Scan Tools

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Ugh, the Check Engine Light just came on…

For a novice car owner or DIYer looking to take the next step in car repairs the check engine light (or CEL) can cause anxiety about their vehicle suddenly not running, or an expensive trip to the mechanic. However they can take control of their diagnosis and repair future by investing in a code reader and/or scan tool.

Commonly called “scan tools”, “code readers” or “OBD2 scanners” these allow for access and extraction of key information from the vehicle's diagnostic system. Some data is simple Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) which give you a specific area to focus on for a possible repair (timing, emissions, mis-fires and so on) saving time, money, and anxiety. Other data that can be found includes live readings coming from the vehicle systems while it is operating, allowing pin-point precision in locating a sensor or system that may be starting to go bad which caused the CEL to suddenly make its appearance.

But where to start?

For the brand new potential scan tool purchaser the market for diagnostic tools can appear overwhelmingly full of simple $20 code readers to pro-level tablets costing hundreds if not thousands. An easy to jump into strategy can be found in three main principles: Need/Want, Pricepoint, and Simplicity.

What you need ($20 Code Reader) versus what you want ($4,000 Pro Scan Tool)

A very important part of this entire process is being honest with yourself in not what you want, but what technical comfort level you have in repairing the vehicle once the diagnosis is complete:

• The Basic Code Reader: If your goal is to simply read and turn off the CEL a basic code reader will work well. These are readily available and provide a PXXXX code (P0420 as an example for a bad catalytic converter) that you can either research online yourself, or provide to your mechanic as a starting point for possible vehicle repair.

• The DIYer's Choice: If you plan on taking on minor repairs, performing routine maintenance, and truly diagnosing a problem yourself a step up into a scan tool with more capabilities is in order, and may include features such as:

  • Live Data Streaming

  • Freeze Frame Data

  • Deeper Access to sub-systems not available to the code reader

  • Reset and more comprehensive maintenance functions

  • This is the recommended starting point for the budding mechanic, and this is where pricing mainly comes into play.

• Professional Level Scan Tool: If you plan on taking large jobs, or are possibly considering starting a shop/garage these caliber of tools may be what are needed:

  • Very advanced, custom diagnostics capabilities.

  • Component/computer programming capabilities.

  • Vehicle manufacturer specific access capabilities.

  • Comprehensive diagnostics, sub-system, reset functions and more.

If you want the “Cadillac of scan tools” you are going to pay for it

Scan tools are available at every price point, with a mostly common mindset of the more you spend the more features you will buy up front:

Tool Type	Average Price Range	Ideal User	Key Functionality
Basic Code Reader	$20 - $50	Novice/I don’t fix my own car Why did that stupid CEL come on	Read/Clear DTCs, I/M Readiness
Entry-Level Scan Tool	$50 - $200	DIYer looking to take on more of their own maintenance and repairs	Live Data, Freeze Frame, DTC Library, Reset Functions, some sub-systems access
Pro-Level Scan Tool	$200 - $1000+	Advanced DIYer, Shop/Garage Owner, Mobile Mechanic	All-System Access, Bi-Directional Control, Service Resets, Topology Mapping, OEM level exclusive access, ECU Coding

Scan tools have come a very long way in the last several years, and in the $50 to $200 range a very dependable and capable scan tool can be purchased that will provide many years of service.

Wired vs. wireless connectivity - that is the question (+ many others)

A new potential scan tool purchaser faces what feels like should be simple but possibly confusing choices when actually going to buy:

• Wired versus Wireless: While this sounds simple it actually has several layers to it:

  • Wired code readers and scan tools are often simpler and faster to use as there is a connected cord that directly goes from the vehicle to the device, allowing for a quick plug in and scan capability.

  • Wireless options include multiple layers of possible choices:

    • Some scan tools may have their own device that plugs into the OBD2 port and connects to the scan tool via Bluetooth.

    • Some scan tools are simply the device that plugs into the OBD2 port, with the user needing to download and use an app on their phone or tablet.

  • What year, make and model car do you have?

    • Some vehicles (2018 and newer Chrysler vehicles) require a specialized and secure gateway system called FCA AutoAuth which provides otherwise not obtainable access to diagnosing the vehicle.

  • Do you want to pay for software updates?

    • This may be the biggest sore spot in the entire code reader and scan tool conversation: paying for software updates.

    • Most scan tools come with an initial time period of included software (1 or 2 years) out of the box, but once this expires a purchase of a software renewal is required to download the latest software updates.

    • To complicate this some scan tools have “lifetime free updates” as well, and if you are not sure on specifics here feel free to give us a call!

  • Service Resets & Relearns

    • Reset Functions: Scan tools have gotten very affordable in the last few years, so depending on your budget comfort level the more service reset functions the better.

    • Relearns: Must haves for your next scan tool include Oil Light/Service Interval Reset, Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Release/Reset, Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) Calibration, Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Regeneration, Injector Coding, Throttle Body Relearn, and Battery Management System (BMS) registration after a battery swap and more.

  • Trust us when we say the list goes on here too…

Service after the sale (we promise it does actually still exist!)

For that brand new code reader or scan tool purchaser taking this journey down the diagnostics road you are on is bound to have a few questions, places where you get stuck and are in need of help. In our personal experience if you are looking for high caliber service after the sale you can’t go wrong with these brands:

• TopDon: If you have not yet heard of TopDon you will; their products are finished, function well and service after the sale is very good with our own personal questions and asks for help being answered within the same day or overnight depending on when we ask.

• Xtool: Much like TopDon if you have not heard of Xtool be sure to give their scan tool lineup a look as their products are finished and function well. Service after the sale is very good with our own personal questions and asks for help being answered within the same day or overnight depending on when we ask.

• Harbor Freight: Let’s be real for a moment - we want you to buy a scan tool from ScanToolDepot.com, but if you are looking elsewhere then your friendly neighborhood Harbor Freight store provides many affordable and in stock options that you can grab and go today.

A quick note: There are MANY different scan tool brands out there we could list here, but the list above is short for a reason: you want a company to build a product that can deliver value, reliability and diagnostics, and when something “goes wrong” that you can reach out to them for help. We work specifically with the vendors above as they provide all the previously mentioned items, and have gained our Trust that your money is well spent there.

 

A few final thoughts…

With dealership, shop and garage labor rates easily getting over $100/hour, taking the step of investing in a quality code reader or scan tool is a financial no-brainer! Even starting small with reading a code, buying the part yourself and replacing it is a step forward in keeping more money in your pocket, and you owe it to yourself to go on this journey as you may end up becoming a car fanatic like we have been for most of our lives.

If money is tight, start small with a code reader and make sure you shop around! If you are narrowing down to a few final options we’re happy to chat on them, just send an e-mail and we can reply with thoughts and recommendations too. You work hard for your money; now it’s time for that code reader or scan tool you purchase to work hard for you and save repair money expenditures as well.