Is it time to update your OBD scanner?
Being a mechanic means knowing how cars work inside and out. It also means that you need to know how a long list of tools work, as this will increase your chances of getting a job as an auto mechanic and doing important repairs for clients. While the OBD scanner is probably familiar to you already, you need to know when it's time to update it.
Signs that something is wrong with the scanner
Before diagnosing a car with an OBD scanner, you must be sure that it will work correctly. Otherwise, you will only waste your time and may misdiagnose - a potentially dangerous mistake.
One very easy way to do this is to simply use an OBD scanner every time, even if the problem is clear. For example, if a customer knows their ABS has failed, still use a scanner to confirm they are reporting it. This constant method of checking your OBD scanner ensures that you are always confident in using it.
Another way to do this is to use two scanners. Your garage or dealership probably doesn't have one. Use both and make sure they both show the same issue. Since OBD-II is a standard, there is absolutely no reason why two readers should give different results. Otherwise, it's worth checking the scan port. There is a lot of debris floating around the work areas, and sometimes they can clog the port, causing your scanner to not do its job properly. All you need is a soft cloth or even compressed air to get it back to normal.
Check ECU
Sometimes you just don't read at all. This is probably not your scanner's fault. If it's lacking power, if everything it's doing shows nothing, then it's most likely the car's ECM that's lacking juice.
The ECM on the vehicle is connected to the same fuse circuit as other electronic components such as the auxiliary port. If that fuse blows - which isn't uncommon - the ECM won't have the power to turn it off. In this case, when you connect your OBD scanner, there will be no reading.
This is the most common cause of problems when using an OBD scanner to diagnose vehicle problems. Luckily, all you have to do is remove the fuse and this won't be a problem anymore.
Your business is growing
Finally, you may need to update your OBD scanner because you are starting to work with a wider range of vehicles. Those from Europe and Asia may not work with a scanner that read domestic models without problems. Some medium duty vehicles will also not work with conventional devices.
When working properly, an OBD scanner is one of the most important tools, so it is essential for all auto mechanic jobs. However, from time to time you may have problems with yours. The above should help you figure out what's wrong and fix it if necessary.
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