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EASE DIAGNOSTICS VIM-BT VEHICLE INTERFACE

USER MANUAL

Document version 1.6

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents

Legal Information ________________________________________________________________________________________ 1

Safety Information _______________________________________________________________________________________ 3

Introduction ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 4

Features and Capabilities ________________________________________________________________________________ 5

Power Sources & Charging _____________________________________________________________________________ 11

Setting up the VIM-BT __________________________________________________________________________________ 13

Configure the VIM-BT __________________________________________________________________________________ 14

Performing a Self-Check _______________________________________________________________________________ 20

Firmware Updates ______________________________________________________________________________________ 31

Firmware Updater Application ________________________________________________________________________ 32

Troubleshooting and Support _________________________________________________________________________ 37

Revision History ________________________________________________________________________________________ 41

Company Information __________________________________________________________________________________ 42

LEGAL INFORMATION

Page 1 © EASE Diagnostics. All Rights Reserved

Legal Information

TRADEMARKS

All trademarks are property of their respective owners. The display of trademarks does not imply that any

license has been granted by its owner. No trademark infringement is intended and no suggestion is made

that the owner of the trademark endorses our products.

COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

Copyright 2017 EASE Simulation, Inc., All Rights Reserved.

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITIES

To the original purchaser only, EASE warrants the supplied hardware products to be free from defects in

materials and workmanship under normal use for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase as

evidenced by a copy of the sales receipt. EASE makes no other express warranty on the hardware products.

The purchaser’s sole remedy in the event of a breach of warranty is expressly limited to repair or

replacement of the defective hardware or, if replacement is not possible, a refund of the purchase price.

Repair parts and replacement hardware products will be provided on an exchange basis and will be either

reconditioned or new. All hardware returned to EASE that is exchanged becomes property of EASE. This

warranty does not cover damage to the products resulting from misuse, accident, disaster, abuse, negligence,

improper maintenance, or modification and/or repair of the hardware product other than by EASE.

Hardware repaired or replaced under the warranty listed above will be warranted for the remainder of the

original warranty period. All other hardware repaired or replaced outside of the warranty and refurbished

hardware will be warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a

period of 90 days from the date of shipment.

Note: If the original purchaser is an EASE reseller, the warranty period begins on the date the product is

purchased from EASE, not the date it is sold to the end user.

Neither EASE nor its authorized reseller(s) shall be liable for any defect, indirect, incidental, special, or

consequential damages, whether in an action in contract or tort (including negligence and strict liability),

such as, but not limited to, loss of anticipated profits or benefits resulting from the use of this software

and/or hardware product or any breach of any warranty, even if EASE or its authorized reseller(s) has been

advised of the possibilities of such damages. In no event will EASE or its authorized reseller’s liability exceed

the price paid for the product.

Note: Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the

above exclusions or limitations may not apply to you.

LEGAL INFORMATION


COMPLIANCE

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to

part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful

interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency

energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to

radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular

installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be

determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by

one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is

connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

SAFETY INFORMATION


Safety Information

GENERAL

For your own safety, the safety of others, and to prevent damage to the product and vehicles upon which it is

used, it is important that all instructions and safety messages in this manual be read and understood by all

persons operating, or coming into contact with the product, before operating. We suggest you store a copy of

each manual near the product in sight of the operator.

For your safety, read all instructions. Use your diagnostic tools only as described in the tool user’s manual.

Use only manufacturer recommended parts and accessories with your diagnostic tools.

It is important to use this product in an appropriate and acceptable manner that does not endanger your

safety, the safety of others in the work area, the equipment being used, or the vehicle being tested.

BATTERY

This product contains a Lithium Polymer battery, housed within the product case. Lithium batteries are

characterized by high energy density. This allows for long operation times, small product size, light weight,

low cost, and long service life. The battery is not user-serviceable.

A special circuit is required to charge the battery safely. The following safety rules apply:

Do not remove the battery from the product.

Do not attempt to recharge the battery outside the product.

Do not attempt to change the battery type installed in the product.

