Control modules in vehicles continuously run diagnostic tests on various components throughout a drive cycle. A drive cycle typically begins when the ignition is turned on and concludes when the ignition is switched off and the driver’s door is opened. When a test fails, the control module increments the fault frequency counter. Conversely, the reset counter decrements with each successful test completion and problem-free drive cycle after a fault code has been logged. When the reset counter reaches zero, indicating consistent successful tests over multiple drive cycles, the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is automatically erased from the control module’s memory.
These values, accessible with a Vcds Revival Tool, provide valuable insights into the persistence and severity of vehicle issues. They allow technicians to differentiate between recurring problems and isolated incidents. This diagnostic approach prevents unnecessary investigations into transient faults, particularly beneficial considering the extended service intervals of some vehicles, which can lead to an accumulation of less significant DTCs. For instance, certain European vehicles may have service intervals of up to 60,000 kilometers or two years, potentially resulting in an overwhelming number of stored codes.
By leveraging the fault frequency and reset counter data provided by a VCDS revival tool, technicians can prioritize diagnostic efforts, focusing on persistent issues and optimizing troubleshooting efficiency. This data-driven approach ultimately saves time and resources by filtering out insignificant faults and highlighting areas requiring immediate attention.
