What am I missing in a OBD scan tool?

[newstylecustoms]

I have been looking at scan tools and ready many threads on this forum but still don't quite know what I am missing. The only scan tool I have or have ever used is a scanguageII, I have always read the codes and then googled them to find meanings. Please enlighten me as to what a more capable scan tool will do for me. I have been considering the Autel AL619. Budget as always is my constraint.

Thanks in advance for any info, please forgive my ignorance.

 

[MLB0611]

Well, a lot, I am a pro and use scan tools all the time, the code is just a clue to the problem, for instance I have a Honda in my bay with a P0171 lean code, with Data Stream on a real scan tool I figured out the cause of the lean code without swapping parts in about 10 minutes, the car will be fixed as soon and the intake to throttle body hose assembly gets here and I know it will be fixed, with just the code, google would have told you to replace the MAF or the A/F sensor etc. with Fuel trims I already ruled out those as the issue a code will not tell you any of that info.

 

[newstylecustoms]

Well, a lot, I am a pro and use scan tools all the time, the code is just a clue to the problem, for instance I have a Honda in my bay with a P0171 lean code, with Data Stream on a real scan tool I figured out the cause of the lean code without swapping parts in about 10 minutes, the car will be fixed as soon and the intake to throttle body hose assembly gets here and I know it will be fixed, with just the code, google would have told you to replace the MAF or the A/F sensor etc. with Fuel trims I already ruled out those as the issue a code will not tell you any of that info.

Great that is very useful info, For instance yesterday I scanned a Cadillac with an overheat code stored, would a better tool help me to find the cause of the overheat (thermostat or waterpump failure)

Also any lower priced tools that you have found helpful? I understand that I will be compromising on features in order to keep the cost down.

Thanks

 

[Karl_B]

A good scan tool will show you a freeze frame with all the sensor data when the code was set. You can also watch the live data. Graphing data is actually more helpful than you would first think, as well. I had a Hyundai come in that was running like it had a vacuum leak, but I couldn't find it with normal tricks. The RPM didn't change when I got close to the leak with carb cleaner, but the oxygen sensor voltage spiked. In the list mode, it wasn't fast enough to show well. In graph mode, I could see spikes in that matched the duration of the spray.

A good scan tool isn't going to solve any problems magically, but it's an awesome tool when you learn to take advantage of the information it can provide.

 

[FiendFX]

Well, a lot, I am a pro and use scan tools all the time, the code is just a clue to the problem, for instance I have a Honda in my bay with a P0171 lean code, with Data Stream on a real scan tool I figured out the cause of the lean code without swapping parts in about 10 minutes, the car will be fixed as soon and the intake to throttle body hose assembly gets here and I know it will be fixed, with just the code, google would have told you to replace the MAF or the A/F sensor etc. with Fuel trims I already ruled out those as the issue a code will not tell you any of that info.

What kind of scanner are you using?

 

[MLB0611]

What kind of scanner are you using?

Verus Pro

 

[MLB0611]

Great that is very useful info, For instance yesterday I scanned a Cadillac with an overheat code stored, would a better tool help me to find the cause of the overheat (thermostat or waterpump failure)

Also any lower priced tools that you have found helpful? I understand that I will be compromising on features in order to keep the cost down.

Thanks

It can sometimes, as you can see what the ECM thinks the temp is of the coolant, aka not a real over heat problem and use a IR thermometer to check the sensors are correct, but that is about it. I mostly deal with emissions and other codes, so I need as much info as possible.

As For affordable, I use the Autel AL319 for quick checks and simple diag work as well as check I/M monitors to verify repairs, just got back from test driving the Honda I wrote about all monitors but EVAP have completed, fuel level too low to test EVAP system. Ready for Emission retest.

One Thing I did not mention is Bi-direction testing is easy with a real scan tool you will not find that in a cheap hand held, for instance sealing an EVAP sytem to test for leaks hard to do without the correct scan tool. If you are working for a Shop doing diag work the shop should provide at least some professional scan tool

 

[newstylecustoms]

I do vehicle repairs on the side never worked full time at Auto repairs. I was a industrial machine mechanic for many years but we used a totally different system for diagnostics.

Thanks for all the feedback.

Do you think the Autel AL619 is a good value at $151? http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0091DJWV0/?tag=atomicindus08-20