SIST EN ISO 18541-1:2021

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2021
Nadomešča:
SIST EN ISO 18541-1:2014
Cestna vozila - Standardiziran dostop do informacij o popravilih in vzdrževanju
avtomobilov (RMI) - 1. del: Splošne informacije in definicija primerov uporabe (ISO
18541-1:2021)
Road vehicles - Standardized access to automotive repair and maintenance information
(RMI) - Part 1: General information and use case definition (ISO 18541-1:2021)
Straßenfahrzeuge - Standardisierter Zugang zu Reparatur- und Wartungsinformationen
(RMI) - Teil 1: Allgemeine Informationen und Beschreibung der Anwendungsfälle (ISO
18541-1:2021)
Véhicules routiers - Normalisation de l'accès aux informations relatives à la réparation et
à la maintenance pour l'automobile (RMI) - Partie 1: Informations générales et définitions
de cas d'utilisation (ISO 18541-1:2021)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 18541-1:2021
ICS:
43.040.15 Avtomobilska informatika. Car informatics. On board
Vgrajeni računalniški sistemi computer systems
43.180 Diagnostična, vdrževalna in Diagnostic, maintenance and
preskusna oprema test equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN ISO 18541-1
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
June 2021
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 43.180; 43.040.15 Supersedes EN ISO 18541-1:2014
English Version
Road vehicles - Standardized access to automotive repair
and maintenance information (RMI) - Part 1: General
information and use case definition (ISO 18541-1:2021)
Véhicules routiers - Normalisation de l'accès aux Straßenfahrzeuge - Standardisierter Zugang zu
informations relatives à la réparation et à la Reparatur- und Wartungsinformationen (RMI) - Teil 1:
maintenance pour l'automobile (RMI) - Partie 1: Allgemeine Informationen und Beschreibung der
Informations générales et définitions de cas Anwendungsfälle (ISO/FDIS 18541-1:2021)
d'utilisation (ISO/FDIS 18541-1:2021)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 1 June 2021.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2021 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 18541-1:2021 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3

European foreword
This document (EN ISO 18541-1:2021) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 22 "Road
vehicles" in collaboration with Technical Committee CEN/TC 301 “Road vehicles” the secretariat of
which is held by AFNOR.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by December 2021, and conflicting national standards
shall be withdrawn at the latest by December 2021.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN ISO 18541-1:2014.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the
United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 18541-1:2021 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 18541-1:2021 without any
modification.
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 18541-1
Second edition
2021-06
Road vehicles — Standardized access
to automotive repair and maintenance
information (RMI) —
Part 1:
General information and use case
definition
Véhicules routiers — Normalisation de l'accès aux informations
relatives à la réparation et à la maintenance pour l'automobile
(RMI) —
Partie 1: Informations générales et définitions de cas d'utilisation
Reference number
ISO 18541-1:2021(E)
©
ISO 2021
ISO 18541-1:2021(E)
© ISO 2021
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
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CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

ISO 18541-1:2021(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Abbreviated terms . 7
5 Document overview and structure . 7
6 General information . 9
6.1 Access to vehicle RMI . 9
6.2 Standardized access to RMI benefit examples .10
6.2.1 Independent operators .10
6.2.2 Vehicle manufacturers .10
7 RMI use case overview and principles .11
7.1 Overview of basic principles .11
7.2 Overview of use case clusters .11
7.3 Access to security-related RMI .14
8 RMI use cases .14
8.1 UC 1 User authentication, authorization and administration .14
8.1.1 UC 1.1 Register IO for use of the VM RMI system .14
8.1.2 UC 1.2 Register IO employee for use of the VM RMI system .16
