Automotive systems have become extremely self-aware and, in many respects, intelligent. This is why diagnosing without a scan tool, especially on newer vehicles, is like dealing with an ER patient who can't respond to your request for feedback. Not only that, on today's vehicles, not using a scan tool can make it almost futile to attempt a diagnosis, much less a repair.
Most of us already know that a scan tool is the key to access a vehicle's on-board smarts. We also learn sooner or later that getting the most out of your scan tool, as powerful as it is, depends on your understanding of the vehicle system.
A challenge almost as great as mastering high-end "scan tooling" is figuring out which one is best for you in the first place. This is a common question posted in professional automotive forums, such as iATN's. The answers are different for everyone, but it is possible to devise some general purchase considerations. Let's start by defining some basic categories:
Code Readers. Code readers come in many flavors but do only that-they read codes. They're handy for quickly retrieving basic diagnostic information.
OBD I. These scanners work with pre-1996 vehicles (the good old days!). Every manufacturer had a different connector and connector location, differing communication parameters and unique verbiage and nomenclature. Some of these scanners can be upgraded to handle OBD II data.
OBD II Generic. Starting in 1996, all vehicles had to have a standardized diagnostic connector in a specific location. The basic information-parameter identification (PIDs)-were also standardized. So, OBD II allowed for a new-generation scanner that would work on all vehicles (1996 and newer) with a single connector.
OBD II Generic with Enhanced Data. This takes OBD II generic to the next level with the addition of manufacturer-specific PIDs and, in some cases, bidirectional controls. It also might include other PIDs and bidirectional controls for diagnosis of ABS, air bag, suspension and a/c systems, to name a few.
Factory Tool. For a particular make, the factory tool will offer the most capabilities. Usually you'll find it offers access to the highest number of PIDs, the most bidirectional controls and the greatest coverage of other vehicle systems.
Each category of scan tool obviously has unique applications, discussed in detail below. Interestingly, it was unanimous among all interviewed for this article that it may be necessary to own more than one tool, as no single tool is capable of doing it all.
If speed and efficiency are high on your needs list, then you might want to look at scanners in the OBD II generic category. For example, many power users prefer to start their diagnostics with an OBD II generic tool when dealing with '96 or newer vehicles. Many are plug-and-play-that is, there are no vehicle connection cables to choose from, no VIN characters to enter before you get your OBD II data. You can also clear codes and check monitors. This can save lots of time if your full-featured "power box" makes you jump through hoops to get started.
An engine control engineer from one of the Big 3 once told me, referring to his newly acquired Palm-based OBD II generic scan tool, "With this I can do 80% of my diagnostics in 10% of the time." It's plug-and-play and is small enough to fit in your pocket. Of course, he works on new vehicles, so he never has to deal with pre-OBD II vehicles.
The plug-and-plays (OBD II generic tools) also make a great complement to a busy "power box." No need to lose billable hours waiting for the power box to free up, and no need to purchase two power boxes, either. They're also ideal if you have a service writer who needs a scanner but isn't going to do any complicated diagnostics.
If you work on many types of vehicles, then a general-purpose scan tool may be your best bet. A good general-purpose scanner offers the greatest vehicle coverage. This is especially important if you have only a basic OBD II tool. What you can get is a mixture of enhanced PIDs, a number of bidirectional controls, graphing data, saving to a PC for record keeping and documentation, for example.
If you frequently find yourself involved in complicated diagnoses, then enhanced data is a must. Some tools offer coverage that others don't, and they all offer different levels of coverage for a particular make. For example, Vetronix' Mastertech is known for its great GM coverage.
One of the keys to getting the best general-purpose scan tool is to make a priority list of the vehicles you work on, then find the tools that offer the best coverage for those makes. The best way to learn about the tool is to use it. If this isn't possible, search iATN's archives for the information. This is especially important for OBD II enhanced scan tools because there are so many variables.
The coverage issue can be complex if you work on imports. Very likely you'll have to get more than one tool if you work on a mix of European and Asian models.
Most general-purpose scan tools have something unique about them. For example, Snap-on's Fast-Trac Troubleshooter is an add-on scanner cartridge that offers real-world fixes. OTC offers the Pathfinder cartridge, which provides OE-type reference data. Other platforms offer the ability to purchase OE software. For example, the Mastertech offers Toyota and the BDM Pro offers Subaru.
For unique diagnostic situations, consider vehicle data loggers or logging software. The EASE PC-based scanner offers both. Connect the data logger into the vehicle DLC and send the customer down the road. If a problem is very intermittent, the customer can drive the vehice until it occurs. When the problem does occur, press the button to set a flag, then play the data back on your PC.
Fact is, even if you already have a general-purpose tool, at some point you might find the need to have a factory tool. All of the experts interviewed for this article agreed that if you specialize on a particular make, you should have both.
Many factory tools offer access to the controls and data of most vehicle systems, including powertrain, body and chassis. This can include ABS, transmission, air bag, suspension and a/c, to name a few. You can get some of this coverage in a generic tool, but it's not likely to be at the same level and detail. And, for the most difficult problems, a factory tool can be the key to a timely repair.
With good knowledge, you can often find workarounds to optimize your system analysis if the factory tool is beyond your budget. For example, you can use the OTC Monitor 4000 Enhanced to check the evap system on a GM vehicle. But to do so, you have to use a jumper wire, close the vent solenoid and use the scanner to command the purge solenoid to open while watching the tank pressure PID.
