Mode 6 Diagnostics

[BILLY QLINDO]

Hi, at my shop we are going to do emission diagnostic through mode 6, but I would like to know about a good g website or a scanner to help me translate the dollar sings. I currently have a Modis but it is not helping me wiht this issue. Thank you again for any info......

[sandt38]

Hi, at my shop we are going to do emission diagnostic through mode 6, but I would like to know about a good g website or a scanner to help me translate the dollar sings. I currently have a Modis but it is not helping me wiht this issue. Thank you again for any info......

Mode 6 gained a lot of play several years ago when it became widely known. However, after using it a bunch and learning it, I have found it's usefulness to be less then advertised. It is generally one trip fault info, and if a test does not run it might report a false failure, depending on the manufacturer.

What kind of diagnosis are you doing that you feel you need Mode 6?

I used to have some sites on my old laptop that dealt with Mode 6, and translated all of the data for you, but the HDD crashed and I lost them. I do have a disc I got from a NAPA class that had all the pertinent Mode 6 data on it. I might suggest asking your NAPA field rep if he can get it for you. If not, perhaps I can host it and offer you the link.

[BILLY QLINDO]

thanks for your time....

But I have no choice, here in Ontario we are getting into emission testing and repairs, through OBD II by looking at monitors in mode 6 (passed or failed if more than 1 monitor is not ready). We are getting the new machine installed and ready in a few weeks and We (tehnicians) will be audit by the Ministry of Environment on a regular basis. This is why I need to find a good website or a scanner to help me out with the meaning of mode 6.
Note: I am an Emission Repair technician for 6 years with the old system (reading gases in tail pipe) and rarely used mode 6 for obvious reasons but from now on it would be through OBD II (mode6).

Mode 6 gained a lot of play several years ago when it became widely known. However, after using it a bunch and learning it, I have found it's usefulness to be less then advertised. It is generally one trip fault info, and if a test does not run it might report a false failure, depending on the manufacturer.

What kind of diagnosis are you doing that you feel you need Mode 6?

I used to have some sites on my old laptop that dealt with Mode 6, and translated all of the data for you, but the HDD crashed and I lost them. I do have a disc I got from a NAPA class that had all the pertinent Mode 6 data on it. I might suggest asking your NAPA field rep if he can get it for you. If not, perhaps I can host it and offer you the link.

[TurboJim]

Mode $06 use varies by manufacturer. iATN has a couple manufacturers. I am also an emissions tech/inspector, and rarely need mode 6 and its info, because USUALLY when a monitor wont run, the cause is USUALLY obvious. I dont think I have ever had one I had to fix that wouldnt run monitors, unless it was on the monitor list. The EPA made a list of vehicles that would either not run monitors, or reset them at key off. Those vehicles get an OBD bypass. About the only thing I have found mode 6 useful is for misfires that havent coded yet. But even then, you need to know the address for the particular manufacturer. ie: 2001-? Ford misfire is $53, which will display cylinder misfire per 1000 revolutions I believe it is, then a pass/fail. Where fail turns the MIL on.

If you do find a site listing each manufacturers use of Mode 6, I'd sure love to get the address.

[Nickb]

Shopkey has all the mode $06 info. When you ID the Vehicle, go into Engine Performance and you will see Mode $06 icon. It gives you all the info you require for every vehicle.

[sandt38]

But I have no choice, here in Ontario we are getting into emission testing and repairs, through OBD II by looking at monitors in mode 6 (passed or failed if more than 1 monitor is not ready). We are getting the new machine installed and ready in a few weeks and We (tehnicians) will be audit by the Ministry of Environment on a regular basis. This is why I need to find a good website or a scanner to help me out with the meaning of mode 6.
Note: I am an Emission Repair technician for 6 years with the old system (reading gases in tail pipe) and rarely used mode 6 for obvious reasons but from now on it would be through OBD II (mode6).

I was a California BAR90 (2 speed idle tailpipe test) and BAR97 (AMS mode Dyno/Tailpipe test), and NC BAR90 (1 Speed idle tailpipe test) and current NC OBDII emissions inspector. I have pretty much run the gamut of Emissions testing, from the most basic to the most stringent in the US. While I occasionally use Mode 6, it is really a last resort. OBDII systems provide us with so much information it is hard to miss much of anything.

As far as the scanner, you need to look at the vehicles you see most and decide which scanner will provide the most information for those vehicles. Every scanner will have it's strong points, and weak points.

I will see if I can find those sites for you guys.

[hefaus]

Mode $6

I bought a program called EScan. It would decode vehicle specific Mode $6. I am nearly totally retired now and have sold almost all my scanners now but it was a good program for the dollar. Hope this Helps. Keep Smiling.

