Forro’s data includes “normal” minimum and maximum values for many TIDs/CIDs, as well as typical values for higher mileage vehicles. You can also go to John Forro’s website and subscribe to his extensive database of detailed Mode $06 information, much of which he has compiled himself from scanning various years, makes and models (and mileages) of vehicles. It’s too much bother and takes too much effort to decipher it.Ī fair amount of free Mode $06 information is available to members on the website. This is why many technicians don’t use Mode $06. Most OEM websites also charge a subscription fee to access their information. The information is not always easy to find, and some do not even publish any of their Mode $06 service information. One way to do this is to go to the vehicle manufacturer’s website and search through their service information for Mode $06 code lists (which will vary depending on the year/make/model of the vehicle). If your scan tool only gives you the raw Mode $06 data and does not translate it for you, you’ll have to find a reference chart to decipher the information. Likewise, some faults that may cause a vehicle to pollute may not cause any noticeable driveability problems (such as a bad catalyst, EGR problem or EVAP fuel vapor leak). The latter method is much less confusing and is a more user-friendly way of navigating all the data that can be displayed on the scan tool.Īn important point to keep in mind here is that some faults that cause noticeable driveability problems (like a lazy oxygen sensor or a slight misfire in one cylinder) may not be bad enough to set a code and turn on the Check Engine Light (which is required by law if a fault might cause emissions to exceed federal limits by 1.5 times). Other scan tools skip the mode labels altogether and simply present the information by topic (fault codes, system data, freeze-frame, monitor status, etc.).

Some scan tools list the various modes and tell you what mode number the scan tool is in when it shows you data. Different scan tools display information differently. The thing to remember about all of these modes is that they may or may not be labeled as such on your scan tool. Mode $09 is used to display vehicle information such as VIN, PCM calibration, etc. This includes things like turning the fuel pump on and off, cycling the engine cooling fan on and off, pulsing the fuel injectors, changing idle speed and so on. This mode allows you to use your scan tool to run any self-tests that are available through the PCM. Mode $08 is only available in professional-grade scan tools with bidirectional capability.

Autoenginuity scan tool (st-06)