Do not submerge the product in liquid, whether the product is powered-down or not.

Do not expose the product to fire.

Do not crush the product or cause other mechanical stress that causes piercing or compression of

the battery.

SHIPMENTS AND RMA RETURNS

Special handling procedures apply when shipping products containing lithium batteries. Generally, air

shipment should be avoided if possible. Please do not return any materials to EASE Diagnostics without first

contacting us to obtain an RMA and any necessary special instructions.

INTRODUCTION


Introduction

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING EASE DIAGNOSTICS

Your satisfaction is our goal. If you have any problems or if there is anything we can help you with, please do

not hesitate to call our customer service or technical support staff at 570-587-7080. We look forward to

doing future business with you!

USING THIS MANUAL

This manual contains basic operating instructions and is structured in a manner to help you become

familiar with your Diagnostic Tool features and perform basic operations.

ICONS USED

Throughout this document, the pictograms below are used to underline points or important notions

Important information

Good to know - Tricks

Risk in front of a parameter setting or of a specific action

Action to be avoided

Mandatory action

Sensitive or difficult procedure. To take into account necessarily

Actions reserved for the State Agency authorized representative

Actions reserved for the Manufacturer’s Technician

FEATURES AND CAPABILITIES


Features and Capabilities

The EASE VIM-BT (Vehicle Interface Module, Bluetooth-equipped) meets the needs for a reliable and rugged

vehicle interface supporting a state vehicle emissions program. Features include:

Supports all SAE J1979 generic vehicle communication protocols

Communication to PC via Bluetooth or USB cable

Powered by DLC power and/or internal battery power

Status indicators for DLC power, battery state, PC communications, vehicle communications

Impact-resistant silicone rubber boot

Fault detection through self-tests and emissions system self-check routines



WHAT’S INCLUDED

Your VIM-BT kit includes:

o VIM-BT

o Vehicle OBD Cable, and a spare Vehicle OBD Cable

o USB Cable

o Self-Check Loopback Adapter (marked LOOP-BACK-P)

o 12V Power Source

Vehicle Interface Module - Bluetooth (VIM-BT)



INDICATOR BEHAVIOR

Condition Indicators

The VIM-BT is powered off All LEDs are OFF

VIM-BT has just powered on from the DLC port and is booting up

(This happens in the first few seconds after the VIM-BT is plugged into the vehicle DLC port that has power)

DLC Power LED is GREEN

Charge LED – GREEN and AMBER – see Power Sources and Charging, below

PC COM LED is OFF

The Vehicle Com LED blinks RED, GREEN, RED, BICOLOR, OFF.

VIM-BT is powered from the DLC port and the internal battery

The internal battery power is sufficient, and is charging

No connection to Bluetooth

No communication



PC COM LED is OFF

VEHICLE COM LED is OFF



INDICATOR BEHAVIOR (Continued)


VIM-BT is powered from the DLC

The internal battery is in power saving mode, and is charging

No connection to Bluetooth

No communication at this moment


Charge LED is AMBER – see Power Sources and Charging, below

PC COM LED is OFF

VEHICLE COM LED is OFF


The internal battery is in power saving mode, and is fully charged

Connection to Bluetooth

VIM-BT is communicating with PC

DLC POWER LED is GREEN

CHARGE LED – see Power Sources and Charging, below

PC COM LED is AMBER

VEHICLE COMM LED blinks GREEN


The internal battery is in power saving mode, and is fully charged

Connection to USB


DLC POWER LED is GREEN

CHARGE LED – see Power Sources and Charging, below

PC COM LED is OFF; blinks GREEN during communication




Indicator Behavior (No DLC Power)


The Internal Battery is charging through the USB cable. The VIM-BT is in Battery Saving mode.

Note - The USB connection to the VIM-BT can charge the battery, but the VIM-BT cannot be operated solely from the USB connection.

The Charge LED is AMBER

All other LEDs are OFF

Note – When the USB cable is first plugged in, if the VIM-BT is not powered on, the Charge LED may turn on amber, then turn off after a few seconds. This means the internal battery is fully charged.

