History
Today's automobile is a complex machine. Thanks to advanced features like anti-lock brakes, computerized climate control and entertainment systems, hybrid engines, and ever-tightening emissions restrictions, a modern car can contain thousands of parts and miles of wire. When one of these components malfunctions, how can the modern home troubleshooter ever hope to track down the problem? Traditional "pull a plug wire to check for a spark" troubleshooting techniques are no longer effective --in fact, this simple act can be enough to damage the electronics on many modern cars.
As cars' complexity increased, auto manufacturers began integrating on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems, which continuously monitor the vehicle's functions. For example, if an engine occasionally misfires on one cylinder or the oxygen sensor malfunctions, an error code will be generated and stored on the car's computer. If the problem is serious enough, the "check engine" light comes on, letting the driver know that it's time for a repair.
Eventually, on-board diagnostic systems were consolidated under a single set of standards (known as OBD II). Starting in 1996, all cars and light trucks sold in the US were required to adhere to the OBD II standard.
NOTE: Starting in 2008, a new standard called "CAN" will become mandatory for all vehicles, and some auto manufacturers are already producing CAN-compliant vehicles. OBD II code readers may or may not work with CAN vehicles -- check the product detail page to check if the scanner works with OBD II, CAN, or both. Some scanners also work with the older OBD-I standard (for some vehicles from the mid-'80s thru 1995) or other manufacturer-specific formats.
Initially, the devices used by mechanics to communicate with cars' on-board computers were huge and expensive. These days, however, they're small enough to fit in a toolbox and start at less than $100, making a portable OBD II code reader a "must-have" tool for the modern home mechanic.
Features
Three popular players in the handheld scanner market are Actron, AutoXray, and Equus. Each manufacturer has a number of models ranging from simple and inexpensive devices to deluxe, complex units. Every device will read codes from OBD-II autos and reset the "check engine" light; advanced models feature more informative screens, battery power to store codes after the unit is unplugged, and broader compatibility with earlier OBD-I vehicles or new CAN vehicles. "Code Readers" pull codes from the car's on-board computers, while "Scanners" also monitor vehicle data from a vehicle's sensors in realtime.
Actron
Actron's lineup begins with the Actron CP9125 PocketScan Diagnostic Code Reader for OBDII (Post-1996) Vehicles , a simple and inexpensive reader. This tool displays a code like "P0130" on its LCD screen, and the user then looks up the code online or in the book that comes with the code reader. In this specific example, "P0130" indicates a malfunctioning oxygen sensor circuit.
Move up to the Actron CP9135 AutoScanner Diagnostic Code Scanner with On Screen Definitions for OBDII (Post-1996) Vehicles and you'll get a multi-line display that shows the trouble code and its definition, plus additional buttons for easier navigation.
The Actron CP9145 AutoScanner Diagnostic Code Scanner with Live, Record and Playback Data Capability for OBDII (Post-1996) Vehicles is a true code scanner. In addition to reading trouble codes stored in the car's computer, it also displays realtime data coming from the vehicle's sensors while the vehicle is running. The Actron CP9150 AutoScanner Diagnostic Code Scanner Kit with Live, Record and Playback Data Capability for OBDI and OBDII (Post-1996) Vehicles augments the CP9145 with a carrying case and additional cables for older vehicles.
AutoXray
AutoXray's lineup starts with the AutoXray EZ-Read 1000 Code Reader, which works with both OBD-II and CAN vehicles, displays fault codes and descriptions on the display, can be updated, and comes with a carrying case. The AutoXray EZ-Read 2000 Advanced Code Reader is similar, but adds support for earlier OBD-I vehicles.
The AutoXray 1500 CodeScout features an updated design with a multi-line display and battery power.
The
<product no longer available>
is a true scanner, and the AutoXray EZ-Scan 5000 OBD-I and OBD-II Scanner PLUS FREE EZ-Charge 200 (#AUT-200) adds OBD-I support. The EZ-Scan 6000 Scan Tool - CANOBD Coverage - OBD I & OBD II has all the features of the 5000, plus enhanced OBD-II support for GM, Ford, and Toyota.
Equus
The Equus 3030 Innova Diagnostic Code Reader for OBDII (Post-1996) Vehicles, Equus' entry-level scanner, is compatible with both OBD-II and CAN systems and includes status LEDs that quickly let you know if your vehicle will pass its emissions test.
The Equus 3100 Innova CanOBD2 Diagnostic Tool adds battery back-up and its firmware can be upgraded from your PC using the included USB cable. The "C" in its title shows it's CAN compatible -- the older 3100 is OBDII compatible, but not CAN compatible.
The Equus 3110 Innova Diagnostic Code Scanner with Freeze Frame Data for OBDII (Post-1996) Vehicles is the top-of-the-line offering from Equus. In addition to the 3100C's features, the 3110 includes a multi-line display (to show the trouble codes and their definitions on screen), and also acts as a scanner to store and display freeze-frame data from the car.
|
See all 212 customer reviews...
