MS611
Tester for diagnostics of automotive turbocharger actuators
The MS611 diagnoses actuators with various control types, including PWM, CAN, LIN, SENT, and Analog, and can also test individual actuating components of actuators and turbochargers.
Three diagnostic modes make the work easier:
- Database diagnostics — based on the selected OEM number, the tester automatically determines the test parameters and indicates the required diagnostic cable.
- Auto-detect — the tester automatically analyzes the connected actuator, determines the appropriate control type, and then starts the corresponding diagnostic mode.
- Manual mode — lets you select the test type, set the required parameters, and monitor the operation of the connected device yourself.
During diagnostics, the operator can monitor key actuator operating parameters: control signal, feedback, current draw, voltage, and changes in measured values over time. This makes it possible to evaluate actuator performance and identify signs of faults related to the actuator, its connection, or its control parameters.
For compatible models, actuator parameter programming functions are available, including end positions. The specific set of functions and the programming method depend on the actuator type and the diagnostic cable used.
All important events are shown on the tester display: device status, warnings, and errors. The operator stays informed about the progress of the current procedure and can detect connection, diagnostic, or programming problems in time.
Key Benefits
- Intuitive user interface.
- One device for diagnosing different actuator types.
- Three diagnostic modes: database, auto-detect, and manual.
- Actuator parameter programming for compatible models.
- Monitoring of key electrical and diagnostic parameters during testing.
Explore the available cables for the MS611 and their applications in the cable catalogue (PDF).
The MS611 is a portable tool for diagnosing and programming electronic turbocharger actuators: variable geometry (VNT/VGT) actuators, wastegate actuators, solenoid valves, and actuators with a position sensor. It powers the actuator, generates the required type of control signal, reads feedback and current draw, and displays all of this on screen in real time, including as a graph.
No. The MS611 is a fully standalone tool with a touchscreen. A computer is only needed to copy the update file.
Yes. The tool works both with the actuator or turbocharger removed and on the vehicle. Use caution when working on the vehicle: the actuator moves the rod with significant force, so keep your hands clear of the mechanism’s range of motion.
PWM-controlled, analog-controlled, and CAN and LIN bus actuators; actuators with SENT position sensors; vacuum actuators with an electronic position sensor; as well as solenoid valves and DC motors. Actuators without a built-in driver are also supported: in this case, the tool drives the motor itself and monitors the position sensor.
Hella, Garrett, BorgWarner, Mahle, Continental/VDO, Mando, KAMTEC, MOBIS, Holset (Cummins), Hitachi, Mitsubishi, Bosch, Toyota, Magneti Marelli, Sonceboz (Land Rover), JRone, and others. The database is continuously expanding. The current list is available on the tool itself and from your sales manager on request.
Use Auto-detect or Manual mode. If you still can’t test the actuator, send us its part number: we review these requests to expand the database and the cable range.
There are three modes:
- Database — select the actuator by the OEM part number of the actuator or turbocharger, and the tool loads all test parameters automatically.
- Auto-detect — if the part number is unknown, the tool identifies the signal type and finds the end positions on its own.
- Manual mode — set the parameters manually, without the database (manual PWM, driverless actuator, valve, DC motor, forced CAN mode).
Target and actual position (based on feedback), present and peak current, voltage, and a real-time current graph. For CAN/LIN actuators, data from the actuator itself is also displayed: type, ID, and temperature. An automatic end-to-end sweep function lets you evaluate how smoothly the actuator travels.
Typical signs:
- The actuator doesn’t move and draws no current
- The rod gets stuck before reaching the end position
- Current exceeds the allowable limit, or the graph shows jerks
- Position sensor readings don’t change or drop out at the same point every time
- VDO and Mando PWM actuators — end-position learning.
- Hella CAN and LIN actuators — end-position search and writing, direction of rotation, PWM frequency.
- Holset (Cummins) actuators — start position, calibration, hysteresis, writing results.
Every write is verified by reading the data back from the actuator memory.
MS611 tester, USB Type-C power adapter with Power Delivery support, USB Type-C cable, and a universal diagnostic cable with a set of adapter pins. Dedicated cables for specific actuator connectors are sold separately.
A dedicated cable plugs directly into the actuator’s OEM connector, guarantees the correct pinout, and enables automatic selection of the test program. The universal cable is intended for rare and new actuators that don’t have a dedicated cable yet, and it requires the user to know the pinout.
The series includes 27 dedicated cables plus the universal one. The required cable is listed on each actuator’s card in the tool’s database. Your sales manager can also help you choose a cable by actuator or turbocharger part number.
Each diagnostic cable has a built-in electronic ID tag with its number. The tool reads it automatically, filters the database for the connected cable, and won’t let you start a test with the wrong cable. This protects the actuator from incorrect connection.
The tool is powered via USB Type-C with Power Delivery rated at 80 W or more. The included adapter or a power bank with a USB-C PD output of that rating will work. A magnetic mount on the back panel holds a power bank with a magnetic ring, so you can work without an outlet.
The tool checks the available power profiles and displays a warning if the power is insufficient. Test modes remain unavailable until a suitable power supply is connected.
Adjustable voltage from 1 to 30 V, so both 12 V and 24 V actuators are supported. Current is up to 5 A; the limit is set by the test program or the database.
- Overcurrent protection with an adjustable threshold
- Overheat protection
- Bus communication loss monitoring with automatic actuator power cutoff
- Automatic power cutoff if the cable is disconnected during a test
- Soft de-energizing of valve coils
The most common causes are the wrong cable, a poor contact in the connector, or a faulty actuator circuit board. Check the cable and connector, make sure the correct actuator is selected in the database, and repeat the test.
Hella CAN actuators come in two control variants: full CAN and CAN + PWM. If one variant is selected in the database but the other one is connected, the tool won’t start the test to avoid damaging the actuator. Select the database entry that matches the connected actuator.
Download the update file from the product page on the manufacturer’s website, copy it to the tool via a USB Type-C cable, and then start the update from the Settings menu. The actuator database is updated the same way, by replacing the database file. Updates are free of charge.
Ukrainian and English.