Automotive Diagnostic OBD2 Scanner

Posts Tagged ‘obd2 scanner laptop’

Car reliability issues seem to have improved drastically today as opposed to cars before the late 80′s. It is now supposed to be easier to detect engine, transmission and chassis components in vehicles due to significant advancements in auto diagnostic technology.

The only problem now is that the DIY is not just basic mechanical parts and ideologies as it used to be. You have to have a greater learning curve to do most of your own vehicle repairs, also with the aid of some reader or scanner device. Proper qualified and trained mechanics can improve their self-diagnosis time with these tools and use the majority of the time in repairs – so this must be a benefit when forking out the money to pay for their service.

We are now in an age where  using computers and specialized diagnostic tools to detect the major car problems is a must for proper repairs. Yes it is very convenient but what really started it all? How was this technology developed? We will discuss the answers for these questions in this article.

Modern vehicle models which were being manufactured in 1996 until today are equipped with an Powertrain Control Module (PCM). This system monitors different sensor readings that are mounted throughout the engine of the car, including the exhaust and fuel systems for emissions. The sensors feed the PCM to what exact amount of  fuel and air mixture is needed in the combustion chambers. The PCM also serves as a data storage  for any auto diagnostics. Starting from January 1996 in the US, every car was required by law to have a standardized diagnostic system with a universal 16-pin plug so mechanics and technicians will not necessarily need a dedicated tool to perform any basic diagnostic tests. The PCM interface should not be a dedicated system, if it was going to be  sold to the public citizens. The On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD II) standard connector was born because of that legislation. This connector is required to be somewhere within three feet of the driver’s sea,and should be easily accessible without any major removal of parts for quick and easy access.

This law later on paved the way for commercial auto diagnostic software. This software includes an interface cable that conjoins the OBD II device to the laptop or computer through a serial which can be a USB or Bluetooth. The program interacts with the computer in the vehicle in logging sensor data and other parameters that are all real time. In addition, this auto diagnostic software can pull out trouble codes and potential issues can be detected as a form of a preventive measure. The auto diagnostic software can also work with the ignition key for some specific purposes. It can also read the voltage of electricity used by the car, testing of oxygen sensor, and keeping track of other vital systems.

We should not forget that there are three types of systems used in vehicles that are OBD II compliant. The only way to go for is by using universal auto diagnostic tools and software available on the market as opposed to manufacturer dedicated sytems. This ensures that all three types can be read. Software-based systems are very convenient for universal professional mechanics which do not stick to one car brand in their portfolio. Regular diagnostic service check-ups can tell you about  something which is about to break in advance. This will help if the required repair is taken care of immediately avoiding other healthy components to get damaged too.

There are several auto diagnostic software brands available in the market today. Prices vary from each other as well as the specifications so it is advisable that you consult a mechanic first before purchase any tool. Also it should be not taken for-granted that the tool you are buying is fully compatible with your vehicle, so it is wise to get a confirmation before committing your purchase.

OTC 5025 Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Refractometer $60.57 SCR and EPA 2010 EPA regulations require all diesel engines manufactured on or after January 1, 2010 to meet lowered NOx emissions standards. Most heavy duty engine (Class 7-8 trucks) manufacturers, have chosen to utilize SCR. This Includes Detroit Diesel (DD13, DD15, and DD16 models), Cummins (ISX line), PACCAR, and Volvo/Mack. SCR-equipped engines require the periodic addition of Diesel Exhaust…

OEM 25025 26-Blade Master Feeler Gauge $2.87 26 blades with 3 1/4” 1 piece handle. Blade sizes: .0015, .002, .0025, .003, thru .025 by thousands. Decimal and metric sizes stamped on each blade….

CarMD 2100 Vehicle Health System and Diagnostic Code Reader for OBDII Vehicles $93.99 This product offers peace of mind for anyone who has ever worried about car maintenance and repairs. The easy-to-use device, which fits inside a purse or glove compartment, empowers drivers to monitor their vehicles health. The CarMD tool can be used to quick-check an unlimited number of vehicles. Within seconds, its color-coded (green, yellow, red) vehicle health monitor LED’s tell you if your ve…

Neiko 20713A Professional Digital Laser Photo Non-Contact Tachometer with Accuracy 99,999 RPM Measurement $19.09 Highly accurate, scientific tool with Digital Laser photo technology and 6 MHz crystal oscillator. Easy to operate for taking measurement and diagnostic test results: attach small strip of standard adhesive reflective tape (included) to object, aim and measure–RPMs instantly display on large LCD screen. Includes custom protective cushioned storage case, 3 AA batteries, instructions and a 24″ of r…

Mechanics Stethoscope Automotive Engine Diagnostic Tool With an audible tone, you can settle the problems much easiler by Tracing Sound of Flowing Water, Oil, Gas Or Steam with such Engine Tester Tool; Mechanics Stethoscope Automotive Engine Diagnostic Troubleshooter Tester is used to Identify Piston Slap, Worn Gears, Faulty Valves, Water Pump Failure, Damage Gaskets and Defective Bearings….

Total OBD & ECU Auto Diagnostics Software $197.00 Quickly, Easily and Safely Communicate With Your Car’s OBD I & II System and Tune or Remap It’s ECU Chip – Just Like the $150/h Professional Mechanics Would Do… =========== ABOUT: =========== TOTAL OBD & ECU Auto Diagnostics(TM) is a DVD that’s jam-packed with dozens of the most advanced, comprehensive and powerful “car-manufacturer-approved” OBD software applications that’ll let you diagnose …

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Bluetooth ELM 327 Diagnostics USB Cable $14.00 The program is very user-friendly, and easy to learn. The package includes software for reading and resetting codes. Gnet’s DigitalDash 5, a front end software for a Car PC that includes OBD functionality when the device is connected to your car pc. The processor is compatible with the AT command set for the widest compatibility with freeware and commercial programs written for the ELM series of i…

ELM 327 Diagnostics USB Cable $9.32 The program is very user-friendly, and easy to learn. The package includes software for reading and resetting codes. Gnet’s DigitalDash 5, a front end software for a Car PC that includes OBD functionality when the device is connected to your car pc. The processor is compatible with the AT command set for the widest compatibility with freeware and commercial programs written for the ELM series of i…

Autel MaxiScan MS300 CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for OBDII Vehicles $17.99 Display: Backlit LCD, 2-line, 8 characters Operating Temperature: 0 to 50 C (32 to 122 F) Storage Temperature: -20 to 70 C (-4 to 158 F) Power: 10.0 to 15.5 Volts provided via vehicle battery Dimensions: Length Width Height 113 mm ( 4.4″) ???74 mm ( 2.9″) 21mm (0.83″) NW: 0.25 Kg(0.45lb), GW: 0.27Kg(0.50lb)…