Bosch has released its new version of its ESI[tronic] 2.0 diagnostic software. This includes many updated functions that have been developed as a direct response to user feedback.

By using the new diagnostic download manager (DDM), workshops can now opt for a quick and space-saving installation while using the online features of individual programme components and data. In this case, only ECU diagnosis (SD) and individual spare parts catalogues are stored locally on the workshop computer’s hard disk. Additional information, such as troubleshooting instructions and manuals (SIS), maintenance information (M), circuit diagrams (P), Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) and Experience Based Repair (EBR) can now be used online.

By implementing the “quick installation & online use” option from the download manager, the size of the download package can be reduced by up to 50%. This not only saves disk space, but also significantly reduces the installation time. Data and information types for online access are available very quickly. To enable this, the ESI[tronic] developers optimised the loading times by means of intelligent storage strategies and particularly fast servers to reduce waiting times. This feature even allows users with low internet bandwidth to gain full access to the online features of ESI[tronic] 2.0.

Workshop employees can use the free text search of ESI[tronic] 2.0 Online in order to access any relevant information in the same way as using an online search engine. For instance, the search terms can include specific symptoms, a certain error, or specific vehicle components. As soon as the user enters the first letter of the term they are searching for, matching search terms are suggested. Once the search term has been found, the search results are listed according to their relevance and are displayed with short summaries

In addition, the options for online use will be expanded over the course of the year. Subsequently, the spare-part catalogues for equipment (A), diesel (D) and electrics (E) will also be made available online, thus reducing the size of the download package even further. However, the complete ESI[tronic] package including all files and programmes can still be stored locally on the workshop computer’s hard disks, if desired.

In addition CAS[plus], the Computer Aided Services programme connecting troubleshooting instructions and diagnostic functions, can now be used fully in online mode supporting ESI[tronic] users in their day-to-day activities. This ensures that workshops always access up-to-date information while ESI[tronic] developers continuously publish the latest data. Information on new vehicles, for example, is included in the online version of the workshop software within just a few months of the vehicle’s market launch.

As of September 2020, all new vehicle models in Europe will be required to feature safe diagnostic access. To facilitate this, vehicle manufacturers are currently developing so-called “security gateways” via the OBD socket. Once in place, only authorised mechanics are able to perform a complete vehicle diagnosis. The FCA group (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) is one of the pioneers of this technology and is already equipping its vehicles with security gateways. In order to continue providing ESI[tronic] 2.0 users with complete diagnostic access to Fiat vehicles, Bosch has developed a system that enable this, with safety certificates exchanged via an internet connection during the vehicle diagnosis. With this connection, ESI[tronic] 2.0 users are granted access to the vehicle. As a prerequisite, workshops willing to use this function need to use diagnostic testers of the latest KTS generation: KTS 560, KTS 590, KTS 350 or KTS 250. ESI[tronic] 2.0 subscribers will receive the required software patches via regular updates.