Scan Tools & Software Updates Denver CO
To diagnose these kinds of faults, you need a scan tool or scanner software that can also display OBD II system sensor data and other operating perimeters. The more information or "PIDs" the tool can display, the better.
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Scan Tools & Software Updates
 By Larry Carley February 15, 2010 Getting to the root of the problem -- investing in a scan tool or scanner software. A technician without a scan tool today is like a dentist without a drill. You can’t get to the root cause of many problems because you lack the tools to do so. Though some vehicles have diagnostic modes that can show fault codes and other diagnostic information via the instrument panel, climate control system or driver information display, most simply turn on the check engine light or another warning light when a problem occurs. So without a scan tool, there’s no way to tell what the problem might be, let alone make an accurate diagnosis of which sensor or other component may need to be replaced.  For simple powertrain and emissions-related diagnostics, you may think all you need is a basic OBD II code reader, entry-level scan tool or PC-based scanner software to read and clear fault codes. But a code by itself is not a diagnosis. It only tells you that a fault has occurred. The code does not tell you why the fault occurred, and in some cases, it doesn’t even tell you the sensor, circuit or component where the fault occurred. These include faults like P0300 random misfire codes, and P0171 and P0174 lean codes. Then there are codes like P0400 for the EGR system, P0420 for the catalytic converter and P0440 for the evaporative emission system that indicate something is amiss, but doesn’t tell you... |
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