[cooltech]

Good scan tool for Mode 6

I have a PC-based scan tool called AutoEnginuity in addition to my Solus Ultra. I like it very much when it comes to Mode 6. It translates it and puts it on your screen in a very readable format. It even color-codes potential failures for you. It may not grab every PID for every monitor, though. What it does have is good. It is not that great for enhanced coverage on GM and Chrysler, hence I own both the Auto Enginuity AND the Solus Ultra. I think that some of the OTC scan tools (like Genisys and Pegisys) also translate Mode 6. I think that Mode 6 is something that Snap-on could improve on a lot.

[Wheel]

I bought a program called EScan. It would decode vehicle specific Mode $6. I am nearly totally retired now and have sold almost all my scanners now but it was a good program for the dollar. Hope this Helps. Keep Smiling.

I think this is exactly what he is looking for. And one should be able to load it on the Verus. They have a bluetooth version I am considering.
autotestsolutions.com

[BILLY QLINDO]

Thanks

Hey guys thank you for the info....I will definitely be looking on Shopkey about modes 6 and possibly buying a program or scanner (we work mostly on Domestic and Asian cars, some European ). I will keep you update about this new way of emission testing here in Ontario.
Now , for this program (EScan ) do I need a a laptop? and where can I buy it, We actually have only the Modis.

[Crusty]

Hey guys thank you for the info....I will definitely be looking on Shopkey about modes 6 and possibly buying a program or scanner (we work mostly on Domestic and Asian cars, some European ). I will keep you update about this new way of emission testing here in Ontario.
Now , for this program (EScan ) do I need a a laptop? and where can I buy it, We actually have only the Modis.

Hi Billy.
I'm in the Gtreat-White-North too-!!
Pretty good article dealing with the 9 modes of OBDII
I remember in another article, they talk about a tenth mode of OBDII, meaning "permanent codes" which can not be cleared by a scan tool but rather, have to be checked and satisfied by the ECM that things are now OK.
Kinda like completing ALL the monitors, and not just reaching a conclusion of pass or fail, but the self tests HAVE to pass before the "permanent code" will clear.

http://www.searchautoparts.com/motorage/drivability/using-9-modes-global-obdii-diagnostics

Hope the link works.
MotorAge Magazine, March 2009

[BILLY QLINDO]

Excellent article.

Thanks for replaying, but the issue I have is trying to translate mode 6 (dollar sings), that way We'll know if the vehicle Passed or Failded the Emission test by checking all the monitors self test , veh 2001 and up can have just 1 monitor not ready or fail (Ministry of the Environment want's it that way); if it fails We can diagnose and fix the issue any way possible (no problem).
I have some websites were We can find some info, but what I would like to know is if someone can suggest a good website or scanner that can read mode 6 so we can understand and possibly avoid wasting time and mony on something that doesn't work ; I recently passed an exam to be relicense on Emission Test/ Repairs though OBD II. If someone outer is doing this kind of ETs please let me know; I would really appreciated. thank you

Hi Billy.
I'm in the Gtreat-White-North too-!!
Pretty good article dealing with the 9 modes of OBDII
I remember in another article, they talk about a tenth mode of OBDII, meaning "permanent codes" which can not be cleared by a scan tool but rather, have to be checked and satisfied by the ECM that things are now OK.
Kinda like completing ALL the monitors, and not just reaching a conclusion of pass or fail, but the self tests HAVE to pass before the "permanent code" will clear.

http://www.searchautoparts.com/motorage/drivability/using-9-modes-global-obdii-diagnostics

Hope the link works.
MotorAge Magazine, March 2009

[sbreland73]

If all you want to know is if the Monitors have run, many pocket code readers do this for you. A Fail will set a DTC. Also, all the Snapon scanners with newer software have the option to see the "Readiness Status" in a generic mode, or you can use the Global OBDII Mode.

[hefaus]

Mode $6

Hey guys thank you for the info....I will definitely be looking on Shopkey about modes 6 and possibly buying a program or scanner (we work mostly on Domestic and Asian cars, some European ). I will keep you update about this new way of emission testing here in Ontario.
Now , for this program (EScan ) do I need a a laptop? and where can I buy it, We actually have only the Modis.

Hi Yes You need a Laptop. You can get information on there products at link below. HtH. Keep Smiling

http://www.automotivetestsolutions.com/escan.htm

[Wheel]

If all you want to know is if the Monitors have run, many pocket code readers do this for you. A Fail will set a DTC. Also, all the Snapon scanners with newer software have the option to see the "Readiness Status" in a generic mode, or you can use the Global OBDII Mode.

If I understand his request correctly, what he wants most is the mode 6 data translated into the plainest possible English, a problem I identify with.
The best, handiest place for this to happen is right there on the scan tool the moment you acquire the data. Having to look it up all the time
makes it so unhandy and impractical to use that the time spent doing so could be far better and more efficiently spent ignoring mode 6 entirely and using other diagnostic input and methods instead. A shame.
While most scanner manufacturers are slowly realizing this problem and
offer some interpretation to some degree, the Automotive Test Solutions e scan probably does it best, and has other unique, very useful features to boot. This scanner is pc based, has a bluetooth option, and would work out nicely on a Verus or Verdict I would think, or on a good laptop.