FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about VehicleMRI
What Do I Need To Get Started with VehicleMRI?
Windows PC
- Windows desktop, laptop or tablet PC
- Windows: XP SP3, Vista or 7
Internet Access
- Speed: High Speed
- Web Browser: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome
- Java: Java 1.6+ must be installed and enabled in your web browser
- Email Account
Supported Vehicle Interface
- EASE EVI-6000
- EASE WVI-5000 *
- EASE UVI-J2534-1 *
- EASE WVI-CAN-USB *
- EASE URI-J2534 *
- EASE WVI-12-CAN * (wireless mode only)
- DrewTech CarDAQ-Plus, CarDAQ-M *
- Snap-on Pass Thru Pro II *
- Bosch Flasher Pro, Flasher LT *
- Bluestreak iFlash (Global Programmer)
- Other J2534 compatible vehicle interfaces *
* These interfaces are unable to support all VehicleMRI features. +more info
Subscription to VehicleMRI website
What Vehicles Does VehicleMRI Work On?
VehicleMRI works on ALL 1996 to 2013 Domestic, Asian, and European Light and Medium Duty Vehicles that are sold in the USA (OBD2 compliant), including
- Acura
- Audi
- BMW
- Buick
- Cadillac
- Chevrolet
- Chrysler
- Daewoo
- Dodge
- Eagle
- Fiat
- Ford
- GEO
- GM
- GMC
- Honda
- Hummer
- Hyundai
- Infiniti
- Isuzu
- Jaguar
- Jeep
- Kia
- Land Rover
- Lexus
- Lincoln
- Maserati
- Mazda
- Mercedes-Benz
- Mercury
- Mini
- Mitsubishi
- Nissan
- Oldsmobile
- Plymouth
- Pontiac
- Porsche
- Ram
- Saab
- Saturn
- Scion
- Smart
- Subaru
- Suzuki
- Toyota
- Volkswagen
- Volvo
Does VehicleMRI retrieve and analyze more than just Generic OBD2 data?
Yes, VehicleMRI does use Generic OBD2 data on all vehicles but also analyzes enhanced data on many car computers such as Engine, Transmissions, ABS, Airbag, Body, etc. Once you select the vehicle to be tested, if you see a MRI test description with a (+) after it, this means that enhanced data is available.
Will VehicleMRI work on pre-OBD2 vehicles?
No, VehicleMRI currently only supports USA OBD2 compliant vehicles. If you have a specific request, please contact us.
Will VehicleMRI work on Heavy Duty Vehicles?
No, VehicleMRI currently only supports USA OBD2 compliant vehicles ( light and medium duty). If you have a specific request, please contact us.
Will VehicleMRI work on International EOBD and JOBD compliant vehicles?
No, although they may be similar to USA OBD2 compliance, OBD legislation varies by country and VehicleMRI has not currently been tested for these. If you have a specific request, please contact us.
What is the difference between VehicleMRI and VehicleMRI+?
Once you select the vehicle to be tested, if you see a MRI test description with a (+) after it, this means that enhanced Data (such as Engine, Transmissions, ABS, Airbag, Body, etc). is included in the test. If a (+) is not present, only Generic data will be analyzed.
How Long Does An MRI Inspection Take?
Inspection times vary by vehicle, test type, and data collected and analyzed.
- Typical KOEO: under 1 minute
- Typical KOEO+: under 2 minutes
- Typical KOER: 3-4 minutes
- Typical KOER+ : 5-6 minutes
- Typical Complete: 3-5 minutes
- Typical Complete+: 4-8 minutes
|
Test Type |
Vehicle |
# tests |
Time |
|
QuikDTC |
04 Chevy Express 2500, 6.0L |
1 |
00:03 |
|
QuikDTC+ |
04 Chevy Express 2500, 6.0L |
61 |
00:22 |
|
VehicleMRI KOEO |
04 Chevy Express 2500, 6.0L |
93 |
00:26 |
|
VehicleMRI KOER |
04 Chevy Express 2500, 6.0L |
191 |
02:53 |
|
VehicleMRI Complete |
04 Chevy Express 2500, 6.0L |
237 |
03:27 |
|
VehicleMRI KOEO |
2007 Jeep Wrangler 3.8L |
119 |
00:31 |
|
VehicleMRI KOER |
2007 Jeep Wrangler 3.8L |
252 |
03:57 |
|
VehicleMRI Complete |
2007 Jeep Wrangler 3.8L |
314 |
04:20 |
How Much Does It Cost?
