Car Scan Tools: Everything you need to know

Just like everything else in this modern age, automotive technology has definitely reached new heights. Whether it’s automotive performance, durability, fuel-efficiency, and diagnosis, you’re sure to see a trail of innovation in it.

Anyone who has lived to drive the vehicles from years ago will be glad to know about the amazing breakthroughs that modern vehicles have to offer today.

For example, power windows aren’t only cool, but they also make it so much easier for people with hand and nerve problems to close the window. In terms of diagnostics, we now have scan tools that are supposed to make troubleshooting way easier than it was before.

Troubleshooting before innovative technologies

Troubleshooting less modern vehicles sometimes involved a lot of mechanical work. Some mechanics would test the parts that they believe to be the cause of the problem.

This is to make sure that they don’t end up tampering with the wrong parts and prolonging the repair process. This involved a lot of skill, patience and rigorous time.

If the mechanic guessed it wrong, he would go back to square one. But this would also depend on the extent of the damage in the vehicle, the experience of the mechanic, and how much he knows about vehicle repair.

Troubleshooting less modern vehicles sometimes involved a lot of mechanical work

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What is a scan tool?

Scan tools are car diagnostic tools that come with a wide variety of features. Most scan tools usually come with a code reader and can also have the ability to sort and view live data.

Some scan tools also come with some kind of knowledge base. Usually, the higher the price of the scan tool, the higher its quality. Higher quality and professional scan tools can come with extensive knowledge bases.

There are also some that even come with diagnostic procedures, multimeters, and even built-in scopes.

Scan tools are car diagnostic tools that come with a wide variety of features

What does a scan tool do?

Scan tools are primarily designed to interface with your car’s “onboard-diagnostics” system. This then facilitates the diagnostic process. That way, they work a lot like car code readers.

You can then plug them into the vehicle’s OBD-II or OBD-I socket. Upon plugging, it will read the codes, clear it and let you view the data readouts from the numerous sensors. Scan tools, however, can go beyond that simplified functionality.

Asides from the already mentioned capabilities of a scan tool, it also has other functionalities. Philkotse.com prepared a list of some other functionalities of a scan tool that you may be interested in:

• Store and playback recorded data
• Graph data
• Display codes on standby
• Give definition to trouble codes
• Give troubleshooting tips or procedures
• Read both manufacturer-specific and generic trouble codes

Scan tools are primarily designed to interface with your car’s “onboard-diagnostics” system

A scan tool can vary from one type to another but every scan tool must have the ability to clear and read codes. If you have a fairly high-quality scan tool, additional functionalities may become extremely important in pinpointing the problem.

Vehicles with OBD-II can provide you with enormous amounts of data thanks to its numerous sensors. This is also the reason why a lot of scanners can playback live data and store it. This lets you test drive the car and view the recording of any specific sensor during the operation.

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How can you use a scan tool?

The exact method of properly using a scan tool varies greatly on whether you have an OBD-II or OBD-I car. Some vehicles with an OBD-I system come with a set of unique steps of operation.

While there are also OBD-I systems that aren’t meant to function with any type of scan tool at all. But if you want to get an idea of how a standard scan tool is used, here is how you can do it.

The exact method of properly using a scan tool varies greatly on whether you have an OBD-II or OBD-I car

Step 1. If your scan tool comes with multiple connector options, pick out the right connector. Then, attach it to your tool.

Step 2. Plug the right connector for your scanner into the OBD-II or OBD-I port in your vehicle.

Note: The OBD-II port is usually located under the dashboard at the driver’s side. It can also be located at the center console in some cases. Sometimes this can also be concealed by a trim part. OBD-I connectors, on the other hand, are commonly located under the dashboard at the driver’s side, or at the engine compartment.

The OBD-II port is usually located under the dashboard at the driver’s side

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Step 3. Insert your key then turn the ignition just until the accessory position. The scanner tool should immediately turn on after this.

Step 4. If your scanner doesn’t automatically turn on, consult the user’s manual that came with the device. Refer to the part where you’re supposed to turn the device on and how to do it.

Step 5. Some systems may require you to input particular info before the scan tool gets to work. If it’s necessary, you should enter the VIN (vehicle identification number) into your scan tool.

Step 6. Look for the “scan” function on your scan tool. Depending on your device, the “scan” functionality can be activated using a physical button or through the on-screen options.

Step 7. Activate the scanning capability. Wait for the scanning process to complete.

Activate the scanning capability. Wait for the scanning process to complete

Step 8. Check the results that your scanning tool has to show. Then, take down notes of the trouble codes, if any.

Step 9. Check the descriptive meaning of the trouble codes in the device’s knowledge base. If that’s not available, you can try and search the internet for more info on your listed trouble codes.

Step 10. This step will depend largely on the capability of the scanning tool you’re using. If your scan tool permits it, you can view stored data as well as pending codes for more diagnostics info.

Step 11. After diagnosing and fixing the problem, use your scan tool and clear the recorded trouble codes. You can then drive your car until your scan tool shows that all the readiness monitors are running.

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How important is a scan tools knowledge base?

Aside from interfacing with your vehicle’s diagnostic system, another important thing that your scan tool is able to do is provide you with a knowledge base.

Unless you’ve already dealt with a particular trouble code, you can save a lot of time with scan tools that come with knowledge bases. This way, you will no longer have to search the internet for descriptions of the trouble codes you found.