8.1.3 UC 1.3 Maintain IO status .16
8.1.4 UC 1.4 Maintain user status .17
8.1.5 UC 1.5 Request to delete the registration of an IO employee .17
8.1.6 UC 1.6 Login to VM RMI system .17
8.1.7 UC 1.7 Grant access to security-related RMI .18
8.2 UC 2 Payment for RMI .18
8.3 UC 3 Vehicle identification .19
8.3.1 UC 3.1 Vehicle identification through use of the VIN .19
8.3.2 UC 3.2 Vehicle type identification via product features .19
8.4 UC 4 Provide selection methods for RMI .21
8.4.1 UC 4.1 Select information type .21
8.4.2 UC 4.2 Search by standardized terms .22
8.4.3 UC 4.3 Navigate using product structure .22
8.4.4 UC 4.4 Select by document identifier .22
8.5 UC 5 Retrieve information packages .22
8.5.1 UC 5.1 Workshop procedures .22
8.5.2 UC 5.2 Wiring diagrams .24
8.5.3 UC 5.3 Technical service bulletin .24
8.5.4 UC 5.4 Recall information .24
8.5.5 UC 5.5 Maintenance schedule .25
8.5.6 UC 5.6 Spare parts .25
8.5.7 UC 5.7 Accessories .26
8.5.8 UC 5.8 Labour times .27
8.5.9 UC 5.9 Converted vehicles .27
8.5.10 UC 5.10 Special tools .27
8.6 UC 6 Vehicle diagnostics .28
8.6.1 UC 6.1 DTC resolution .28
8.6.2 UC 6.2 VM symptom resolution .28
8.6.3 UC 6.3 Integrated diagnostics .28
8.7 UC 7 Updating, replacing and tuning of modules (ECUs) .29
8.7.1 UC 7.1 Updating and replacing modules .29
ISO 18541-1:2021(E)
8.7.2 UC 7.2 Tuning kit .30
8.8 UC 8 Electronic maintenance history .30
8.9 UC 9 Repair assistance technical support .31
8.10 UC 10 Request contact for specific RMI .31
8.10.1 UC 10.1 Electronic tool information (diagnostic, reprogramming, VCI) .31
8.10.2 UC 10.2 Test equipment and diagnostic tool manufacturers.32
8.10.3 UC 10.3 Training material (delegate information) .32
8.10.4 UC 10.4 Redistributors .32
8.10.5 UC 10.5 Republishers .33
8.10.6 UC 10.6 Inspection and testing services .33
8.10.7 UC 10.7 Alternative fuels retrofit systems .34
8.10.8 UC 10.8 Engine and components remanufacturing .34
8.10.9 UC 10.9 Component and parts manufacturers .34
8.10.10 UC 10.10 Validation of independently developed non-proprietary VCIs .35
8.11 UC 11 Courses and training information .35
Annex A (normative) Access to security related RMI according to SERMI scheme .37
Bibliography .39
iv © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

ISO 18541-1:2021(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 22, Road vehicles, Subcommittee SC 31,
Data communication, in collaboration with the European Committee for Standardization (CEN)
Technical Committee CEN/TC 301, Road vehicles, in accordance with the Agreement on technical
cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 18541-1:2014), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
— security-related RMI according to SERMI scheme moved to Annex A;
— correction of errors and improvement of formulations in the entire document.
A list of all parts in the ISO 18541 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
ISO 18541-1:2021(E)
Introduction
The ISO 18541 series includes the requirements to be fulfilled by repair and maintenance information
(RMI) systems as applied by the European Commission — Enterprise and Industry Directorate-General,
[5]
Consumer goods — Automotive industry EC mandate M/421, dated Brussels, 21 January 2008.
This mandate relates to the EC type-approval system for vehicles falling into the scopes of Directives
[8] [6]
70/156/EEC (replaced by 2007/46/EC ), 2002/24/EC [replaced by (EU) 168/2013 ] and 2003/37/
[7]
EC [replaced by (EU) 167/2013 ] and, in particular, to requirements for access to vehicle repair and
maintenance information by independent operators.
The purpose of the EC Mandate M/421 is to develop a standard or set of standards which specify the
requirements to provide standardized access to automotive repair and maintenance information (RMI)
for independent operators.
The ISO 18541 series only covers access to automotive repair and maintenance information for
[15] [14]
light passenger and commercial vehicles [see (EC) No 715/2007 , (EC) No 692/2008 and
[11] [13] [12]
(EU) No 566/2011 ] and heavy-duty vehicles [see (EC) No 595/2009 , (EU) No 582/2011
[9] [8]
and (EU) No 64/2012 ] based on Directive 2007/46/EC and for two-or three-wheel vehicles and
[6]
quadricycles based on regulation (EU) 168/2013 .
