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How to an Use OBD2 Scanner on Your Vehicle
Diagnosing modern vehicle issues means somehow talking to the onboard computer systems. These systems can perform in-depth vehicle diagnostics on the fly and store the results for retrieval later. Sometimes the diagnostics results mean the check engine light will turn on, while other times an issue may just get logged for future reference. Regardless of how the information is acquired, you will need a special tool to read the OBD codes. That’s when having an OBD2 scanner on hand makes sense. Here’s how to use OBD2 scanner tools on your car. Different OBD Scanner Types Back in the early days of onboard diagnostics, it wasn’t exactly easy to interface with the computer. In some cases, you had to insert a jumper wire across the access port, turn the ignition key in a special pattern and then count the number of times the “check engine light” flashed. Not exactly easy. True OBD scanners were the realm of dealership service departments. But things changed in the early 1990s when OBD2 became the national standard.Most OBD scanners you will come across now are actually code readers. They are designed to access the diagnostic code information stored by the onboard computer and display it to the user. It is a one-way street for the most part with the exception of having the ability to erase any stored diagnostic codes.Some OBD scanners are also diagnostic tools that can not only read stored diagnostics codes, but also communicate back to the onboard computer systems. For example, this Bosch OBD2 scanner is able to manually control components in order to test them. For example, it can open and close a drive-by-wire throttle body while the technician observes to make sure it is moving correctly. This is extremely handy when diagnosing an issue to help isolate components for testing. Unfortunately, a bidirectional OBD2 scanner requires deep understanding of how a certain vehicle’s computer operates. OBD scanners with two-way communication capability are often much more expensive than a simple code reader. How to Use an OBD2 Scanner: 7-Step Tutorial Using an OBD2 scanner is fairly straightforward. We recommend taking a few minutes to read over the instruction manual for your particular OBD2 scanner so you are familiar with the buttons and screen. 1. Locate the OBD port. Federal law requires that the OBD port be located within two feet of the steering wheel. It may be out in the open or behind a plug/cap/door. 2. Plug the OBD2 scanner into the OBD port. 3. Turn on the vehicle. For key start ignition vehicles, turn the ignition switch to the “on” position; it is not necessary to start the car. This puts the vehicle in “accessory” mode. For push-button start vehicles, refer to your owner’s manual for how to put the vehicle in “accessory” mode. 4. Once the vehicle is in “accessory” mode, the OBD2 scanner should begin communicating with the vehicle. 5. Following the instructions included with your particular OBD2 scanner, begin a code scan. This should only take a few minutes. 6. The OBD2 scanner will indicate if there are any stored codes found. Write down any fault codes so you can look them up later. 7. Once the OBD2 scanner has scanned the onboard computer, you may turn off the vehicle and unplug the scanner. Now that you know the fault codes, you can now begin to diagnose the problem. Luckily, OBD2 codes are mostly standardized across the industry, so a code P0030 for an oxygen sensor is the same whether you drive a Scion XB or a Nissan Titan. Decrypting the Code The two most common kinds of OBD fault code types you will find are pending and confirmed. A pending code means the onboard diagnostic system recorded an issue somewhere during its self-check procedure. If the issue does not occur again, the pending code will get erased from computer memory. A pending code will not cause the check engine light to illuminate. On the other hand, if an issue occurs again, it is then confirmed and stored as a fault code. A confirmed fault code will turn on the check engine light, alerting the driver that there is an issue. With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility Your OBD2 scanner will likely have the option to erase any stored trouble codes that are found. Use this option with caution. Wiping stored OBD codes also resets the emissions monitoring system. If you live in an area that requires an annual emissions test, the emissions monitoring system must be ready to pass. For the emissions system to be ready, it must have the ability to complete several different self-tests from catalytic converter function to fuel tank vapor recovery. Some of these tests are easy to complete, while others require certain conditions like a full fuel tank or a cold start. Wiping OBD2 codes is not a cure-all for a check engine light and could derail your next emissions test if you are on a tight deadline. The best course of action is to fix the problem that caused the error code and drive the vehicle normally. If the OBD2 system does not detect the issue again after a certain number of starts, the check engine light will go out on its own. Next Steps Now that you know how to use an OBD2 scanner, you are ready to tackle that check engine light. Simply head to your local Vdiagtool store or visit Vdiagtool online and pick up your own VD70S OBD2 car scanner. When you shop at participating Vdiagtool stores and on Vdiagtool online, make sure to take advantage of Vdiagtool Rewards. For every $1 you spend, you earn 1 Point. When you earn 100 Points, you get an automatic $5 off your next purchase. You can buy your new VD70S OBD2 scanner tool in several different ways. If using an OBD2 diagnostic scanner still seems impossible, your local NAPA Auto Care is ready to help. Their ASE-certified and trained technicians have all the best OBD2 scanner options at their fingertips along with the knowledge to use them. Once your vehicle is scanned, they can then help you decide the best course of action for repairs.