Battery has sufficient power

AND

Battery is charging through USB


VIM-BT has just powered on from a POWER button pressing, and is booting up

(This happens in the first few seconds after the POWER button is pressed)

DLC Power LED is OFF


PC COM LED is OFF

The Vehicle Com LED blinks RED, GREEN, RED, BICOLOR, OFF.



Indicator Behavior (No DLC Power, continued)



AND

Battery is fully charged

AND

VIM-BT is operating

(not in Power Saving mode)

Connection to Bluetooth



CHARGE LED is GREEN

PC COM LED is AMBER



AND

Battery is fully charged

AND

VIM-BT is operating

(not in Power Saving mode)

Connection to USB



CHARGE LED is GREEN

PC COM LED is OFF; blinks GREEN during communication


Trick for checking Bluetooth connectivity: Look for a blue lamp blinking inside the VIM-BT. It will be visible

through the DLC Power LED window. This is easier to see when there is no DLC power.

The blue LED blinks when there is no active Bluetooth connection. It stays on solid blue when the PC has an

open Bluetooth connection. The blue light in either case will be faint.

POWER SOURCES & CHARGING


Power Sources & Charging

Power may be drawn from the internal battery, or from the vehicle’s DLC power and the internal battery.

These scenarios are described below.

WARNING: IF THE VIM-BT REMAINS PLUGGED INTO THE DLC FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF

TIME IT MAY DRAIN THE VEHICLE’S BATTERY BELOW ACCEPTABLE LEVELS.

Internal Battery and Charging System

The VIM-BT utilizes an internal Lithium Polymer battery. An internal circuit charges the battery whenever

the VIM-BT is connected to a PC via USB, or to a vehicle with the DLC cables (provided the vehicle’s DLC

power fuse is not blown).

The internal charging circuit charges the battery safely, and prevents overcharge.

When the internal battery is charging, the CHARGE LED lights AMBER. Once the charging is completed, the

AMBER LED element turns off.

The VIM-BT may be plugged into the USB port any time battery charging is needed (overnight is OK).

Internal Battery and Sufficient Power

The CHARGE LED lights GREEN to indicate the battery charge is sufficient to perform vehicle inspections.

If there is not sufficient power to perform inspections, the VIM-BT internal firmware program prevents the

emissions system from proceeding with an inspection.

Note: Sufficient power means the battery charge level is adequate to perform at least one inspection. It is

possible for the battery to have sufficient power and also be charging (CHARGE LED = GREEN + AMBER).

When power is present on the vehicle’s DLC connector (most common situation)

When the DLC cable is plugged into a vehicle DLC connector, the VIM-BT powers up automatically, and starts

up its internal program (boot-up). The VEHICLE COM LED flashes for a few seconds to indicate boot-up

(see ). Power is drawn from both the DLC connector and the internal battery.

The DLC POWER LED lights GREEN wherever power is drawn from the DLC.

© EASE Diagnostics. All Rights Reserved

The CHARGE LED lights GREEN if the battery charge is sufficient to perform vehicle inspections. If the

internal battery is charging, it will also light up AMBER.

After a period of inactivity, the VIM-BT enters battery saving mode. The CHARGE LED will turn off. The VIM

is still ready to perform inspections.

When power is NOT present on the vehicle’s DLC connector (uncommon)

The DLC cable is plugged in, but the DLC POWER LED remains off. This indicates power is not present on

the vehicle’s DLC connector (usually because the vehicle’s DLC power fuse is blown). The VIM-BT does not

boot-up automatically. Press the POWER button on the top panel. The VIM-BT powers up from its internal

battery. The CHARGE LED lights GREEN.

After about 1 minute of inactivity, the VIM-BT powers down to save battery life. All LEDs turn off. To begin

using the VIM-BT again, press the POWER button again.

SETTING UP THE VIM-BT


Setting up the VIM-BT

GETTING STARTED

Getting started with your EASE VIM-BT interface is quick and easy. Make sure that the interface is powered

up by plugging it into the DLC connector of a vehicle that has a charged battery. Or, if DLC power is not

available, press the VIM-BT POWER button.