The information included in the ISO 18541 series derives from the legislative requirements on European
level in the field of RMI and related security requirements and can be referenced by legislation in other
countries.
vi © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 18541-1:2021(E)
Road vehicles — Standardized access to automotive repair
and maintenance information (RMI) —
Part 1:
General information and use case definition
1 Scope
This document provides a general overview and structure of each part of the ISO 18541 series. This
document also describes the use cases applicable to the standardized access to automotive RMI. The use
cases address real world scenarios (e.g. servicing vehicles) regarding the information access necessary
to perform vehicle roadside assistance, inspection, diagnosis, repair and maintenance, including the
updating and replacement of electronic control units (ECU).
Furthermore, this document defines requirements for granting access to security-related RMI in
Annex A following the SERMI scheme.
The RMI systems used by personnel to perform the services consist of:
— a web-based system, which provides access to RMI needed to perform the service(s);
— contact information for specific RMI;
— a security framework to protect access to security-related RMI (vehicle theft protection measures).
This document is applicable to light passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO/IEC 9594-8, Information technology — Open systems interconnection — Part 8: The Directory: Public
key and attribute certificate frameworks
ISO 18541-2, Road vehicles — Standardized access to automotive repair and maintenance information
(RMI) — Part 2: Technical requirements
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
ISO 18541-1:2021(E)
3.1
access level
level of access to repair and maintenance information (3.37) which is either related to security or not
related to security
EXAMPLE One might consider an access to RMI related to security and another one to RMI not related to
security. They represent two different access levels.
3.2
accessory
supplementary feature and component selected by a vehicle owner to enhance safety, performance,
comfort, etc. and whose fitting does not impact the vehicle approval
3.3
alternative fuel
type of fuel that is either gaseous at atmospheric temperature and pressure or substantially non-
mineral oil derived
[15]
Note 1 to entry: Adopted from Regulation (EC) 715/2007 .
3.4
alternative fuels retrofit system
engine system mounted on an already registered vehicle for the purpose of operation with alternative
fuels (3.3)
3.5
alternative fuels system manufacturer
manufacturer of an engine system operating with an alternative fuel (3.3)
3.6
appropriate software level
applicable software version for the individual vehicle
3.7
authorized repairer
AR
provider of repair and maintenance services for motor vehicles operating within the distribution
system set up by a supplier of motor vehicles
[10]
Note 1 to entry: See Regulation (EC) 461/2010 Article 1 (1)(c) .
3.8
certificate
electronic document which uses a digital signature to bind a public key with an identity
3.9
converted vehicle
factory-produced vehicle which has been altered by the addition, deletion, substitution or modification
of the body, chassis or essential parts that resembles, but is no longer identical to, the original vehicle
for a special purpose
Note 1 to entry: The purpose of the alteration (s) can be, for example to act as rescue vehicle or taxicab.
3.10
diagnostic information
description of an error or symptom and a list of potential causes or hints for further investigation to the
same level and content as provided to the authorized repairer (3.7)
2 © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

ISO 18541-1:2021(E)
3.11
diagnostic trouble code
DTC
numeric or alphanumeric identifier which identifies or labels a malfunction
[16]
[SOURCE: GTR No 5, definition 3.6]
3.12
electronic maintenance history
digital information package (3.18) with virtual stamps that confirms the execution of the prescribed
maintenance actions according to the vehicle manufacturer's (3.45) schedule
3.13
independent operator
IO
company or legal entity other than authorized dealers and repairers who is directly or indirectly
involved in the repair and maintenance of motor vehicles
EXAMPLE Repairers, manufacturers or distributors of repair equipment, tools or spare parts, publishers of
technical information, automobile clubs, roadside assistance operators, operators offering inspection and testing
services, operators offering training for installers, manufacturers and repairers of equipment for alternative fuel
(3.3) vehicles.
3.14
IO approval
process by which, upon payment of a reasonable and proportionate fee, the CAB sanctions or approves
a legitimate commercial enterprise to engage in security-related RMI (3.38) activities
3.15
IO authorization
process by which, upon payment of a reasonable and proportionate fee, the CAB assesses that an
individual employee of an approved independent operator (3.13) complies with the requirements
specified in this document and is entitled to be given access to security-related RMI (3.38)
Note 1 to entry: As part of this authorization, the individual employee will be allocated, upon payment of a
reasonable and proportionate fee, a secure hardware token containing a personal digital certificate (3.8) and a
PIN that will be supplied by the trust centre.
