Getting Started with VCM Scanner
1. Prerequisites
Before you begin using VCM Scanner, it is recommended to have:
- An account on hptuners.com.
- A registered HP Tuners interface device.
Note: For more information, see VCM Suite Getting Started.
2. Connecting to the Vehicle
To begin, connect VCM Scanner to your vehicle:
- Connect your laptop to the vehicle. For details, see Connecting to a Vehicle.
Note: Some vehicles may require specific cables for connection. For details, refer to Manufacturer Locked Control Modules. - Close VCM Editor if it’s open.
- Open VCM Scanner.
- Turn the vehicle ignition to a position other than OFF. (The engine can be running or stopped, but power must be supplied to the OBD-II port.)
- Click the Connect icon in the toolbar to open a data connection.
3. Checking for DTCs
Always check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) before performing any scans or tuning:
- Click the Diagnostics icon to open the Diagnostics & Information window.
- Click Read DTCs to check for any diagnostic issues. See Reading and Clearing DTCs for more information.
4. Performing an Initial Scan
You can quickly scan the vehicle’s performance and emissions behavior using the default VCM Scanner settings:
- Click the Start Scan icon to begin a live scan.
- Click the Stop Scan icon to end the scan.
- To save scan data to a log file, click the Save icon. See Live Scanning and Logging for detailed instructions.
5. Customizing VCM Scanner
Once you’re familiar with the scanner interface, you can customize it for specific troubleshooting or tuning tasks:
- Add Channels to retrieve specific data. Most channels pull data through the OBD-II port, but you can also add data from external devices connected to your HP Tuners interface or computer’s serial port. See Channels for more details.
- Modify Display Layouts to include the parameters you need in gauges, graphs, or charts. Refer to Layouts for guidance.
Need more support?
Check out our community forum for answers to your questions.
Browse our product technical documentation.
Our support staff are available during normal business hours.