A better question to ask is how much can I make or save?
We have several options for users and if one of the standard subscriptions does not fit your needs, we can customize one that does.
Some may opt for a known fixed 30 day cost for fixed number of reports while others may opt for a lower subscription fee and then pay subscribers pay an additional monthly report fee based on their usage (like a cell phone company does with minutes/texts).
A 30 day subscription to the VehicleMRI website is only $9.95. At the end of each month, you will be charged for every report that you successfully ran. The price per report varies by report type and ranges from $1.24 - $9.95 each with quantity price breaks. Other subscriptions range from $25 to $250 based on usage. See the Price Sheet for more details.
You must also purchase a vehicle interface, if you do not have one. EASE Vehicle Interface Kits range from $597 for cabled and $747 for wireless quantity 1; you can also use a supported J2534 compliant interface
How Does It Work?
VehicleMRI is easy to setup and within minutes it can perform hundred of tests/checks on a vehicle. Here are the steps involved in a Vehicle MRI inspection.
- Log into VehicleMRI website
- Select your vehicle to test
- Select which inspection to run
- Connect interface to vehicle's OBD connector
- Either turn key on or start vehicle
- Start the inspection
- Data is collected and analyzed from vehicle
- Results Report is generated and displayed
- Report is stored on server
Who should use VehicleMRI?
VehicleMRI can be used by
- automotive repair shops for diagnostic assistance
- car dealers to put customers at ease with their purchase
- auto auction buyers to quickly evaluate a vehicle before bidding
- fleet administrators for an accurate diagnostic assessment of their fleet
- any vehicle owner that wants to checkout their vehicle at home.
What systems does VehicleMRI test and what data is collected and analyzed?
The VehicleMRI database consists of thousands of test and data parameters. All tests are not supported by all vehicles and are dependent upon the vehicle being tested. Once the desired inspection test and vehicle to be inspected are known, VehicleMRI will automatically select the correct items to test for you. Here is a sampling of some of the systems and data items that VehicleMRI will collect and analyze.
Vehicle Information
- VIN
- CALID(s)
- ECU Name(s)
- Ignition Cycle Counter
- EVAP Completion Data
MIL, DTC, IM
- Stored, Pending, Permanent DTCs
- Critical DTCs
- Gas Cap Codes
- EVAP DTCs
- Misfire
- Mode 6
- Emissions Readiness
- IM, Continuous Monitoring Tests
- IM, Non-Continuing Monitoring Tests
Dash Lights
- Check Engine Light / MIL
- ABS Light
- Airbag Lamp
- Change Oil Lamp
- Low Fuel Lamp
- Oil Level Lamp
- Check Gauges Lamp
- Traction Control Lamp
Misfire, Injectors
- Engine Misfire
- Misfire Count, History, Current
- Fuel Injector Circuits/Faults
Transmission
- Shift Solenoids
- Shift Times, Shift Errors
- Transmission Oil Life
- Torque Converter Clutch
- TAP Cells
ABS, Airbag
- Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
- Air Bag Systems; Driver, Passenger, Side
- Occupant Detection Systems
- Wheel Speed Sensor Values
Battery
- Battery Voltage
- Control Module Voltage
- Lowest Voltage During Cranking
- Highest Voltage During Test
- Battery w/Load Analysis; KOEO and Running
Misc Sensors
- Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor (MAP)
- Engine Vacuum, Leak Detection
- Baro Sensor
- Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF)
- Engine Speed, RPM
- Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS)
- Ignition Timing
- Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve (EGR) System
- Oil Life, Oil Pressure, Level
- Idle Air Control System
- Turbocharger and Supercharger System
Oxygen Sensors
- O2 Locations
- O2 Configuration
- Loop Status
- O2 Sensor Voltages
- O2 Bank Balance
- In addition to the standard analysis parameters; Cross Count, Lean to Rich switch time, and Rich to Lean switch time
