Auto
Monitor
User Manual Version 7.22
Page 37 of 70
3.5 Vehicle Health Monitoring
AutoMonitor monitors various aspects of the vehicles performances via the On Board Diagnostic
(OBD II) protocol. Additionally, the device monitors the brake performance and the performance of
shock absorbers via the sensors already contained in the rollover sensor module. Depending on
the user requirements, the application software can be upgraded to monitor, log and display
additional parameters related engine and emission control.
3.5.1 Vehicle Service Log
AutoMonitor can be used to keep a history of vehicle servicing performed by mechanics. The
advantage of service history allows vehicle mechanics to observe which maintenance on the
vehicle has already been performed in the past. The service history can be downloaded to a PC
when downloading health records.
Inspection type
Accessories to test
1. Minor inspection
Lights, windows, wipers, mirrors, seat
belts, hoses, horn, fuel level
2. Basic oil change
engine oil level, radiator level, fluid
leaks
3. Major service
air conditioner, transmission level,
radiator, alternator
For each of the inspection records, the AutoMonitor will record information such as the time of
service, the odometer of the vehicle, type of service and any DTCs currently registered by the
vehicle engine.
3.5.2 Brake Performance
A decelerometer sensor is used to sense deceleration or braking events. Brake performance
values will only be calculated for an event that lasts longer than 0.33 seconds, otherwise the
braking event is considered momentary braking, which is not sufficient for the determination of a
valid brake test. The device also considers the maximum deceleration value, which should be
above 0.35 g for a valid brake test. Once a valid brake test is detected, the device will perform
calculation to determine maximum deceleration, average deceleration, MFDD, and rating.
3.5.3 Shock Absorber Performance
Vehicle movement of the vehicle introduces oscillation in the vehicle suspension system. The rate
at which the suspension oscillations converge to idle is called damping ratio. For a well-functioning
suspension system, the damping ratio should be above 30%. The calculated shock absorber
readings are logged by the system and the data can be transferred to the PC.
