The user is responsible for ensuring that programming is carried out correctly according to the requirements of the product owner or other authorized persons. This mechanic is also responsible for ensuring that the correct label is affixed to the engine control unit.
Note: The following applies only in those markets that have statutory speed limiting requirements. The programmer is responsible for ensuring that all programming is carried out correctly and that speed limiting complies with applicable statutory requirements. Certification from the relevant authorities is required to carry out road speed limit (RSL) programming.
Note: Electrical system VERSION2 does not require a direct connection to individual control units. Connection to the communication connector is used for all programming.
In Program you can select operations to program a product. The operations are sorted by function group to make them easier to find.
The Tech Tool user is responsible for ensuring that programming is carried out correctly according to the requirements of the product owner or other authorized persons. This mechanic is also responsible for ensuring that the correct label is affixed to the engine control unit.
Note: The following applies only in those markets that have statutory
speed limiting requirements.
The programmer is responsible for
ensuring that all programming is carried out correctly and that speed
limiting complies with applicable statutory requirements.
Certification
from the relevant authorities is required to carry out road speed
limit (RSL) programming.
Note: Electrical system VERSION2 does not require a direct connection to individual control units. Connection to the communication connector is used for all programming.
Parameter Programming make it possible to configure product functions such as road speed limit, cruise control definitions, windshield wiper timers and other existing functionality, depending on the connected product.
As soon as the operation is started, Tech Tool will begin to read out all the parameters from the connected product.
The result will only show the parameters that your user category is allowed to see.
To view detailed information about the parameter, click the icon in the Details column:
The following information is displayed:
Note: If current parameter value is in an inconsistent state, then ‘Inconsistent’ will be shown as the current value.
Search parameters by typing any character of the parameter you are in search of.
Note: If you have a filter set, the search will be applied to the filtered parameters only.
Note: The search will match the string anywhere in the parameter ID or name. For example, searching for ‘ALV’ will match P1ALV, but also any parameter that has ‘alv’ in the name, for example ‘valve’
Filter out parameters by Control Unit, Function Group, Parameter Type or Parameter State by selecting the available combo boxes.
This will list all of the connected product’s available control units.
Selecting a control unit will display only parameters of the selected control unit.
Note: A parameter can be present in more than one control unit.
This will list all of the connected product’s available function groups.
Note: If a function group is not listed this could be because there are no available parameters for that group in the product.
Selecting a function group will display only parameters of the selected function group.
This will list all of the parameter types that the user is allowed to see. The available parameter types are:
If you select a parameter type, only that parameter type will be displayed in the listing.
The following states exist:
Change a parameter value by clicking the value field in the row of the listing.
Following value types are available:
A complex parameter is composed of more than one value hence it can have many values of any type.
To change a complex parameter, click on ‘More>>’ in the value column of the parameter you wish to change. This will open a new window where changes to the various values can be made. Click OK to apply the changed values or Cancel to discard any changes made.
If changes have been made to one or more parameters that are chargeable, Tech Tool will display the commercial part number along with commercial conditions and request user acknowledgment in order to proceed.
Note: Enabling password protection is applicable only to selected markets.
If the product is protected by a password, then Tech Tool will request the correct password in order to apply the parameter changes to the product.
Before programming the values to the product, Tech Tool will display all the changed parameters with before and after values for user verification.
Click ‘Program’ to perform the parameter updates on the connected product.
If there are any invalid parameter values, they will be displayed in Tech Tool and the Invalid Parameters button will be enabled.
This button opens the Invalid Parameters window:
There are two types of invalid parameters:
Issues with invalid parameters in the Parameter Programming operation can occur for several different reasons, for example:
Issues cannot be caused directly by the user when updating parameters in the Parameter Programming operation.
In order to fix the invalid parameters, simply enter a valid value for either the inconsistent or the out of range parameters. Changes will take effect after programming the values.
Updating some or all parameters will not be allowed in certain situations:
All control units must have the same Chassis ID. In cases where the Chassis ID of one control unit does not match the others there will be a Chassis ID divergence. If there is any Chassis ID divergence, no parameter is allowed to be changed.
