Car Diagnostic Tool

A car diagnostic tool is the umbrella term that refers to devices that allow car owners and mechanics to connect to a car’s onboard computers to diagnose problems.

Car manufacturers have started introducing onboard computers into cars since the early 1980’s when General Motors pioneered the first onboard computer system. These computers mostly run the ignition, electronics, fuel-injection, transmission and brake system of today’s cars. Others are more comprehensive and include the car body’s functions and air conditioning. They keep the car’s systems functioning at a highly efficient level, higher than even the most precise manual fuel injection and brake systems could ever achieve. They also keep collect and record data about the performance of the different subsystems of the car and store them in the onboard diagnostic or OBD scanner. The whole system keeps vehicles functioning at maximum potential, adjusting to varying situations automatically. However, the computerized system does have its problems. It is possible to experience glitches, just like any computer. That is where car diagnostic tools come in. These devices will help car owners and auto mechanics figure out which part of the system has problems so that they can direct their efforts towards that area.

A car diagnostic tool can come in varying forms. The most common is the hand-held diagnostic tool. These tools can prove very helpful and convenient when a vehicle encounters car troubles on the street. Hand-held diagnostic scanners like the Code Scout AX2500 and the Actron Hand-held scanner are OBD 2 scanners that take advantage of the onboard computer’s direct power source to the car battery via the OBD II cable so that they can interface with the computer even without a separate power source. Hand-held scanners have steadily become more sophisticated and now offer features that rival direct computer scanners. Modern scanners now offer both OBD I and OBD II scanners, as well as OBD fault codes libraries and software upgradeable through the internet. They also typically feature other added features such as diagnostic helpers and quick fix features. The most appealing feature, though, is the multi-vehicle coverage that allows one car diagnostic tool to interface with a wide variety of cars. This is especially helpful for owners of multiple cars and auto mechanics who deal with different cars in their work.

Another type of car diagnostic tool is the diagnostic software that can be installed in computers. This type of diagnostic tool offers as almost unlimited storage space and more space for more specific diagnostic features. These connect to the onboard computer via K-line, CAN-BUS or J1850 Bus connections. Car diagnostic software such as SeCons OpenDiag software features options to read and clear fault codes and multi-vehicle coverage similar to hand-held devices. However, they also feature complete car scans and actuator tests much like the ones car dealers use when buying and testing cars. These tools offer more specific and comprehensive results that can pinpoint almost all problem areas of the car. This is especially helpful for auto mechanics and car dealers because of the amount of information the software can produce about the vehicle. Some diagnostic software even offers the option to program functions in the car such as adjustments to the fuel injection mix. Although not as handy as their hand-held counterparts, these types of car diagnostic tools offer the advantage of higher quality diagnostics

The third type of car diagnostic tool combines both hand-held and computer software diagnostics into a complete diagnostic kit. These diagnostic tools offer car diagnostics via software or online and use a hand-held tool in cases of car troubles away from home. These offer all the features and advantages of both hand-held devices and computer software but are understandably more expensive. As such, these devices are more appropriate for mechanics and auto dealers due to the value that they can get from the heavy usage of the tool for business.

Acquiring car diagnostic tools requires that the needs of the owner and vehicle are considered. Car enthusiasts and do-it-yourselfers can get more value from hand-held devices or lower end computer software because any problems that can be detected by more complex systems would require a professional mechanic’s expertise anyway. For those in the auto business, the more advanced systems can provide a complete profile of the vehicle and its problems, which is useful for repairs or assessing a vehicle’s value. Once one figures out what needs a particular car diagnostic tool can address, it is easy to figure out which one to get.