- Wide Range O2 Voltage and Current
- Equivalence Ratio
EVAP
- EVAP System Vapor Pressure
- Commanded EVAP Purge
Temperatures
- Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECT)
- Intake Air Temperature Sensor (IAT)
- Ambient Air Temp
- CAT Temps
- Engine Oil Temp
- Time to Warm Up
Fuel/Pressure & Rates
- Fuel Rail Pressure
- Fuel Type
- Fuel Level
- Fuel Sending Unit System
- Fuel Injection Timing
- Engine Fuel Rate
Fuel Trim
- Short and Long Term Fuel Trim
- Fuel Metering System
Load/Torque
- Calculated Load, Absolute Load
- Actual Engine % torque
Throttle/Accelerator
- Absolute, Relative and Commanded Throttle Position Sensors
- Full Throttle/APP Test
- Throttle/APP Cutout Test
What is the difference between MRI Inspection Tests ending in: KOEO, KOER and Complete?
These designations refer to the conditions under which the test is run:
KOEO stands for Key On, Engine Off (not running); meaning a pre-requisite for this test is that the Ignition Key must be ON and the engine is Off, not running.
KOER stands for Key On, Engine Running; meaning a pre-requisite for this test are that the Ignition Key must be ON and the engine is running
Complete means both the KOEO tests and KOER tests will be performed. The test will start with KOEO and then the user will be instructed to start the engine so KOER tests can be performed.
What are the different MRI Inspections and what do they do?
Currently, the following MRI Inspection tests are available. There are more being worked on. If you have a suggestion for a new test or a revision to a current one, please contact us.
VehicleMRI – Performs a complete group of tests and shows all test results regardless of passage or failure
DiagnosticMRI – Displays only the items on the vehicle that have failed their respective tests.
FleetMRI – Tailored more for Fleets or multi locations. Allows for faster analysis by removing prompts for the operator to depress the accelerator pedal and test battery and alternator under load
InsuranceMRI – Provides vital information to ensure a vehicles computer systems are returned to their pre-crash condition.
AuctionMRI – Allows for a fast analysis of a vehicle at auction, prior to purchase.
CarMRI – A VehicleMRI test tailored for consumers to use when purchasing a vehicle or checking their own
Quik DTC – Retrieves DTCs and related info
What do the test result types mean?
PASS: the test value was within the acceptable range or value
FAIL: the test was outside the acceptable range or value
COND PASS: the test passed conditionally, meaning the test was slightly out of range, but not quite good enough to pass, further investigation or diagnostic tests are required.
COND FAIL: the test failed conditionally, meaning the test was slightly out of range, but not quite bad enough to fail, or not enough information is known to fail it for certain, further investigation or diagnostic tests are required.
NOT SUPPORTED: the test item is not supported by the vehicle or interface
NOT GRADED: data was collected for the test item, but no determination was made
N/A: the test item was not defined in the procedure being run
UNDETERMINED: The value/result of the test item could not be determined, either not enough information was known, information was missing or test item was skipped.
CRITICAL FAIL: The test was outside the acceptable range or value and is of higher importance than a normal FAIL Condition. There are three categories: A parameter is at a critical value, a CALID was identified as needing an update, or a DTC was identified as high importance
My fleet already has vehicle interfaces; can we use the ones we have?
VehicleMRI currently supports EASE Diagnostics vehicle interfaces and compatible J2534 vehicle interfaces. If it is a non-compatible J2534 vehicle interface and it has an API available, there is a possibility it can be used with some software changes. Please contact us with your request and our engineering team will evaluate it.