3.16
IO commercial re-user
entity that is acting as a redistributor (3.33) or a republisher (3.36)
3.17
IO legal representative
natural person empowered to legally represent the independent operator (3.13) in all aspects of the
access to the vehicle repair and maintenance information (3.35)
3.18
information package
collection of information provided by the VM's RMI system (3.46) in response to a specific request
3.19
information type
category, group or set of information
EXAMPLE Workshop procedures (3.47) (for body repair, temporary repair, periodic technical inspection),
wiring diagrams, technical service bulletins (3.41), recall (3.32) information and maintenance information.
ISO 18541-1:2021(E)
3.20
integrated diagnostics
process which interprets via an integrated application the memory content of ECUs and provides a
diagnostic and repair recommendation
Note 1 to entry: Diagnostic application and VM RMI systems (3.46) cooperate online, so technical information is
provided during the diagnostics process and used for the diagnostic steps.
3.21
IO employee
natural person employed by the independent operator (3.13)
3.22
light commercial vehicle
motor vehicle intended for the transport of goods or passengers with a maximum mass not exceeding
3,5 tonnes
3.23
light passenger vehicle
vehicle according to category M1 (≦8 passenger seats except driver seat)
Note 1 to entry: Category M1 is defined in the United Nations Economic and Social Council World Forum for
Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.2.
3.24
maintenance history
history of the performed, prescribed actions for maintaining a vehicle
EXAMPLE Oil changes and other periodic maintenance.
3.25
maintenance schedule
prescribed sequence of maintenance actions for a vehicle following the requirements of the
manufacturer
3.26
OBD
on-board diagnostics
system on board a vehicle or engine which can detect malfunctions and, if applicable, indicates their
occurrence by means of an alert system, identifying the likely area of the malfunctions by means of
information stored in computer memory, and/or communicating that information off-board
[16]
Note 1 to entry: Module 'A' of GTR No.°5 concerns the whole vehicle. By referring to that module, the OBD
definition is understood as not being restricted to emissions.
3.27
partnered accessory
accessory (3.2) which has been tested, quality assured and certified by the vehicle manufacturer (3.45)
and for which the VM assumes product liability
3.28
potential repair description
list of potential causes and possible actions recommended to fix a problem
3.29
product feature
feature of a specific vehicle that may be used for navigation through the VM RMI system (3.46)
EXAMPLE Engine type (petrol/diesel), transmission type (manual/automatic).
4 © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

ISO 18541-1:2021(E)
3.30
product structure
inter-related set of units and sub-units in which a vehicle can be divided
Note 1 to entry: The product structure is vehicle manufacturer (3.45) specific.
3.31
PTI service
periodic technical inspection service
particular procedure for testing a vehicle during a PTI
EXAMPLE Procedure for testing brake lights.
3.32
recall
process whereby a vehicle manufacturer (3.45) notifies all owners of a specific vehicle of a condition or
defect that could affect safety, safe operation or environmental issues of that vehicle
3.33
redistributor
independent operator (3.13) offering repair and maintenance information (3.35) within their own
internal (closed) network
EXAMPLE RAC, ADAC, garage networks.
3.34
remanufacturing
process of overhauling an engine, major assembly or component, to return the engine, major assembly
or component to the vehicle manufacturer's (3.45) original specification
3.35
RMI
repair and maintenance information
all information required for diagnosis, servicing, inspection, periodic monitoring, repair, re-
programming or re-initialising of the vehicle and which the manufacturers provide for their authorized
dealers and repairers, including all subsequent amendments and supplements to such information
Note 1 to entry: This information includes all information required for fitting parts or equipment on vehicles.
[15]
[SOURCE: (EC) 715/2007 , article 3.14]
3.36
republisher
independent operator (3.13) who publishes repair and maintenance information (3.35) to an external
network using the RMI of the vehicle manufacturer (3.45)
3.37
security framework
set of processes, roles and technical devices for access to security-related RMI (3.38)
Note 1 to entry: The framework is based on the approval and authorization of independent operators (3.13) to
access security-related RMI at the VM RMI system (3.46). The physical access to the VM RMI system for security-
related RMI is bound to a digital certificate (3.8).
