Magazine for the auto service professional
Issue link: http://asp.epubxp.com/i/780462
27 | ASP February 2017 Circle 110 on Reader Service Card Technical Mode $01 again to make sure the catalytic monitor is ready and run to completion, then off to Mode $06 to look at the catalytic test data. In this case I am able to compare bank 1 with bank 2. Mode $06 data tells me that bank 1 failed badly, while bank 2 is well within specs. Before I leave the Mode $06 area, I look over all the other test data to make sure nothing is close to failing (O2 values) just in case some- thing is just on the borderline. At this stage I have pretty much decided that I am going to be looking at a converter, but I go to Mode $07 first and see if any other codes are pending. From here I will check and see if there is any Mode $0A codes other than the P0420 that may have been cleared recently. If misfire, thermostat or O2 codes are still stored, they could be clues as to why the P0420 is setting. In an example case, there were no issues and only the P0420 is set. e last step is to look at Mode $09 and see if the vehicle has had any issues running this test, and it hadn't, in fact the test had run over 1,500 times. I have made my decision: It needs a new converter. Most techs are already using several OBD-II modes, but in many cases techs are quite unaware of all the information that is available. Using as many of the 10 OBD-II modes as possible can help in diagnostics, verifying a repair successfully and accomplishing that repair without the use of a factory scan tool. ■ Jeff Taylor boasts a 31-year career in the automotive industry with Eccles Auto Service in Dundas, Ontario, as a fully licensed profes- sional lead technician. While continuing to be "on the bench" every day, Jeff is also heavily involved in government focus groups, serves as an accom- plished technical writer and has competed in international diagnostic competitions as well as providing his expertise as an automotive technical instructor for a major aftermarket parts retailer.