The Autel Md802 Cx9 is a powerful diagnostic tool for car enthusiasts and professionals alike. Its comprehensive capabilities allow for in-depth analysis of vehicle systems, making it invaluable for troubleshooting and maintenance. This article demonstrates the MD802 CX9’s utility by examining its use in diagnosing a 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF during a post-purchase inspection and subsequent service.
Initial Inspection with the Autel MD802 CX9
A thorough post-purchase inspection (PPI) is crucial for understanding a used vehicle’s condition. For this 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF, the initial PPI revealed several minor issues: mismatched tire valve cap, missing owner’s manual, no front license plate holder, a weak OEM battery, a loose rearview mirror, worn wiper blades, minor curb rash on wheels, a nail in the left rear tire, missing undertray bolts, a rounded engine oil drain plug, and the need for detailing. Crucially, connecting the Autel MD802 CX9 allowed for a comprehensive system scan to check for any hidden diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Addressing Mechanical Issues
Following the PPI, several maintenance tasks were undertaken. These included:
- Fluid Changes: The manual transmission fluid was changed using Redline MT90. The old fluid was drained, revealing fine metal particles on the magnetic drain plug, indicating normal wear. The engine oil drain plug leak, noted during the PPI, was temporarily addressed by tightening the plug further. Clutch and brake fluids were also flushed, as their condition was unknown.
- Tire and Wheel Service: The nail in the left rear tire was removed, and it was determined to be superficial. Tires were rotated to optimize wear patterns, and tire pressures were set to 29 psi. The Autel TS501 was used to check the TPMS sensors, confirming battery life and recording serial numbers. Anti-seize compound was applied to wheel studs, and lug nuts were torqued to 140 Nm.
- General Maintenance: Engine oil and filter were changed, using Castrol 0W-20 full synthetic oil and a Mobil 1 M1-108A filter. Brake pads and rotors were inspected and found to have sufficient life remaining. The engine air filter and serpentine belt were checked and found to be in good condition. Coolant and washer fluid levels were topped off. A new battery was installed, and the key fob battery was replaced.
Mazda Connect System Upgrade
A significant upgrade involved updating the Mazda Connect infotainment system. This required downloading the latest firmware (version 74.00.324A NA N) and installing it via a USB drive. This update enabled compatibility with a crucial hardware upgrade: the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This involved replacing the OEM USB port module with a new unit and routing new cabling to the car’s central electronic module (CEM).
Post-Repair Diagnostics with the Autel MD802 CX9
After completing the repairs and upgrades, the Autel MD802 CX9 was used again to clear any remaining diagnostic trouble codes that may have arisen during the service process. This ensures that the vehicle is operating as intended and that no underlying issues persist. The MD802 CX9 proved indispensable in this process, verifying the success of the repairs and confirming the overall health of the vehicle’s systems. Finally, the maintenance minder system was reset, ensuring accurate tracking of future service intervals.