Note: The battery saving function may power down the VIM-BT after a period of inactivity. This can happen

only if the VIM-BT is running solely from the internal battery (no DLC power). If the battery saver powers

down the VIM-BT, simply press the POWER button again.

INSTALLING VIM-BT DRIVERS

The EASE emissions system comes pre-installed with the necessary VIM-BT drivers. If for some reason there

is an issue where the VIM-BT drivers need to be reinstalled, please contact your support representative.

CONFIGURE THE VIM-BT


Configure the VIM-BT

VEHICLE INTERFACE CONFIGURATION

The VIM-BT vehicle interface provided with emission systems features Bluetooth and USB communication

interfaces. When initially set up by the Manufacturer’s Technician, the USB interface will be selected. The

end user needs simply to connect the USB cable between the emissions system and the VIM-BT to begin

using the USB interface. To change from USB to Bluetooth communication or vice versa, perform the

configuration steps outlined below.

Note: When used by an inspection station inspector, the Configure Interface option is available only during a

Vehicle Emissions Inspection, when the OBDII tests are about to begin. If the inspector wishes to change the

vehicle interface configuration outside of a real vehicle inspection, a test inspection in Training Mode may

be run instead.

Note: When configuring Bluetooth, this process may take a few minutes. To ensure the VIM-BT does not

power down due to inactivity, power the VIM-BT from the DLC cable. The Self-Check adapter may be used to

supply power.

1. Power up the VIM-BT

2. Either Bluetooth or USB will be selected in the following steps. If USB communication is

desired, connect the USB cable from the emissions system to the VIM-BT. If Bluetooth

communication is desired, disconnect the USB cable from the VIM-BT (if it had been

connected).

Note: Whenever the USB cable is connected between the VIM-BT and the PC, the VIM-BT will use USB

instead of Bluetooth. However, whichever connection is to be used, the PC setting must match.

Note: When using USB, the cable must be plugged into a specific emissions system USB port. Refer to the

System Connections section of the emissions system Software User’s Manual for port assignments.



3. Use the emissions system software to navigate to the OBDII DIAGNOSTIC TEST screen. The

OBDII DIAGNOSTIC TEST screen may be found in either of these menu paths:

VEHICLE EMISSIONS INSPECTION MENU > VEHICLE EMISSIONS INSPECTION

VEHICLE EMISSIONS INSPECTION MENU > TRAINING MODE.

Note: In the screen shown above, the emissions system is configured to use USB. If Bluetooth configuration is

selected, the screen indicates Bluetooth instead of USB.



4. Click Configure Interface. The Configure Communication Profiles screen will open. An initial

configuration of USB is shown below.

4.A If USB is to be used, click the Test button. Communication is established with the VIM-BT. This

should complete with a message indicating success.

4.B.i If Bluetooth is to be used, click Add Bluetooth. The Bluetooth Connection Configuration screen

opens. An example screen is shown below.



4.B.ii In this example, no Bluetooth device has been set up yet on the emissions system. It is

necessary to Pair New Device by clicking the button. The Bluetooth Pair New Device screen

appears.

4.B.iii In this example, the emissions system Bluetooth has discovered the shop’s VIM-BT, named

EASE_VIM1-0009. In most cases, it is not necessary to enter a pairing code (leave it blank).



However, if pairing fails, it may be necessary to enter a pairing code. The factory-default pairing

code for the VIM-BT is “1234” (without quotation marks). Enter 1234 in the Enter Pairing Code

box.

Note: The VIM-BT’s device name that will appear to Bluetooth is of the form EASE_VIM1-xxxx, where xxxx is

the last 4 digits of the VIM-BT serial number. The serial number is found on a label on the VIM-BT bottom

cover, under the rubber boot. This device name is factory-assigned.

