Universal diagnostic scanner for cars. We test the car with our own hands with a diagnostic scanner for cars

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

For many car owners, service stations represent a significant part of the cost that hits the pocket. Fortunately, some services may not be available. Having bought a diagnostic scanner for a car, you can independently perform surface diagnostics. In addition, with a set of experience, even a novice car enthusiast will be able to diagnose a car, which will later save money.

First you need to learn the basics of diagnostics using a laptop and a special diagnostic scanner for the car. In this case, we need some simple and cheap, and most importantly - universal - scanner.

A bit of history

It is a mistake to think that car diagnostic scanners for cars are something new and modern. Auto diagnostics has a 37-year history.

Back in 1980, General Motors created the interface production technologyALDL diagnostics, which allowed monitoring of all vehicle systems. And in 1990, the United States created the OBD diagnostic protocol, which is still used today. Six years later, this protocol has been improved, and now its more advanced version, OBD-2, is mandatory for cars in Canada and the United States. Therefore, these vehicles can be scanned using the OBD 2 Auto Diagnostic Scanner.

There are also European versions of this protocol (EOBD) and even Japanese versions (JOBD), and they are mandatory for cars in the EU and Japan, respectively.

This suggests that the vast majority of even older cars that are now about 20 years old are diagnostic-adapted.

Control unit

Modern machines have built-in "brains" that integrate systems control modules and diagnostic sensors. Thanks to them, you can track the current state of transport, make predictions for the future about the performance of a particular system, as well as adjust parameters and troubleshoot. All this is called an ECU, but it is customary for people to say "brains". But for diagnostics and troubleshooting, you need to have a special diagnostic interface.

What is an autoscanner?

Autoscanner is not a single device. It combines a processor for processing the received data, a controller, as well as software and connectivity. Schematic diagram of workdiagnostic scanner for auto is as follows:

1. The car's ECU must have an output connector to which a diagnostic scanner is connected. The task of this scanner is to convert the data stream from the ECU controller and display them on the screen in a readable form.
2. Data processor. Usually these are laptop, tablet, smartphone processors, as well as professional diagnostic scanners. There are special diagnostic programs for these devices (regardless of their software).
3. Means of connection. Previously, the most common means was a data cable with adapters. However, diagnostic bluetooth scanners for cars or models with data transfer via Wi-Fi protocol are popular today.

This is just a superficial information about the principles of car diagnostics. Now let's talk about this in more detail.

Opportunities

The most obvious and main function of computer diagnostics is to inspect all vehicle systems and display the processed information on the screen in the form of error codes, graphs. All this allows us to understand breakdowns, prevent them and eliminate them.

Even with minimal diagnostic experience, the user can:

1. Check the maintenance of his car.
2. Schedule jobs more accurately for future maintenance, resulting in savings in the long run.
3. Accurately assess the condition of the car when buying.
4. Find out on your own whatThe system "swears" when the Check engine light comes on.

Any universal diagnostic scanner for cars is capable of providing such capabilities. But for this, at a minimum, the driver must be able to work with a computer, tablet and special software for diagnostics. You also need at least basic knowledge of the electrical systems of the car and the ability to work with error databases, Internet catalogs. Highly desirable experience of communication on automotive forums, because some errors may be incomprehensible.

Even if you have small values, you can still get a lot of clear and valuable information from the graphic indicators in the diagnostic program.

Scan with Auto Diagnostic Scanner

We will carry out diagnostics with our own hands. What do we need?

1. Computer, tablet, smartphone or laptop. Any of these gadgets will work. The main thing is that it has an external or built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth module.
2. Special adapter (scanner). Suitable diagnostic scanner for auto OBD 2 ELM327 USB. This is one of the simplest devices, but you will need a laptop or tablet with a USB interface to use it. The phones do not have a USB interface.
3. Programs for diagnostics. There are many of them, and the choice depends on the personal preferences of the user. In any case, you need to try different options and ultimately choose the one you like.
4. Bases for decoding errors.
5. Data cable. With its help,connecting the scanner to a computer. Its use is relevant if there is no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Laptop or smartphone for diagnostics?

For quick diagnosis and instant fault code identification, it is most convenient to use a smartphone. However, only with the help of a laptop can you fully master the skills of automotive diagnostics at a more or less serious level with the ability to install professional diagnostic software in the future.

There are no requirements for the laptop used. All models have a standard COM port, as well as a wireless interface (Bluetooth or Wi-Fi). Of course, you can also use a desktop computer, but it is a laptop that will allow you to do this literally on the go, and it is more convenient than a desktop computer.

If there are no interfaces (including a COM port), you can connect the scanner through adapters or external wireless modules. The ideal option would be a Bluetooth adapter, but you should not choose cheap models, because they often do not see paired devices.

Scanner

It is presented as a small device. This adapter includes a chip circuit and communication blocks, connector blocks and a control panel. It adapts the streams from the car's computer and displays them on the laptop's display.

Adapters are universal or specialized for specific car brands. The latter are most oftenprofessional or semi-professional. For example, there is such a scanner called "Vasya-Diagnost", which only works with cars of the VAG group.

But we are interested in universal diagnostic scanners for cars that can work with different brands of cars. One of the popular models is ELM327. It is adapted for modern cars up to 20 years old and costs around $30.

Software comes with adapter. The scanning process itself is extremely simple: plug the plug into the OBD connector, launch the application on a computer, phone or tablet, and then select the desired option. Here is a short list of what you can do in the application after installing the adapter:

1. View the parameters of the machine's systems on the screen.
2. Read fault codes and decipher them.
3. Clear errors after removing the cause.
4. Display service and fault reports and logs.

Diagnosis process

This initial information about the diagnosis is enough. Now let's figure out how to carry out the procedure itself.

So, take your laptop and turn it on, find the diagnostic connector in the car. It can be located in different places, and its specific location depends on the make and model of the car. It can be under the hood, under the instrument panel, under the cover next to the gearbox, etc. This must be indicated in the instructions for the car. Insert scanner,turn it on, connect to it from your laptop. Usually, after that, the indicator lights up, indicating that it is ready to work.

Now open the diagnostic program. If everything is done correctly, the program will show what the car "sees". At this stage, you can choose what exactly you want to know about your car. The simplest function is to scan the machine for errors and decrypt them. However, for a more detailed analysis of the car, the program needs to be studied in depth. But doing it the first time is difficult.

The very same check on the key basic parameters will not cause difficulties, and this will already eliminate the need to travel to the service station just to find out why the "check" caught fire.

Tips

If you plan to connect the scanner via a data cable, then choose a short cable length. If the length is more than 5 meters, then the laptop will not see the scanner. When diagnosing, connect the scanner and set the parameters with the ignition off. You can turn on the ignition only after entering the settings. Otherwise, there is a small risk of harming the "brains" of the car. And finally, be sure to read the instructions. Many questions will disappear by themselves when reading.

Conclusion

The era of the conventional motor vehicle is closer than ever. Today, even old machines that are completely rusted and about to be scrapped can be scanned for errors. Many service stations do not take cars without an on-board computer for repair, because it is extremely difficult to repair them.difficult without diagnostics.

A modern universal diagnostic scanner for cars, which users leave only good reviews, will cost you about 25-30 dollars. However, given the large number of fakes on the market and outright "junk", you should read the reviews about the model you are going to choose.