Original Honda Motorcycle Diagnostic Equipment Motorcycle Communication System MCS Diagnostic Tool for Honda Motorcycles

In recent years, all kinds of new features have been added to motorcycles to make them more convenient and attractive.

On the other hand, with the installation of so many new electrical components, motorcycle structures are becoming more and more complex. This means expertise and specialized tools have become indispensable for accurate inspection and diagnosis.

In this issue, we would like to introduce the Motorcycle Communication System (MCS), a diagnostic system developed by us at Honda and provided to our dealers.

MCS: Motorcycle Communication System is our all-encompassing term for a diagnostic system that includes software for computers and communication equipment. This red box is a communication interface, which is primarily responsible for connecting the motorcycle to a computer.

The communication interface can be used to obtain data about the vehicle.

By bringing up data on the computer, we can check the health of the vehicle.

In the unlikely event of an abnormality, the diagnostic code provided can be used to quickly and reliably identify the cause of the problem.

Based on this information, the service mechanic will take appropriate action.

Diagnosis using the MCS will output a result in a report format that looks like this.

Knowing the health of your beloved bike really helps give peace of mind!

Why Choose MCS ? – Diagnostic Tool for Honda Motorcycles

I feel like there are a lot of new terms being thrown around about motorcycles, like "OBD" and "DTC."

That's right.

The diagnostic functions of today's motorcycles are evolving rapidly, and unlike in the past, it is becoming more important to read this data when performing maintenance.

So, on this page, I will explain what is OBD, DTC, and finally MCS, a Honda motorcycle-specific diagnostic system.

Index

1.What is OBD?

2.Types of OBD

3.What is DTC?

4.DTC Structure

5.What is MCS?

6.Key MCS Functions

7.Differences Between MCS and Generic Scan Tool

8.Conclusion

1.What is OBD?

OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) is a self-diagnostic function installed in electronic control systems (e.g., PGM-FI* for Honda) governing automobiles and motorcycles.

The main roles of OBD are vehicle status monitoring, system error detection/recording and self-diagnosis, and compliance with emission regulations.

Currently, vehicles sold around the world are required to be equipped with OBD, and Honda motorcycles equipped with systems such as PGM-FI are also equipped with this OBD.

*PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) is an electronically controlled fuel injection system.

2.Types of OBD

OBD currently includes OBDⅠ, a standard that was introduced in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and OBDⅡ, which was introduced after the late 1990s and is now the mainstream standard.

OBDⅠ and OBDⅡ differ in their methods of monitoring vehicle status and self-diagnosis.

* Main differences between OBDⅠ and OBDⅡ

*Example models equipped with OBDⅡ

Does having OBDⅡ mean that you can diagnose faults more quickly and accurately?

That's right.

This makes it possible for the maintenance staff to fix problems more quickly and accurately.

It results in peace of mind for customers.

Next, let's hear what is DTC?

3.What is DTC?

DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) is a failure code that specifies an abnormality detected by the computer (ECU) onboard the vehicle. Since OBDⅡ was introduced, the code system has been internationally standardized and DTCs are common to all manufacturers.

4.DTC Structure

A DTC consists of five characters (one alphabet letter and four digits) and is classified as follows.

* Example of an OBDⅡ DTC

①System where failure is being experienced
P: Powertrain (Engine, Transmission, etc.)
B: Body (Airbags, Seatbelts, etc.)
C: Chassis (Brakes, ABS, etc.)
U: Communication Network (CAN communication, etc.)

②Type of failure
E.g., General or manufacturer-specific failure

③Major classification, including failure location and system details
Ex: Fuel injection system failure

④Specific failure detail
Ex: Low sensor circuit voltage

By correctly reading DTC, you can avoid unnecessary disassembly or part replacements,
saving both time and money. It also reduces potential damage to the vehicle caused by unnecessary work.

That makes sense!

How do you read a DTC?

There are two ways to read a DTC.

Method ①: Use a scan tool to read the codes directly

Method ②: Read the flashing pattern of the PGM-FI malfunction indicator lamp (simple diagnosis)

Do note that the ②PGM-FI malfunction indicator lamp flashing function has been discontinued for vehicles equipped with OBDⅡ.

Even if the vehicle has a ②PGM-FI malfunction indicator lamp that flashes DTC, it’s only meant for emergency or temporary checks.

If you miss the flashes even once, or miscount them, you might not get the correct information.

That’s why ①using a scan tool is still the most accurate and reliable way to read DTCs.

There are general-purpose scan tools on the market, but the tool specifically for Honda motorcycles is called MCS.

5.What is MCS?

MCS (Motorcycle Communication System) is a dedicated diagnostic tool developed by Honda to perform fast and accurate diagnostics on Honda motorcycles.

By using MCS, technicians can check the operating status of electronic control systems—such as PGM-FI—that are not visible to the eye, as well as view DTCs.

This makes it easier to assess the vehicle’s condition during maintenance and to isolate fault areas when troubleshooting issues.

6.Key MCS Functions

MCS has a variety of functions that are useful during maintenance and failure diagnosis, including the following main functions.

*Quick Doctor Function
*View/Save and Clear DTCs
*List Data
*View Data
*Freeze Data
*Drive Recorder
*Reset ECU
*Update ECU

One of its key features, "Quick Doctor" allows for a rapid check of the motorcycle’s condition during maintenance and other routine inspections.

* Example: Display screen in various normal conditions

* Example: Display screen when there is a problem with various items (frame is red)

* Example: Quick Doctor Report

So this is how the report comes out!

Maybe I’ll stop by a Honda dealer and get a Quick Doctor check—just a little health check for my motorcycle.

But now I’m curious… what’s the difference between MCS and those generic scan tools you can buy?

7.Differences Between MCS and Generic Scan Tool

Generic scan tools (GSTs) are commercially available, but conversion adapters may be required if the connection port shape or communication protocol does not match.

In addition, while GSTs are basically only capable of diagnosing and monitoring emission-related PGM-FI ECUs, MCS can diagnose, monitor, rewrite, and reset all ECUs for all Honda vehicles.

* Comparison table: MCS vs. GSTs

That’s why we recommend using MCS for reliable diagnostics and proper maintenance of Honda motorcycles.

As a warning to the rider, when a DTC is detected, a warning light will illuminate on the meter to inform the rider that the bike is detecting an abnormality.

See the article below for more information.

But if you see a warning light on the meter, do not try to diagnose it yourself.

Instead, have it diagnosed by Honda dealer!

8.Conclusion

For diagnosing Honda motorcycles, the Honda-specific MCS is still the best diagnostic device.

MCS can capture detailed vehicle information and anomalies that cannot be checked with generic scanning tools.

Even during regular inspections and maintenance, Honda authorized dealers themselves use MCS to carefully check vehicles.

For the health check of your beloved vehicle, go with the Honda-specific tool!

To continue riding your Honda motorcycle with peace of mind, please visit your local dealer.

* Reference: Past article on MCS (Motorcycle Communication System):

Did you know that tools like these are used at Honda dealers?

Honda dealers have implemented a range of tools, including MCS, to deliver a reliable level of maintenance quality to our customers.

If you have any concerns about your vehicle, we encourage you to consult with your local dealer.