Note 2 to entry: See Annex A for requirements for granting access to security-related information according to
the SERMI scheme.
3.38
security-related RMI
RMI (3.35) related to vehicle theft protection measures
ISO 18541-1:2021(E)
3.39
selection method
possible method of selecting repair and maintenance information (3.35)
EXAMPLE Searches for a term in the document titles, information type (3.19), document ID or other criteria.
3.40
standardized non-proprietary VCI functionality
current standards for communication with a vehicle
EXAMPLE ISO 22900-2, SAE J2534–1, SAE J2534–2.
3.41
technical service bulletin
TSB
bulletin issued by the manufacturer detailing a fix for a known concern
Note 1 to entry: The bulletin is for informational purposes only.
3.42
temporary repair procedure
temporary solution to a problem that is usually available at roadside services
EXAMPLE Closing the roof of a convertible.
3.43
VCI functionality
vehicle communication interface functionality
set of functions to provide communication between vehicle systems and a software application for
diagnostics or reprogramming according to the requirements specified in ISO 18541-2
3.44
VIN
vehicle identification number
unique 17-character serial number given by the vehicle manufacturer (3.45) to identify individual motor
vehicles
3.45
VM
vehicle manufacturer
person or body who is responsible to the approval authority for all aspects of the type approval or
authorization process and for ensuring conformity of production of a vehicle
Note 1 to entry: It is not essential that the person or body be directly involved in all stages of the construction of
the vehicle, system, component or separate technical unit which is the subject of the approval process.
[8]
[SOURCE: 2007/46/EC, article 3.27]
3.46
vehicle manufacturer repair and maintenance information system
VM RMI system
information system by which the vehicle manufacturer (3.45) provides access to repair and maintenance
information (3.35) through a website
3.47
workshop procedure
information provided by a vehicle manufacturer (3.45) describing specific repair and maintenance
EXAMPLE Repair procedures, working advice or other instructions.
6 © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

ISO 18541-1:2021(E)
4 Abbreviated terms
AR authorized repairer
BP basic principle
CAB conformity assessment body
DTC diagnostic trouble code
ECU electronic control unit
GTR global technical regulations
GUI graphical user interface
IO independent operator
IR independent repairer
OBD on-board diagnostic
PIN personal identification number
PTI periodic technical inspection
RMI repair and maintenance information
SERMI forum for access to security-related vehicle repair and maintenance information
TSB technical service bulletin
VCI vehicle communication interface
VIN vehicle identification number
VM vehicle manufacturer
NOTE In this document GTR is used to reference specifically GTR No. 5: Technical requirements for on-board
diagnostic systems (OBD) for road vehicles. See Reference [16].
5 Document overview and structure
The ISO 18541 series provides an implementer with all documents and references required to support
the implementation of the requirements related to standardized access to automotive RMI in accordance
[5]
with the requirements set forth in EC mandate M/421 .
— ISO 18541-1: General information and use case definition
This document provides an overview of the document set and structure along with the use case
definitions for light passenger and commercial vehicles and a common set of resources (definitions,
references) for use by all subsequent parts. The standardized access to automotive RMI shall be
implemented by the VMs in their RMI systems.
— ISO 18541-2: Technical requirements
It provides all technical requirements related to a VM RMI system for light passenger and
commercial vehicles. These requirements will reflect the deriving needs from the use cases as
specified in ISO 18541-1 (this document).
EXAMPLE (not a complete list):
ISO 18541-1:2021(E)
— access-related data administration;
— information technology architecture;
— external interfaces;
— technical infrastructure recommendations;
— operations.
— ISO 18541-3: Functional user interface requirements
It specifies all functional user interface requirements related to a VM RMI system for light passenger
and commercial vehicles, e.g. navigational pathway and user guidance. These requirements will
reflect the deriving needs from the use cases as specified in ISO 18541-1 (this document).
