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[CVCI-301] Driving Data Logger (Smart DLogger) Symptom-Based Troubleshooting & Repair Guide

Oscar Eom
Updated

Overview

This guide provides symptom-based field troubleshooting steps and hardware repair (service) submission criteria for the CVCI-301 (CBW Serial Series) vehicle driving data logger and the Smart DLogger PC control software, covering no-power and power-off issues, wired Trigger Switch indicator LED lighting up once and turning off, firmware (FW) update failure messages in the Smart DLogger program, PC (USB/Bluetooth) and SD card recognition issues, Trigger Switch operation and vehicle communication (CAN/CCP) logging failures, and physical damage. Use this guide to quickly determine whether a symptom can be resolved on-site via self-service checks or requires hardware repair.

If the symptom persists after completing the on-site checks and hardware inspection or repair is required, please review the Repair Process & Policies to submit your CVCI-301 for inspection and repair.

Target Hardware & Software Specifications:

  • Target Hardware Device: CVCI-301 (3rd-Generation Vehicle Data Logging Hardware, Serial numbers starting with CBW: CBW00010 ~)
  • Dedicated PC Control Software: Smart DLogger (Windows PC application — 5 top menus: Device Setting · Task Setting · Data Conversion · Analysis Program [DLoggerAnalyzer] · Settings; converts raw logged .REM files into EMS .GDL, .DAT and CAN .asc formats; supports USB Cable and Bluetooth connections only)
  • Standard Package Components: CVCI-301 main body, 16GB Class 10 SD card (supports up to 32GB), OBD to D-SUB main cable, Main 4ch cable, DLC CAN & POWER cable, wired Trigger Switch (rear 15-pin D-SUB AUX terminal connection with fixing bolts), 6-Pin Connector (CCP-6P) & Extension Cable (4PM-4PF), USB Type-C cable
  • Supported Diagnostic Networks: CAN1 (D-CAN diagnostic bus) / CAN2 (CCP CAN BUS via 6-Pin Connector CCP-6P and Extension Cable 4PM-4PF)
 

Hardware Generation & PC Software Guide:

  • Smart DLogger is the dedicated Windows PC software used across CVCI hardware generations, while CVCI-301 (CBW serial prefix) is the 3rd-generation data logging hardware device covered in this guide.
  • If you are using the 2nd-Generation CVCI-201 (CVCI II / UBP serial prefix) hardware device, please refer to the CVCI-201 (CVCI II) & Smart DLogger Troubleshooting & Repair Guide.
  • Hardware repair and service for 1st-Generation CVCI (Compact VCI) were officially discontinued on March 31, 2021 due to component obsolescence (refer to Notice of End of CVCI-I Repair).
 

On this page (Table of Contents)
 

1. Power Does Not Turn On / Turns Off When Releasing Switch / Turns Off on OBD Connection or Vibration

Symptom: The CVCI-301 does not turn on at all or the Main Power LED (Red) does not light up when connected to a vehicle and turning on the Main Power Switch; power stays on only while holding the power switch down by hand and turns off immediately when released; power turns on when connected to a PC via C-Type USB cable but turns off immediately when connected to the vehicle self-diagnosis connector (OBD-II port); or power intermittently turns off and on when the main body or connector is shaken.

Self-Service Checks (Please verify the following steps before requesting repair):

  1. Dedicated Connection Cable Cross-Check: Power or LED failure may be caused by a defective connection cable (such as the OBD to D-SUB cable, Main 4ch cable, or DLC CAN & POWER cable) rather than the CVCI-301 main body. Replace with a spare known-good dedicated cable to check whether the symptom remains the same.
  2. Test on Another Vehicle & Check Vehicle OBD Power: The rated operating voltage of the CVCI-301 is DC 9V ~ 30V. Connect the unit to another vehicle's self-diagnosis connector (OBD-II terminal) to cross-check whether the issue is a vehicle-specific power supply problem.
  3. Compare Power with C-Type USB Cable (PC Connection): Disconnect from the vehicle, connect a C-Type USB cable (5V) to the USB port on the CVCI-301 main body, and turn on the Main Power Switch to compare whether power is supplied normally.

