Diagnostic Tool Setup and Functionality

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 32 other vehicles, including the 2005 Mercury Sable, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer, 2005 Mercury Monterey, 2005 Mercury Montego, and 2005 Mercury Mariner. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The diagnostic tool must be connected to the data link connector (DLC) for communication with the vehicle.

The DLC is located in the passenger compartment. It is attached to the instrument panel and accessible from the driver seat.

The DLC is rectangular in design and capable of accommodating up to 16 terminals. The connector has keying features to allow easy connection. The DLC connector and the diagnostic tool connector have latching features that make sure the diagnostic tool connector will remain mated when properly connected.

The required diagnostic tool functions are described below:

Monitor, record, and playback of PIDs
Freeze frame PID data
Diagnostic test modes; self-test, clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Output test mode
Resetting keep alive memory (KAM)
Diagnostic monitoring test results for on-board diagnostic (OBD) on-board monitors
On-board system readiness (OBD monitor completion status)

Some of these functions are described in this article. Refer to the diagnostic tool manufacturer's manual for specific information on diagnostic tool setup and operation.