Taking your personal vehicle down to the garage for annual tune-up is becoming outdated nowadays. This is due to introduction of a sophisticated high speed computerized system known as OBD2 (On – Board Diagnostic, version 2) scanner. The system has the ability of self–correcting the fuel mixture and ignition at every crankshaft revolution. This has made things much better than they were some years ago. But the question is, how can you use this OBD2 scanner after acquisition? The tips below will give you the right answers for your question.
Connect Your OBD2 Scanner
To begin with, plug your scan device into the OBD II connector under the driver’s side dashboard. Turn the vehicle’s key on but do not start the engine. Turn your scanner on and allow it to initialize. During the initialization process, configure your device to get both its codes and manufacturers codes. Run your vehicle’s engine so that you are able to update your computer. At this point, you can look at the engine data in real time while the vehicle is being driven.
Check for the Scanner’s Codes
After the scan tool is plugged into the OBD 2 connector and the vehicle’s key is turned on, the tool will ask for a number of things. Such things may include the make, model of the vehicle, type of engine among others. As you follow the onscreen instructions, you will find an option that will allow you check for codes among other menu choices. Depending on the manufacturer, you may be given a compact disc or a paper pamphlet that has a list of each code’s meaning. Moreover, you can search the internet for a list of trouble codes more specifically on a site that particular focuses on your vehicle to find more helpful information. It is however worthy writing down the codes before attempting to reset a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Readiness
This is another important menu that should not be ignored. Although different vehicle manufacturers have different ideas on I/M readiness, few days of normal driving can fulfill the test. I/M readiness is meant for keeping people away from sneaking into a poorly ruining vehicle through the emission test by clearing the codes before going to an independent station for inspection.
View Data
The best OBD2 scanner normally provides a menu option for you to view data. This menu allow you to check for potential trouble areas such as oxygen – sensor functionality, engine load, water and air temperature among others. Furthermore, there is a freeze-frame function that has the capabilities of trapping data when there is a technical hitch while on the road. For instance, the ignition timing and injector pulse width available at the instance of the hitch can enable your mechanic to figure out what really happened. This gives him ample time while working on the problem.
Graphic Functionalities
When using high end scan tools, they have graphic functionalities that enable your technician to watch some parameters on a screen while the vehicle’s engine is running. In most cases, these tools have an interface which allows connectivity of the computer. Moreover, the tools have enough memory and battery life that allows you to plug it indoors while the cable of your car is disconnected.In conclusion, OBD2 scanners have greatly eased the diagnostics process of vehicles. It is simple to use the device since you only need to plug it into the OBD2 connector and get everything done. However, you should ensure that you get a clear understanding of all the codes for you to effectively work with the tool.
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