Verify the Chassis ID divergence information in the Product Status section on Tech Tool’s initial page.
Software mismatch happen when the software part number readout from the product does not match the software part number stored in Central Systems.
Verify the control unit status by accessing the Control Unit Information in the Product Status section on Tech Tool’s initial page.
Run Program control unit operation to update the control unit with latest software.
Control unit hardware mismatch happen when the hardware part number readout from the product does not match the hardware part number stored in Central Systems. It can also happen if there is a new control unit in the product that is not yet registered in Central Systems.
Verify the control unit status by accessing the Control Unit Information in the Product Status section on Tech Tool’s initial page.
This restriction applies to control units that are missing in the product or control units with locked software.
A control unit is listed as missing if it is found in the Central System data, but not in the product. This can happen in cases where the control unit has been disconnected or got problems and needs to be replaced.
Note: The parameters from a missing control unit will not be listed since a read out cannot be completed.
The control unit is listed as locked for update when you or someone else has downloaded software for the connected product, using the same or another Tech Tool client.
If a control unit is either missing or locked for update, the parameters from that control unit is not allowed to be changed.
Verify the control unit status by accessing the Control Unit Information in the Product Status section on Tech Tool’s initial page.
A parameter template is a list of saved parameter values to be used for easy reproduction.
Any user can create a template with parameters that can be changed manually.
Tech Tool will list all templates that are applicable for the selected product along with information of template owner and last changed date.
Note: Templates are restricted to product brand, for example, a template created based on a Volvo truck will not be available for a Mack truck.
Note: The parameter template functionality does not support different measurement unit settings, for example, a template created by a user using the Metric system will not be visible to a user using Imperial and US Customary units.
To create a new template, click on the ‘New’ button. Provide a name and start adding parameters to the template.
You can choose to add or remove all parameters at once or one at the time.
Button |
Description |
![]() |
Add selected parameter |
![]() |
Remove selected parameter |
![]() |
Add all parameters |
![]() |
Remove all parameters |
A parameter value can only be changed after the parameter has been added to the template.
To edit a template click on the ‘Edit’ button, the user interface will enter Edit Mode where you can rename the template, add or remove parameters and change any parameter value that is included in the template.
Note: Only the user that has created the template can edit it. It is not allowed to edit a template that was created by a different user.
To export a template click on the ‘Export’ button and choose a location to save the file.
To import a template click the ‘Import’ button and select the template you wish to import.
A template cannot be imported if:
To delete a template, click ‘Delete’ and then confirm.
Note: This action is irreversible, make sure you do not need the template anymore.
Apply template will apply the template’s parameter values to the connected product. Applied parameters will appear in the parameter listing as ‘Changed’.
Since templates are based on a certain product, some validations are made when you apply a template to other products. Following validations are made:
The Store Parameter Values function is used to save the current parameters values to Product History. This information is maintained in the Tech Tool client.
If there is any filter set, only the filtered parameters will be saved to Product History. In this case you will only save the parameters that you are actually seeing in the parameter listing.
Note: Any changed parameter value that is not yet programmed will be discarded. Only the actual product values are saved to Product History.
Note: If current parameter value is in an inconsistent state, then ‘Inconsistent’ will be presented.
Note: If parameter value is of a complex type, then ‘Complex’ will be presented.
In order to print the parameter values, go to the Tech Tool menu and choose ‘Print’.
The print function will only print the filtered parameters that you find in the parameter listing.
Note: Any changed parameter value that is not yet programmed will be discarded. Only the actual product values are printed.
Note: If current parameter value is in an inconsistent state, then ‘Inconsistent’ will be presented.
Note: If parameter value is of a complex type, then ‘Complex’ will be presented.
Follow these steps after choosing the operation Program control unit.
If a software is chargeable, read the information and the click in the I agree checkbox.
Use this operation to replace control units or sub hardware. Follow these steps after choosing the operation Replace hardware.
Note: You can only replace 3 communication units at the same time.
If you have to change a damaged control unit or update to a new control unit, the software for the new control unit will automatically run in the background when you are connected to central systems.
If you are working offline, follow these steps:
In situations where downloads of large files is needed for an update, it may be required to use a USB flash drive to complete the update.
