Scan Tool

[Tallted]

I'd like to pick up a scan tool for diagnosing car problems. Anything specific I should be looking for? Preferred brands? Tips for use? I've never used one before, but am tired of replacing sensors just to see if it fixes the problem.

 

[01ps]

Are you working on one car? Do you need or will you be able to understand live data? If you are looking for codes any obd2 reader would work. I have an autel md801 myself, and it works ok. Live data is ok but basic, graphing is kinda so so, but that's the case on any less expensive scan tool. It has vehicle specific codes, and abs, airbag and some oil lite reset stuff.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Rakoprtr]

It depends do u want a code reader a graphing scanner and do u need or want an O-scope on it

 

[Tallted]

I already have something to get CEL codes. I want something that will allow me to monitor voltage on the sensors so I can see if they are working.

 

[Tallted]

Just downloaded it, pretty neat. Where did you get the bluetooth/OBDII connector?

 

[Bill Ramsey]

DIY-level scan tools, if it's able to monitor the particular PID for the sensor in question, will display the value. E.g., the coolant temp sensor will display the temperature on the scan tool screen, not the voltage value being returned by the sensor. Some of the high-end professional tools may have that capability. But, even that likely tells you what you seek to know...whether the value being returned by the sensor is moving within a range you would expect. But if a scan tool tells you a sensor isn't returning a value, or is returning a wonky value, that only tells you something about that sensor circuit is wonky. It might not be a bad sensor, but a bad wiring connection. For a direct voltage measurement (for sensors that vary voltage), you can tap into many of the sensors with a digital voltmeter, to confirm if the sensor is the problem. Whatever scan tool you get, you'll want it to operate in as many modes as possible, and as broad a live data (parameter ID) as possible. I don't have broad experience with a lot of them, so I'll leave it to others to recommend specific brands/models, based on their experience.

 

[dankicksass]

Get a C-Reader IV or higher. No nonsense, has updates and support, and they're cheap. Last I looked, the IV was around $50.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

scan tools have discussed many many times on GJ.

Search function is your friend...