An automotive scan tool (scanner) is an electronic tool used to interface with, diagnose and, sometimes, reprogram
vehicle control modules.
There are many types from just as many manufacturers, one of the most familiar being the
Snap-On Inc. "brick", or MT2500/MTG2500. Snap-On, Hella Gutmann Solutions, OTC/SPX, Xtool india, Autel, Launch, Vetronix/Bosch and a number of other companies produce various types of scan tools, from simple code readers to highly capable bi-directional computers with programming capabilities.
The scan tool is connected to the vehicle's
data link connector (DLC) and, depending on the particular tool, may only read out diagnostic trouble codes or DTC's (this would be considered a "code reader") or may have more capabilities. Actual scan tools will display live data stream (inputs and outputs), have bi-directional controls (the ability to make the controllers do things outside of normal operations) and may even be able to calibrate/program modules within certain parameters. However, a typical scan tool does not have the ability to fully reprogram modules because it requires a J-2534
pass-through device and specific software.
Voltas IT created a new generation diagnostic tool – OBDeleven, the device which easily connects to the car, monitors all systems, and activates new car's features. It supports
Audi
Audi AG () is a German automotive manufacturer of luxury vehicles headquartered in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany. As a subsidiary of its parent company, the Volkswagen Group, Audi produces vehicles in nine production facilities worldwide.
Th ...
,
Volkswagen
Volkswagen (),English: , . abbreviated as VW (), is a German motor vehicle manufacturer headquartered in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany. Founded in 1937 by the German Labour Front under the Nazi Party and revived into a global brand post-W ...
,
SEAT,
Škoda
Škoda means ''pity'' in the Czech and Slovak languages. It may also refer to:
Czech brands and enterprises
* Škoda Auto, automobile and previously bicycle manufacturer in Mladá Boleslav
** Škoda Motorsport, the division of Škoda Auto respons ...
,
Lamborghini, and
Bentley.
OBD 1 vs OBD 2 the vehicle will also dictate what the scan tool is able to display. If the vehicle is equipped with OBD 1 it will have significantly less available data when compared to a vehicle equipped with OBD 2.
See also
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OBD-II PIDs
OBD-II PIDs (On-board diagnostics Parameter IDs) are codes used to request data from a vehicle, used as a diagnostic tool.
SAE standard J1979 defines many OBD-II PIDs. All on-road vehicles and trucks sold in North America are required to support a ...
list of data readable with a scan tool
*
ELM327
The ELM327 is a programmed microcontroller produced for translating the on-board diagnostics (OBD) interface found in most modern cars. The ELM327 command protocol is one of the most popular PC-to-OBD interface standards and is also implemented by ...
very common integrated circuit inside scan tools
*
OBDuino
OBDuino is an open source trip computer design based on the Arduino platform. An OBDuino may be assembled and customised by an electronics hobbyist; it displays information such as instantaneous fuel economy (e.g. miles per gallon, L/100 km o ...
onboard computer made with Arduino that has the scan tool functions
*
Data link connector (automotive) standard connector for OBD
*
On-board diagnostics#OBD-II last specification for OBD
*
Pass through device (automotive)
References
{{reflist
Automotive electronics