The flash drive will be used to transfer downloaded files between the Tech Tool client and the vehicle.
If a USB flash drive is to be used it needs following specifications:
Follow these steps after choosing the operation Campaign.
If you are working offline, follow these steps:
Follow these steps after choosing the operation Accessory kit
Follow these steps if you already know the kit number of the software you want to download and program.
If you work offline, go through following steps:
Follow these steps if you already know the kit number of the hardware kit.
Note: You will not be able to proceed to the next step unless you confirm that the part numbers are correct by checking the checkboxes.
If you work offline, go through following steps:
Follow these steps after choosing the operation Change Language.
Follow these steps after choosing the operation Program with stored software.
Check that the printer is working. Load the printer with a sheet of labels. After printing the label, cut it out and stick it to the control unit. Then stick the transparent protective film on top to cover the label completely. It is important that the protective film overlaps the label by a few millimetres all the way around.
Follow these steps after choosing the operation Create engine label.
You can also select to print your engine labels from the Tech Tool menu. See Tech Tool menu for more details.
The operation Handle component is used when replacing a component in the vehicle. The operation reads the information from the vehicle and replaces the component in the central system along with the new components serial number.
Note: We recommend that you program the parameters when you are connected to central systems to get the latest information. You can program parameters offline, but then there is no guarantee that the information is accurate. After an online programming the order will be sent to central systems as soon as you are connected to central systems again.
Note: The number of functions that you can choose between within the Guided parameter programming operation are depending on the connected product.
Follow these steps after choosing the operation Guided parameter programming.
Note: Depending on the function, you have up to four different buttons that opens different kind of information about the parameters.
Button |
Description |
Function |
Overall information about the function. |
Condition |
Conditions to activate/deactivate the function. |
Schematic |
Overall wiring diagrams. Navigation in schematics works in the same way as in Run diagnostics (Step 3 of 3) |
Parameter Information |
Information about the parameter name, number and its function. |
Note: Function enabled could be Yes or No. Select Yes to be able to change the parameter values.
Note: The steps and displayed instructions shown are depending on the selected function.
You can save your parameter values as a template and upload them to several trucks.
Position | Designation | Description |
---|---|---|
1 |
Toolbar |
The following function buttons are available. |
|
Group view - Present parameters in different logical groups. Applicable to Volvo Trucks, Volvo Buses, and UD Trucks. |
|
|
MID view - Presents the parameters by control unit. |
|
|
Customer parameters - Only displays customer parameters. |
|
|
Vehicle parameters - Only displays vehicle parameters. |
|
|
All parameters - Displays all parameters |
|
|
Coupled parameters - Only parameters that are coupled to a selected product ID are shown. |
|
|
All parameters to job card - Saves all parameters to the job card |
|
|
Min - Shows the parameters minimum value and any limiting parameters |
|
|
Max - Shows the parameters maximum value and any limiting parameters |
|
|
Go to template mode - Click on the button to go to template mode. |
|
2 |
Logical group/Control unit window |
This field contains a function tree used to select a logical group or control unit depending on the active view. |
3 |
Split line |
Drag the line to change the relative sizes of the Logical group/Control unit window and the Parameter list. |
4 |
Button Continue |
Click this button to continue programming. |
5 |
Parameter description |
A more detailed description of a parameter is available in the introduction text field, if the parameter is highlighted in the parameter list. To retrieve the basic information in the introduction text field select Default information in menu Operation. |
6 |
Parameter list |
This lists the parameters available for the logical group or control unit. |
7 |
Status bar |
The status of communication between Tech Tool and the vehicle, and between Tech Tool and the central system is displayed. When communication has been established a connection icon is displayed. The text Simulator (in a yellow field) is displayed here if the program is in simulator mode. |
Note: Does not apply to VCE.
Click this button to present the parameters by group in logical function groups.
This method of presentation displays a logical group division. Below are examples of groups.
Logical group |
---|
Cruise control |
Engine |
Instrument |
Power take-off |
Safety |
Speed |
Transmission |
Vehicle |
This lists the parameters available for the logical group. A parameter in a logical group can occur in several different control units.
