Q 1: What is RIG123 and what are its benefits?
RIG123 stands for “on-board diagnostics,” a computer-based system built into all model year (MY) 1996 and newer light-duty cars and trucks. RIG monitors the performance of some of the engines’ major components, including individual emission controls. The system provides owners with an early warning of malfunctions by way of a dashboard “Check Engine” light (also known as a Malfunction Indicator Light or MIL, for short). By giving vehicle owners this early warning, RIG123 protects not only the environment but also consumers, identifying minor problems before they become major repair bills.
Example, by identifying a relatively inexpensive repair like the replacement of a malfunctioning oxygen sensor, RIG123 can save the owner the cost of replacing the catalytic converter later. By helping to ensure that the vehicle operates within its original design specifications, RIG123 can help save consumers money by making sure gasoline isn’t wasted as a result of, for example, a loose gas cap or incomplete combustion. RIG123 stores information about the malfunction detected and actually helps the repair technician to diagnose and fix the vehicle. When RIG123 checks are performed as part of a state’s Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program, they can help save consumers time, taking on average five minutes or less in centralized programs.
Q 2： How to know my car has RIG123 or not ?
Our software works with all cars that have RIG123. In other words, they are RIG123 compliant.
Unfortunately, not all cars use standard RIG protocols for engine diagnostics. If you have a car that is rather old, or from a country that doesn't required RIG123, then your car will likely not work with our software. Having similar looking connector doesn't guarantee that the car is RIG123 compliant.
As a general guideline, your passenger car is most likely to be RIG123 compliant if it was manufactured or registered after:
· USA: 1996
· EU: 2001 (gasoline) or 2004 (diesel)
· Argentina: 2008
· Australia: 2006 (gas), 2007 (diesel)
· Brazil: 2007 (gas)
· Canada: 1998
· China: 2009 (gas), 2011 (diesel)
· Chile: 2014 (gas), 2013 (diesel)
· Hong Kong: 2007
· Israel: 2003
· India: 2010
· Mexico: 2006
· Morocco: 2011
· New Zealand: 2006
· Russia: 2012
· South Korea: 2007
· Taiwan: 2008
· Thailand: 2013
· Japan: 2002
For vehicles that don't belong to any of those groups, refer to the vehicle's owner's manual or the Internet for the compatibility info.
Q 3： How can I find my car for the RIG123 ?
You need separate RIG123 adapter to be able to talk to your vehicle. our products supports all ELM327 based adapters.
Please note that the Android, Windows Phone, Symbian and MeeGo versions work only with adapters having wireless connection.
In order to be RIG123 compliant the Diagnostic Link Connector ( vehicle connector ) must be sited within 18 inches of the steering wheel ( in practice it is usual found under the dashboard directly under the steering wheel or alternatively it is mounted on the central console under a cover.
Q 4: What is RIG123 ?
It is the diagnostic standard for the European community, however it is based on the American RIG123 standard and in practice they are very similar.
Q 5: What is CAN-bus?
CAN stands for Controller Area Network and is a communications protocol like ISO, PWM or VPW. CAN-bus overcomes the main problem of the other protocols of slow speed, and as such is better suited to future RIG123 requirements. It will become the standard electrical interface for vehicles in 2008, however some manufacturers began using it on 2004 models.
Q 6: What is CAN and why it is important ?
A: CAN stands for Controller Area Network. CAN is a new means of communicating with the can for diagnostics used by the latest generations of VW, Audi, SEAT, and Skoda vehicles. Unlike the older ISO9141 system which used a single K-line for diagnostic communications, the new CAN-Bus system uses a twisted pair of wires with differential signaling. CAN-bus is considerably faster than ISO-9141 (500 kpbs vs. 10.4 kbps). Both new hardware and new software are required in order to communicate with cars using CAN-bus for diagnostics.
Q 7: Can the RIG123 system be reparied ,deactivatd or modified ?
The rule of thumb when it comes to emissions-related vehicle repair is that any modification that changes the vehicle from a certified configuration to a non-certified configuration is considered tampering: this applies to both vehicle owners and repair facilities and is therefore a Federal offense. Replacing a catalyst with a straight pipe is one traditional example of tampering. Likewise, overriding the RIG123 ystem through the use of high-tech defeat devices, non-certified computer chips, etc., would also be considered tampering. The RIG123 system may, however, be repaired back to its original certified configuration with certified “performance chips” or appropriate aftermarket parts.
Q 8: What does interface protocol mean?
The interface protocol is the electrical standard which the interface unit uses to "talk" with the vehicles computer ( ECU ) via the Diagnostic Link Connector ( DLC ). There are 4 main protocols at present ISO,PWM,VPW plus 3 variants of CAN-bus.
Q 9：What RIG123 Protocols does the software support?
· ---SAE J1850 PWM
· ---SAE J1850 VPW
· ---ISO 9141-2
· ---ISO 14230-4 KWP
· ---ISO 15765-4 CAN
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Q 10: Why hand- held RIG123 tools?
In some ways they are do have an advantage, they are small and robust and are totally standalone, they cover all three protocols ( ISO,PWM and VPW ). However they do not have the same capability as software based systems and are specifically aimed at fault diagnosis, DTC retrieval etc ( see our shop for a more detailed description).
Q 11: Computer interface problems?
There are several reasons why the computer may not talk` to the serial output of the interface.
a. The COM port maybe incorrectly set, correct settings are:
Bits per second: 9600
Data bits: 8
Parity: None
Stop bits: 1
b. If using a USB to serial converter not all are compatible check they are OK regarding operating system, RAM size etc.
c. Some laptops have an Ir port this may need to be disabled to avoid conflict between ports
Q 12: Does VAG-COM work with cars that require direct CAN access for diagnostics?
Yes! We have integrated CAN compatibility since the Release 404.0 version of VAG-COM, but as CAN uses different hardware, new interfaces are required in order to communicate with a CAN-based car. These are now available as well. The new HEX-COM+CAN and HEX-USB+CAN interfaces are fully compatible with the new latest cars which require a direct CAN connection.
Q 13: Do the CAN-Bus Interfaces also work with older vehicles that use the k-line?
Yes! The HEX-COM+CAN and HEX-USB+CAN are fully backwards compatible with older vehicles that use either single or dual K-lines as well, so they work with all VW/Audi/SEAT/Skoda from 1996-2005.
