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Full-Function Scanners
Posted 6/8/2003
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“Vehicle-specific software on a full-function scanner enables the technician to more quickly diagnose and test components far beyond the abilities of the basic on-board diagnostic II (OBD-II) scanners and handheld meters alone.”
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If you work on a significant number of European imports, it might be time to consider the technical and financial advantages of purchasing a full-function scanner. Vehicle-specific software on a full-function scanner enables the technician to more quickly diagnose and test components far beyond the abilities of the basic on-board diagnostic II (OBD-II) scanners and hand-held meters alone.
OBD-II Scanners
Generic OBD-II scanners will query only the vehicle's OBD-II diagnostic module, but the real answers may be in the fuel injection, ignition, throttle control, transmission or power supply modules the OBD-II scanner cannot access. OBD-II scanners cannot retrieve codes from most pre-1996 vehicles.
One of the drawbacks of OBD-II scanners is that they seem to give complete diagnostic information but are only scratching the surface. Will an OBD-II scanner help you determine what is causing an antilock brake system (ABS) or supplemental restraint system (SRS) light to come on? Usually not. Will it help diagnose a transmission in failsafe? Not likely. Will it enable you to retrieve diagnostic information from non-OBD-II vehicles? No. Even when diagnosing a "Check Engine" light, generic OBD-II scanners often fall short. For instance, Mercedes-Benz vehicles may have several control units (as many as six in some models) that can trigger the "Check Engine" light.
Full-Function Scanners
Full-function scanners are able to perform many more tests and retrieve many more specific codes than the familiar OBD-II generic scanner. One full-function scanner can take the place of many of the individual, specialized scanners used by the manufacturers before 1996 and can test some systems reaching back to the 1980s. Full-function software can be used to diagnose non-emissions-related problems, too. The full-function scanner will enable you to read live data in ways that generic OBD-II will not. It will code new control modules for many models, saving that trip to a dealer and its expense in both time and money. The same is true for resetting maintenance reminders on many late-model European cars.
What do you do when that BMW has an SRS light on after steering or instrument cluster work -or an Audi ABS light - or a late-model Volvo with a transmission warning in the instrument cluster? In most cases, without the correct scan tool, your only option is to send the car to a dealer and pay them to clear the light and/or diagnose the fault. What will your customers think when the simple resetting of a maintenance reminder light is beyond your shop's capability? Keeping profitable maintenance work in the shop is a high priority. Why should you or the owner have to take that trip to the dealer to have the maintenance light reset after you have done the service? If customers have to go to the dealer to cancel the reminder light, they might start bringing their maintenance work there as well.
Did you know that any time a 1996 or later Volkswagen battery has its battery disconnected or discharged, the powertrain control module (PCM) may lose the ability to communicate with the electronic throttle actuator and/or transmission module? The engine may not start or run well after simply replacing a battery or cleaning its connections. The transmission may no longer shift properly. A full-function scan tool will enable you to do the "Basic Setting" programming necessary to get the car up and running.
Be the first on your block to have this reprogramming capability! Then other shops can start sending cars to you - rather than to dealers - to clear codes, reset service reminders, or do adaptation or basic setting procedures that the shops are unable to do themselves. A new source of revenue! Your shop might also scan airbag systems for body shops. Many vehicles need a scan tool program for transmission shift point adaptation or to relearn climate control flap positions after control module replacement as well.
The cost of a full-function scanner may reach several thousand dollars but it is an investment with high returns. Charge a basic amount every time the scanner is connected to a vehicle. Create your own per-hour charge for using this powerful tool. It will pay for itself and enhance your reputation as a "can-do" shop. Assess which cartridges will make you money. It is not necessary to purchase every one. When considering the cost of a scan tool, remember to allow for the cost of periodic upgrades to keep current and to add new capabilities. Many of the scanner manufacturers are also expanding their software to cover Asian and domestic vehicles as well.
 | David Tidaback is an Identifix European specialist. He is BMW, ASE master and L1 certified. He is also certified in Volvo engine and fuel injection and Bosch BSC 1. |
This information is provided by IDENTIFIX®. IDENTIFIX® resources cut diagnostic time and provide repair solutions that increase the shop's bottom line. From Repair-Trac pattern failure quick fixes, to Diagram-Online wiring diagrams by fax, to the Repair Hotline staffed by 32 master techs who specialize in diagnosing complex problems by phone or fax, IDENTIFIX® helps techicians fix more cars in less time.
For more information on IDENTIFIX, call (800) 288-6210, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Central Time. © 2008 IDENTIFIX. All Rights Reserved.
© 2003 IDENTIFIX. All Rights Reserved. |
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