WDS FAQs

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Worldwide Diagnostic System (WDS)

FAQs


		- Why does WDS have only a 233 MHz Pentium when you can't even get a PC under 300 MHz today? - Why is the WDS screen so difficult to see in the daylight? Are there plans to improve the screen brightness for outside applications - Is it true that WDS will short out if it gets caught in the rain? - Do I need a LAN connection to Ford Star to use my WDS? - Does WDS support Cummins and Caterpillar Diesel Engine Control System? - Why do I see only the Digital Multimeter and Oscilloscope in my toolbox? - Why does my PTU go "dead" sometimes without warning? - Why does my system sometimes lock-up after docking or undocking? - Can we order or buy a shorter OBD-II cable? On road tests the cable is too long and may get in the way of brake and accelerator operations? - When will labor times for WDS be available? - Why does my WDS shut itself down if I leave it idle for a while? - Why does WDS not have a Customer Flight Recorder (CFR)? - How do I hook up a HP printer that is not listed in the printer model 600 series? - When will the coil-on-plug adapter be available? - Is OASIS available on WDS? - Ford told dealers that the NGS would not work on 2000 models and the only diagnostic system would be WDS. - Will the WDS offer the same functions as SBDS such as the static leak down test? - Why does my WDS sometimes fail to install after putting the blue CD into the drive? - When will the ability to update NGS on WDS be launched? - Will SBDS be updated to support the 2001 model year vehicles? - How often should I condition the battery on my WDS? - When updating the axle ratio via PCM Programming or Programmable Parameters on Taurus/Sable, what's the difference between the two axle ratios that are displayed? - When performing the Power Balance test, is there a way to raise the RPM window (the bar that turns yellow) so that results are still obtainable? - What is recommended for cleaning of the WDS screen? - How do you program the NGS cards with the WDS? - What is the best printer to use with WDS? - There are so many icons on WDS that it is difficult for someone that does not use it on a Daily basis to remember what they all are for. - How do I set up my WDS to connect with my Internet Service Provider? - Does WDS support Cummins and Caterpillar Diesel Engine Control System?
	- Why does WDS have only a 233 MHz Pentium when you can't even get a PC under 300 MHz today?
		WDS is more than just another PC you can get off the shelf. The WDS utilizes three independent processors sharing the workload between the main motherboard, the vehicle communications board and the instrumentation board. Due to the severe conditions under which WDS was expected to operate, we intentionally designed it as a sealed unit which made the 233 MHz the most cost-effective chip that could be thermally controlled without needing a fan and filter opening. Remember that WDS is a custom designed diagnostic tool, which was dealer piloted in October of 1997 requiring us to freeze its design over a year ago. If we would have attempted to keep in step with the PC industry we would be forever redesigning and re-testing.

	- Why is the WDS screen so difficult to see in the daylight? Are there plans to improve the screen brightness for outside applications
		At the time we froze design, the screen selected for WDS was the highest intensity color LCD available that met the power consumption and ruggedness requirements. Its performance in daylight has long been recognized as marginal, but the only alternative would have been a monochrome screen (which we feared would soon become obsolete, as the demand for this technology is limited). In addition to the intensity of the screen itself, the application of a touch screen interface further reduces its viewability. At this time there are no plans to upgrade the LCD display.

	- Is it true that WDS will short out if it gets caught in the rain?
		No. Although the Docking Station should not be exposed to moisture, the PTU is designed with ingress protection to the international standard IEC60529 with a rating of IP54. This means that providing both the connector covers are closed, brief operation in wet conditions (for example, accidental exposure to a few minutes of light rain) will not damage the PTU. Using any part of the WDS system in wet conditions is however not recommended.

	- Do I need a LAN connection to Ford Star to use my WDS?
		No. The Ford Star connection is only required to receive QSF (Quicker Service Fix) calibration updates between regular CD releases and for session transfers to the Hotline to assist in problem resolution. WDS is designed to operate in all markets while FORDSTAR is only available in North America.

	-Does WDS support Cummins and Caterpillar Diesel Engine Control System?
		No, due to the systems having proprietary communication interfaces, Ford product are not compatible (this includes SBDS and NGS) therefore, requiring unique diagnostic equipment.

	- Why do I see only the Digital Multimeter and Oscilloscope in my toolbox?
		Prior to being hooked-up and identifying a vehicle, the WDS will only offer a minimal set of generic functions such as Oscilloscope and Digital Multimeter. Vehicle specific tools get added after going through the vehicle.

	- Why does my PTU go "dead" sometimes without warning?
		Battery conditioning must be run before reliable portable operation can be achieved. The PTU may go dead without normal warnings and prompt for battery cables. If you suspect a battery concern, run the diagnostic test for the battery found under "Run WDS System Diagnostics" on the System Utilities page. If a fault code is received, call the WDS Hardware Hotline at 1-877-722-8336.