Power user Danny Iwama says that with the Vetronix Tech 2 factory tool, you can close the vent, command the purge and graph all that's happening at one time! And be forewarned: Some tests cannot be performed without the factory tool, yet the factory tool does not always ensure straightforward tests for all systems.
Iwama also pointed out the importance of good wiring diagrams and in-depth knowledge of system operation. In fact, what makes a scan tool so powerful is your knowledge! Training and good information, in my opinion, are more important than the scan tool itself. Jeff Elder, one of the masterminds behind Blue Streak's BDM Pro, also pointed out that if you get a factory tool, get the factory manual, too. You may need it for a full explanation of how to use the tool to its best advantage during diagnosis.
The hardware platform might not be as important as the vehicle coverage, but it certainly is a consideration. Today's personal digital assistants (PDAs) and PCs offer an alternative to dedicated hardware.
PDAs. Personal digital assistants, those hand-held computers made popular by Palm and Compaq, not only can function as a scanner, but allow you to take advantage of many other software programs, such as contact managers. And they fit in your pocket! To learn more about PDAs, see the May issue of Motor.
PC-Based Scanners. PC-based scanner programs, such as those offered by Auto-Tap and EASE, can be run on laptop and desktop units. PC-based scanners have many applications and are ideal to use with dynos. If it can run on a PC, it can run on a laptop, which provides the convenience of portability.
Additional advantages of PC-based scanning are the recording capabilities and power features. For example, EASE offers a feature-rich program that's ideal for the power user. It offers many ways to display your data, recording capability limited only by hard drive space, professional reports and databasing.
Some dedicated-hardware tools offer software that, in effect, turns them into PC-based solutions. Vetronix has just released a powerful software package that itself is not a scan tool but connects the Mastertech to a PC, allowing for display and saving your data to that PC. Several other tools offer software of this type, as well.
Dedicated Hardware. The majority of scan tools on the market have proprietary hardware, so once you buy one, you're basically "locked in" to its original design. Before you buy a scanner that uses dedicated hardware, find out how old the platform is and how the tool is updated. Newer technology allows for updates via software and the Internet, as opposed to hardware replacement (memory chips or modules). Not only that, but the latest generation of scan tools-such as the Genisys and the just-introduced Snap-on MODIS-take advantage of PC connectivity and hardware add-ons with features such as USB, memory card slots and PCMCIA slots. MODIS is a Windows CE-based machine that combines lab scope, DMM, scanner and Troubleshooter capabilities.
What about the screen? Older units offer basic text-based screens. The number of parameters that can be displayed at one time might be limited by the original design. The newer tools offer graphing of at least one PID. Being able to see the history and trends of a parameter can be very useful for diagnosis. Snap-on recently introduced a new version of the most widely used scan tool-the MT2500. It's now called the MTG2500; the "G" stands for graphing, and it does it in color! The OTC Genisys also has a large color screen and a truly graphical user interface.
Several other dedicated-hardware scanners offer additional functions. Tools such as the BDM Pro and Mastertech include oscilloscope and DMM features. Even the NGS offers meter inputs, and you can view the scan data and meter data at the same time. This can be convenient when you need to quickly confirm the scanner data with a check at the circuit side of the PCM.
How much do you want to spend? Determining the cost of OBD II generic tools is fairly straightforward. But if you're getting into one of the power boxes, it can become more complicated. First, you have the cost of the box and the base software-usually engine control. For most shops, this will not be everything they'll need. So be sure to consider the cost of upgrades for body or ABS software or cartridges, for example. If you want to keep the capabilities of your new tool current, find out what the manufacturers charge for periodic updates.
As this article illustrates, diagnostic scanners are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and capabilities-all the way from entry-level to top-of-the-line. Think about your shop's approach to diagnosis and the range of vehicles you typically service, then consult the scanner chart included in this article. I'm sure you'll find a scanner (or scanners) that meets you shop's needs.
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The ThinkDiag can do everything that the ThinkOBD 100 does and a lot more, but it’s all based on subscription. When you purchase a ThinkDiag, it comes with one manufacturer subscription that gives you access to enhanced diagnostics for that specific vehicle brand.
For instance, if you own a Lexus, you can purchase the Toyota/Lexus manufacturer subscription and the ThinkDiag will become a personalized OBD-II diagnostic scanner that looks for generic faults as well as other abnormalities that Lexus scans for in its vehicles.
Got more than one vehicle? You can purchase additional subscriptions if you own several brands of cars or if you are a mechanic and you need to take care of different makes and models. Additional Manufacturers Subscriptions are just $39.95/year per manufacture.
The ThinkDiag, however, does not come with a built-in fault code library, so you won’t be able to use it to look up random fault codes for a code definition. But what it does is, once it identifies a fault code in your vehicle, it will give you a description of it. It will also let you do a query right from the app and all relevant information on Google will be fed into the app for you - just think of it as a quick search feature.
And in the event you can’t resolve a problem, you can give your mechanic access to perform diagnostics remotely - all you need to do is plug the ThinkDiag into your car and give your mechanic the access code and he will be able to do remote diagnostics using any web browser. Alternatively, you can save your diagnostics report and share it with your mechanic.
The ThinkDiag is the ideal scan tool for enthusiasts, independent repairs, specialized garages and technicians.
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