Click this button to present parameters by control unit.
This method of presentation lists the vehicle/machine control units in the Logical group/Control unit window. Below are examples of control units.
Control unit |
---|
Engine control unit |
Instrument |
Vehicle control unit |
Air suspension, vehicle (Does not apply to North American models) |
This lists the parameters available for the relevant control unit.
If you wish to show all parameters, select all in the pull-down menu at MID.
The right-hand field displays a parameter list when the Group or control unit presentation of parameters is selected.
The field is divided into a number of columns.
Column heading | Description |
---|---|
ID |
The ID of the parameter. The ID is the same, irrespective of language. |
Name |
A description of the parameter. |
Min |
This states the minimum value of the parameter. |
Value |
The current parameter value. |
Max |
This states the maximum value of the parameter. |
Unit |
The type of unit used for the parameter. |
The parameter list can contain two types of parameters, customer and vehicle parameters. Either one or both types of parameters can be displayed.
To differentiate between customer and vehicle parameters, an icon is displayed to the left of the vehicle parameter IDs. See the illustration. The icon indicates that you must be connected to the central system in order to program that parameter.
Vehicle parameters are displayed only if the user is authorized to modify them.
The parameters in the parameter list are either numerical or multiple choice. The parameters can be sorted by clicking the column headings.
Entering a new value overwrites the old one.
The user can only select one of a number of predefined values (Yes or No for example).
A multiple choice parameter looks like this when selected.
To make the parameter list easier to read and search, it is possible to display customer and/or vehicle parameters. Both the customer and vehicle parameters can be displayed at the same time.
Selecting the type of parameter for display in the parameter list is described below.
Click this function button to display only the customer parameters in the parameter list.
Click this function button to display only the vehicle parameters in the parameter list.
Click this function button to show both the customer and vehicle parameters in the parameter list.
When this button is pressed down all the read parameters are saved to the job card. When the button is up only those parameters which have been modified are saved to the job card.
Click on this function button to show only parameters that are coupled to a selected product ID. The Product ID is the combination company-electrical system. This function is applicable to Volvo Trucks, Volvo Buses, and UD Trucks.
Min/Max-value of a numerical parameter can be dependant on the value of another parameter. The function Min/Max-limitation shows the limit values and the values of the dependant parameter. The buttons are located in the tool field.
To access the dialogue boxes follow the instructions below:
Dialogue box for Min value of a selected parameter. The dialogue box for Max value is similar to the dialogue box for Min value.
Example
To explain how the Min/Max-limitation function works, this is an example based on the illustration.
In order to change parameter HW to 500 rpm, the value of parameter DC must first be changed to 500 rpm.
For a more detailed description of the parameter do as follows.
Programming of parameters is carried out in two stages:
When a parameter value has been modified, the programming dialogue is started by clicking Continue. The following are displayed in the dialogue window.
The following actions can be carried out in the dialogue box.
The following is carried out when Program has been selected from the programming dialogue.
A dialogue box is displayed in which a password must be entered.
Note: After parameter programming the parameter may not have exactly the same value, if another unit is selected for display.
Start printing by clicking on this button. Alternatively select Print from the Tech Tool menu.
What is printed depends on which program view is active.
When printing parameters, select whether to print the selected group / control unit or all groups / control units.
This section describes creation, editing and application of templates for parameter programming. The advantage of using templates is when several vehicles require programming with the same set of parameters and values. It also makes the programming procedure faster.
Go to the operation 17030-3 Parameter, programming under function group 1 Service and maintenance. Start the operation. Template mode can be entered by clicking on the upper right symbol (1).
The main menu for parameter programming with templates is shown.
The table below describes the main menu as seen in the template mode when programming parameters (see figure for location).