	- Why does my system sometimes lock-up after docking or undocking?
		WDS is a computer and must be properly docked and undocked or system lock-ups will occur. The following practices must be followed in order to avoid lock-ups: Docking the PTU should only be attempted when it is either in an OFF condition or fully booted and initialized. Docking the PTU in a suspended state or during the boot-up/initialization phase will crash the software. Make sure the external power LED is illuminated after docking so that the unit starts each day fully charged. New units may require additional force to engage but generally loosen up after a short time. At approximately 20% battery charge, the WDS shows a pop-up warning that states the battery charge is getting low. At about 7%, the unit performs a controlled shut down. However, if the battery has not been properly conditioned, the PTU may go "dead" without warning. Try reconditioning the battery. If this does not eliminate the problem, please call the WDS Hardware Hotline (877-722-8336) for assistance. Undocking the PTU should only be attempted when it is either in an OFF condition or after first pressing the undock icon in a fully booted and initialized condition. Undocking the PTU in a suspended state or without proper preparation may even corrupt a file, which can require reloading of the system software! The docking station should never be unplugged while the PTU is docked or the PTU will require a reboot!

	- Can we order or buy a shorter OBD-II cable? On road tests the cable is too long and may get in the way of brake and accelerator operations?
		The CD B24 release will include a new CAN (Controller Area Network) cable, B-259 for, Ford/Lincoln Mercury North America & Mazda Global Product Markets 2004 Model Year vehicles and onward. This cable can be used in the place of the B-203 cable on all vehicles prior to 2004 and is shorter in length. Please note, the B-203 Cable, part number 418-f231, can not be replaced under the current Terms & Conditions with the new style cable, B259. If the B-203 cable is defective, the WDS Hardware Support team will replace it with a B-203, but be unable to send the new shorter cable in it's place.

	- When will labor times for WDS be available?
		As announced in an all-dealer communication, labor operations 12650D or 12651D (depending on which system you are repairing) are intended to be used for the basic hook-up and initial testing. These operations apply when using either New Generation Star (NGS) or World Diagnostic System (WDS). There are several other combinations and supplements under these base operations that can be claimed while using WDS. In the event there are no operations for performing a specific test or guided diagnosis with WDS, you are instructed to use actual time in accordance with the Warranty & Policy manual. If you have any further questions concerning Service Labor Time Standards, please contact us at "slts@ford.com".

	- Why does my WDS shut itself down if I leave it idle for a while?
		The default configuration is to activate the Windows 98 auto-suspend feature if left idle for 10 minutes when running off internal batteries or 1 hour when docked or connected to the vehicle battery.

	- Why does WDS not have a Customer Flight Recorder (CFR)?
		The VDR (Vehicle Data Recorder) is now available through Rotunda Tools & Equipment.

	- How do I hook up a HP printer that is not listed in the printer model 600 series?
		If your printer driver is not included with the standard Windows 98 installation, you will have to provide it on a floppy and press the "Have Disk..." button to install.

	- When will the coil-on-plug adapter be available?
		Coil On Plug adapter is now available. It can be purchased through Rotunda Tools & Equipment. Part number# 418-FS528.

	- Is OASIS available on WDS?
		With the release of B24 we have included the New PTS Browser. Technicians will now have access to the PTS web site, OASIS, As Built Data, and Fleet. However, WDS will require a T1, DSL, or Cable Internet connection.

	- Ford told dealers that the NGS would not work on 2000 models and the only diagnostic system would be WDS.
		Initially, there were no plans to release software on the NGS to support 2000 Model Year Vehicles. WDS has advanced diagnostic capability not included on NGS (for example, power balance and fuel tests) and is viewed as the best tool to fix a vehicle. However, due to service volumes in the US, there were requests to implement software on NGS. This helps not only with the service volume concern but also provides adequate time to get trained on WDS:

	- Will the WDS offer the same functions as SBDS such as the static leak down test?
		You will find by using the Pressure Vacuum Transducer (PVT) selection within DataLogger you can perform a long-term fuel pressure monitor test. You should ensure a battery charger is connected to avoid draining the vehicle battery if the PTU if not on the docking station.

	- Why does my WDS sometimes fail to install after putting the blue CD into the drive?
		The CD should kick-off the installation when the CD is retracted into the drive. Windows 98 does not always acknowledge the CD drive unless the PTU is booted up while in the docking station. Let the PTU fully boot to the 16-pin selection screen and then cycle the CD tray out and back in. This sometimes requires a couple of attempts before Windows recognizes the auto run file on the CD and begins the installation. It is very important that the CD be removed from the CD tray after the installation is complete. WDS does not require access to the CD after installation as all the information is copied into the hard drive. Leaving the CD in the tray could result in inadvertent reinstallation and /or file corruption. If the CD does not load using the above method, we have provided another method for installing CD's. Go to System Utilities, in the left column mid way down is a selection for "WDS Software Update". Select the appropriate CD for installation.

	- When will the ability to update NGS on WDS be launched?
		The NGS software update is now integrated in the software update CD. The option is located under "System Utilities / Miscellaneous". If the option is not listed, it needs to be activated. Select "Update / Special Functions" then press the tic. Enter 83061 then tic. The NGS Software update will now be available.

	- Will SBDS be updated to support the 2001 model year vehicles?
		There are no plans to support 2001 Model Year vehicles on SBDS. SBDS is nine years old - and that's a lifetime in the electronics industry. Those SBDS units sometimes "die" and cannot even be repaired.

	- How often should I condition the battery on my WDS?
		WDS will now automatically recondition the battery every 28 days. Multiple reconditioning within the 28 days will reduce the battery's life span. However, the option to manually recondition the battery is still available.

	- When updating the axle ratio via PCM Programming or Programmable Parameters on Taurus/Sable, what's the difference between the two axle ratios that are displayed?
		The WDS will display "3.77 axle (3.47 FDR)" and "3.98 axle (3.47 FDR)". Either selection is acceptable, since the final drive ratio is 3.47 for both of them. The only Tire Size selection is 797. When selecting this tire size, WDS may return the "calibration is out of acceptable limits". Select OTHER then enter 800 for the tire size.

	- When performing the PowerBalance test, is there a way to raise the RPM window (the bar that turns yellow) so that results are still obtainable?
		The yellow bar that you are seeing is caused by a limitation of the vehicle PCM and not WDS. The reason you are seeing this yellow bar is at higher RPM's the PCM may not have time to send all needed data for each cylinder during that engine cycle. On WDS we have implemented special error handling to work around these missing events up to a point. When an event is missed, the RPM bar will turn yellow and when multiple events are missed, we will stop the display from updating to avoid the possibility of giving inaccurate results. If you are familiar with SBDS I think you will find that the RPM limit for Power Balance was approximately 2000 RPM. With the error handling we have implemented on WDS we can now obtain approximately 2500 PRM on an eight cylinder engine and upwards of 4000 RPM on a 4 cylinder engine. We agree it would be nice to be able to handle any RPM for Power Balance; unfortunately the current PCM data structure and processing rates are our limiting factor.

	- What is recommended for cleaning of the WDS screen?
		The PTU should only be cleaned using a non-abrasive, mild cleaning agent such as windshield washer fluid which can be ordered through your local parts department. NOTE: This fluid must be diluted with clean water to the ratio of one part fluid to five parts water. Dust and other particles should be lightly brushed from the Touchscreen surface before cleaning to avoid scratching. Cleaner should be applied to a soft lint-free cleaning cloth and never applied directly to the PTU. Do not soak the cleaning cloth and take care not to allow cleaning fluid to enter the connectors or PCMCIA opening.

	- How do you program the NGS cards with the WDS?
		If the NGS Software Update option is missing it needs to be activated. To activate select Update/Special Functions from the System Utility page and press the tic. Enter 83061 then press the tic. The NGS Software Update will now be available. Insert one of the thin cards in either the front or rear slot located on the right side of the PTU. WDS will build the necessary drivers for the card, once the drivers are built, remove the card. WDS will display a message indicating the card was improperly removed, simply hit the OK button to continue. Now select NGS Software Update and press the tic. The NGS Software Update window will appear, highlight which version of NGS software you would like. Select the appropriate "Program Front Slot" or "Program Rear Slot". WDS will now update the thin card.

	- What is the best printer to use with WDS?
		We have had success with any of the printers supported by Windows 98. To review the list of drivers preloaded with Windows, select the "Install Printer" selection on the system utilities page.

	- There are so many icons on WDS that it is difficult for someone that does not use it on a Daily basis to remember what they all are for.
		If you touch and continue to hold an icon, after approximately 2 seconds a text description for that icon will appear in the lower right hand portion of the screen. Also, under the training mode there is a description of all the icons used in WDS.

	- How do I set up my WDS to connect with my Internet Service Provider?
		Please refer to WDS Activation Guide for Internet Service Provider, located on PTU. Select WDS tab, in upper left corner. Select the System Utilities Icon in the lower sub tabs. Select 'View WDS Connectivity Activation Guide' on the right side of the screen, under 'Information', and press the Tick on the bottom right side of the screen. Select 'Internet Service Provider', then press the Tick.

	- Does WDS support Cummins and Caterpillar Diesel Engine Control System?
		No, WDS does not support Cummins and Caterpillar Engine Control Systems. Cummins and Caterpillar have their own diagnostic tool for the Engine Control Systems.