Important: Symptoms Requiring Hardware Inspection of the Power Switch & Internal Power Unit

If the symptoms below persist even after cross-checking the cable and vehicle OBD power, the issue is an internal power switch contact fault, power connector solder fault, or internal board hardware defect that cannot be resolved by the user and requires hardware inspection and repair.

  • Power stays on only while holding the power switch down by hand, and turns off immediately when released
  • Power intermittently turns off when lightly shaking or touching the main body or connector
  • Power turns on when connected to a PC via C-Type USB cable, but turns off immediately upon connecting to the vehicle OBD-II port

When to Request Repair (Hardware Defect Indicators):

  • Power turns off immediately when releasing the power switch, or continues to turn off upon vibration or vehicle OBD-II connection.
  • Power does not turn on at all across multiple vehicles even when using a known-good connection cable.

If any of the hardware defect indicators above apply, please submit your CVCI-301 for inspection and repair in accordance with the Repair Process & Policies (or Inquiry about Product Repair and After-Sales Service Costs). If a cable defect is suspected, please send the connection cable in use together with the main body.

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2. Indicator LED Lights Up Once Then Turns OFF / Firmware (FW) Update Failure Message & Fails to Boot

Symptom: When turning on the CVCI-301 power switch or connecting to a vehicle, the indicator LED lights up (blinks) once briefly and immediately turns off without booting into the normal standby (Ready) state; a firmware (FW) update failure message is displayed when performing a firmware update via the Smart DLogger program on a PC; or the device fails to power on and boot after an interrupted or failed firmware update.

Official Manual Standard: CVCI-301 Main Body Front LEDs vs. Wired Trigger Switch LED Status

  • CVCI-301 Main Body Front Indicator LEDs: Power LED (Red) indicates power supply status; Vehicle Communication Status LEDs (CAN1, CAN2) indicate active vehicle CAN/CCP communication; Bluetooth Connection Status LED indicates wireless connection status with a PC or wireless trigger switch.
  • Wired Trigger Switch Indicator LED (Connected to Rear AUX Port): Indicates event file readiness, sleep mode, and initialization status as detailed in the table below.
Wired Trigger Switch LED Status Hardware Operating Status Meaning & Recommended Action
Solid ON Trigger Standby (Ready) Normal event setup completed. Data monitoring active.
OFF Sleep Mode Entered after IG OFF when no communication signal is detected. Wakes up upon signal detection or trigger press.
OFF After Lighting Once Event File Missing or Error No event file in SD memory or syntax error in event file. Format SD card as FAT32 / 32KB and re-copy both Date.evt and CONFIG.dat.
Flickering for Several Seconds After ON Once Initializing & Booting Initial boot sequence after applying an event file. Wait briefly until solid ON.

Self-Service Solutions (Please perform the following steps first):

  1. Format SD Card (`FAT32 / 32KB`) & Copy Both Event Files (`Date.evt` & `CONFIG.dat`): If there is no event file in the SD memory or an invalid event file set is loaded, the wired Trigger Switch indicator LED lights up once and turns off. Use Windows Format on a PC to format the SD card with File System `FAT32` (or `FAT`) and Allocation Unit Size `32KB` to delete all existing data, then copy both extracted event files (`Date.evt` and `CONFIG.dat`) to the SD card root directory and insert it into the main body (refer to How to Copy Event Files to SD Card for CVCI by Manual).
  2. Connect to PC via USB Cable & Update Firmware via `[Device Setting] → [My Device] → [Device Connection] → [Firmware Management]`: Connect the CVCI-301 to a PC using the C-Type USB cable, turn the Main Power Switch on the main body to ON, and in the Smart DLogger program navigate to [Device Setting] → [My Device] → [Device Connection] → [Firmware Management] → [Firmware Update] to update to the latest firmware. If a firmware (FW) update failure message is displayed during the update, first verify whether the dedicated SD card (16GB Class 10) is properly inserted (mounted) into the SD CARD slot on the CVCI-301 main body (firmware update may fail if the SD card is not inserted or has poor slot contact).