— ISO 18541-4: Conformance test
It specifies conformance test cases for a self-conformance test by the provider of the VM RMI
system for light passenger and commercial vehicles. The conformance test cases will follow the use
case definition of ISO 18541-1 (this document) as well as the requirements stated in ISO 18541-2
and ISO 18541-3.
The purpose of ISO 18541-4 is to provide information to the VM RMI system provider to build and
test the VM RMI system against the conformance test cases. This final step in the development
process of the VM RMI system is an enabler for all providers that their VM RMI system meets a high
degree of functional requirements expected by the end user.
— ISO 18541-5: Heavy duty specific provisions
It specifies the applicability of the use cases, requirements and test cases of ISO 18541-1 through
ISO 18541-4 to heavy duty vehicles. A majority of use cases, requirements and test cases are
applicable without any modification. Otherwise the required modification is specified in detail.
— ISO 18541-6: L-category vehicle specific RMI use cases and requirements
It provides implementers with all specifications and references required to support the
implementation of the requirements related to standardized access to for two- and three-wheeled
vehicles and quadricycles (L-category) repair and maintenance information in their RMI systems.
Figure 1 illustrates the document structure of the ISO 18541 series with reference to the ISO 18542
series.
Figure 1 — Document structure
8 © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

ISO 18541-1:2021(E)
6 General information
6.1 Access to vehicle RMI
This document specifies use cases and requirements to be supported by VM RMI systems.
Figure 2 illustrates a typical example of an implementation scenario of a VM RMI, diagnostics and flash
programming web-based server environment. The independent operators use RMI clients (meeting the
specification in ISO 18541-2:2021, 9.2) which shall have access to the Internet.
Multiple VM RMI system configuration scenarios related to the server and client software architecture
are possible and a purely online solution is not precluded. It is the VM's responsibility to support an RMI
system configuration scenario which meets the requirements and objectives of standardized access to
automotive RMI from a user's point of view.
VM RMI system configuration scenarios are described in ISO 18541-2. The following VM RMI system
configuration scenarios are examples and should not be considered as a complete list of possible
configurations to satisfy the use cases and requirements.
— Configuration scenario #1 describes the following server and client installation:
— server(s): VM RMI Web system, VM diagnostic software and configuration data for download by
all clients, VM Flash programming software and ECU files for download by all clients;
— client(s): browser-capable computing hardware platform, diagnostic software installation
downloaded from the server, Flash programming software installation downloaded from the
server, VCI connected to vehicle and computing hardware platform with vehicle communication
protocol support to retrieve data from the vehicle through the diagnostic connector, diagnostics
and Flash programming executed on the client computing hardware platform.
— Configuration scenario #2 describes the following server and client installation:
— server(s): VM RMI Web system, VM diagnostic software and configuration data for download
by all clients, VM Flash programming software and ECU files for download by all clients,
diagnostics and Flash programming executed on the server for all clients;
— client(s): browser-capable computing hardware platform, diagnostic software installation
downloaded from the server, Flash programming software installation downloaded from the
server, VCI connected to vehicle and computing hardware platform with vehicle communication
protocol support to retrieve data from the vehicle through the diagnostic connector, the
diagnostics and Flash programming user interface is separated from the server applications
and executed on the client computing hardware platform.
Figure 2 depicts a typical example of the access to vehicle RMI.
ISO 18541-1:2021(E)
Key
1 repair and maintenance information
2 vehicle communication interface
Figure 2 — Typical example of access to vehicle RMI
6.2 Standardized access to RMI benefit examples
6.2.1 Independent operators
The following benefits are applicable to independent repairers:
— similar functional GUI for all vehicle brands,
— same functional RMI search terminology,
— functionally equivalent RMI navigational pathway,
— single PC connected to Internet to access RMI of all vehicle brands.
6.2.2 Vehicle manufacturers
The following benefits are applicable to the vehicle manufacturer service department and repair shops:
— improved sales of RMI to independent operators,
— streamlining of access to RMI to a single method,
10 © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

ISO 18541-1:2021(E)
— simplification of future RMI system development,
— provision of a consistent interface between RMI, diagnostics and other information.
7 RMI use case overview and principles
7.1 Overview of basic principles
The basic principles have been established as a guideline to define the RMI use cases.
— BP1: RMI use cases describe the inte
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