4.B.iv Click Pair. Paring will take a few moments. Once pairing is complete, a new Bluetooth device

will be listed in the Bluetooth Connection Configuration screen:

4.B.v The user may assign a “friendly name” to the vehicle interface. This is a name that will be

familiar to the inspectors. In this example, the inspector assigned the name “Joe’s Garage VIM”

to the VIM that was just paired in the previous step.

4.B.vi Click OK to complete the Bluetooth configuration process.

5. Bluetooth (or USB) communication may now be used with the VIM-BT.

© EASE Diagnostics. All Rights Reserved

Note: The “Configure Communication Profiles” utility must be used every time the user wishes to change

between USB and Bluetooth. If using a Bluetooth configuration, simply plugging in the USB without

switching the profile to “USB Connection” is not enough. The only exception to this is during the running of a

Self-Check when prompted to plug in the USB. Refer to the Performing A Self-Check section in this document.

Reminder: If using a Bluetooth profile, the VIM-BT will not be able to communicate if the USB cable is

plugged in.

PERFORMING A SELF-CHECK


Performing a Self-Check

REQUIRED MATERIALS

The Self-Check requires the following items (provided with the emissions system; all are depicted above):

VIM-BT Vehicle Interface

OBD Cable

USB Cable

Self-Check Loopback Adapter, marked “LOOP-BACK-P”

AC Adaptor (12VDC nominal output)



SELF-CHECK INTRODUCTION

State emissions regulations require periodic calibrations of the emissions test equipment to ensure

emissions test validity. An OBD Module Self Check is part of this calibration. The calibration must be

performed by a certified technician. The OBD Module Self Check of the VIM-BT is outlined below.

Should a failure of the calibration occur, or if during the calibration procedure the calibration is aborted, the

emissions system will be locked out from performing emissions tests. See the emissions system Software

User’s Manual for further information.

In the event a failure is detected in the OBD Module Self-Check, a station should contact their Manufacturer

Technician (“Service Rep”) to get the issue resolved.

SELF-CHECK PROCEDURE

Log In to the Emissions System

From the emissions system software MAIN MENU screen, click on the VEHICLE EMISSIONS INSPECTION

MENU bar. The VEHICLE EMISSIONS INSPECTION MENU screen appears. Then click the EQUIPMENT

MAINTENANCE menu bar. The INSPECTOR/MECHANIC LOGIN box will appear.

Enter or scan the Inspector/Mechanic license ID number, and the Access Code, then press the Enter key

on the keyboard, or click the Login button.

Note: For more details about the Inspector/Mechanic Login, or about the navigation within the emissions

system software, refer to the Software User’s Manual document for the emissions system in question.



Ensure the DLC end of the OBD cable is unplugged and the VIM is powered on

If not already connected, the system will prompt the user to connect the OBD cable as follows: Connect the

9-pin end to the VIM. Do not connect the DLC end to anything at this point. The system will also ask the user

to connect a USB cable from the emissions system to the VIM.

Then press the POWER button on the VIM to power up the VIM from the internal battery. Pressing Continue

progresses to the next step of the process; Abort takes the user back to the equipment maintenance menu

screen and sets a lockout on the system until the OBD Self-Check is performed successfully.



Unplug the USB Cable from the VIM

Next, the system will ask the user to unplug the USB cable from the VIM. The other end of the USB cable

shall remain plugged into the emissions system.

The system automatically detects the unplugging of the USB cable and moves on to the next step.

Automated VIM Battery Testing

Next, the system will perform a test of the VIM internal battery.

Note: The test can distinguish a functional battery from a non-functional battery.

Once the battery test is complete, the system will automatically move on to the next step.



Reconnect the USB Cable to the VIM

Next, the system will ask the user to plug the USB cable back in the VIM (i.e. the USB cable is connected from

the emissions system to the VIM).

The system automatically detects the plugging in of the USB cable and moves on to the next step.

Internal Self-Test (DLC End of the OBD Cable is Disconnected)

Next, the emissions system communicates with the VIM while the DLC end of the OBD cable is not plugged

into anything. If the system detects that the DLC end of the OBD cable is plugged in at this point, it may

request verification that the user did not plug the loopback adapter in too soon. If the system does not

detect that the VIM is powered on it may inform the user that it is unable to locate the VIM. Otherwise the

VIM will begin its internal self-test. The self-test checks the integrity of the VIM internal circuits.

