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This paper looks into the use of simulation software to develop and maintain diagnostic systems on Car networks. It is done through automatic code generation, while also taking advantage of the Real-time benefits of Simulation software. It will concentrate on the Key Word Protocol (KWP 2000) functioning along a CAN-BUS network as a means to illustrate the benefits of the design of such software. The paper will show the development of such software in its separate areas. Each area complies with the relevant ISO standards of Communication at the various ISO layers. It will also show how this is integrated with the external changeable data, using the SIMULINK Simulation software. This will be linked with Microsoft's Excel spreadsheet, allowing the separation of data from the application. Diagnostic code is then automatically generated. This code can be added automatically to an ECU to give it diagnostic functionality. This diagnostic design is easy to use and adaptable to existing models.

As automotive technology becomes more sophisticated the ability to troubleshoot and identify a malfunction becomes a more difficult and complex task, particularly without the assistance of specialised tools. A car manufacturer with the facility to identify and diagnose a malfunction before direct contact from the customer and possibly before the customer becomes aware that a problem exists would have a real competitive advantage in the market place. This paper proposes an architecture that may make this a reality. The architecture enables diagnostic information to be sent to a Case Based Reasoning (CBR) tool at the manufacturers premises when the car enters a hotspot (WI-FI enabled location). The CBR tool subsequently reviews diagnostic information to determine if a malfunction has occurred. If a malfunction is identified the customer is informed of the problem and is prompted to bring the car to a garage.

A modern automobile is becoming far more complex with the release of each new model. Complexity arises in the form of new mechanical devices, electronic devices and nowadays software components. With this increase in complexity, the job of diagnosing a fault is becoming increasingly difficult, as the service technician now requires detailed knowledge in a range of disciplines. This paper describes an Intelligent Diagnostic System (IDS) that was developed to intelligently diagnose faults in a multi-ECU (Electronic Control Unit) environment. Intelligence is achieved by diagnosing several faults while always attempting to isolate a “core” faulty component instead of simply returning a series of faults.