Chapter 1: Introduction

The MT2500 Scanner provides vehicle-specific engine, transmission, antilock brake system (ABS) and airbag trouble codes, selected functional tests, and troubleshooting information for various vehicles. This manual contains instructions to familiarize you with the MT2500 Scanner and guide you through vehicle identification (ID) and system test menus. For detailed testing procedures, refer to the appropriate Vehicle Communication Software Manual. Some of the illustrations shown may contain modules and optional equipment that are not included on your system. Contact a Snap-on Sales Representative for availability of other modules and optional equipment. This guide is divided in to the following chapters: This chapter provides an overview of Scanner controls and accessories. Chapter 2: Scanner Operations takes you through basic Scanner operations from turning it on to selecting a test from a Main Menu screen. Appendix A: Printer and Remote Terminal Setup lists compatible printers and remote devices, as well as how to set them up appropriately. Appendix B: Troubleshooting offers advice for troubleshooting Scannertovehicle communication and other issues. Appendix C: Adapters & Accessories lists all the external components necessary for Scanner testing. Appendix D: Terms and Acronyms defines the common terms and acronyms used in this manual.

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Conventions
This manual uses the conventions described below.

Bold Text
Bold text is used for emphasis and to highlight selectable items such as buttons and menu options.

Terms
Certain terms are used to command specific actions throughout this manual. Those terms are described below.

Select
The term select means to scroll to a menu item with the Thumbwheel and press the Y button to confirm the selection. For example: 1. Select FUNCTIONAL TESTS. This step in a procedure means to scroll to the FUNCTIONAL TESTS menu option and press the Y button.

Scroll
The term scroll means to move the cursor or change data by turning the Thumbwheel.

Notes and Safety Messages

The following messages appear throughout this manual.

Notes
A NOTE provides helpful information such as additional explanations, tips, and comments. Example: NOTE: For additional information refer to...

Conventions

Important
IMPORTANT indicates a situation which, if not avoided, may result in damage to the test equipment or vehicle. Example: IMPORTANT: Never install vehicle communication software cartridges in both slots. This can cause damage to the software cartridges.

Cautions
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in moderate or minor injury to the operator or to bystanders. Example: CAUTION: Do not use the unit to perform tests on household or industrial sources

Warnings
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury to the operator or to bystanders. Example: WARNING: Do not allow cable to hang in a manner to become entangled with operator or driving controls.

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Controls and Indicators

F G E H A

B C

Figure 1. Scanner controls and indicators

AThumbwheel BYes button CNo button DQuick ID button E LEDs

F Backlit display GData port HCommunication port I Software cartridges (installed)

The Thumbwheel is used to scroll through operating menus and data displays. As the Thumbwheel is turned, the cursor arrow (>) also moves to indicate the current position, or the list will scroll while the cursor remains fixed. The Yes (Y) button allows you to perform the following: Select a menu entry Advance through test routines Choose Yes when a Yes or No choice is given The No (N) button allows you to do the following: Reverse a step or exit from any menu or program Return to the previous menu or an Exit menu Abort a program in process

Controls and Indicators

Choose No when a Yes or No choice is given Turn the display backlight on and off when the Scanner is powered by the Power Pac. The Quick ID button is used to apply power to the Scanner from the internal battery when the Scanner is not yet connected to a vehicle. The Quick ID button is useful for checking the current software version and for checking the type and location of the vehicle connector required for Scanner communication. All four LED indicators flash briefly for a lamp check when you connect to vehicle power. They do not light when you press the Quick ID button. See LED Menu on page 32 for a detailed explanation of LED functionality. The backlight is always on when the Scanner is connected to vehicle power. When the Scanner is powered by the Power Pac, you can turn the backlight on and off by pressing and holding the N button for four seconds. Refer to Backlight Control on page 34 for more information. Two connectors, a data port and a communication port are located along the top of the Scanner for attaching cables. See Cables on page 7 for more information. The Scanner has a tone indicator (beeper) to signal certain operations and conditions. There are two short beeps when the Scanner connects to vehicle power, and one short beep whenever the Y or the N button is pressed. NOTE: When 9600 baud rate is selected from the Custom Setup menu, there will be no beeper. See Communication SetupBaud Rate Setting on page 33 for instructions on setting the baud rate. The Scanner uses a four-line, text-only display (Figure 2).

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Figure 2. Sample Scanner screen

Internal Battery
A 9-volt, alkaline battery is required for proper Scanner operation. Standard or heavy-duty 9-volt batteries do not provide enough power. For longer battery life, install a lithium 9-volt battery. The Scanner battery supplies power to hold the last vehicle ID entered and any movie data as well as any Custom Setup selections. To install the battery: 1. Grasp the left handgrip and carefully pull it outward and backward off of the Scanner body (Figure 3). Do not remove the metal bail from the handgrip.

Figure 3. Scanner battery location

2. Remove and disconnect the old battery, if installed. 3. Install the new battery to the connector and insert the battery into the Scanner body. Be sure the connector wires are not pinched. 4. Reinstall the handgrip.

Software Cartridges

Software Cartridges
Two types of software cartridges are available for your Scanner: Vehicle communication software cartridges contain tests and instructions for testing vehicle control systems. Troubleshooter software cartridges are optional and contain troubleshooting tips for common vehicle problems.

Cables
A data cable connects to Interchangeable test adapters for connecting the Scanner to the diagnostic connectors of the test vehicle. The other end of the cable attaches to the Scanner data port (Figure 4). Captive screws secure both data cable ends. An optional data cable extension is also available (see page 49).

Figure 4. Data cable and optional communication cable

AData cable BOptional communication cable

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An optional communication cable attaches to the connector on the top right of the Scanner (Figure 4) and is used to connect the Scanner to different printers and display terminals. See page 46 for information on this connector. Two auxiliary power cables are also available for vehicles without battery power on the diagnostic connector: the lighter power cable (Figure 5) and the battery power cable (Figure 6). One end of the cable plugs into the test adapter and the opposite end connects to the positive battery terminal or plugs into the cigarette lighter. Power cables attach to the test adapter only.

Figure 5. MT2500-100 Lighter Power Cable

Figure 6. MT2500-200 Battery Power Cable

Power Pac
On OBD-I systems, the optional MT2500-600 Power Pac can be used instead of the power cables. The Power Pac installs in the data cable connector. NOTE: On OBD-II systems, the Power Pac is not necessary because the Scanner receives power through the diagnostic connector.