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3 Smart Tips For Brake Pad Replacement
Knowing when it’s time for a brake pad replacement can save you a significant amount of money when it comes to maintaining your car. It’s best to wait until they’ve served their last useful mile and you’ve received maximum value from each set, but if you go too long, you run the risk of damaging other brake components — not to mention hurting your car’s stopping power. Check out these three smart tips for knowing when to replace your brake pads. 1. Listen for the Squeal You’ve heard it before: a high-pitched squealing sound as a car, bus, or truck comes to a halt in front of you. Most brake pads have small metal tabs snugly fitted up against the side, and as the pad wears, the metal eventually comes into contact with the rotor and gives you that nails-against-the-chalkboard tone. That sound is one of the most obvious clues that it’s time to think about brake pad replacement, and if you hear it on your car, make an appointment to get your pads checked. 2. Brake Pad Light or Message A number of more modern cars have an electronic version of the metal tab, essentially a sensor that monitors when it’s time for brake pad replacement. Instead of a squealing sound, you get a light on your dash or a warning from the onboard computer that the time to swap in new pads has arrived. It’s a more civilized method, but make sure the sensors are working properly or you won’t get any warning at all. Have them evaluated by a mechanic each time you’re in the shop for brake pad replacement. 3. Be Alert The best-laid plans can sometimes go awry, which means you should be aware of any unusual behavior from your brake pads. If you feel vibrations, hear weird noises or experience a lack of stopping power while braking, it could be a sign that you need to head to the shop — even if there’s no other warning from your vehicle. Anything out of the ordinary is cause for concern when it comes to how your brakes feel out on the road. Don’t let a bad brake pad get you into a bad situation. If you suspect a problem, make it a priority to get it checked out. The experts are your local NAPA AutoCare Center can help you get to the bottom of any brake problem. Check out all the brake system parts available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on brake pad replacement, chat with an expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
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3 Key Reasons to Never Ignore Low Engine Coolant Levels
Low engine coolant might not seem like a critical condition under the hood of your car, especially if your reservoir tank is showing just a bit under what’s recommended by the manufacturer. Ignore it for too long, however, and you could end up creating serious problems inside your engine. Your antifreeze reservoir needs to stay consistently at the proper level, and if it doesn’t, it can indicate an issue with your vehicle that needs to be addressed, in addition to causing trouble of its own. Here’s a look at three reasons why you should always ensure that your coolant is at the right level. 1. Engine Block = Ice Block One of the most catastrophic consequences of low engine coolant is an engine that freezes internally during the cold winter months. For this to happen, you’d have to have the mixture of coolant and water dilute to the point where it’s no longer able to resist freezing. It is all too easy to top off a low coolant situation with straight tap water and forget to add coolant later. Do this enough times and your coolant to water ratio will be well away from the recommended 50/50. Here’s a tip: If you ever notice that your heater is blowing cool air, that’s a possible sign that you have a low-coolant situation. Your heating system relies on warm antifreeze from the engine passing through the heater core, and if there’s not enough to go around, your vehicle’s cabin will stay as chilly as the outdoors. 2. Meltdown That header might sound more dramatic than what actually occurs, but low engine coolant can just as easily lead to your engine overheating as freezing. Without enough antifreeze, your vehicle’s cooling system will struggle to maintain the correct operating temperature, spiking above it in hot spots throughout its various channels and potentially causing serious damage. Low coolant and the temperature swings that go with it can also, over time, cause your head gasket to leak. The warping of the gasket will allow coolant to leak through into the combustion chamber, siphoning off even more antifreeze, reducing power and requiring substantial repair efforts. 3. Corrosion In addition to keeping things just right temperature-wise (not too warm and not too cool), antifreeze is also necessary for preventing corrosion inside your engine. It’s packed with additives that are designed to protect the metal in your block from rust as well as remove any existing corrosion. As a result, if you’re dealing with low engine coolant, then there are likely exposed and unprotected passages inside your engine that are now vulnerable to damage.
