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Plug the standard OBD2 connector into the vehicle’s port located under the driver’s side of the dashboard. Turn on the car to power the scan tool or code reader. If necessary, enter any vehicle-specific information requested. Many tools will ask for the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
The benefits and limitations of code readers
A car code reader is one of the simplest car diagnostic tools you’ll find. They are designed to interface with a car’s computer and report trouble codes that can trigger check engine lights and other problems.
Always turn the ignition on or have the car running according to the instructions in the manual. Failure to do this might corrupt the scanning software. It’s also very important that you drive around with the manual for the specific scanner model that you’re using.
In short, yes; it’s possible to diagnose a problem with a vehicle even if the check engine light does not illuminate. A professional mechanic would start by downloading any error codes store in your 2005 Ford Explorer’s computer.
From their web site FAQ: You can leave the Bluetooth models plugged in if you are driving the vehicle frequently. Depending on the battery condition, if you leave your car sitting for days to weeks, we recommend that you remove the OBD2 device. … According some other users, it does draw power when the car is off.
3 Answers. Ultimately the answer is yes you can. To qualify this answer, though, you can only control some things, but not all things, then only on some vehicles. You can do simple things through the port, such as turn the A/C pump on, or any other thing which is controlled by the computer (PCM).
No it is not worth the cost. If you live in the states almost all major auto parts chains (Advance Auto, Autozone, etc) will do a check or even loan you the tool for free. Unless you’re checking codes daily, it may be cost prohibitive. The error codes produced by OBD2 are rather generic.
Most OBD2 scanners and car code readers do not work on all cars. If you are looking for an OBD2 scanner or car code reader, you should check if it works with your particular make and model before buying it.
1. OBD1 is connected to the console of a car, while OBD2 is remotely connected to the vehicle. 2. OBD1 was used during the earlier years of the car manufacturing industry, while OBD2 was only introduced in car models produced in the early 1990’s.
Means you have no codes.
Battery Drain
So a poorly designed OBD device, when left plugged into the OBD port, might completely drain your battery. Worse still, if a device is not carefully designed, it can turn on your ECU even while the car is not running, draining your battery even faster.
The best way to measure fuel pressure without a gauge is to use an OBD II diagnostic scanner tool. This will give you real-time engine fuel pressure readings, directly from the fuel pressure sensor. The safest method of checking the fuel system on a vehicle these days is by using an OBD diagnostic scanner.
When the mixture is lean, the sensor’s output voltage will drop down to about 0.1 volts. When the air/fuel mixture is balanced or at the equilibrium point of about 14.7 to 1, the sensor will read around 0.45 volts.
Brand | Price | |
---|---|---|
The best dedicated OBD2 scanner on a budget | Innova | $90 |
The best high-end consumer-class OBD2 scanner with a candy-bar grip | Autel | $299 |
The best hybrid OBD2 scanner | Ancel | $60 |
The best OBD2 scanner option from the bottom of the barrel | Anself | $14 |
Depress the odometer “Trip” and “Reset” buttons while simultaneously turning the ignition key “On” and “Off.” End with the key in the “On” position. Release the odometer buttons and read the trouble codes from the digital odometer.
We can help you get a reading yourself. Borrow an OBD reader to get a Check Engine Light reading with the AutoZone Free Fix Finder Service. It’s a simple task that takes less than two minutes.
According to many car forums, obd3 will start to be on cars in 2012. They claim that the obd3 system will communicate to a central database that would require you to fix emmission type problems much quicker, eliminating the need for inspections. More information is on this site.
Apart from some “killer commands”, the ECU might have been destroyed electrically. The OBDII-Interface can implement several different data buses with different voltage levels. If the bus lines get connected to +12V, this could destroy something.
Pin 16 on the ODB-II connector is specified as “Battery Power” or “Battery Positive”. There will always be 12v power between pin 4 and 16.
Yes, it is possible to control the car with OBDII port but it all depends on how the car was developed that you are using as there is no option to control the car using generic PIDs. You have to sniff the data and then find the correct command to control what you want to.
A code reader is a simplified version of a scan tool, but it’s only capable of performing basic scans of trouble codes. A scan tool can read and clear trouble codes, and it may also provide advanced data reading and playback features, knowledge bases, diagnostic procedures, and built-in testing equipment.
Leaving the battery disconnected for about 15 minutes will ensure the vehicle systems will completely reset when you reconnect the battery. … Disconnecting the battery will clear the error codes and reset the check engine light.
In order to properly clear or erase OBDII codes, it is better to use a scanner. It really doesn’t matter if you have a wired or wireless scanner. Any kind of scanner will do, as long as the scan tool can read, diagnose, and erase trouble codes.
#1 Best Overall: Launch CRP129E Scan Tool. #2 Best Bluetooth Scanner: BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool. #3 Best Budget Scanner: Foxwell NT301 OBD2 Scanner. #4 Autel MaxiCOM MK808 Scanner.
The standard OBD2 interface is a 16-pin connector. OBD2 interfaces are the same, so if the interface has 16-pin connector, so your car is OBD2. If it looks different, your car is OBD1. The OBD interface is usually located somewhere on the dashboard of the car.
In like manner, OBD2 is an advanced technology improved from OBD1. Thus, OBD2 provide better and more standardized vehicle protocols and system checks data. … Last but not least, the use of OBD2 is more universal and reliable than OBD1 thanks to its wider compatibility.
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