5 Things Scan Tool Sellers Don't Tell You Before Buying

Today, we’re going to let you in on 5 things that you must know before buying an OBD scan tool that you otherwise wouldn’t be told by the seller.

If you aren’t already fully up to speed on scan tool basics don’t worry, we have you covered. Head over to one of our most recent articles covering some basic level information on connecting a scan tool to your vehicle - 5 Things You Didn't Know You Could Access Through Your OBD.

Finding the right scan tool to suit your vehicle can be very tricky. These days there are so many scan tools to choose from, the scan tools product pages available online are written in general along with a number of obstacles faced in the process of selecting a scan tool. The main problem here is that there is often limited information to guide you through the process. This article will provide some great info, tips and advice on things you should consider before buying. 

5 things you should know before buying an OBD2 scan tool

In today's article, we're going to help you by looking at five things that are crucial to know before you buy your own scan tool. 
1. OBD compatibility 
2. Function compatibility 
3. 'Fixing' trouble codes 
4. Genuine scan tools
5. Fit for purpose

OBD compatibility

There are two types of OBD (On-Board Diagnostics); OBD1 and OBD2. Which of these your vehicle falls under generally depends on the year of your model. In 2006, OBD2 became mandatory in Australia, which means if your vehicle was manufactured after this, it would be categorised as OBD2 and come equipped with a 16 pin trapezoid shape data link port. Any models built prior to this year would be classed as OBD1.

Based on our experience selling automotive diagnostic scanners in the Australian market, one thing that causes confusion here, is that OBD2 became mandatory in the USA (1996) and Europe (Petrol 2001 & Diesel 2004) market much earlier than in Australia (2006). This resulted in many Australian cars being fully OBD1 yet fitted with a 16 pins trapezoid port which indicates that the vehicle is OBD2 compatible. However, they were actually fitted with the old OBD1 vehicle computers from the US and European markets, which caused much confusion over OBD compatibility/functionality. 
There are also many vehicles in Australia where the engine reports as OBD2 but the other modules like the advanced engine, transmission, brakes, body etc are OBD1. The best thing to do here is to check with the scan tool seller for more advice on your specific vehicle. Head over to our OBD2 compatibility page to check your vehicle. 
It is also worth mentioning that there are many OBD cable adapters out there. To clarify, these only accommodate the older plug shapes but they do not make your car speak OBD2 and you still need a scan tool that is capable of reading OBD1 car.

Functions Compatibility

So once you've found a scan tool that can speak to your vehicle's computer the next problem you will most likely be faced with is function compatibility. Most scanner sellers will list their product features only covering top-level information such as 'diagnosis available on electrical systems such as Engine, Transmission, ABS, and more.' Most people, though, will usually purchase a scanner to fix a specific problem and find it difficult to confirm the capability of performing this function before buying. The functions available on a scanner again depend on a combination of the scan tool software and the vehicle's computer, which a good seller would be able to confirm with you before purchasing.

Another thing to mention here before we move on from 'compatibility' is that in general for DIY OBD scanners it does take 3-5 years for the aftermarket scan tool manufacturers to catch up with the latest vehicle releases for full systems diagnosis and service, meaning many of your newer vehicles may not be supported.

'Fixing' Diagnostics Trouble Codes (DTCs)

One of the most common features of any scan tool is the fault code reader. This essentially allows you to scan your vehicle's computer and detect any trouble codes, which you can then check and clear. What many customers are not told, however, is that to clear the DTC indefinitely you must actually fix the fault the code is relating to. So many customers think that the fault code clear function can be used as a magic wand to turn off the warning light and are really disappointed when they fire up the engine after clearing a trouble code to be greeted with the same issue very shortly after. The OBD2 code reader is a tool to identify and highlight the problem which needs fixing.

Genuine OBD2 Scan Tools

As with anything you buy, it's essential that you purchase a recognised brand of scan tool from a reputable seller. With regards to scan tool brands, you're going to be wanting to look at aftermarket brands such as Vident, Autel, Launch, Autohil and iCarsoft - all trusty brands that specialise in the onboard diagnostics field and have been providing quality products for years. In addition to selecting the right brand/manufacturer, next you want to ensure you buy from a reputable seller. I'm talking about a company that provides sound customer support, local warranty, money-back guarantees. As highlighted in the previous points, this is crucial when buying a product with so many complexities/potential compatibility issues. As the old saying goes – you get what you pay for! A well-chosen scan tool is an asset, not an expense, and if used to its potential, it will pay for itself in just a few uses.

Fit for purpose OBD Scanners

There's an abundance of scan tools out there, from your basic Bluetooth OBD2 scanners, which can cost as little as $35, to your professional workshop OBD scanners, which can cost thousands. This is such an important thing to consider when you are looking to buy. For example, if you have an engine warning light on your dashboard that you want to check and clear, then a basic engine code reader, would be sufficient. However, the same engine code reader would not be up to full systems diagnosis on things such as airbag, brakes, transmission and body or service functions such as recoding your fuel injectors or performing a DPF regeneration. We do often have customers purchase an engine code reader and later realise this does not give them access to all systems and service functions. The key thing to take away here is you should understand the exact features and functions you require before you buy to ensure that the scan tool meets your specific needs and purpose.

Summary

In summary, purchasing the right scan tool for you is not easy due to the complexity of some scan tools and their functions. In this article, we've covered the five most important things to consider before buying. We are confident that this will help anyone looking to buy a DIY scan tool and naturally make the selection process much smoother.

Checkout our full OBD scan tool range where you can view all types of scanners in a categorised format, with detailed information of features, functions and much more. If you're still a little unsure, our support team will be able to guide you through the process of finding the scan tool that's right for you.