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What is a Car Diagnostics Test and How Much Does it Cost?
What is a Car Diagnostics Test and How Much Does it Cost? Car diagnosis is very necessary, which can promote the health of both the car and the wallet.Regular diagnostic tests can detect problems with your vehicle before they require expensive repairs. What is a Car Diagnostics Test? A car diagnostics test involves using special software to highlight developing faults and issues that are causing problems to your vehicle’s engine or elsewhere systems. This can be detected due to built-in processors, microchips, and sensors. Why is a Car Diagnostics Test important? Early Detection of Problems Diagnostics tests can detect issues early on, preventing them from escalating into major problems that could leave you stranded on the side of the road. Improved Fuel Efficiency Identifying and addressing issues such as a faulty oxygen sensor can improve fuel efficiency, saving you money at the pump. Enhanced Performance Addressing problems identified during diagnostics tests can restore your car’s performance and drivability, ensuring a smoother and safer ride. Compliance with Emission Standards In the UK, vehicles are subject to strict emission standards. Diagnostics tests help ensure your car is running cleanly and compliant with these regulations. What happens during a Car Diagnostics Test? The test will report on the engine, transmission, ignition coils, exhaust, oil tank, fuel injectors, throttle, coolants, airflow and other systems. The diagnostics check will not include the cost of repairs, replacement parts or recoding. If the garage is unable to offer a suitable repair, they will provide you with the fault codes that will enable you to obtain repair quotes from specialists. A full test can take between an hour and 90 minutes to complete. If issues are uncovered that make things more complicated, or components need to be removed for the test to be performed, the time can increase. This does not include the time required to fix any of the issues or problems discovered. How much does a Car Diagnostics Test cost? The cost of a car diagnostics test will vary depending on where in the UK you are getting it done, and if it is a garage or other type of establishment. The car model can also affect the price, as some models may need more sophisticated equipment to carry out the test. Luxury cars, unique vehicles and sports models may also cost more due to it taking more time to test. The standard cost is between £50-£100. It is recommended to have a car diagnostic test regularly to prevent severe problems from occurring, as you can detect the minor issues and fix them before it becomes a major problem, requiring hundreds or thousands of pounds to repair. This makes it a more cost-effective approach than taking your vehicle to the mechanic when it has broken down. How often should you get a Car Diagnostics Test? While there’s no hard and fast rule for how often you should conduct a diagnostics test, it’s generally a good idea to do so as part of your routine maintenance schedule. Many mechanics recommend having a diagnostics test performed during your annual service or whenever you notice a change in your car’s performance. What are Diagnostic Trouble Codes? Most diagnostic codes have been standardised and are known as “OBD-II” (on-board-diagnostics). These codes are triggered when a fault is detected or a system is not working as it should be. The code is stored in the vehicle’s memory and can be accessed in a diagnostics test with specialised software. There are over 200 fault codes that may be generated, but they fall into the four main areas: Body codes, prefixed with a B. This covers things inside the passenger compartment, such as airbags, air conditioning, passenger comfort and safety, and driver assistance. Chassis codes, prefixed with a C. This refers to most of the mechanical systems, including suspension, braking and steering. Powertrain codes, prefixed with a P. This refers to the engine components, transmission and drivetrain parts. Vehicle network codes, prefixed with a U. This includes the wiring and other vehicle integration systems such as the computers and sensors.
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