TEK-NET Library User Reference

The following document explains how to use the TEK-NET Library including how to navigate the site, how to use the tagging system, and how to download files. There are well over 6,000 files in the library with more being added all the time.

To enter the Library either click on the button below, or enter https://securehost.totalsol.com/Tek-Net_Data_Search into your browser.

Everyone has some level of access to the Library, but only ETI members with Scan Tool Group access have the ability to read and download the documents.  All others have access to the file index system as well as the document abstracts.  Abstracts provide a short overview of what is contained in the documents.

Some documents require even more permissions.  For example, 2009 and newer Chrysler documents are not available unless a separate agreement is made with Chrysler.  More on these separate agreements can be found here.

ETI relies on Volunteer help and the TEK-NET Library is no exception.  When reviewing the index page for a document, please provide comments to improve its searchability.  Every document has an index page with abstract and every member with password access can submit a comment.

Logging In:

Reading, downloading and commenting on documents requires special permissions.  Here is how to acquire the necessary permissions:

1. If your company is a scan tool group member of ETI and you have a need to download documents from the Library, send an email to Charlie Gorman cgorman@etools.org requesting access.  This email needs to contain all of your contact information including address and phone numbers.  You may only use your corporate email address.  No generic email addresses are allowed.
2. Once received, staff will create a log in for you.  The system will generate an email back to you that will include a randomly generated password.
3. Log in to the system using the url above.  Press the word "login" on the right side of the green navigation bar and enter your email address and password.  This would be a good time to change the password to something you can easily remember.  It is our goal to maintain fairly tight security on this site so we do require an eight digit minimum login.  One character must be a numerical character and one must be a non-alpha-numeric character like $.  It is also a good time to check the "Send me daily updates of the changes to the collection". By checking this box you will receive an email in the evening of every day files are added or modified in the Library.
   
4. If for some reason you forget or lose your password, send an email and we will reset your password.  Resetting generates a new email to you with a new random password.
5. You can change your password at any time by selecting "my settings" on the green navigation Bar
   

Submitting Feedback:

Selecting the "Submit Feedback" link on the green navigation bar allows you to:

1. Record a general comment
2. Request a feature that is not currently present
3. Report a program bug
   

Searching the Library:

There are three main ways to search for documents and they are represented on the main screen by white letters on a blue background in the left pane of the web page.  It is important to note that any combination of the three search methods can be used at the same time.

1. Search Database
2. Search Documents
3. Search Abstracts

Search Database

The database is the index itself.  You must at least choose the "Make" of vehicle in this category.  Document Search and Abstract Search will not work without choosing a "Make" first

The fields in the database are as follows:

Vehicle

Manufacturer - You must select a "Make" - Pull down menu representing all the Makes we have in the library

Model Year - Pull down menu of all the model years we have for the make selected above

Model - Pull down menu of all the models we have for the make selected above

System

System - Pull down menu applying to all makes (see below)

All
Body-Chassis
Braking
Climate Control
Powertrain
Security
SRS

Module - Free form, not used often.  If a document is specific to a module name and that name is clearly labeled.  This serach criteria might be used to locate the document

Protocol

Protocol - Pull down list of all known protocols for the make above

Topic

Topic - Pull down menu applying to all makes (see below)

All
Application Layer
Calibration
Data Link Layer
Diagnostic Trouble Code
General Information
Network Layer
NPIG
Parametric Data
Physical Layer
Presentation
Procedure/Routine/Test
Session Layer
Transport Layer
VIN

Advanced

Document Type - Pull down menu applying to all makes (see below)

All
Database
Diagnostic Definition Table
Diagnostic Trouble Code Matrix
Lookup Table
Presentation Agenda
Presentation Document
Procedure/Routine/Test
Specification
Supplemental
VIN Decoder
Website

Document Title - free form search

Mfg Document # - free form search

Orig File Name - free form search

Search Documents

This can be the most powerful search tool because it uses Google-like search tools on the actual documents in the database.  This is important because:

1. Not all of the documents are completely indexed or abstracted.  These documents remain hidden to other search techniques until these tasks are completed.
2. Many of the files cover a broad range of years, models and modules.  sometimes it helps to search by a specific word or phrase in order to find all of the pertinent files. 

Search Abstracts

Depending on how good a job the abstract writer did when he captured the essence of the document, this kind of search can be valuable.  Words that are germane to the subject of the document but not actually used in the document can be placed in the abstract and therefore found during this kind of search.

Note: In order to place new documents into the library as quickly as possible, some of the search fields are temporarily blank.  Therefore, if the search criteria you choose does not produce the results you want, you should either remove filters, make the search broader, or use the “Search Document” function.

Note: If you decide to change your query, remember to change your filters prior to selecting “Search”.  Use the CLEAR button at the bottom of the page. Failure to clear filters in an unsuccessful search will cause the problem to compound.  Also remember that CLEAR begins a new search so be sure to reselect the Manufacturer again.

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