2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42
Not so long ago, car diagnostics using a computer seemed like something fantastic. In the modern world, with a large number of software and hardware, this procedure has become more accessible to a wide range of motorists. Do-it-yourself computer diagnostics of a car does not require expensive equipment and technology.
Why do we need diagnostics?
Checking vehicle components using electronic devices helps to find out their condition without parsing and thoroughly studying the breakdown. This is done by using special electronic systems of the car and receiving data from them. However, not all models are equipped with such hardware and cannot be scanned using software tools.
How to carry out computer diagnostics of a car?
Many auto production models after 2005 are equipped with a special connector, which receives special signals about the status of devices and components. It is located in most cases in the area of \u200b\u200bthe steering column or on the console. Before conducting self-diagnosis, you should consult the manualusername.
Earlier models may be equipped with a connector located under the hood. In this case, it is most likely not universal and you will have to look for an adapter for a specific model.
Connection Methods
To date, there are two main approaches for conducting computer diagnostics of a car - using a PC and a smartphone or tablet. Both in the first and in the second case, you will need to use special software. In addition, you will need a device that can read errors given by the car's electronic systems. One of the most popular and compact ones is the ELM327.
Diagnostics on the example of ELM327
The ELM327 autoscanner is connected to the car via the OBD2 connector. It is universal, can read codes from different models of equipment and connects to both a personal computer and Android-based mobile phones.
For ELM327 there is a wide range of software for carrying out computer diagnostics of cars. The software is available for both Windows and Android families. Moreover, there are both paid and free counterparts.
Description of the process step by step
First, you should find the location of the OBD2 connector, if any. Then you need to insert ELM327 into it. It is worth noting that this scanner can be supplied in several different versions - Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or cable. Depending on the type and selected software for conducting computervehicle diagnostics.
The most famous program is Torque for Android. It shows errors, the general condition of the car and other current parameters, such as the temperature of the nodes, engine speed, engine power, etc.
In this program of computer diagnostics of the car, the possibility of displaying error codes is of interest. It is by them that a malfunction is determined, which will subsequently have to be repaired.
It is worth noting that there are two types of errors - ever happened or current. The second type is used for diagnostics.
There are different versions for Windows environments as well. For example, ScanMaster-ELM copes well with its task. It has just a great set of settings and options. You can set a profile for a specific vehicle if you plan to scan on other models or brands in the future.
Also, the program can display information about the car, such as VIN, a variety of readings from sensors, temperature, rpm and many other useful information. It has a user-friendly interface and is not demanding on the hardware of the computer. Bluetooth versions of the ELM327 will require the same technology on a PC.
After issuing error codes, a special table is used, according to which this or that malfunction is initialized. It is quite extensive, but it is easy to find it on the Web in the public domain. Each code characterizes a certain typenode and its specific malfunction.
It is worth saying that such a diagnosis will not give a 100% result. It will only allow you to identify the most likely places of failure.
Consequences
After successful diagnosis and repair, the errors must be removed. Many programs allow you to do this, including the above-mentioned Torque. Why is it necessary? This will make it possible to avoid doubts during subsequent diagnostics.
In closing
Equipment for computer diagnostics of a car in our time can be purchased by anyone. In addition, most of it, most likely, already exists. Is it a laptop or tablet. It remains to find a suitable scanner or adapter and download the software.
Still, conducting computer diagnostics at home is an extreme measure. It is better to turn to specialists for this. Without technical skills and understanding of the mechanisms of operation of the electronic control units of a car, it will be problematic to reliably establish what happened to the car.
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