Position | Designation | Description | |
---|---|---|---|
2 |
Toolbar |
The following function buttons are available: |
|
|
New template: New templates are created and named. |
||
|
Edit template: You must be in editing mode to add/delete parameters to/from templates. |
||
|
Close template: Closes open templates. |
||
|
Delete template: Deletes the selected template. |
||
|
Save template: Saves changes made to the template. |
||
|
Copy template: Copies the template. |
||
|
Import template: Imports a template. |
||
|
Export template: Exports templates. |
||
|
Add parameter to template: This button adds parameters from the parameter list to the template. |
||
|
Delete parameter from template: This button removes parameters from the template and returns them to the parameter list |
||
|
Apply template: Click on this button to apply the template on the selected vehicle. |
||
3 |
Template window |
This field contains the various templates that you have created. |
|
4 |
The parameters included in the template |
When a template is selected in the field (3), the contents of the template are shown in this list. |
|
5 |
Tooltip, information about the parameter |
If the cursor is moved across a parameter in the list in field (4), information about the parameter is shown. |
|
6 |
Control unit window (MID) |
Shows the various control units (MID). Select the control unit for which a template is to be created or edited. It is possible to select parameters from all available control units. |
|
7 |
Parameter list |
This lists the available parameters for the selected control unit in the vehicle. |
There are two basic modes for parameter programming via templates, they are Display and Editing. In Display one can see existing templates and also import and export templates.
In Editing one can create, delete and save templates, add or remove parameters to and from templates and even apply templates to selected products. See the chapter below for additional information.
This shows existing templates. In the figure below, the template Template 1 has been selected from the main menu (8). Template 1 consists of three parameters, DX, 9G and DN. These parameters have been selected from the parameter list (9) to the left.
If one wishes to use a template on another Tech Tool computer, this is possible. One just needs to export the desired template from one's own computer and then import the template file into the other computer.
Note: The figure above shows only the “import part” of the export and import procedure.
A new template is created if one clicks on the symbol for New template in the toolbar. A dialogue window opens where you can name the template.
Click on the symbol for Edit template in the toolbar to enter the editing mode. One can also reach editing mode by double-clicking on the new template's name in the template window. In editing mode it is possible to make changes to the template, add or remove parameters, deleted templates, etc. See below for more details and illustrations.
The template Template 1 (8) has just been created in the figure below. One has then gone into editing mode and chosen to add parameters DX, 9G and DN from the parameter list to the template (9).
We now wish to add parameter AU to the template. Click on the symbol for Add parameter to template in the toolbar. One can also right-click on the parameter in the parameter list. A button with the text Add parameter to template appears (9). Click on it to add the parameter to the template. One can select several parameters at the same time by holding down the Shift-key on the keyboard, or the Ctrl-key if the parameters are not sequential. Click on the symbol for Save template in the toolbar, once all selections and additions of parameters to the template are done, and the template is saved. If one wishes to delete parameters from a template, click on the symbol for Delete parameter from template in the toolbar instead. One can also right-click on the parameter in window Parameters in the template (4). To close the template, click on the symbol for Close template, and you will return to the main menu.
If you wish to delete a template, just click on the symbol for Delete template in the toolbar. A dialogue window opens for confirmation of deletion.
To apply the template's parameter values in parameter programming, one marks the template and clicks on button Apply template.
Example: Parameters DX, 9G and DN (4) from the parameter list (7) have been chosen. One can see extra information (5) about parameter 9G. The template that has been created and used for this is called Template 1 (3). Click on the symbol for Apply template in the toolbar (2) to use the template. A dialogue window opens for confirmation of application of the template values.
Note: Under no circumstances may control units be switched between products for fault tracing or repairs without reprogramming them. Incorrect settings in the control unit can lead to personal injury or damage to the product.
Note: If the control unit's part number and the part number stored in the central system differ, the system automatically checks if a suitable conversion kit is available. In such a case, and if the user has chosen to reprogram the control unit, a dialogue window opens asking the user to restart the operation and select to replace the control unit.
Note: Applies only to vehicle electronics '98. When replacing the engine control unit, vehicle control unit or instrument control unit, the connections to the communication outlet must be made first, so that copying of the current and logged values can be performed. After which direct connection to the control unit can be made. Special wiring must be used when connecting to these three control units.
Note: This operation requires connection to central systems.
Campaign programming is only possible when the appropriate message has been sent.
Note: This operation requires connection to central systems.
Note: In certain campaigns, when replacing hardware or part numbers, the conversion is carried out automatically without the user noticing anything. In campaigns where the user must carry out the conversion themselves, the user will be notified.
