If you are thinking of acquiring a used car or have ever had an electrical problem with your vehicle, indeed, they have recommended you “scan” it. Knowing what an automotive scanner is for will give you a broader vision of the solutions offered by this technology. In this article, you will know its operation, compatibility, and what diagnosis it can give.
Operation of an Automotive Scanner
An automotive scanner is a tool used to diagnose electronic faults in a car, specifically those stored in the car’s computer. The latter is responsible for regulating the functions of the engine through different sensors and records all errors with a code. The operation of an automotive scanner consists of erasing these defects to repair them. But some faults may be not be detected or corrected, and in those cases, they are usually associated with the mechanical part of the vehicle. Know what an automotive scanner is for. It will also help you make the best decision before buying a used car, as it will show you an “electrical X-ray” of the vehicle. Thus, in addition to consulting the expert opinion of your mechanic, you will be able to evaluate the state of the electrical part of the vehicle, whose faults and errors are difficult to detect.
Compatibility
Scanners only worked if matching brands were connected, but this was costly for garages with multiple teams to evaluate different vehicles. However, the advancement of technology has allowed the development of a universal model compatible with most brands. Standard scanners come with two connectors: OBD1 and OBD2. The first one is for cars that have been manufactured until 1995 and have electronic fuel injection. The second is commonly used in cars from 1996 onwards. But depending on their functions, there are different classes. Do you want to know how many types of automotive scanners there are?
Types of the automotive scanner
What was unthinkable years ago is now possible. There are so many options on the market that you will find models for laptops, PCs, or mobile devices that connect via WiFi, Bluetooth, or USB. You can usually get other basic models:
What was unthinkable years ago is now possible. There are so many options on the market that you will find models for laptops, PCs, or mobile devices that connect via WiFi, Bluetooth, or USB. You can usually get other basic models:
Code reader
As its name implies, it fulfills the primary function of these devices by creating a list of the DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) that the car has.
Scanner for specific brands
The diagnosis by an automotive scanner that this type of equipment shows is quite complete because they have been designed directly by the manufacturer. This allows reprogramming, viewing data in real-time, return to factory settings, among others.
Multi-brand scanner
This is the universal model that we referred to earlier. Its main advantage is that it connects easily with different brands and models. In addition, it fulfills the same functions as the scanner for specific brands.
Automotive scanner diagnostics
In addition to identifying errors that the vehicle’s computer can store and correcting them, automotive scanners serve other functions that make them more attractive. The most important are those of programming and adaptation. Another peculiarity of these devices is that, through a reading program, it allows one to know the status of the oxygen sensor, the battery voltage, shows the engine speed, makes fuel adjustments, and checks the ABS brake cables.
Diagnosis is essential to be carried out, especially if your car has recently undergone some electronic repairs. Now that you know How many automotive scanners exist, choosing the ideal model will depend on your needs. However, it is convenient that you go to a specialist in the field; he can give you better guidance on the error codes that your car can throw.
