5 Important Factors to Consider While Choosing a Diagnostic Scan Tool

A diagnostic scan tool is something that can come in handy whenever the ‘check engine’ light comes on in your car and you are not sure what the problem is. As a car loving nation, Australia is one of the largest markets in the world for automotive scanners and you can find a huge variety of scanning tools here. If you are, however, not sure how to choose one, this guide can help you.

There are five important factors to be considered while choosing an automotive scan tool.

Compatibility

This is the first and perhaps the most important factor you should consider before you choose a scanning tool. You should check the OBD II protocol of your vehicle and then look for a scanner that is compatible with your vehicle. While scanning tools are not manufacturer-specific when it comes to cars, certain vehicles have manufacturer-specific error codes that could be read only by a particular type of scanners.

To prevent this problem and to avoid spending money on an incompatible scanner, check your vehicle’s OBD II protocol and look for a compatible scanning tool.

Functionality

What do you need the scanner for? If all you need is a tool to read and clear error codes, a basic code reader should do the job for you. An automotive diagnostic scanner, on the other hand, is more advanced and can do a lot more.

A mid level scanner, for instance, can give you troubleshooting information – what a code stands for, what could be the problem with your car, and what you can do to fix it. The more advanced ones have a wide range of features including the ability to detect and reset airbags and antilock brake systems, print results, show real time data about your car’s performance, store the data so that you can view it any time you want, retrieve your car’s VIN, and many, many more.

Basically, an advanced scanning tool can tell you what the problem is and how you can fix it. With such a tool in your possession, you no longer have to run to the nearest workshop every time there is a problem with your car.

Upgrading Options

You should be able to upgrade the scanning tool on a regular basis. Brand new cars hit the market almost every other month and you need to make sure your tool is updated enough to be used on these vehicles. Otherwise, when you buy a new car, you might have to buy a new scanning tool as well.

You have to, however, pay for these upgrades. Some of the minor upgrades can be done for free, but most of the upgrades – especially those that improve the functionality of the tool greatly – come with a price tag. This is something you need to keep in mind while buying a scanner.

Ease of Use

There is really no point in investing money in a high-end diagnostic scan tool if you find it too complicated to use. If you are not particularly tech savvy, you might find it really difficult to use some of the most advanced tools that are available on the market today. So, make sure the tool you choose has an easy to use interface and comes with a detailed instruction manual that tells you how to operate it safely.

Budget

This is obviously one of the key factors you need to consider before making any purchase, leave alone an automotive scan tool. The thing about buying a scanner, however, is that it is not just a question of buying a tool that fits your budget.

If you are on a small budget, for instance, you can probably buy a basic code reader. It cannot, however, do anything other than read and clear error codes. The most sophisticated tools, on the other hand, are expensive and are ideal only for professionals who deal with a variety of different vehicles. So, your ideal choice lies somewhere in between.

The best option is to buy a high quality, mid-level scanner that can be upgraded regularly. Such a tool is ideal for people who loathe going to the workshop every time there is something wrong with the car. At the end of the day, however, you need to choose a diagnostic scan tool that meets your needs and budget, above all.

How Do Car Diagnostic Tools Work?

How do car diagnostic tools work? This is a question that many of us might have asked at some point of time. While most car owners know that a diagnostic scanner is something that can tell you what is wrong with your car, not many people know how it actually works, the intricacies of its design, and the extent of its functionality. In this article, we take a detailed look at diagnostic tools and the way they work.

The Basic Function of a Diagnostic Scanner

As you know, many of the systems in your car – be it the fuel injection system, ignition system, or the automatic transmission system – are run by computers these days. The computers regularly collect data and send commands to various systems to ensure optimal functioning of your car. Whenever there is a problem with any part of your car, the computer flashes the MIL (malfunction indicator lamp) to let you know that something is not right and needs your attention. This is precisely where a scanning tool comes into the picture.

The computer in your car generally stores ‘trouble codes’, using which you can find out where the problem lies and how it could be sorted out. The primary job of a scanner is to retrieve and display these codes. You can then use the reference manual to find out what the code means, which part of your car has developed a problem, and then fix it.

How to Use a Car Diagnostic Tool?

The first step is to locate the OBD II (onboard diagnostics) connector in your car. It is where you should plug in your automotive scan tool. In most cars, the connector can be found just under the dashboard – to the left side of the steering column. It might differ, however, from one model to another, depending on the manufacturer. So, if you are not able to find it, use your car’s instruction manual to find out the exact location. 

You should then plug in the diagnostic scanner and turn on the ignition. In some cases, the scanning tool might ask you to input certain information like the VPN, the engine type, and so on. Once you do, the scanner will search for the error codes and display them on the screen.

Different Types of Scanners and Their Functionalities

Now, the actual information you get from a scanner might differ greatly depending on the type of scanner you use. A basic scanning tool just gives you a bunch of alphanumeric codes, which you have to interpret using the instruction manual or CD ROM that accompanies the tool. You also have the option of looking up the codes on the internet.

A mid-priced scanning tool, on the other hand, can give you more information along with an error code. For instance, you might get a message that reads something like ‘P0115 Engine Coolant Temperature Malfunction’.

A highly advanced scanning tool goes a few steps further and actually gives you access to real time data from your car’s computer. You can take a look at a whole lot of data like engine load and rpm, oxygen sensor function, water and air temperature, and so on. You can even freeze frame certain data to check back later or to show it to your mechanic. Advanced scanning tools usually come with a built-in data bank that tells you what a particular code means and also gives you suggestions and tips for troubleshooting. They also have an interface for your laptop or computer, which makes the whole diagnostic process a lot easier.

Apart from reading and displaying error codes, one of the important functions of a scanning tool is to erase a particular error code once the problem is fixed. Otherwise, a trouble code might pop up even after the problem is fixed, which could lead to unnecessary confusion.

Choosing the Right Car Diagnostic Tool

A diagnostic scanner is a very useful tool to have for any car owner. While the basic function of the tool remains the same, the functionality of scanners could differ greatly depending on whether you opt for a basic, mid-priced, or advanced scanner. So, you should take a good look at all the options available at different price points and choose a automotive diagnostic scanner that suits your budget and needs perfectly.