What vehicle interfaces can I use with VehicleMRI?
VehicleMRI currently supports many EASE Diagnostics Vehicle interfaces and compatible J2534 vehicle interfaces.
Supported Vehicle Interfaces
- EASE EVI-6000
- EASE WVI-5000 *
- EASE UVI-J2534-1 *
- EASE WVI-CAN-USB *
- EASE URI-J2534 *
- EASE WVI-12-CAN * (wireless only - serial/cabled communications not supported)
- And other J2534 compatible vehicle interfaces *
* These interfaces are unable to support all VehicleMRI features. +more info
I currently have a J2534 vehicle interface / programmer, can I use it with VehicleMRI? ?
More than likely…YES. VehicleMRI was designed to work with J2534 compatible interfaces; however, manufacturers of these devices may sometimes modify their devices to restrict use of software other than their own.
Compatible J2534 Vehicle Interfaces *
- EASE URI-J2534
- DrewTech CarDAQ-Plus, CarDAQ-M
- Snap-on Pass Thru Pro II
- Bosch Flasher Pro, Flasher LT
- Bluestreak iFlash (Global Programmer)
- Other J2534 compatible vehicle interfaces
* These interfaces are unable to support all VehicleMRI features. +more info
Non Compatible J2534 Vehicle Interfaces
- Cardone Flash2 All-Makes Reprogrammer
Do all supported vehicle interfaces provide the same test results?
No. it depends on the manufacturer of the device and what protocols are supported by the vehicle interface.
The EASE EVI-6000 is currently the only interface that supports all VehicleMRI functionality.
For example:
The EASE EVI-5000, WVI-CAN-USB, UVI-J2534-1, support all functionality except the Lowest and Highest battery voltage occurred during the test.
If you have a question regarding your interface, please contact technical support.
Can I use VehicleMRI to turn OFF the CHECK ENGINE LIGHT?
Yes, however, turning off the check engine light also clears other important diagnostic information that is used by technicians to assist them in diagnosing the vehicles problem. This information is also used by many states that have emissions inspections. If the tool is used to turn off the Check Engine Light, the vehicle will have to be driven to get it ready for an emissions test. Turing off the check engine light will not cause the issue that caused the light to come on to go away. You should only turn off the check engine light if it is your own car or you are a trained automotive technician.
What car computers and data does VehicleMRI test?
VehicleMRI will test the Powertrain Controller for Generic Data and DTCs on all OBD2 Compliant vehicles 1996 to present.
VehicleMRI will scan for Enhanced DTCs for all controllers on supported DLC pins and protocols for supported car manufacturers. The number and type of car computers you have access to depend on; the MRI Inspection selected, the vehicle (year, make, model, engine, options) you are connecting to and the protocols supported by the vehicle interface you are using.
VehicleMRI will also collect and analyze Enhanced Data for all controllers that have a test supported by the selected MRI inspection.
Currently Supported (DEC 2012)
Generic Data Parameter Support:
- Generic list of supported parameters ( coming soon)
Enhanced data support is divided into two parts:
Enhanced DTC Scan
(where all the controllers are scanned even those on different DLC pins and protocols)
- General Motors Vehicles
- Ford, Lincoln, Mercury
- Toyota, Lexus, Scion
- Nissan, Infiniti; except those vehicles & Controllers with DDL1 protocol (primarily early years)
Enhanced Data Parameters
(which consists of key parameters from various controllers such as Engine, Transmission, ABS, Air Bag, Body, etc.)
- Enhanced Data Parameter Support:
- General Motors - list of supported parameters ( coming soon)
- Ford, Lincoln, Mercury - list of supported parameters (coming soon)
- Toyota, Lexus, Scion - list of supported parameters ( coming soon)
- Many more to come shortly… keep checking back
For GM, Ford, Toyota and Nissan vehicles, you will see Inspection options, such as VehicleMRI + come up for these vehicles.