBD X BOX module to supply power to the unit. The OBD X BOX will now detect that the two programming pins of the 4-pin connector have been shorted out and places the OBD X BOX into its stand-by programming mode.
5. Now remove the bridging pins from the 4-pin plug and insert the Bluetooth Module in place of the pins before switching on the vehicle’s ignition.

Open the OBD X BOX Application software on your PC or Android device, connect to the OBD X BOX from the connection menu and the program should automatically start and prompt you to update to the latest firmware version. Select the latest firmware and when it’s downloaded the reset should be complete. If it hasn’t been successful and the green XB icon still isn’t lit in the  lower left-hand corner of the display then please contact your OBD X BOX Supplier.