Modern vehicles have so many sensors that turn on

 Modern vehicles have so many sensors that turn on check engine light on the dash when your vehicle needs to be diagnosed and repaired. The readings of sensors are monitored by vehicle’s computer and diagnostic trouble codes are stored in the computer when it detects abnormal readings of the sensor. automotive diagnostic tool can access to these information so that you will be able to start diagnosing on the right area of the vehicle.

They can work with a specific year, make and model of the vehicle. They have a variety of features. How to select an automotive scan tool depends on the tasks to be done, the price and the features that you need.Here is a start on how to select an auto scan tools. First, you need to determine your vehicle’s year, make and model. You can get these information from the registration, insurance policy or a door sticker.There are many types of obd scanner on the market. The least expensive scan tool is a code reader. It can show only code’s number without description. You need to look up a definition in a book or internet. You can clear the code and turn off check engine light. The price is no more than 50 dollars.Better scan tools show code’s number and descriptions. Some of them show both of generic and manufacture’s specific code’s descriptions, some of them show only generic’s. And much better ones also show live date, real-time readings of many sensors like RPM, engine coolant temp, mass air flow volume… and much more. The price range from 100 to 300 dollars.
Not long ago, scanning ABS or Air Bag codes are retrieved by only dealers scan tools. Now they are available on the market for affordable price. For example, Equus Innova 3160 can get ABS codes as well as P-codes and live date. The price is around 250 dollars.There are much more advanced automotive diagnostic equipment . They have a big and color screen and show many parameters on graph. They even have diagnostic information for each code. But they cost thousands of dollars. They are not likely for personal use.