Reading out the mileage stored at different control units using Bosch KTS 250

Karlsruhe/Plochingen – It is not always easy to doubtlessly identify a vehicle`s actual mileage for the valuation of used vehicles, when leasing vehicles are returned or even for expert reports. At a large number of motor vehicles, the odometers can easily be modified with low technical efforts. The estimated number of undetected cases is rather high: As the German automobile club ADAC informs, police assume that every third used vehicle sold in Germany comes with a manipulated odometer*.

The new function of the compact Bosch KTS 250 diagnostic tester allows automotive businesses and experts to read out any mileage data stored at the vehicle’s different control units. Comparing this data with the mileage shown on the odometer, they can easily determine whether the odometer mileage is plausible or if it differs from the other values. This can have a significant influence on the vehicle’s current value in cases of used vehicle valuations, leasing return or even for expert reports concerning the vehicle value. It allows insurance companies to include this test into their damage assessment or even to ensure compliance with the contractually agreed annual mileage.

Mileage stored at different control units

In most cases, a vehicle’s mileage is not only stored at the odometer on the instrument cluster at the vehicle’s dashboard, but also at a large variety of different electronic control units the vehicle is equipped with. Even the seat memory or the park assist control unit can store information on the vehicle mileage. Throughout the last years, modern vehicles have been equipped with a continuously growing number of control units. As a result, the actual mileage of today’s vehicles is often stored at different sources simultaneously.

Once the Bosch KTS 250 diagnostic tester has been connected to the vehicle by means of the OBD cable, it allows reading out the actual values of the control units and the fault memory. The new KTS 250 mileage readout function creates a list of the individual mileage values stored at the different control units. Afterwards, wireless network connection can be used to print the diagnostic protocol sending it to the workshop network printer or to send it by e-mail – as an attachment and right from KTS 250.

Comprehensive ECU diagnosis via Esitronic diagnostic software

Bosch developed the compact KTS 250 ECU diagnostic tester for mobile applications. Its intuitive and Android-based user interface stands out for being very user-friendly. Equipped with Bosch Esitronic diagnostic software, KTS 250 allows quick ECU diagnosis on almost any type of passenger car on the market. Once the automatic vehicle identification via vehicle identification number (VIN) has been completed, the user is provided with an overview of all control units installed at the vehicle. The tester is equipped with an integrated lithium-ion battery providing the power required for its mobile application. During diagnosis, KTS 250 is supplied with energy the vehicle tested provides via OBD connector.

Adding the new mileage readout function, Bosch further expanded the scope of application of KTS 250 testers. They are now equally suitable for insurance companies and experts using them for damage assessment or vehicle value reports as for leasing companies receiving vehicle returns or car dealers and workshops accepting used vehicles as a trade-in.

* Source: ADAC article published on August 19, 2020 (German only): https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/auto-kaufen-verkaufen/gebrauchtwagenkauf/tacho-manipulation/