5 Things an OBD Scan Tool Can Do

If you’re driving a car that was made after the mid-1990s, then you have the opportunity to help yourself in keeping it on the road. 

Cars that were made during and after this point have an onboard electronic and computer system that tells mechanics that there’s an error and where that error may be coming from. 

In fact, with the use of OBD options, you could do a lot more than just fix your vehicle, you can even tune it to run to your liking. 

To do this, you’ll need to get what professionals use to scan, fix, and update vehicles. 

There are handheld options and options that you will need to download, each can help out in different ways. This option is often known as an OBD scan tool. 

There are five things that this solution can do, especially if you have a modern vehicle.

Check Your Engine Problems

The first thing that you’ll find to be true about these scanners is that they can give you error codes about what is going on with your engine. 

Your engine problems may immediately start with a simple error message on your dashboard. If you see the “check engine” light turn on, you have a problem on your hands.

In some cases, the issue is not that big of a deal. Sometimes, you can easily open the hood and then just make a quick adjustment, and that’s it. 

However, you will not know this unless you are an experienced mechanic, or you have a scanner. 

Even mechanics that have been working with cars for years, will utilize a diagnostic scan tool to check the engine for issues. 

Once you know what the problem is, you can apply a fix, or perhaps hire someone to help you gain the upper hand with the issue.

Warn Against Cold Temperatures

Millions of people live in locations that get very cold. If you live somewhere that has seasonal cold spells, and even freezing options, you’ll need to consider what to do when the mercury drops fast. 

Your car may feel the cold, and when you turn it on, may sputter. It could also cause engine issues, wheel issues, brake issues, and much more. 

Your car is going to light up with signals that something is wrong, or perhaps will drive very slowly or oddly. 

With the help of a good OBD scan tool, you’ll be able to figure out what is going on and see whether or not you need to change things up, or apply simple fixes. 

Something as simple as a gas cap moving, or your tire pressure shifting could send your vehicle’s systems haywire. 

Knowing what the issue is can be tough at first glance, but if you just look at the scan tool’s information, you’ll know what is wrong.

Why Your Car Has Died (Emergencies)

Everyone that owns a car will at one point or another have to deal with a break down.

If your car dies, if you can’t turn it on, and yet you have gasoline, you need to figure out what to do fast. Many people call roadside assistance, but when they arrive, they pull out OBD scan tools. 

They can determine the issue and apply a simple fix, or they could recommend towing and a garage. 

Getting peace of mind when your car has died is a difficult thing to do at first glance. However, you can find out what is going on with a scan tool. 

The scanner will give you an idea as to how deep the issue is, and whether or not you can fix things on your own. 

Or you could get information so that you can call roadside assistance with an exact problem, and they can bring you a tool or upgrade.

Avoid Costly Repairs

Wouldn’t you like to know if something was going wrong with your car today?

Rather than waiting for months and months, only to get something go wrong and have to pay thousands of dollars for the fix? Think about that for a moment. 

If you knew today that your steering system was damaged, or needed fluid, wouldn’t you add it?

If you didn’t know, or didn’t work on simple fixes, you could be driving on the road until something big goes wrong. 

Once that small issue gets bigger, you may have to pay thousands of dollars for the fix. A professional will charge you for the parts, labor, and even diagnostics at times. 

You may save yourself thousands, if you find an issue today, and apply a simple fix, than to overhaul everything because you didn’t act swiftly. 

A scanner will help you save money, and it’s because you can catch problems far in advance of them getting worse and worse.

Up To Date Recall Information and More

Those that invest in a good scanner that can be updated, will find that they can get information that others don’t get. 

For instance, if there’s a recall mentioned by the manufacturer, you may be able to catch it and fix it, or perhaps get to the dealer fast. 

You’ll find that many software updates that go into OBD options are full of information, data, and more. 

By having up to date recall information, you could very well save yourself from harm, and your passengers as well.

The overall cost of a good scanner can be as little as $20 and as much as several thousands of dollars, depending on what you want it to do. 

The professional grade solutions will cost you a great deal, but they will also have the most up to date information, and will be easy to work with even if your car is a little older. 

Take time to investigate tools, compatibility, and software updates. If you do this, you’ll be able to see how the above five things come through with relative ease. 

It’s one of the best options to consider, especially if you want to save money on car repairs. 

Test these out and you will be able to figure out what is going wrong with your car.
  

Sources:

Source 1
Source 2
Source 3
Source 4
Source 5
Source 6

Automotive Code Reader Essential Guide

There was a time when you would have to take your car to a mechanic every time something went wrong.

Any little thing would need a professional to look into it, and fix the issue overall. That’s something that has changed in many ways, especially with the growth of technology.

