How to Choose and Use OBD2 Scanners

 Vehicles have become more complex than ever and that doesn't just have to do with their design language but also under the bonnet. The engine and surrounding components are more advanced than ever as well as the system that communicates with them to check if they're running properly. This is where OBD or OBDII comes into play as it's the only system that can do this.

The first on-board diagnostics system was created by VW and not just for internal use which soon became mandatory on all vehicles. Today, the second iteration of the system known as OBDII is more advanced than ever and it allows you to check on a wide range of components without lifting the bonnet.

Types of OBD2 Scan Tools

source: ultimate9.co

Bluetooth/ Wi-Fi

The latest and easiest-to-use OBD2 scan tools are hand-held models that connect with your phone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. In fact, you don't even use the actual device, you just plug in your new OBD2 scan tool for sale and do the rest with the phone. This is why they're so easy to use and fairly inexpensive too. 

Monitors

If you want an even more basic OBDII tool you should consider going for an OBD monitor or gauge. These are able to display only codes and parameters without the use of your phone. But this also makes OBD monitors quite limited since these OBD2 scanners don't give you an explanation of what's going on.

Engine Readers

If you want an OBDII device that can not only display the issue but also help you understand DTCs, then you should go for engine readers. Although engine readers are more capable than monitors, they are limited only to engine codes, hence the name. If that's all you need then they're the perfect solution for you.

Multi-System

If an engine reader is not going to suffice for your diagnostic needs, you should then consider a more versatile solution such as a multi-system. Multi-system OBD2 scan tools are made to deliver date about codes from various systems and not just the engine. They also work with a wide range of manufacturers which can be a limiting factor but that's not always the case.

Single-Make

With a single-make OBD2 scan tool for sale, you can do the exact same thing as a multi-system but you can only do so on a handful of brands of cars. These are more specialised tools as they offer more data about how to solve an issue even if it's not a generic one.

Service Reset

While the above types of scan OBD2 scanners are plenty capable they are not always able to help you make a reset of service intervals. If you're a mechanic or want to change engine oil on your own, a service reset OBDII tool is the one for you as it allows you to take care of the spanner icon on the dashboard by resetting and adjusting the service interval to the distance you prefer.

Professional

The most complete OBDII tools for mechanics and in workshops are professional scan tools which offer everything the above-mentioned tools do and more. They work with every brand and can help you check all the systems in them and perform live tests too. This is also why they are the most expensive.

What Matters in an OBD2 Scan Tool

Data

For a more complete check-up, especially of the engine, you should invest in a device that can provide live data when the engine is running. This includes timing and engine speed as the two crucial pieces of information as well as compression and temperature.

Setup

A scanner that is not difficult to set up is one that will serve you for a long time since this way you'll use it on every occasion you get. A simple set up process means you can get to uncovering an issue and fixing it as quickly as possible.

Explanation

Once you detect an issue, it's a good idea to go for a scan tool that will provide you with more than just the trouble code. While the code itself gives you information on what the issue is, an explanation alongside it will make it even easier to diagnose the issue.

How to Read DTCs

Letters

The first character of a DTC is a letter and it can be one of four. If it's the letter “P” it refers to a powertrain issue while the letter “B” refers to the body. “C” stands for chassis and “N” stands for network issues.

Second Character

The second character in line is a number and it can be either a “0” or a “1”. A “0” means that it's a standardised fault code while a “1” means you have a manufacturer-specific code on your hands.

Third Character

The third character is mainly a number but it can also be a letter if your vehicle is a hybrid. To get it out in the clear, the letters “A”, “B” and “C” refer to hybrid propulsion system issues. “0” refers to fuel and air metering and so does a “1” while a number “2” refers to fuel and air metering issues regarding injector circuits.

The number “3' means you have ignition system issues while the number “4” refers to auxiliary emission control issues. With the number “5” you have an issue with vehicle speed control and idle control systems while with numbers “7”, “8” and “9” you have gearbox and transmission faults.