Plug the Loopback Adapter into the DLC End of the OBD Cable

Upon completion of its internal self-test the system will ask the user to plug in the loopback adapter to

complete the OBD Module Self Check procedure.



Plug in the cable, then Continue. If the system detects that the loopback is plugged in and is receiving power

it will attempt to complete the test. Otherwise the system may request verification that the user did not

forget to plug in the loopback adapter.

The following outcomes are possible here: success, firmware update required, or primary cable failed.



OBD Module Self Check Result – Success

If the Self Check and loopback succeed then the following message will be displayed for the user.

OBD Module Self Check Result – Failures

All of the following cases will cause the emissions system to lock out the user until another OBD Module Self

Check has been completed with a result of success.

• Firmware Update Required

If the VIM is in need of a firmware update the system will send a message similar to the following

Note: The firmware version given above is for example only. The firmware version shown may vary.



Clicking OK will begin the firmware update process. Refer to the Firmware Updater Process section of this

document for more information.

Once the firmware update succeeds, a confirmation message will be displayed.

At this point, the lockout by the system is still in place. An OBD Module Self Check needs to be run with a

success result. This will require rerunning the OBD Module Self Check again with the new firmware.

• Primary Cable Failed

If the primary cable fails the system will ask the user to exchange their primary cable with their spare cable.

Do not connect the loopback adapter to the spare cable at this point. Ensure the VIM is powered on and then

click Continue.

If the user does not have a spare cable they can select Skip to jump to the end of the test. This will end in a

failure, as the OBD Module Self Check process failed on the only available cable.

The system will ask the user to plug in the adapter and then select Continue in order to complete the test.

The possible outcomes from here are: spare cable success or spare cable failure.



• Spare Cable Success

In the event that a main cable failed but a spare cable succeeded the system will apply a lockout for the

system until a valid OBD Module Self Check passes. This will require rerunning the OBD Module Self Check

again with the spare cable as the new active cable.

• Spare Cable Failure

If there is a failure in the OBD Module Self Check, the system will display a message similar to the one below.

The content of the above message will vary with the cause for the failure. A lockout will be set until another

OBD Module Self Check is run and completed with a success.



Miscellaneous Messages

• Locating VIM

The system will attempt to communicate with the VIM to begin the Self Check process.

• Unable to Locate VIM

If the system cannot communicate with the VIM at any point in this process the following message will be

displayed. Retry will retry the connection, Configure will take the user to the Configure Device screen, and

Abort will abort the process of OBD Module Self Check.

This condition also happens if the VIM was not powered on while the system was searching for it.

Note: If the VIM was powered down, pressing the POWER button starts up the VIM from internal battery

power.

• Plugged Loopback Adapter in too soon / Forgot to Disconnect

If the system detects that the DLC end of the OBD cable is plugged in too soon the system may display the

following message.



• Forgot to plug in Loopback Adapter

If the system detects that either the loopback adapter is not plugged in, or that it is not receiving power

when it expects to, the system may display the following message.

Ensure the adapter is plugged into both the DLC end of the OBD cable and the 12V power supply then press

Yes to retry.

• Power Applied to DLC Cable at Wrong Time

If the OBD cable was receiving power due to accidently being plugged in, this message may appear:

Disconnect the OBD cable DLC end and click Continue to try again. Alternatively, Configure will take the

user to the Configure Device screen, and Abort will abort the process of OBD Module Self Check.

FIRMWARE UPDATES


Firmware Updates

FIRMWARE REVISION CERTIFICATION

The VIM-BT is factory-programmed with firmware that has been certified by the State. Firmware revisions

may become available from time to time, to improve performance, extend capabilities, or fix bugs. Firmware

revisions undergo a certification by the State before being made available for download.

FIRMWARE UPDATE AVAILABILITY

Once a firmware revision has been certified by the State, the revised firmware file is provided within a

revision of the EASE Diagnostics emissions system software.