When to Request Repair (Hardware Defect Indicators):

  • The indicator LED still lights up once and turns off without booting even after formatting the SD card as `FAT / 32KB` and reloading a valid event file.
  • Firmware (FW) update failure messages continue to appear or the device fails to boot even after properly inserting a known-good SD card (16GB, Class 10).
  • The device does not power on or is not recognized by a PC (USB) after a failed firmware update.

If the symptoms above persist, the issue is internal firmware corruption or an internal flash memory/board defect; please request a CVCI-301 inspection and repair in accordance with the Repair Process & Policies (or Inquiry about Product Repair and After-Sales Service Costs).

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3. PC (USB / Bluetooth) Connection Not Recognized & SD Card Recognition or Ejection Failure

Symptom: The CVCI-301 is not searched or recognized when connecting to a PC (Smart DLogger program) via USB cable or Bluetooth; the SD card inserted into the main body is not recognized or saved data search/conversion fails; or the SD card does not eject (return) properly from the SD card slot.

Self-Service Solutions (Please perform the following steps first):

  1. Supply Power to CVCI-301 & Verify Main Power Switch Is ON Before PC Connection: Before registering or connecting the device in the Smart DLogger program, you must supply power to the CVCI-301 (by connecting to the vehicle self-diagnosis connector or the C-Type USB port) and turn the Main Power Switch on the main body to `ON` so the device is activated and searchable. Then open [Device Setting] in Smart DLogger, select `CVCI-301`, and choose the connection method (`USB` or `Bluetooth`) to register and connect.
  2. Verify SD Card Specification (Class 10, 16GB / Max 32GB) & Format as `FAT / 32KB`: The CVCI-301 external memory must use a Class 10 SD card (16GB installed as standard, maximum 32GB supported). Back up the data on the SD card and format it as `FAT / 32KB` on a PC, or cross-check with another known-good Class 10 SD card.
  3. Cross-Check USB Cable & PC Port and Update Firmware: Connect the supplied dedicated C-Type USB cable to another USB port on the PC to verify the connection, and update the firmware to the latest version when connected to Smart DLogger.

When to Request Repair (Hardware Defect Indicators):

  • A Class 10 SD card that is recognized normally in other CVCI-301 units is not recognized only in this specific main body.
  • The SD card does not lock into or eject (return) normally when pressed in the SD card slot.
  • PC USB connection remains unavailable even with the power switch turned ON and tested with a verified USB cable and formatted SD card.

If any of the hardware defect indicators above apply, internal SD card slot/circuit or board inspection and repair are required; please submit a repair request in accordance with the Repair Process & Policies (or Inquiry about Product Repair and After-Sales Service Costs).

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4. Trigger Switch Operation or Pairing Failure & Vehicle Data (CAN/CCP) Logging Failure

Symptom: After event setup and vehicle connection, the Trigger Switch LED does not stay lit (Ready state) and continues blinking or remains off; pairing with the optional wireless trigger switch fails or disconnects; or driving data saving and CAN/CCP logging fail.

Self-Service Solutions (Please perform the following steps first):

