What is freeze frame? What should you save before clearing a fault code?
Freeze frame is a record of operating conditions when a fault code is detected. Turkish tool menus may label it donmuş kare. Available information, such as engine speed, coolant temperature and vehicle speed, helps technicians investigate the conditions in which the fault occurred. It does not identify a part that must be replaced on its own.
The images are illustrative workshop scenes generated with AI for this guide; they do not show real measurements, tool screens or product tests.
The basic explanations of freeze frame and code clearing were checked against the Erase Codes and Freeze Frame sections of the Autel user manual. The checklist is general working advice.
Preserving the code and operating conditions together
Identifying units and the source module
Separating records from repair decisions
Menu names and supported records vary by tool, software and vehicle. Follow the current tool manual and the vehicle manufacturer's procedure.
Quick comparison
Short checklist for records to share with the workshop
Logging
How should it be saved?
Why is it needed?
Vehicle and symptoms
Record the model year, engine details and the driver's observations separately.
To match the data to the correct vehicle and symptom.
Code and module
Keep the complete code, description, status and source module in the same report.
To avoid confusing records with similar descriptions.
Freeze frame
Save all available screens, parameter names and units.
To avoid taking a single value out of context.
Recording Time
Note when the report was collected and any earlier code-clearing operation.
To distinguish the report collection time from the time of the fault.
File check
Reopen the saved report and verify that it is readable.
To avoid discovering missing screens when you reach the workshop.
Decision guide
Are freeze frame, live data and historical records the same?
Live data shows the values currently being monitored; freeze frame refers to a recorded fault condition. A historical code list does not itself contain every parameter of that condition. Do not use these records interchangeably.
Start by including the screen type in the filename: code list, freeze frame or live data. Screenshots taken in succession for the same vehicle can be confused later if their filenames look similar. Keep the original files when organising the report.
Decision guide
Why should codes not be cleared immediately?
Clearing codes may also erase freeze frame and some additional records, and reset readiness monitor status. The Autel manual advises against clearing codes before a technician has fully checked the system. Clearing does not repair a physical fault.
Share the existing record instead of hiding the warning before visiting the workshop. If codes were cleared earlier, disclose this; note the approximate time and the conditions under which the warning reappeared. This does not replace missing historical data, but helps establish the sequence of records.
Workshop bench with blank papers and a folder illustrating separate recordkeeping
Decision guide
In what order should you save the screens?
Work with the vehicle safely parked and follow the tool's connection instructions. Save the vehicle selection first, then the module and code list. Next, open the relevant freeze frame screen. If the information spans multiple screens, do not save only the first page.
Use the tool's report or save function if available; otherwise, preserve parameter names and units in legible screen photographs. Do not crop out the code, screen heading or unit. Reopen the file instead of relying only on having pressed Save.
Share a report containing a VIN, customer name or registration number privately with the relevant workshop rather than uploading it to a public group. For a public example, hide personal information in a separate copy; do not alter the original record.
Decision guide
Before labelling a value normal or faulty
Check the measurement unit, engine operating conditions and which record you are viewing. A single online value taken from another vehicle is not a service limit for your vehicle.
For example, instead of writing only “it happens when cold”, state what the driver observed: initial start-up, a particular stretch of road or a symptom under load. These are example record headings, not real measurements or claims that a particular part is faulty under those conditions.
If a controlled repeat test is needed, a qualified technician should plan it according to the vehicle manufacturer's procedure. The driver must not watch the tool screen while driving. This guide does not provide road-test or repair instructions.
Decision guide
How should you document an empty freeze frame screen?
The manual describes a separate advisory message when no data is available. If you see such a result, record the message exactly. An empty screen is not the same as a measured value of zero.
Write “no record displayed in this menu”; do not conclude that the vehicle has no fault. Check the correct vehicle and menu selection, tool access capabilities and earlier clearing operations with the workshop. Do not guess values for fields you cannot see.
Decision guide
Example message to send to the workshop
Vehicle: [model year and engine]. Symptoms: [your observations]. Code/module/status: [report information]. Freeze frame: [filename or displayed warning]. Previous clearing: [done/not done/unknown]. Recent work: [if any].
Fill the brackets with actual information and mark unknown fields as unknown. This gives the technician a traceable starting record rather than a pre-interpreted diagnosis of a failed part.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most frequently asked questions by customers
Does every fault code have the same freeze frame fields?
Do not assume the same fields will appear. Preserve the records and units exactly as displayed by the tool; do not invent values for fields that are not shown.
Does saving freeze frame data fix the fault?
No. Recording preserves information for diagnosis. Repair decisions require the vehicle manufacturer's checks and measurements.
What should I do if I have already cleared the code?
Note when the codes were cleared and the current symptoms. Do not assume the old record can be recovered; arrange a new scan and inspection plan with the workshop.