Note: Firmware revisions are uncommon, and thus firmware updates occur infrequently.

INITIATION OF A FIRMWARE UPDATE

The emissions system software will detect if the firmware revision on the VIM-BT is not the latest revision.

The periodic emissions calibration OBD Module Self-Check is once place this detection occurs.

A firmware update may also be manually initiated by a Manufacturer Technician (“Manufacturer’s

Representative”, “Service Rep”). The Manufacturer Technician may perform this update without performing

a Self-Check. Refer to the emissions system Software User’s Manual, MANUFACTURER’S TECHNICIAN MENU,

CONFIGURE ANALYZER sub-menu.

FIRMWARE UPDATER APPLICATION


Firmware Updater Application

GETTING STARTED

During operation of the emissions system software (such as during a Self-Check) a message similar to the

following may appear if the firmware is out of date:

Note: The firmware version given above is for example only. The firmware version shown may vary.

Click OK to proceed with an update of the VIM-BT firmware.

Note: The power supply to the VIM-BT must remain on during the firmware update. For ease in the

following process, DLC power may be applied from the Self-Check Loopback Adapter, or from a vehicle DLC.



Once OK is clicked the following message will appear:

Connect the VIM-BT to the emissions system PC using the USB cable. There is no need to change the VIM-BT

configuration here. Even if the VIM-BT was previously configured to use Bluetooth, plug in the USB cable

and click OK.

If the device powered down due to inactivity, or the USB cable was not plugged in, the following message

may be displayed:



Ensure the cable is plugged in and the VIM-BT is powered on. Once the missing cable or power is provided,

this message should go away automatically.

If the device is powered on and the cable inserted, the following message will appear:

Click OK. The following message will appear:



The firmware updating takes about a minute. The status indicator bar shows the progress.

Note: At the end of the firmware upload, the progress bar will stop at 100% and pause for a few seconds

before completing.

Upon completion of the firmware update, a notification similar to the following will appear:

Click OK to return to the previous screen.

Click Finish to complete the process and return to the previous emissions test activity.



If Bluetooth had been in use before this firmware update, unplug the USB cable now to resume using

Bluetooth. Otherwise leave it in.

If a Self-Check had been in progress when the firmware update was initiated, the following message will

appear:

This is indicating that the firmware was invalid before the update and the loopback needs to be run again.

TROUBLESHOOTING AND SUPPORT


Troubleshooting and Support

INDICATOR BEHAVIOR

Refer to INTRODUCTION > INDICATOR BEHAVIOR for detailed descriptions of the LED indicators.

GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING

Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action VIM-BT won’t communicate with vehicle

Normal behavior – DLC POWER LED will be on if vehicle has DLC power.

PC COM LED will blink while VIM-BT is communicating with PC.

VEHICLE COM LED will blink while VIM-BT is communicating with vehicle.

No DLC power The DLC Power LED will be off. The POWER button on the VIM-BT must be pressed to turn it on. Press the POWER button, then re-attempt to communicate with the vehicle.

No vehicle communication He vehicle ignition key is in the OFF or Accessory position. It must be moved to the ON position.

The DLC cable is misaligned with the vehicle DLC connector. Try to reconnect and fully seat the connectors.

The DLC cable is not fully connected to the VIM-BT. Try screwing the connector jackscrews in more tightly.

The vehicle DLC connector is damaged or worn.

The DLC cable is damaged or worn.



PC COMMUNICATION TROUBLESHOOTING

Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action

Emissions system cannot connect to EASE devices using Bluetooth

Normal behavior – VIM-BT should work using Bluetooth. If the optional EASE Remote is employed, it should also work.

Trick for checking Bluetooth connectivity: Look for a blue lamp blinking inside the VIM-BT. It will be visible through the DLC Power LED window. This is easier to see when there is no DLC power.

The blue LED blinks when there is no active Bluetooth connection. It stays on solid blue when the PC has an open Bluetooth connection. The blue light in either case will be faint.

