To help automotive technicians diagnose drivability issues, performance, no-code and emissions verification issues, Ansed Diagnostic Solutions has introduced 4-gas and 5-gas gas analyzers packaged with Ansed’s proprietary expert emissions advisor software. Attendees at the recent Integrated Supply Network (ISN) Tool Dealer Expo in Orlando, Fla. got to learn more about the capabilities of the gas analyzers, supporting software program and other Ansed products during a training session by Todd Haner, national sales manager, and Barry Gersten, a product specialist.
Haner noted at the outset that a team of Ansed automotive industry diagnostic specialists realized there was need for exhaust analysis in any diagnostic shop. OBII diagnostics through a scan tool is not the “fix all” for all of the drivability, performance, no-code and emissions related problems, Haner noted. Diagnostic codes are not always set and if they necessarily lead directly to a faulty component. The Ansed team also realized there is a high percentage of technicians who don’t have access to or have working knowledge of how to work with and interpret gas readings.
Ansed teamed up with U.K.-based Kane International to provide 4- and 5-gas analyzers for their kits. Ansed then developed its proprietary Expert Emissions Advisor software to interpret the gas analyzer readings.
A technician with limited gas analysis experience can now economically perform exhaust gas analysis and diagnose the readings provided, Haner said. The Expert Emissions Advisor Software provides a top-down list, in order of probability, suggested repairs and/or additional diagnostic tests to remedy the problem.
The analyzer/software kit identifies problems in the engine, fuel and ignition systems, emissions controls, catalytic converter and exhaust system – even problems not yet severe enough to set a trouble code, Haner said. “We’re checking the end result of the whole combustion/emissions control process,” Haner said. “Oftentimes, a technician doesn’t know if the problem is mechanical, ignition or a fuel issue."
“It (the problem) is so subtle, they don’t know,” Gersten added. “The gas analyzer will see it. We can eliminate a lot of the frustrations with a gas analyzer and the diagnostic software.”
One example of the benefits of the Ansed program is catalytic converter performance diagnosis, Haner said. Before replacing a catalytic converter, a technician can verify converter operation using a 4- or 5-gas analyzer. First, the technician can verify there are no codes present, address known codes. Second, they can verify LAMBDA readings are within specifications. If LAMBDA is out of range, they can use the Expert Emissions Advisor Software to diagnose exhaust gas readings for potential issues. They can then make sure the converter is “lighting off” by monitoring the exhaust gas readings.
The technician can also use an IR Thermometer to measure inlet and outlet temperatures on most converters, Haner said. The Ansed Expert Emissions Software will provide a printed pre- and post-test document of the Kane analyzer test results verifying problem areas and repairs where performed correctly.
Ansed diagnostic kits are easy to use, Haner said. The hand-held, completely portable and self-calibrating Kane gas analyzer operates off of an internal, rechargeable battery providing four to eight hours of operation or an 110v power/charger cable. Daily calibration is performed in approximately 70 seconds. No calibration gas is needed.
After the vehicle parameters are entered into the analyzer, the user inserts the exhaust probe into the vehicle’s tailpipe. Gas sample readings are displayed in seconds. The readings from the gas analyzer are then entered into the Ansed software loaded in a separate PC or laptop. The Expert Emissions Advisor software analyzes the test results providing a description of the suspected problems, recommended repair procedures or additional diagnostic tests.
Because the Kane analyzer is portable, a technician can perform NOx testing on a dyno in the shop or on a road test, Haner said. A dyno is not required to perform NOx testing with the Ansed kits expanding diagnostic opportunities and efficacies.
“It’s a user friendly tool a normal tech can use,” he said, noting it comes with an internal, rechargeable battery.
The Ansed diagnostic system does not replace the scan tool, Haner said. Instead, it enhances the scan tool by directing the user to the right path for the most accurate possible diagnosis. “We’re marketing the Ansed kit as a full service diagnostic tool,” he said.
Haner noted Ansed gas analyzers offer an alternative to larger, costlier infrared bench gas analyzers costing more to purchase and maintain. Because the the Ansed analyzer requires one fourteenth the amount of exhaust as the older analyzers, bench contamination and service requirements are greatly reduced, he said.
Because there is less exhaust to analyze, the Ansed unit requires less maintenance. Haner said the service agreement for the Ansed unit, which is not mandatory, is a fraction of the cost of the larger analyzers.
The Ansed diagnostic system offers a shop the following benefits: reduced service time, reduced comebacks, menu-driven programs, more service revenue, more customer satisfaction, and more satisfied customers. Haner said the system can pay for itself in 13 weeks if a shop gets three new job tickets a week, plus additional profit on related parts sales. “It’s not just a shop tool; it’s a technician’s tool as well,” he said. Because of the low cost of ownership and low maintenance costs, a technician or shop owner can afford to take advantage of the benefits of a gas analyzer, Haner said.
The Ansed analyzer kit includes:
- Kane 4- or 5-gas hand held analyzer
- 110V recharger /power supply and cord
- Exhaust probe with clamp
- Five extra filters
- Ansed Expert Emissions Advisor Software Card
- Hard plastic case
The Ansed kits are not certified for state required emissions testing requiring printed certificates, he said. “It’s a diagnostic tool that offers the same testing parameters as larger program testers," he said. The Ansed program can be used to identify emission issues and repairs before a vehicle is submitted for a state or required emissions test, he said.
The Ansed system also provides the following service opportunities:
- Checking for head gasket leaks
- Testing catalytic converter operation
- Locating fuel and EVAP systems
- Checking engine mechanical issues
- Checking for ignition issues
- Emissions verification testing
- Finding air leaks
- Checking fuel system efficiency
- Servicing power sports vehicles
He also presented the new Ansed Hyperion Video Scope the company introduced at the ISN show. The video scope is a companion tool when used with the gas analyzer kit.
Haner said there will be a diagnostic/catalytic efficiency training video coming soon to support the Ansed gas analyzer programs.
Information provided by: Ansed Diagnostic Solutions
