The Vehicle Networks -> Snapshot tool provides a fast and easy way for GMLAN users to read and write DIDs, read and clear fault codes, and use CPIDs for ECU device control.  If more advanced diagnostic actions are required then please refer to the Diagnostics Setup screen.

The Snapshot tool uses four different views (Figure 1: ) to perform so many different tasks.  A database platform and an ECU can be selected at location Figure 1: .  Use the Save button (Figure 1: ) to open a dialog to save results to a file.

Figure 1: The Snapshot Vehicle view.

Vehicle View

The Vehicle view can read all fault codes and DIDs from all GMLAN ECUs across all networks with one mouse click!  Just click the Refresh button (Figure 1: ) and sit back and let Vehicle Spy do all the work.  The status line (Figure 1: ) will keep you informed of the progress.  Once completed, the Vehicle VIN will be decoded and displayed just below the status line.  The Vehicle ECU Summary area (Figure 1: ) will show all of the collected data.  The collected data is decoded using the database platform and DTC database.  Click the +/- buttons in the tree to expand and contract the branches to see more or less detail.

Codes View

The Codes view (Figure 2) can read and clear fault codes by clicking the Get Codes and Clear Codes buttons.  If Physically addressed then the code actions are applied only to the selected ECU.  If Functionally addressed then the code actions are applied to all ECUs on the same network as the selected ECU.  Results are displayed on the status line and in the large tree area below the status line similar to the Vehicle view.

Figure 2: The Snapshot Codes view.

DIDs and CPIDs Views

The DIDs view (Figure 3) can read and write data for any DIDs defined on the ECUs screen.  This includes reading Standard DIDs and even writing them if they are unlocked.  To read a DID, just click on it in the Available Items list on the left side.  Vehicle Spy will automatically go online, request the DID from the selected ECU, and display the values in the Signal/Value table on the right.  To write data to a DID, read the DID first, change the signal values in the table, then click the Update DID button.  Reading and writing DIDs couldn't be easier!

Figure 3: The Snapshot DIDs view.

The CPIDs view looks and operates the same way as the DIDs view.  To set a CPID value, click the CPID in the list on the left, change its value in the table on the right, and click the Update CPID button.  Note: The CPID control will be sent once without any test tool present messages.  This means the ECU device control will timeout on its own (approx 5s) if the Update CPID button is not pressed frequently to maintain the device control. 

Vehicle Spy Documentation - (C) Copyright 1997-2011 Intrepid Control Systems, Inc.

Last Update: Monday, November 24, 2008