The emissions system is configured to use USB

Change the configuration using Configure Interface.

This is available to the station inspector only during a vehicle inspection (or an inspection performed in Test Mode).

Refer to Configure the VIM-BT in this document for details.

The emissions system is configured for Bluetooth, but USB cable is plugged in

The VIM-BT Bluetooth radio is disabled when a USB cable is connected from the VIM-BT to the PC.

If Bluetooth is desired, unplug the USB cable from the VIM-BT. Also be sure the emissions system is configured to use Bluetooth rather than USB. Refer to Configure the VIM-BT for details.

Bluetooth device is out of range

Locate the emissions system (specifically the Bluetooth dongle attached to the emissions system) closer to the VIM-BT, or vice versa.

Bluetooth dongle failure If neither the VIM-BT nor the optional EASE Remote will work using Bluetooth, the problem is likely with the dongle. Contact the manufacturer technician for assistance.

Other failure If the optional EASE Remote continues to work and the VIM does not, contact the manufacturer technician for assistance.



OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS – TROUBLESHOOTING

Failure Mechanism

Possible Cause Corrective Action / Checks

Cannot complete OBD Module Self-Check

Normal behavior – Following the prompts of the OBD Module Self Check should result in a passing Self-Check.

Failure on active cable If a failure was detected on the active cable, and a spare cable is available, replace the primary cable with the spare and attempt to finish the Self-Check.

If the cable has a fault the loopback will complete alerting the user that the primary cable failed but the spare passed. Discard the former primary cable and use the spare as the primary cable. Contact the manufacturer technician for assistance with purchasing a new spare cable.

If no spare is available order a new cable. Retain the current cable until both cables can be tested.

Firmware update required If a firmware update is required the system will automatically take the user through the process to update the firmware. The user needs to retry the Self-Check. If the firmware update was successful the second attempt will succeed.

Low battery If the user receives a message indicating the battery does not have sufficient power, plug the VIM into the USB port if not already done and allow it to charge. The VIM will be partially charged after a few minutes, and should be fully charged within about 90 minutes.

Failed battery The OBD Self-Check may report that the battery has failed a test. This could happen if the device sat idle for an extended time during the test, causing the battery to drain.

Attempt the test a second time, performing the test in a timely way (e.g. do not walk away during test). Contact the manufacturer technician if it fails a second time.

VIM failure If a VIM failure is detected the user should re-run the Self-Check to confirm the error before calling the manufacturer technician for assistance.



OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS – TROUBLESHOOTING (CONTINUED)

Failure Mechanism

Possible Cause Corrective Action / Checks

Emissions System cannot locate VIM

Incorrect configuration The Bluetooth radio is disabled when a USB device is plugged in. Try plugging/unplugging the cable (to the opposite state it is currently in) and press the retry button on the screen.

Powered Down The VIM automatically powers down after a period with no communication and if the battery becomes completely drained. The user should press the button on the VIM. If it starts back up press the retry button on the screen. Otherwise plug in the VIM via the USB port and allow it to charge for at least 30 minutes before trying again.

FURTHER ASSISTANCE

Our technical support team is more than glad to help you with any problems you may be having with the

EASE Products you are using. Our support team is available Monday-Friday during eastern-time business

hours.

If this device was not purchased through EASE, but through one of our suppliers, you may want to contact

the supplier first for support issues.

*NOTE: Our technical support team cannot provide any information on the actual repair of a vehicle.

REVISION HISTORY


Revision History

Date Version Description Author May 04 2017 1.3 Pre-release Carl Ungvarsky,

Chris Bowman

May 24 2017 1.4 Revised all sections

Carl Ungvarsky

July 11 2017 1.5 Minor revisions throughout

Chris Bowman

July 20 2017 1.6 Revisions throughout.

Updated Safety Info, Config, Self-Check, FW Update, Troubleshooting.

Carl Ungvarsky

COMPANY INFORMATION


Company Information

EASE Diagnostics

187 Commerce Drive

Scott Township, PA 18447

Tel 570-587-7080

Fax 570-587-7081

www.obd2.com

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