Part Number 078-00478 09-08-2003

1
Getting Started with the NGS+
Introduction

Version

ew Generation Star is a hand-held diagnostic tool for on-board monitoring, measuring, and recording of vehicle signals. This modular tool can be used in the service bay as well as for on-the-road testing. Ford Motor Company adapted the NGS tool to handle future vehicle diagnostic needs. The NGS+ is a system that incorporates the original NGS T-handle, a vehicle communication module (VCM), and a caddy. The NGS+ is capable of supporting most vehicles, model year 1994 and forward using the 16-pin DLC (OBD II) connector (there is no current plan for Mercury Villager support on NGS+). For easy distinction we will refer to the previous NGS tool utilizing the VIM as the NGS Classic, and the newly introduced tool utilizing the VCM as the NGS+. The Diagnostic Base Station (DBS) is a PC loaded with Diagnostic Base Station Software (DBS SW). The DBS SW is used with the VCM to load and update the unit with NGS+ Software. Detailed instructions are available in the DBS User's Manual. Electronic versions of this manual and other manuals associated with this product are available on CD or are available via the Internet location where DBS software is obtained.

Conversion from NGS Classic to NGS+

Several key steps must be followed in order to convert your NGS classic to the NGS+. Check all components against the manifest provided with the NGS+ before proceeding with conversion. Read and understand all safety information, contained in the NGS+ User's Manual, before installing, assembling, and using the NGS+. Once all components are accounted for, the following instructions must be completed in order to successfully convert the NGS Classic to the NGS+: Step 1: Replace the NGS thincard with the reprogrammed NGS+ thincard by sliding it into the NGS T-handle thincard slot (see the NGS+ User's Manual, Getting Started section).

Note: The NGS+ thincard MUST BE placed into the NGS T-handle. The NGS+ tool will NOT function properly if NGS+ thincard is inserted into the VCM.

Step 2: Install the VCM into the Caddy (see NGS+ User's Manual, Getting Started section). Step 3: Remove the Vehicle Interface Module from the NGS T-handle. Step 4: Slide the VCM/Caddy combination into the opening of the T-handle (see NGS+ User's Manual, Getting Started section) Step 5: Attach the VCM 16-Pin DLC (OBD II) cable to the VCM. Step 6: Power on the NGS+ and verify the software level displayed on the T-handle is equivalent to the software version available on DBS. NGS+ software version available on the NGS+ tool under menu pick New Generation Setup/Software Version. Compare to DBS NGS+ software version. Detailed instructions on DBS NGS+ software version check are available in the DBS User's Manual. If your software versions are equivalent, the NGS+ is ready for use. If not continue on with Step 7. Step 7: Detach the VCM 16-Pin DLC (OBD II) cable from the VCM. Step 8: Slide the VCM/Caddy combination out of the opening of the T-handle Step 9: Connect the VCM/Caddy to your PC, instructions available in the DBS User's Manual. Follow the instructions in the DBS User's Manual, NGS+ and DBS section, to load necessary software onto the VCM/Caddy for use.
Note: The NGS+ SW is updateable via a PC that meets the specifications listed in the DBS User's Manual, Getting Started section

Step 10: Once the software has successfully been loaded, detach the VCM/Caddy from the PC and slide back into the opening of the T-handle. Attach the VCM 16-Pin DLC (OBD II) cable to the VCM. The NGS+ is ready for use.