What obd2 scanner should I buy? 2020 Best obd2 scanner recommend
When you open Google or a shopping website, you can see many different kinds of scanners, and you will be very confused, "What is the best obd2 Scanner?" and "What obd2 scanner should I buy?". So this article will give you a brief introduction to what beginners should pay attention to when buying a scanner for the first time. (Type, functions of the scanner and some common questions)
1. How do I choose a scanner?
Now that you know the type and function of the scanner, you just need to choose the scanner according to your needs and budget.Then you can search for some professional review articles on Google, or search for review videos of the scanner on YouTube, to help you choose the right scanner.
One thing you must be aware of before you buy is that if you find that this product meets your requirements, and other people also say that it is very recommended and easy to use, you must remember to ask the professional customer service staff if this scanner is suitable for your car, they will usually have a scanner manufacturer's technicians to answer customer questions, if it does not fit your car, no matter how good it is, it is useless!
There are also a few issues that need to be paid attention to. You need to find out if your car supports the OBD2 system, and about the obd2 system, all cars built since January 1996 have OBD-II systems. Manufacturers started incorporating OBD-II in various models as early as 1994. Some early OBD-II cars were not 100% compliant.
2. Full System Scanner
Most scanners are Engine systems only, if you want to know if something is wrong with the rest of the car's systems you need a full system scanner or a 4 system scanner (Engine, Airbag, Transmission, ABS brakes), but what does the full system mean?
- Body main parts: body, doors, windows control module and so on
- Electronics includes audio devices, ignition systems, lighting, sensors, electrical switches.
- Power-train and chassis contain a braking system, engine, exhaust system, fuel supply system, suspension and steering systems, transmission system, etc.
- Miscellaneous auto parts: A/C, bearings, hose, and other parts.
- Beginner Scanner -
- Home Mechanic Scanner -
- Professional Mechanic Scanner -
3. Types of Scanner
- Wireless Bluetooth WiFi OBD2 Scanner
Bluetooth OBD scanner: Used by a mobile app (Android / IOS) with a Bluetooth adapter, this scanner allows you to monitor some data about your car from your phone and perform simple operations such as reading and clearing engine trouble codes, as well as advanced application versions that support you to do some professional functions.So this is more convenient than a wired scanner.
This kind of software generally charges a monthly update fee, or charges according to software features, such as $10-$20 for a special function (reference price, different software prices are different)
- Hand-held wired OBD2 scanner
Most of the scanners on the market are wired handhelds, and the price of such scanners varies widely, from about $15-$1,000, but for most home mechanics, a car diagnostic tool for under $300 is sufficient for most of their needs.Of course, price is one of the most straight forward criteria to distinguish a professional from a regular scanner, but if you only need it to view live data, and clear engine trouble codes, you certainly don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on a professional scanner, the most important thing is to find the most suitable one for you.
These types of scanners, usually under $200 are free lifetime updates, while some professional scanners like Launch CRP909, Foxwell GT60, which are more complex to develop and maintain their system functions, will typically charge around $99 - $200 a year for updates.
4. Functions of the scanner
The basic function, which is the OBD function, is also the most commonly used function, while the professional function is usually some reset function, such as ABS Bleeding.Basic Function (The most common functions)
- Reading Codes: Show detailed description of the Diagnostic Trouble Code.
- Erasing Codes & Reset: Turns off Check Engine Light (MIL), clears codes, and resets monitors.
- Data Stream: Reads and displays live ECU/PCM data stream, plotting functions graphically and stores freeze frame data.
- I/M Readiness Status: Shows whether the various emissions-related systems on the vehicle are operating properly and are ready for inspection and maintenance testing.
- Read Live Data Stream: Show the information of continuous data stream from a vehicle in a live graphic (waveform) display.
- View Freeze Frame Data: Check the certain vehicle conditions which are recorded by the on-board computer at the time the emission-related fault occurs.
- O2 Sensor Test: Allows retrieval and viewing of O2 sensor monitor test results for the most recently performed tests from the vehicle’s on-board computer.
- On-Board Monitor Test: Retrieves and displays test results for emission-related powertrain components and systems.
- Read Vehicle Information: Display the information such as VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), CID (Calibration ID) and CVN (Calibration verification number), etc.
- Component Test: Certain vehicle components can be actuated by commands sent from the scanner to test their operability.
5. Professional Reset Functions
Here are the common professional features that beginners will ask. The following does not write all the functions, such as ECU programming, which can only be done by very professional tools.- Oil Light Reset Service: Allows you to perform reset for a new calculation of the Engine Oil Life system once changed the oil.
- EPB service: It is important in the maintenance of the electronic braking system's safety and efficiency.
- BAT battery service: Allows the scan tool to evaluate the battery charge state, monitor the close-circuit current, register the battery replacement, and activate the rest state of the vehicle.
- DPF service: Especially works for Diesel Particulate Filter system with DPF regeneration, DPF component replacement teach-in, and DPF teach-in after replacing the engine control unit.
- SAS service: Helps clear the fault steering angle sensor memories and plays an important role in the steering angle sensor calibration.
- TPMS service: Makes sense in displaying sensor IDs from the vehicle's ECU, inputting TPMS sensor replacement IDs, and testing sensors.
- IMMO Key Programming: The unique car key programming and read pin code function, it is mainly used to disable the lost vehicle keys and program a new replacement key fob.
- ABS Bleeding: ABS brake bleeding to get a firm brake pad after air exhaustion after repair ABS pump system
- Sunroof Reset: The sunroof memory generally needs to be reset when the vehicle’s battery is replaced or the car dies
- Suspension Reset: Try reset electronic suspension air ride with the massage system close all doors keep flip through message system go to suspension reset or on off
- Gearbox Reset: Procedure Reset Transmission Adaptive Learning DIY. Start the car and drive. Once you perform this procedure the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and Transmission Control Unit (TCU) will work together to learn how you drive by monitoring your driving pattern. After you follow this programing method of the TCU / ECU drive the car.
- AFS Headlamp Reset: 'AFS' means Adaptive Front-lighting System (at night with the Bi-Xenon headlights) it swivels either side, pressing that button means they stay pointing straight ahead and don't turn when you turn the steering wheel.
- Injector Coding: Leaking injectors and some dead injectors can be missed even when an injector is disabled. Other problems with the ignition system and mechanical components also may not show an rpm loss when an injector is turned off.
- Throttle Adaptation: The throttle body is a tube containing a pivoting flat valve (butterfly) that is used to control the amount of air entering an engine. In an electronically fuel-injected car, a throttle position sensor and airflow sensor communicate with the computer, which supplies the corresponding amount of fuel needed at the injectors. It must need a re-learning throttle sensor position after clearing or repair.
- Gear Learning: The scan tool monitors certain camshaft position sensors signals to determine if all conditions are met to continue with the procedure for Engine running.
6. Some Practical Webs
- Youtube Channel: (Repair Tips) HumbleMechanic , South Main Auto Repair LLC, (Scanner Review) Autoolsee
- Groups: ( Facebook ) OBD GROUP (Reddit) MechanicAdvice
- Beginner Scanner Recommend: Ancel FX2000, Foxwell NT624 Elite Full System, Foxwell NT634 4 systems
7. More Tech Support and Recommendation
Youtube
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And you can also follow our fan page. I will update the relevant articles regularly.
End😁
AUTOOLSEE