  1. Check Wired Trigger Switch Connection & Re-Pair Wireless Trigger Switch (Option):
    • When Using the Wired Trigger Switch (Standard Component): Verify that the wired trigger switch is firmly connected to the Wired Trigger Switch Connection Port (rear 15-pin D-SUB `AUX` terminal) on the CVCI-301 main body and its fixing bolts are tightened. If the LED is off because the unit entered Sleep Mode (after IG OFF, when no vehicle communication signal is detected for a certain period of time), the unit wakes up when a vehicle communication signal is detected or the trigger switch button is pressed.
    • When Using the Wireless Trigger Switch (Optional Item — compatible with CVCI-201 and VCI II wireless triggers; legacy CVCI wireless trigger is not compatible):
      1) Turn the CVCI-301 power ON and press the `PAIRING` button (Bluetooth Connection Switch) on the front panel of the main body for 2 seconds (a beep sound occurs).
      2) Attach the wireless trigger switch to the vehicle cigar socket (power outlet) to turn on power, then press the `ENTER` button for 2 seconds (the A and B LEDs on the wireless trigger switch light up sequentially while pairing proceeds).
      3) When pairing is complete, the `ENTER` area lights up green and the LED on the connected channel (A or B) lights up (for the detailed manual, see Smart DLogger (CVCI-301) Manual).
  2. Check Compatibility Between Event File and Target Vehicle (Controller ROM ID & ECU TYPE, and 2-Controller Simultaneous Logging Caution):
    • During task setting, verify whether the controller is selected under `ECU TYPE` (when logging TCU data, `TCU` must be selected so that the ROM ID changes to TCU ROM). Note: Selecting and logging two controllers simultaneously (e.g., `ECU + TCU`) can increase CAN BUS load and cause vehicle warning lamps or communication errors, so simultaneous 2-controller logging is not recommended.
    • After inserting a manually provided event file (`Date.evt` and `CONFIG.dat`), if the `Enter` button on the trigger module does not light up green (Ready state) or blinks red or orange-green alternately, an issue with the event file is suspected; please contact the coordinator (HMC/KMC) who provided the event file to check whether the target vehicle's ROM ID is compatible with the event file (refer to How to Copy Event Files to SD Card for CVCI by Manual).
  3. Verify Matching Between CAN1 / CAN2 (`CCP-6P` + `4PM-4PF`) Connection Port and Event Channel Setting (`ch1` / `ch2`):
    • For vehicles where data cannot be acquired through CAN1 (D-CAN), EMS data is acquired by connecting CAN2 to the CCP CAN BUS using the 6-Pin Connector (`CCP-6P`) and Extension Cable (`4PM-4PF`); when connecting `CCP-6P` to `CAN2` of the `Main 4ch Cable`, if the channel setting of the event is `ch1`, data cannot be acquired, and it must be set to `ch2` to acquire data.
    • Verify that the connected cable port (`CAN1` or `CAN2`) matches the channel setting (`ch1` or `ch2`) of the event file, and check the CCP CAN probe points according to the vehicle circuit diagram.
  4. Format SD Card (`FAT32 / 32KB`) & Update to Latest Firmware:
    • Format the SD card as `FAT32 / 32KB`, copy both event files (`Date.evt` and `CONFIG.dat`) again, and update to the latest firmware via `[Device Setting] → [My Device] → [Device Connection] → [Firmware Management] → [Firmware Update]` in the Smart DLogger program.

When to Request Repair (Hardware Defect Indicators):

  • Vehicle communication (CAN/CCP) or trigger operation remains unavailable even after verifying vehicle ROM ID compatibility and CAN1/CAN2 (`ch1`/`ch2`) channel settings, repeating pairing, and cross-testing with another SD card.
  • Communication or power drops only when connecting a specific cable when cross-testing the `OBD to D-SUB Cable` and `Main 4ch Cable`.

If the symptom persists after on-site checks, please submit the CVCI-301 main body together with the Trigger Module, SD card, and connection cables in use for inspection in accordance with the Repair Process & Policies (or Inquiry about Product Repair and After-Sales Service Costs).

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5. Physical Damage (AUX Pin Broken, VEH.COMM Bolt Missing, Case Damage) & Date/Time Anomaly

Symptom: Internal pins of the wired trigger connection port (`AUX` terminal) on the CVCI-301 main body are bent or broken; fixing bolts on the vehicle communication cable port (`VEH.COMM` connector) are missing or the connection port is loose; the exterior case is damaged; or a date/time data anomaly occurs when saving driving data due to internal battery depletion.

There are no on-site self-service solutions for physical connector/case damage or internal battery depletion.