Tracking these changes, you may want to go back to 1996. It’s then that the EPA put out a mandate that cars had to change the way that they were made. That made all manufacturers upgrade the electronic components in vehicles.

That focus has left many options for consumers, as they could purchase readers to isolate problems and apply fixes to their cars overall. That change led to the creation of onboard diagnostic readers.

These readers pull data from the ECU of a vehicle, and tell the user codes that can be then deciphered in order to figure out what is going on with a car. It makes repairing things a lot easier.

If you are going to spend money on purchasing one of the many automotive code reader options, you’ll need to know a few tips and tricks to narrow down the search.

Consider The Age of Your Car First

Before getting into the different readers and options you can look for, make sure that you note the age of your car.

If it’s a vehicle that was made before 1996, chances are you’re not going to get a diagnostic solution to work.

If your vehicle has been made after the EPA initiative, then you can use a reader. Older cars have a different element in them, and most mechanics that have been trained on newer model changes, may not be able to use the same tools to fix older vehicles.

It’s a big difference that most people don’t realize, until they bring their cars to a garage, and the diagnostic element changes outright. The age of your vehicle matters greatly.

The Basics Work

Moving forward, as you look online for automotive code reader solutions, you’ll find that there are basic level solutions that are inexpensive.

These can be well under $50, for instance.

They are handheld solutions, or options that are wired with USB and go to a computer. These will give you generalized codes that start with a letter, and then go for 4 to 6 digits.

For instance, you’ll find codes that look similar to the following structure: P0999 – P9000.

These codes denote whether something is wrong in the engine, the exhaust, of other areas of the vehicle.

The basic options do not give you insight into what the codes mean, they will not have additional text, they will only display the code, and it’s up to you to decipher the issue and figure out what is going on.

To be fair, these work. Basic, entry level readers are what you want to start with. Don’t spend a lot of money on options unless you know how to use them, and have used options in the past.

If you’re new to this, then go with an entry level option and figure out the codes, etc. You will find that this is a great entry into car maintenance and fixes outright.

Manufacturer Specific Solutions

Some car brands have their own proprietary software and readers. For instance, you may look for VAG-COM, which is meant for all vehicles that are made by Volkswagen Group.

You could use a generic OBD-II device with them, mind you, but you will not be able to pull all the information that you want from the vehicle, nor will you be able to change the tuning of the car at all.

It’s really limited, unless you purchase their specific, proprietary reader.

The same goes for other car brands, so you’ll need to look into which solution works for your specific, make and model.

For purchasing proprietary solutions, you’ll need to expand your budget a little, because it’s going to cost you a little more for these specific options overall.

Portability and Data Relay

As you narrow down the options that you want to purchase, you’ll find that mobility is going to be something to consider.

Portability is a good thing, because it will help you get the information that you want, while moving around your vehicle.

In the past, options that would scan diagnostics would only work if you were to attach the device to the ECU adapter and keep it in place.

Today, there are some options that work with Bluetooth, and Wireless Internet. There are also options that you can connect remotely with laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

If you want to use options that allow you to be more mobile, you’ll need to make sure that they are compatible with the connections that you have. If you do not want mobility, then at least go with a solution that is USB.

The Price Tag of Readers

Avoid making the mistake of going with price alone. Many people find out that automotive code readers can get quite pricey, but that doesn’t mean that they are necessarily better than others.

You could spend a thousand dollars on a solution, and find out that the software hasn’t been updated in a long time.

You could also spend $50 on an option, and find out that it works extremely well for your particular vehicle. It’s for that reason that you should look at a variety of different readers, and compare different price points.

Set a budget, and then read the raw specifications of the readers that you want to invest in.

Once you compare the specifications side by side, you’ll be able to make an educated decision on which is going to be best for your vehicle.

At the end of the day, in order to purchase a good reader, you’ll want to take your time.

Read reviews, look at warranty information, and make sure that your car can use a generic OBD-II device.

Otherwise, you’ll have to purchase a proprietary solution that is made for the specific make and model car that you’re driving. Take that into consideration, and you’ll no doubt find the right option.

--
Sources:

• Source 1
• Source 2
• Source 3
• Source 4
• Source 5
• Source 6

6 Facts You Must Know About An OBD Reader

Starting with 1996, car manufacturers changed the way that they made vehicles. They started to put in modern electronic elements so that it became easier to pull data, and figure out what’s going wrong with a car.

With the help of an OBD reader, you’ll find that you can pull data about your car’s problems, and apply a fix that’s faster than ever before.

There are software elements that you can now use to help you pull live data from your vehicle’s parts, including exhaust, tuning, and much more.

By knowing what is going on with your car today, you’ll be able to save money, and more. 

There are a few facts that you may want to know about OBD options, and the software that you can use to get your car running in a more efficient way.

