what is car car diagnostic tool

 what is Car diagnostic tool

tool used to interface, diagnose and, sometimes, reprogram vehicle Controllers

There are many types from just as many manufacturers, one of the
most familiar being the Snap on, Autel, Launch, Xtool, Gscan, Vetronix/Bosch
and a lot of other OEMs

Those are universal scanners that allow to work with multiple
brands of cars from different manufacturers there is various types of scan
tools, from simple code readers to highly capable bi-directional computers with
programming capabilities.

There is also OEM level Scan tool like GM having the GM MDI with
Techline software , Ford Use VCM 2 or 3 with Ford IDS and FJDRS Software , Mercedes
Bens use Delimmer Xentry Software with SD Connect C4 or C6 , Toyota use
Techstream  …

The scan tool is connected to the vehicle’s data link connector (DLC) and,
depending on the particular tool, may only read out diagnostic trouble codes or
DTC’s (this would be considered a “code reader”) or may have more
capabilities. Actual scan tools will display live data stream (inputs and
outputs), have bi-directional controls (the ability to make the controllers do
things outside of normal operations) and may even be able to calibrate/program
modules within certain parameters. However, a typical scan tool does not have
the ability to fully reprogram modules because it requires a J-2534 pass-through device and specific
software.

OBD 1 vs OBD 2 the vehicle will also dictate what the scan
tool is able to display. If the vehicle is equipped with OBD 1 it will have
significantly less available data when compared to a vehicle equipped with OBD
2.

Once you connect to the car OBD The
car diagnostic tool then accesses the data memory of the control units and the
on-board electronics and evaluates or analyzes them. 

For this purpose,
stored data from the vehicle’s electronics is evaluated, which is essential for
the detection of faults. If necessary, error codes are then generated, but
these must then be analyzed using the information provided on internet
databases, etc. 

This is because a car code reader
usually only tell you the error codes but not what it means.

The subsequent elimination of
errors is possible with the help of some OBDII scan tool devices; however, this
process is very complex and requires additional knowledge. Furthermore, a
diagnostic device allows essential vehicle data such as fuel consumption, fluid
temperatures, etc. to be readout.