Error code diagnosis with Vident iLink400 & iAuto701
A modern car has numerous control units that collect data in the background and, in the event of a malfunction, store a so-called error code. Without a suitable diagnostic tool, these errors cannot be clearly identified. The Vident iLink400 and Vident iAuto701 are two professional tools that go far beyond simple reading and can be reliably used by both workshops and ambitious hobbyists.
What is an error code?
A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a standardized combination of letters and numbers that describes a defect or anomaly in a vehicle system. These codes are defined in international standards such as SAE J2012 or ISO 15031-6. While many error codes are identical across all manufacturers, there are also manufacturer-specific codes that apply only to certain makes and models.
Each error code contains information about the area where the problem occurred—for example, in the engine, transmission, exhaust system, or electronics. Professional diagnostic tools like the Vident iLink400 or iAuto701 can not only display the plain text but also provide additional data that enables precise analysis.
Vident iLink400 – compact and specialized in error codes
The iLink400 is a full-system diagnostic tool that focuses on a single vehicle manufacturer but operates comprehensively within that manufacturer. It provides access to all of a vehicle's control units—from the engine control unit to the airbag module. Trouble codes are displayed in detail, supplemented by freeze-frame data and live data streams. This makes it possible not only to read the trouble code but also to understand the circumstances under which it was stored.
The iLink400 supports important service functions such as oil service reset, electronic parking brake (EPB), battery adjustment, and steering angle sensor calibration. For users who primarily work with a single vehicle manufacturer, this diagnostic tool is a cost-effective yet powerful solution.
Error code types for the iLink400
- Stored error codes (Present/Current Codes): permanently stored faults.
- History codes: Errors that occurred in the past.
- Sporadic error codes: occur irregularly and are often difficult to reproduce.
- Permanent error codes: cannot be deleted manually and only disappear after a successful repair.
- Freeze-frame data: Snapshot of the vehicle parameters at the time of the failure.
- Live data (PID): Real-time data from all relevant sensors and control units.
- ECU information: detailed information about control units, coding and software version.
Technical specifications of the iLink400
- Color display: 240x320 TFT
- Power supply: 8–18V vehicle battery or 12V power supply
- Protocols: SAE J1850, ISO 9141-2, KWP2000, CAN
- Coverage: BMW, Mercedes, VAG, Opel, Ford, Toyota, Renault, and many more
- Service functions: Oil reset, EPB, Battery, SAS, Throttle adjustment
Vident iAuto701 – versatile with large vehicle coverage
The iAuto701 is part of the iAuto series and, unlike the iLink400, covers multiple brands. It is therefore particularly suitable for workshops that work with a variety of vehicles. In addition to detecting and clearing error codes, the device offers a variety of special functions that are indispensable in everyday workshop operations.
Typical applications include diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration, injector coding, ABS bleeding, transmission adjustment, and even odometer calibration. This allows complex service tasks to be performed that go far beyond simply reading error codes.
Error code types for the iAuto701
- Stored error codes: permanently stored errors.
- Pending Codes: Errors that have been detected but are not yet considered permanent.
- Permanent error codes: cannot be cleared as long as the problem persists.
- Sporadic error codes: occur irregularly and are not constantly active.
- Freeze-frame data: A freeze frame of the vehicle's values when an error occurs.
- Live data (PID): Monitoring of current sensor data, graphically displayable.
- ECU information: control unit data, serial numbers, software versions.
Technical data of the iAuto701
- Color display: 4.3 inch TFT
- Power supply: 8–18V vehicle battery
- Protocols: ISO15765 (CAN), ISO14230 (KWP2000), ISO9141-2, J1850, Nissan, Mitsubishi, among others
- Coverage: almost all common manufacturers worldwide
- Service functions: DPF regeneration, ABS bleeding, battery matching, TPMS, SAS, transmission adaptation
Reading and understanding error codes
Both the iLink400 and the iAuto701 display stored error codes, intermittent error codes, and permanent error codes. This distinction is crucial for diagnosis:
- Stored error codes: permanently stored in the ECU until cleared.
- Sporadic error codes: occur irregularly and often indicate loose connections or temporary failures.
- Permanent error codes: cannot be cleared manually. They remain in memory until the cause is actually resolved.
The strength of Vident devices is particularly evident when it comes to persistent error codes: They reliably document whether a defect has been rectified before an emissions test or MOT/AU is due. Simply deleting the codes isn't enough here – the entry is only automatically removed once the system is operating correctly.
Differences between iLink400 and iAuto701
While the iLink400 is a focused tool for a single manufacturer, the iAuto701 offers significantly broader coverage. For hobbyists who only work on one vehicle type, the iLink400 is a cost-effective yet highly powerful choice. Workshops or users who deal with multiple brands, on the other hand, benefit from the iAuto701 and its expanded service functions.
Buy recommendation
- iLink400: Ideal for drivers or mechanics who focus on one manufacturer and expect full system diagnostics and precise error code analysis.
- iAuto701: Recommended for workshops, multi-brand businesses, or ambitious users who regularly work with different vehicles and want to perform complex service work.
Delete error codes – but correctly
Both devices can erase error codes, but there's one important rule: Never remove error codes without addressing the cause. Resetting the engine light (MIL) without addressing the underlying problem risks subsequent damage. Erasing only confirms a repair—not suppresses the error.
Vident devices therefore not only document the codes themselves, but also freeze-frame data and live data that help trace the exact cause of an error. This allows problems to be permanently resolved instead of just making them temporarily invisible.
Software updates and extensions
Both the iLink400 and the iAuto701 can be updated using the "iScanzilla" software. This keeps the diagnostic tools up-to-date and capable of interpreting new vehicle models and additional error codes. The iLink400 can be expanded to include additional manufacturers, while the iAuto701 regularly releases updates for all supported brands.
Security and guarantee
The devices are designed for professional use and feature robust housings, practical menus, and clearly structured displays. Vident offers a one-year warranty that protects the user against defects in materials and workmanship. For workshops, this means investment security, while for hobbyists, reliability for home use.
Summary
An error code is more than just a cryptic string of characters—it's the key to a precise diagnosis. The Vident iLink400 and Vident iAuto701 diagnostic tools reliably read, interpret, and permanently resolve error codes. While the iLink400 is particularly well-suited for brand-specific applications, the iAuto701 boasts broad vehicle coverage and numerous service functions. Both models are therefore valuable tools for anyone who wants to go beyond simply clearing errors and truly solve problems.