When physical exterior/connector damage or a battery-depletion date/time data anomaly occurs, please submit a request for hardware inspection and repair in accordance with the Repair Process & Policies (or Inquiry about Product Repair and After-Sales Service Costs).

Important: Paid Service Criteria Notice

Malfunctions and product damage caused by user negligence in handling (such as dropping, external impact, breakage, forced operation, or unauthorized modification of diagnostic cables or adapters) are processed as paid repairs even within the warranty period. After arrival and inspection at the service center, repair costs are communicated in advance before repair proceeds.

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Quick Reference Table

Observed Symptom 1st Self-Service Check When Repair Submission Is Required
Power does not turn on at all
Stays on only while holding switch and turns off when released
Power OFF on OBD connection or vibration 		• Cross-check with spare dedicated cable
• Check vehicle interior OBD power fuse
• Compare PC C-Type USB power 		• Turns off immediately when releasing switch
• Power cut off upon shaking
• Turns on via USB-C but immediately turns off on vehicle OBD connection
Indicator LED lights up once then turns OFF
Smart DLogger FW update failure message
Fails to boot after firmware update error 		• Verify SD card is inserted in main body slot when FW update failure message appears
• Format SD card as FAT32 / 32KB & re-copy both Date.evt and CONFIG.dat
• Update firmware via [Device Setting] → [My Device] → [Device Connection] → [Firmware Management] → [Firmware Update] 		• OFF after lighting once or FW update failure persists after formatting and testing known-good SD card
• Fails to boot/connect to PC after update failure
PC (USB / Bluetooth) not recognized
SD card not recognized / ejection failure 		• Supply power and verify Main Power Switch is ON before PC connection
• Verify 16GB Class 10 SD card spec
• Connect to PC motherboard rear USB port 		• Known-good SD card fails to be recognized only in this unit
• SD card slot internal mechanism damaged, unable to lock or eject card
Trigger Switch LED not lit (Ready) / blinking
Wireless trigger pairing failure
CAN / CCP logging failure 		• Check wired trigger AUX connection & forced wake-up
• Repeat wireless trigger pairing sequence
• When connecting CAN2 (CCP-6P), verify event channel is set to ch2
• Verify vehicle ECU/TCU ROM ID match 		• Data logging fails even after verifying channel match and cross-testing cable
• AUX terminal internal pins bent or broken
AUX pin bent/broken / VEH.COMM bolt missing
Case damaged / Saved date/time reset 		• No on-site self-service solutions
(Do not disassemble) 		• Physical exterior/connector damage or internal battery depletion requires service center inspection

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Official Repair (RMA) Submission Guide & Related Documentation

When hardware inspection and repair are required for your CVCI-301 device after completing on-site self-service checks, please follow the official global escalation channels and customs procedures below:

Overseas Global Regions (Dealer → Distributor / NSC → GIT)

  • Authorized Escalation Channel: All overseas workshops and dealers must submit repair inquiries through their regional Distributor / NSC. Your Distributor / NSC will coordinate inspection and shipment to the designated regional GIT entity: GIT Europe (GITE) for Europe, GIT India (GITI) for India, or GIT HQ Repair Center (Korea) for Europe & General regions and Eastern European exception countries (Dealer → Distributor / NSC → GIT).
  • Shipping Terms: All return shipments must be sent under Incoterms DAP (Delivered at Place).
  • Customs Invoice Statement: To prevent import clearance rejections and customs surcharges, the itemized declared value on the Commercial Invoice must be under USD 100 per unit (nominal customs value for repair purposes only), and the remarks column must explicitly state: "For Repair & Return" (Never declare as "Sample" or USD 1).
  • Statutory Return Period: Under Article 97 of the Korea Customs Act (duty exemption for re-export), repaired equipment must be re-exported to the originating country within 60 days of import customs clearance.
  • Reference Policy: For regional shipping addresses and detailed documentation instructions, please refer to How to Submit a Repair Request and Shipping Policy.

Official Related Documentation:

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