Tell me about scan tools and readers

[GrantCee]

OK, I'm a home mechanic who does all of his own work and maintenance on the "fleet". I live quite a ways from any mechanic, let alone a certified one, so I do everything from brakes to valve jobs - but only on my own vehicles. I don't do any performance mods, simply keep them running as perfectly as I can. The newest vehicle I have is a 1997 Mitsubishi Montero.

Can someone explain to me the difference between a scan tool and a code reader, and which one is right for what I do?

 

[p_mori7]

code reader plugs into the OBD2 port and just tells you the code. I think you can also clear the code.

scan tool does that, plus can run diagnostic functions, take snapshots of the monitored systems, some also have diagnostic trees build in.

I have an Autel scanner I bought off Ebay. works great.

More expensive scan tools can also function as ABS & SRS diagnostic tools.

 

[texasprd]

Code readers (per se) only read diagnostic codes set by the ECM or PCM (hereafter referred to as "ECM for simplicity). Scan tools do that, but much more - they can see live engine/trans/ABS/body-module data as the ECM refreshes it, such as RPM, coolant temp, OS cross-counts, torque-converter lockup state, other transmission data, radiator fan status (if electric fans & ECM-controlled), etc. The pro-level (and maybye now som of the best DIY models) give bi-directional control, which allows you to do things like turning on/off fans, EGR solenoids, etc. to verify functioning. Good scan tools may also have troubleshooting assistance built in, as well as databases with acceptable ranges for operating paramaters.

If you are looking at serious in-depth diagnostics, you may also need a handheld "scope" - scan tools only refresh as the ECM refreshes the data to the diagnostic coupler, every few seconds, because our eyes/comprehension aren't that fast. Some faults (like dead spots in throttle position sensors) occur so fast that they can easily be missed on a scan tool. You need a graphing meter to catch those, and if you are looking at waveforms like injector signals or ABS sensor signals, that's completely out of the scan-tool realm and you need a wave-form capability in a "scope" (which will usually also have the graphing-meter function as well).

 

[Bubbles]

Android phone and torque app is great.

You get the blue tooth obd2 reader for 20 bucks, plug it in and all info goes to your phone real time as you drive.

I'm stuck with a black bery and lap logger for a couple months till I can upgrade. Then I'm getting an android phone for this reason

 

[Midnight_America]

I second what bubbles said.
I use the Torque app with an android tablet. The combo has worked well for me, as it provides data and real-time graphing of mostly everything a "home mechanic" would need to diagnose a problem such as Voltage out of all the O2 sensors, RPM, fault codes, vacuum readings, voltages, coolant temp...just to name a few. If you already own an android device, it's a lot of kit for a $25 investment. A code reader will only let you know you have a problem. A Reader/Scanner Tool, such as Torque, will help you find AND fix the problem.

 

[mark198]

I think obd2 only applies to cars 96 and later, it may only work for your newest vehicle. Pre 96 cars may need specific readers that only handle limited brands.

 

[Outlawmws]

I have an Inova "Scan tool" I bought a few years back when I was having more troubles than using the "counter" that the OEM provides was worth. It will do both OBD I and OBD II, and it was well under $100. Hard to beat the price and it's easily learned.

 

[FiendFX]

Innova or Autel for starters

 

[Lkdelta]

Android phone and torque app is great.

You get the blue tooth obd2 reader for 20 bucks, plug it in and all info goes to your phone real time as you drive.

is there one from amazon,that works bettter than others?
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...tomotive&field-keywords=blue+tooth+obd+reader

for this android after we get torque app.

 

[Lkdelta]

is there one from amazon,that works bettter than others?
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...tomotive&field-keywords=blue+tooth+obd+reader

for this android after we get torque app.

Do you use a hard wired connection, or is it all wireless connections?

 

[GrantCee]

The pro-level (and maybye now som of the best DIY models) give bi-directional control, which allows you to do things like turning on/off fans, EGR solenoids, etc. to verify functioning.

Now that's cool! I had no idea you could do things like that.

I'm an iPhone user; haven't checked yet, but I'm sure there are similar apps to Torque available. Anyone care to suggest an app and an adaptor that you've had good luck with?

 

[Lkdelta]

try it once to recycle the questions....

is there one from amazon,that works bettter than others?
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...ywords=blue tooth obd reader&tag=vglnk-c47-20


Do you use a hard wired connection, or is it all wireless connections?


I'm an iPhone user; haven't checked yet, but I'm sure there are similar apps to Torque available. Anyone care to suggest an app and an adaptor that you've had good luck with?