OBD Options Aren’t Replacements For Mechanics

The first thing that you need to know about on board diagnostic options is simple, they are not going to solve everything for you.

Your car may be sputtering, you may hear something wrong, but it is not going to fix anything. You will need to use the reader to figure out what is going on overall.

On board diagnostic readers are just that, they are data elements. They are data pullers that get information moving forward.

Once you plug this in, you’ll still need to get a mechanic at times.

It will save you money in the long run, but it’s not a miracle worker, so to speak.

Mystery Issues Can Be Revealed

Moving forward, you’ll find that these options are going to help you determine what is wrong with “mystery” issues. If you were to see a “check engine light” on, you will figure out what the data element will be.

Your car may be sending you a signal, it may misfire, it may seem like something is odd. Mystery issues are hard to fix, and harder to diagnose at times.

Unless you’re a mechanic, you may not know how to apply certain fixes overall.

The reader is meant to pull data and information that you can fix yourself or will need to address with the help of a professional.

They Are Not Too Expensive

Starting to work with a reader is not an expensive thing. It’s honestly an inexpensive thing that will help you gain knowledge about your vehicle.

They are not expensive to start with, and you can get one as low as $30 overall. You can purchase something to start with, attach it to your car, and get a few codes to figure out what is going on.

Now, there are some options that are expensive, such as manufacturer specific solutions, and other options that are going to help you get information about what your car may be going through.

The thing is, you will save money down the line because you can address minor issues before they become larger problems.

Also see related article: Why Should I Buy an OBD Scanner – Will it Save Me Money?

Software Updates Let You Get New Information

The electronic elements of your car can change overall. There are updates that you can get when you purchase a good OBD reader.

Some of the more compelling options have programs that will help you get the latest release updates, and information to help you with fixing issues, finding out about your car, and a lot more.

The more elaborate, expensive readers are going to help you gain the upper hand when you need it most.

Readers that get new information through software updates make fixing, diagnosing your vehicle problems, and much more a breeze.

Professionals Use Them

Perhaps you may not know this, professional mechanics today are using readers of this type.

OBD options are now the standard of many professional garages.

You’ll find that manufacturers and licensed repair shops are using these to diagnose problems, and apply fixes that get cars back on the road, and moving forward.

There’s a lot of different options that you can consider today, but when you take your car to a professional, chances are they are going to be using one of these readers and software to figure out what is going on with your vehicle.

It’s a golden standard that many people aren’t even aware of, which is a great thing.

The Bottom Line, You Can Save Money

Overall, you’re going to find that if you look into OBD readers today, you’ll save money overall.

The reason why you can save money is because you are going to fix small issues today, and will not let them become bigger problems.

Too often, people assume that auto repair is going to cost a great deal of money. That doesn’t always have to be the case. You’ll find that by knowing exactly what your car’s going through, you’ll be able to get moving forward with fixing your car.

Imagine saving thousands from changing a spark plug, instead of having to wait for a professional to figure it out, and then charge you for the diagnostics, and the fix.

There’s so much to consider here, and in the end, you’ll save money overall.

As you can see, there are 6 facts that you are going to find to be true when you purchase an on board diagnostic reader. These readers are helpful in a lot of different ways.

You can figure out your vehicle’s problems, and fix them. It can also help you tune your vehicle overall.

Whether you want to upgrade, or you want to fix problems, you’ll need a scanner and reader to figure out what is correct and what can be changed up.

Modifications are made easy, fixing things is made easy, and mechanics are using these options the world over.

Since 1996, things have changed in automotive repair, and without OBD solutions you wouldn’t get the upper hand in most instances.

Test this option out once, and you’ll see why it matters more today, than ever before.

Instead of going with trial and error diagnostics, you’ll find that you can get information relayed to you in real time with a good OBD reader.

3 Common Mistakes People Make Looking for a Car Code Reader

When it comes to purchasing things for your car, you may have the right ideas in mind. You look for things that can help with minor issues, parts, and even air fresheners. But when it comes to high tech, you may be surprised by how easy it is to make a mistake. For instance, you’ll find that when looking for a car code reader, you could make a serious mistake.

It seems simple enough, right? You look for a code reader online, and you just buy one that seems to be well reviewed, and is durable. But that’s not enough.

In fact, you may find that not all cars respond well to these options, and you could end up spending money on something that is not going to work well for you. 

Many people have spent money on car code readers, scanners, and solutions along those lines, only to find out that they cannot use them correctly. 

This is something that is universally problematic, and something that you’re going to run into at one point or another, if you don’t avoid the following common mistakes.

Buying A Cloned ECU Scanner and Tuner

The first major problem that people run into is buying a cloned solution. This stems from the fact that the original ECU scanners and ODB elements weren’t outright patented. 

