Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.
Manuals through 2025 now available!

Our trusted friends have launched a new website named LEMON, which has newer manuals. It also contains all the CHARM manuals.

LEMON is the spiritual successor to CHARM, I recommend you try it!

Link: lemon-manuals.la or lemon-manuals.org.ua

(Some people have issue connecting. LEMON is investigating. For now, use Firefox or change your DNS server)

Or, hide this message: temporarily or permanently

Freeze Frame Data

FREEZE FRAME DATA




Freeze frame data records the engine conditions (fuel system, calculated load, engine coolant temperature, fuel trim, engine speed, vehicle speed, etc.) when a malfunction is detected. When troubleshooting, freeze frame data can help determine if the vehicle was running or stopped, if the engine was warmed up or not, if the air/fuel ratio was Lean or Rich, and other data from the time the malfunction occurred.

The hand-held tester records freeze frame data in five different instances: 1) 3 times before the DTC is set, 2) once when the DTC is set, and 3) once after the DTC is set. These data can be used to simulate the vehicle's condition around the time when the malfunction occurred. The data may help find the cause of the malfunction, or judge if the DTC is being caused by a temporary malfunction or not.