To find out the fault code for your car, you can use a Diagnostic Scan Tool. It will rank faults in order of importance and display freeze frame data to help you determine when a trouble code may appear. Using this tool can also help you predict whether a trouble code will flash again in the near future. Here are some benefits of using a Diagnostic Scan Tool:
While many professional technicians prefer to purchase OEM scan tools, they may not have the budget to buy multiple scan tools. Therefore, they may use one OEM scan tool for a large number of common car makes and one aftermarket scan tool for all other cars. One important consideration when purchasing a scan tool is its obsolescence. While most scan tools are upgradeable via memory cards and plug-in cartridges, some manufacturers offer annual updates and require a royalty fee to upgrade.
When purchasing a diagnostic tool, make sure you buy a model with CAN support. Many vehicles now use the CAN protocol to communicate with one another. To be able to read this protocol, you must purchase a tool that supports CAN. Some vehicles from 2003 to 2004 require CAN-compliant scan tools. However, older models may not require CAN-compliant tools. The best Diagnostic Scan Tools will also have a software-based interface that can store multiple files simultaneously.
A quality Diagnostic Scan Tool can help you determine which car faults you may have. It will give you access to the information on your car's emission control system. A good one can save you money over the lifetime of your vehicle. You may even be able to save reports with potential causes of a fault. You can also turn off individual control modules and finitely adjust car settings. There are also models that allow you to calibrate the tire pressure monitor system.
While a good Diagnostic Scan Tool must be able to read all of the car's trouble codes, there are some exceptions. One of the most basic tools, the Autel MK808, works with over eighty car models. It can read ABS and SRS codes and can even perform a range of maintenance functions. In addition to reading trouble codes, it can also perform a variety of other functions, including engine oil resets.
The OBDeleven Pro is a good choice for validating repairs and navigating dealer-specific menus. However, it is only compatible with Android devices, so you'll have to use an Android tablet. If you don't want to spend a lot of money, there's a cheaper version available as well. It is still worth a look, though. However, it is not the cheapest option, and its renewal can be very costly after a year.
The Autel MP808K is another great option for an entry-level tool. It runs on Android OS and is Bluetooth enabled, making it easy to use, and boasts advanced features. The Autel MP808K can perform diagnostic tests on 99% of manufactured vehicles. You can also check out codes online via the Autel MP808K. There are more advanced versions of this scanner, but it's best to use the one that works for your vehicle.