That has left many individuals to buy a software element that has been cloned or made by taking the parts and putting them together after the fact. They even say that they have updated software by saying it’s the release 1.5 or something along those lines.

While these can work for a short time, they will not work long term, and you could end up spending money on something that will break, or showcase errors fast. 

Cloned devices are inexpensive, look like the real thing, and can be procured in many arenas. Some people will even swear by them, but truth be told, they are not going to give you the same power or results that a legitimately licensed solution will give you. 

Buying a cloned solution is a bad idea, no matter how you look at it.

Buying Generic Options For Volkswagen Vehicles

If you look for ODB-II or other types of code readers, but you have a Volkswagen vehicle that only responds to VAG-COM, you’re going to be sorely disappointed. 

This is a common mistake because people assume that they can attach a generic ODB option to their Volkswagen or vehicles that are made by that manufacturer. It’s easy enough, right? There are a lot of cars that can take the generic or cloned solution outright. 

Well, that’s not the case for this manufacturer. This company has a proprietary element that requires a specific software to get through. 

In fact, more car companies are starting to do this, which means that you’ll need to spend a little more for the software that you decide to invest in, if you want to get the upper hand in fixing things outright.

If you do not purchase a specific solution for your make and model, you will not get the benefits that come with an OBD, simple as that.

Buying A Closed Updated Model Reader

Moving forward, people sometimes spend a great deal of money on car code readers only to find out that they are not fully updated, or they cannot update past the initial software release. 

There are a lot of solutions on the market, just type in OBD reader online. 

You’ll find that there’s a lot of handheld, high tech, and well-reviewed solutions out there. 

But you’ll also find that amidst those options, there are some that are not going to get updated, haven’t been updated in a long time, and will probably not work with newer vehicles. You see, some software options aren’t getting updated, ever again. 

Either the company is out of business, or the software element was only meant for a limited run of cars. If that’s the case, you’re going to be sorely disappointed with the purchase you make. 

Even if you were to call the company, they may not be in business, or they may not even have support in place. 

Buying a closed updated model means that the last update has been released, and there’s not a new one available. 

That can be detrimental to your vehicle, as you’ll get no information, or no new information as to what is going on overall.

Avoiding Mistakes When Purchasing OBD Readers

If your goal is to get a good car OBD reader, then you don’t want to make the common mistakes mentioned above. 

But moreover, you’re going to want to take a few tips and tricks to heart in regard to purchasing the “right” option for your car. 

That being said, the most important thing that you can remember is to take your time. Take your time in assessing what your needs are. 

Consider the make, model, and age of your vehicle. Consider reading reviews, and looking for the raw specifications of any OBD fault reader or scanner that you want to buy.

Those that have never used one of these before, purchase a solution that is for entry level users, and don’t spend a great deal of money on an option. 

Instead, save money by going with an inexpensive, simple solution that you can later upgrade. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on a OBD2 reader, unless you’re buying a professional solution. 

In the case that you need to purchase a proprietary option, then look for the type that is compatible with your vehicle’s age, brand, and model. 

That will save you time, money, and effort. However, if you’re able to get a generic option to start, go that route, and see how these options work. 

Once you get a handle on how they work, and what the codes mean, you can invest in options that are going to help you get a handle on all of the car’s issues that you may run into.

In the end, just be patient, and go through many options before ordering the “one” for you.

---
Source(s):

Source 11
Source 12
Source 13
Source 14
Source 15
Source 16
Source 17
Source 18
Source 19
Source 20

The Truth About OBD2 Scanners – Facts and Fiction

There are a lot of different options that you can work with to figure out what is going on with your car. However, amidst all the different things that you can use today, you’ll find that OBD2 scanners are the way to go. 

These are solutions that are very much high-tech, but they are specific to vehicles. Modern vehicles today are going to be easier to diagnose with issues than ever before, made possible by technology. Tech that is found within vehicles is computer based, and you can get to know the codes and issues of your car without having to go to a mechanic. 

Now, there are a few facts and fallacies that come with these devices, and that’s one of the biggest things that you’ll need to consider moving forward. As you look into the bigger picture of these types of solutions, consider the following facts and fallacies that are found with purchasing automotive scanners today.

Troubleshooting Catalytic Converters

The catalytic converter is a very important part of the emissions control system on your vehicle. It’s usually good for the life of a vehicle, but occasionally it does fail.

The best thing you can do is be alert for signs of trouble and head for a service facility if you suspect that the catalytic converter is malfunctioning.

Technicians will put your vehicle on an electronic diagnostic machine to locate the source of the problem, possibly remove the oxygen sensor from the exhaust manifold or exhaust pipe ahead of the catalytic converter to see if that changes things, and replace the catalytic converter, if necessary.

Here are five ways to tell that something may be wrong with your catalytic converter: