Continental Automotive Systems has launched a diagnostic service tool under its ATE aftermarket brand, designed to help service technicians do their jobs more efficiently. The ATE Electronic Service Tool (EST) makes working on electronic brake systems both safe and simple, without the need to utilize expensive diagnostics systems.
This flexible tool communicates with the control unit via the OBD interface and initiates all necessary steps for changing brake pads or other service tasks for select vehicles, including: Mercedes-Benz models W211, R230 and C219; the Audi A6 and the Volkswagen Passat.
“Our engineers made sure that the user interface was incredibly easy to operate,” said Donald James, marketing manager, aftermarket, Continental Automotive Systems. “We feel this tool is the ideal solution for independent workshops that would like to offer maintenance and wear-related repairs to Servotronic Brake Control (SBC) or Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) systems without having to purchase expensive and/or vehicle-specific diagnostics units.”
To operate, the user simply loads the appropriate software module for the type of brake system and task at hand. The tool is controlled by four front-mounted keys. Each menu function is clearly shown on the display. When the ATE EST is connected to the OBD interface, it switches on automatically. Its first step is to run a plausibility check on the software module that is loaded. The menu-led navigation system guides the user through the respective job step-by-step with straightforward instructions, so that there is no opportunity for operator errors.
The SBC module for the Mercedes-Benz vehicles includes the following functions: Activate/deactivate brake system; Change brake fluid or bleed brake system; and Check brake system for air. Communication with the SBC control unit is via K-Line or CAN-bus.
By using the EPB module for the Audi A6 and VW Passat models, the rear brakes can be retracted and repositioned and the brake system reset following a change of pads or rotors.
The flexible ATE EST accommodates both current and future software applications. Additionally, the field of applications for the EST can be expanded or aligned with new technology simply by loading new software modules.
The ATE EST is available for purchase. Each unit includes an OBD connector cable, a USB cable and detailed operating instructions.
For more information about the ATE EST and other ATE brake products, visit www.ate-na.com.