Note: Currently the North American market only supports English, French and Spanish.
Note: This operation requires connection to central systems.
This operation is used to program the correct odometer reading into a replacement control unit for the instrument.
Note: This operation requires connection to central systems.
Note: The operation does not apply to products with tachographs.
This operation is used to correct the machine hours parameter, when it does not correspond to the actual value. The operation reads the machine hours parameter from those control units where it is stored and the engine hours from the engine control unit The engine hours parameter cannot be corrected and is only used as a reference value.
Correction carried out:
This operation is used to correct the total mileage parameter, when it does not correspond to the actual value. The operation reads the total vehicle distance parameter from those control units where it is stored and the machine distance from the engine control unit The machine mileage cannot be corrected and is only used as a reference value.
Correction carried out:
This operation is to be used if you have bought an accessory that requires software updating.
Note: This operation requires connection to central systems.
After the completed operation the new software/hardware is now prepared for the current chassis ID / Serial no. The operations MID XXX Control unit, programming or MID XXX Control unit, campaign can be used to download software.
This operation must be performed when replacing a control unit in Intermediate storage. When replacing a control unit and the new control unit has different part number than the old control unit, the information in central systems has to be updated. In normal mode this is done automatically.
Note: This operation requires connection to central systems.
After the completed operation the new software/hardware is now prepared for the current chassis ID / Serial no. The operations MID XXX Control unit, programming or MID XXX Control unit, campaign can be used to download software.
Note: Replacing the emission level does not apply to North American models.
Note: This operation requires connection to central systems.
A list of available emission level replacements is displayed. If no emission level replacements are available, a dialogue box is displayed with information about this.
When programming is finished, a label will be printed.
Click OK (1).
Note: It is important to be extra careful when programming older control units, since the older system is somewhat less stable than the new.
Note: On older control systems (D12A, EDS and DIS) no chassis ID is stored in the control units.
Note: Tech Tool must be restarted when the older EDC control systems have been used.
When the product chassis ID is required, the following dialogue box is displayed.
Note: Ensure that the correct product chassis ID is entered.
The parameter list with available parameters is displayed. Connection information for the operation is displayed in the image field.
A confirmation of the changed parameter settings is displayed.
Note: It is important to enter the correct chassis ID to obtain the correct chassis ID on the printout.
A parameter list is displayed in the right-hand field when the operation is started.
The field is divided into a number of columns.
Column heading | Description |
---|---|
ID |
The ID of the parameter. The ID is the same, irrespective of language. |
Name |
A description of the parameter. |
Min |
This states the minimum value of the parameter. |
Value |
The current parameter value. |
Max |
This states the maximum value of the parameter. |
Unit |
The type of unit used for the parameter. |
The parameters in the parameter list are either numerical or multiple choice.
Entering a new value overwrites the old one.
The user can only select one of a number of predefined values (Yes or No for example).
A multiple choice parameter looks like this when selected.
Note: Parameters can be sorted by clicking the column headings.
For a more detailed description of the parameter do as follows.
Programming of parameters is carried out in two stages:
When a parameter value has been modified, the programming dialogue is started by clicking Continue. The Parameter dialogue box opens. The following are displayed in the dialogue window.
The following actions can be carried out in the dialogue box.
Note: Under no circumstances may control units be switched between products for fault tracing or repairs without reprogramming them. Incorrect settings in the control unit can lead to personal injury or damage to the vehicle.
The window displays the available data sets.
Campaign programming is only possible when the appropriate message has been sent.
Note: This operation requires connection to central systems.
Note: In certain campaigns, when replacing hardware or part numbers, the conversion is carried out automatically without the user noticing anything. In campaigns where the user must carry out the conversion themselves, the user will be notified.
A list of available campaigns is displayed. If no campaigns are available, a dialogue box is displayed with information about this.
When programming is complete a label is printed.
Click OK (1).
Note: Replacing the emission level does not apply to North American models
A list of available emission level replacements is displayed. If no emission level replacements are available, a dialogue box is displayed with information about this.
When programming is complete a label is printed.
Click OK (1).