Automotive Engine Repairs - Diagnostic OBD2 Scanner
Using a Diagnostic OBD2 Scanner for modern engines
Modern technology often requires modern tools and diagnostic equipment when repairs are needed. Trying to fix something without the proper tool often results in more damage and expenses. Main dealers use the same type of diagnostic obd2 scanner equipment to analyze and repair your vehicle. The same tool will also be used again after repairs to clear any faults on the system and switch Off the warning light - Check Engine.
Engine technology has come a long way - even though their basic structural design seems to remain the same. Materials have been replaced with lighter and better heat transfer properties. A common material change was from the heavy and rusty cast iron to the lightweight aluminum alloy. Fuel injection replaced classic carburetors, these in turn went from mechanical to electronically controlled systems. The same is true with ignition systems which have changed from mechanical distributors to electronically controlled distributors. Nowadays engines are distributor-less.
These technological advances could only happen through electronics which replace or aid other working parts. The EMS (electronic Engine Management System) is the currently considered the main core "brain" of the engine. The software system used is called the OBD which means On-board Diagnostic Equipment. The current system is the OBD2 which is an updated and improved version of the original OBD software. This system has the power to control and adjust the required parameter commands so that the engine works well in any circumstances, unless a fault emerges. Even then the system has a backup mode called the limp mode which reduces the engine power by half so that engine will not suffer any catastrophic failure.
Diagnosing any symptoms when the engine warning lamp goes on is a guess work task unless it is accessed with the proper equipment - in this case being a diagnostic OBD2 scanner. The professional OBD diagnostic scanners have the ability to assist the technician or scanner user with much wider diagnostic functions than a normal fault code OBD2 compliant reader.
Professional diagnostic OBD2 scanners have the ability to:
The CAN (Controlled Area Network) system is another powerful interface which when combined with the OBD interface makes a much better system with much more extraordinary capabilities. Originally the CAN first appeared on Mercedes-Benz production cars in 1992 to reduce the amount of wires in the vehicles congested harness, at the same time reducing vehicle weight and production costs. The data bus speed has increased drastically since then (approximately by 100 times) and most vehicle safety and comfort systems are all integrated through the CAN from different modules which ultimately pass through the EMS or PCM (Powertrain Control Module).
Today's complex system might seem daunting at first but actually it has taken out much of the old fashioned methodological analysis before finding the fault and most guess work is simply eliminated, saving both on excessive parts and labor time. Anyone with a slight technological background and a willingness to learn can actually diagnose the faults and might even be tempted to do the repairs themselves. Most repairs will consist of sensors and small components - not an engine rebuild. The OBD2 system also has the ability to continually adjust for optimum engine working conditions, both for emissions levels not to be exceeded and for itself, not to get destroyed. This is why well-maintained engines seem to last longer than the older engines, capable of taking in high mileages without being fully stripped down and rebuilt.
Smog tests are also being done instead or in conjunction with the tailpipe tests. With today's high charge rates for any type of service including vehicle repairs, a diagnostic OBD2 scanner with CAN compatibility will pay for itself when it first comes to use, saving those huge hourly rates normally charged by main dealers or professional mechanics.
These technological advances could only happen through electronics which replace or aid other working parts. The EMS (electronic Engine Management System) is the currently considered the main core "brain" of the engine. The software system used is called the OBD which means On-board Diagnostic Equipment. The current system is the OBD2 which is an updated and improved version of the original OBD software. This system has the power to control and adjust the required parameter commands so that the engine works well in any circumstances, unless a fault emerges. Even then the system has a backup mode called the limp mode which reduces the engine power by half so that engine will not suffer any catastrophic failure.
Diagnosing any symptoms when the engine warning lamp goes on is a guess work task unless it is accessed with the proper equipment - in this case being a diagnostic OBD2 scanner. The professional OBD diagnostic scanners have the ability to assist the technician or scanner user with much wider diagnostic functions than a normal fault code OBD2 compliant reader.
Professional diagnostic OBD2 scanners have the ability to:
- Scan the engine codes and pull out the fault codes flagged by the system
- Check particular circuits for voltage drops
- Check individual sensors
- Freeze display on particular fault for better analysis
- Emission test runs
- Might be able to read some manufacturer specific codes (depends on compatibility)
- Measure and record specific engine temperatures through various engine sensors
- Clear the faults from the system after repairs
The CAN (Controlled Area Network) system is another powerful interface which when combined with the OBD interface makes a much better system with much more extraordinary capabilities. Originally the CAN first appeared on Mercedes-Benz production cars in 1992 to reduce the amount of wires in the vehicles congested harness, at the same time reducing vehicle weight and production costs. The data bus speed has increased drastically since then (approximately by 100 times) and most vehicle safety and comfort systems are all integrated through the CAN from different modules which ultimately pass through the EMS or PCM (Powertrain Control Module).
Today's complex system might seem daunting at first but actually it has taken out much of the old fashioned methodological analysis before finding the fault and most guess work is simply eliminated, saving both on excessive parts and labor time. Anyone with a slight technological background and a willingness to learn can actually diagnose the faults and might even be tempted to do the repairs themselves. Most repairs will consist of sensors and small components - not an engine rebuild. The OBD2 system also has the ability to continually adjust for optimum engine working conditions, both for emissions levels not to be exceeded and for itself, not to get destroyed. This is why well-maintained engines seem to last longer than the older engines, capable of taking in high mileages without being fully stripped down and rebuilt.
Smog tests are also being done instead or in conjunction with the tailpipe tests. With today's high charge rates for any type of service including vehicle repairs, a diagnostic OBD2 scanner with CAN compatibility will pay for itself when it first comes to use, saving those huge hourly rates normally charged by main dealers or professional mechanics.
