Since the advent of electronic systems in cars, automobile engineers have constantly worked to improve the vehicle management systems. They have used sensors and components that work using electronic systems. Onboard diagnostic (OBD) scanner is a tool that can connect to the OBD system in your vehicle and show diagnostic codes that identify the issue.
OBD is a very crucial tool in car workshops that provide car electronic system repair services. Here’s all you need to know about the OBD car scanner, its working and its advantages:
WHAT IS AN OBD CAR SCANNER?
A car computer, also known as an electronic control unit (ECU), integrates with the vehicle memory to store any fault information. One can connect this automotive diagnostic tool to the OBD port in the car and get the fault information stored in the memory.
Since the latest models have components and sensors connected to the ECU, the OBD car scanner reads all the data from the memory helping you to identify the problem via fault codes. An OBD scanner is a mobile device with an easy-to-use interface. If you don’t own an OBD reader, you can take your car to service stations for fault scanning.
TYPES OF OBD SCANNER
There are mainly two types of OBD scanners:
- OBD-I
- OBD-II
OBD-I scanner is a relatively older technology for car diagnostic tests. It was used in car models that came before 2001. The OBD-I worked in the same way as the OBD-II but was not compatible with the latest models.
One can plug an OBD-2 car scanner to the port and detect many faults and solve the problem at the same time. Moreover, some OBD-2 scanners allow modification in headlights and other components too. Car models above 2001 are mostly OBD-2 compliant. OBD-2 reader is available in mainly two types:
OBD-II CODE READERS
These are simple OBD car scanners that just give fault codes. The OBD-II code readers are available at low prices but they are not compatible with every make and model. These have limitations, for instance, they can’t interpret all the fault codes.
OBD-II SCANNERS
The scan tools are more costly than the code readers but these are equipped to provide more advanced assistance. OBD-II car scanners not only read fault codes but also help in troubleshooting the problems. Moreover, some of these premium OBD car scanners allow customisation in coding of different components.
OBD-II scanner gives an advantage of resolving most of the problems rather than just providing codes. You can get more detailed information on codes in this type of OBD car scanner.
HOW TO USE AN OBD CAR SCANNER
Different manufacturers’ OBD scanners vary from each other but their use is quite similar and fairly simple. Whenever you see any car dashboard warning light or engine light illuminated, you can find the fault using a diagnostic test with an OBD car scanner. Here’s how you can use OBD scanner:
- Ensure the power of your vehicle is off when you connect the OBD car scanner to the port.
- The scanner will start functioning. Now, switch on your car.
- Input the required information in the scanner such as VIN, engine type, model and make.
- Now, the OBD car scanner will read all the data and display it on the screen.
- You can transfer all the codes via Bluetooth and initiate the process to troubleshoot some of the problems.
Furthermore, always follow some basic rules to avoid getting wrong codes:
- Refer to the user manual of the OBD reader to use it correctly
- Connect to the port gently as it may break pins inside the plug or connector
- Always switch your car on after connecting the scanner to avoid getting software errors
This was all about the OBD car scanner. Car owners can keep a check on their vehicles timely and also, reset check engine light. Moreover, you can always use an automotive telematics system to get timely information on engine and driving conditions. You can buy a used car in the UAE and diagnose it with an OBD scanner to find most of the problems in the vehicle.
Stay tuned to your favourite cars blog in the UAE to know more information about automotive technology and its usage.
Related Posts
