Automotive handheld diagnostic scan tools simplify the task of diagnosing and maintaining your automobile. They plug into the onboard diagnostic port of your vehicle and provide valuable feedback about functions such as engine operation, emissions control, fuel usage and warning lights.
In 2000, the EPA studied OBD handheld scanners to identify those that accurately test for Clean Air Act emission-control standards and automobile safety inspections mandated by some states. The features they evaluated included graphic display, user help and diagnostic menus, ability to record and print scans, and ability to turn off the check engine light.
Mechanics have feature preferences for automotive scan tools, such as weight and grip, the presence of a multimeter or scope, and a built-in library of Society of Automobile Engineers automotive trouble codes.
Handheld scanners with Wi-Fi capability allow users to update diagnostic applications as they become available and to print test data. The SAE has introduced standards J2534-1 and J2534-2 in an effort to standardize the diagnostic applications that make use of the computer technology.
Several brands emerge as favorites among the EPA and mechanics. Auto X-ray offers devices for the professional mechanic priced at $340 to $650. Actron offers similar devices ranging in price from $200 to $500. Equus has a series of lower-end diagnostic scanners starting at $100.
The two onboard diagnostic standards require different cables.
If you have a laptop computer and Wi-Fi capability, the purchase of an application such as ELM 327 along with an OBD cable and interface represents more features and less cost than the purchase of a handheld device.
