Operating the Autel MD802
I have bought a new Autel MD802 diagnostic tool/ scanner and have registered and updated it with the manufacturer, selecting Nissan as the free programme of choice for my 2005 Almera. I am able to scan for the Engine Smart entry system and the airbag, but not the ABS.
I emailed customer support in China and received this reply: “If other systems on the car can be supported by the tool but ABS cannot be connected, the protocol of ABS may not be supported by the tool, sorry!“I subsequently emailed US customer support with the same query and received a prompt response asking for the tool’s serial number and if it had been registered and updated, which I supplied. I have not heard anything else.
How likely is it that the explanation from China is correct? I would have thought the protocol for ABS would have been routine. I have tried to use the Autel community forum to answer my question but have not received a response. Robert Gordon
Having just looked at the Autel website, on the MD802 page it states: “Please note there are limited service functions with this tool – its focus is diagnosis of fault codes. For full service functions please see the MD808PRO UK Edition or MX808TSC EU Service tools.” This is basically saying that the tool will be fully functioning in the job of diagnosing engine fault codes, but it is not tailored towards airbag, ABS or other systems.
The European on-board diagnostics standards are only enforced with regard to engine codes and manufacturers use different protocol on ABS systems. Unfortunately, it would appear that the Autel MD802 may not be capable of reading the Nissan protocol for ABS as used on your Almera.
If you were sold the tool on the basis that it would cover the ABS systems on your vehicle, then the retailer has misinformed you and you should be able to return the item if you wish under the Sale of Goods Act 1979, Chapter 54, section 2B, which states: “For the purposes of this Act, the quality of goods includes their state and condition and the following (among others) are in appropriate cases aspects of the quality of goods — (a) fitness for all the purposes for which goods of the kind in question are commonly supplied.” Thus, if the tool was supplied for the purpose of reading the ABS systems, it is not fit for purpose.