Car Diagnostics & OBD Scanners
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About OBD scanners, automotive test equipment & measuring devices
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What was OBD scanner, vehicle test equipment & measuring equipment?
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How are the devices different?
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Functions of car test devices
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Functions of car measuring devices
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Functions of OBD scanners
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FAQ – Frequently asked questions about OBD scanners, automotive test equipment, measuring devices
What was OBD scanner, vehicle test equipment & measuring equipment?
Automotive test equipment, measuring instruments and OBD scanners are complex, specialized measurement and diagnostic tools for comprehensive service on vehicles of all types. Many "independant" workshops are active in the automotive industry, offering their services around the vehicle without the need to bind to a car brand or a car group. Therefore, these companies need to have a portfolio of test equipment, measuring equipment and OBD scanners to meet the brand diversity and customer needs. As many legal regulations have to be observed in the automotive industry, all workshop equipment must be qualified to meet these requirements.
How are the devices different?
The three device groups mentioned above must be distinguished as follows:
- Automotive test equipment is specialized diagnostic equipment, from simple to complex, which can be used to check the functions of certain components and reliably isolate faults.
- Automotive instruments are test devices for the physical quantities of all media present on board a vehicle.
- The abbreviation OBD stands for "On Board Diagnosis" and describes the recording of parameters of a car during operation. To do this, these OBD scanners are connected to the vehicle using a system connector to read the data.
A wide range of devices for vehicle diagnostics and maintenance are available for Conrad business customers. Some devices are manufacturer-specific, i.e. only suitable for brands of one manufacturer or brands under the umbrella of a car company. There are also modules that can be used to intervene in vehicle programming in a defined way. Some test and measurement devices are offered as car test sets, with which various measurements and diagnostics are possible.
Functions of car test devices
The following functions can be tested in the field of automotive electrical systems using suitable test devices:
- Electrical continuity test of cables or components
- Polarity determination in the DC power supply of the vehicle
- Vehicle lighting tests
- Function of jumper cables
- Localization of short circuits
There are other simple testers for testing for tire pressure loss, stethoscopes for locating the causes of abnormal noise developments, and testers for the brake system's anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Functions of car measuring devices
With devices from the group of vehicle measuring devices, you are able to measure values such as voltage, current, resistances, operating fluid levels, tire filling pressure and exhaust gas values. As a result, you obtain a physical quantity or combinations of these, which can be used to evaluate the status of the evaluated components or modules.
The vehicle measuring devices include special devices with which the temperature resistance of cooling liquid can be tested, as well as the tightness of car cooling circuits. Other devices allow the condition of the battery acid to be determined and thus to make a statement about the condition of the car battery. In addition, there are special test devices for the quality status of brake fluid. Simpler devices such as the gap meter are required for the body repair.
Functions of OBD scanners
The On Board Diagnostics (OBD) allows you to read out the on-board computer of modern cars, which stores all operating data. This allows conclusions to be drawn about system errors or failures. In the past, the connection from the vehicle to the OBD scanner was different depending on the vehicle brand. This standard was called OBD-1.
In the meantime, access for vehicle diagnostics is provided via the standardized OBD-2. The is a 16-pin diagnostic socket in the vehicle that connects the OBD scanner to the vehicle system. This socket is used for the specific diagnostic protocols of the manufacturers. With suitable software, detailed information about the vehicle status can be displayed and stored. This can now also be done via mobile apps via smartphone or tablet. OBD scanners can provide the following evaluations:
- Electrical diagnostics for cables and short circuits, cable breaks or unclear electrical voltages
- Diagnosis of sensors, for example for an impact that causes the pretensioner and airbag to be triggered
- Diagnosis of actuators, for example in belt tensioners or automatic door closers
- System diagnostics, such as detecting a suspended cylinder in the event of uneven engine running
- Component diagnostics, such as catalytic converter diagnostics, tank leak diagnostics, or the detection of a burst hose in visually inaccessible areas of the vehicle
The OBD scanners must be assigned the so-called service reset devices that enable the on-board system to be reset to the start of a new service interval after inspections have been carried out.
The OBD-3 standard, which is intended to enable satellite-based on-line monitoring of the car, is currently being worked on. In return, the scheduled vehicle check could be omitted, because a current fault is immediately signaled after it has occurred and the vehicle can always be repaired immediately.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about OBD scanners, automotive test equipment, measuring devices
What was to be observed when using OBD scanners and vehicle test devices and measuring devices?
A car is a complex technical structure that only trained specialists should work on to ensure compliance with all legal requirements for a safe vehicle. This applies in particular to safety-related components such as steering, braking systems, seat belts and airbags.
Always store the devices in accordance with the manufacturer's regulations. This includes protection against the influence of aggressive operating fluids, such as oils or battery acid. If required, have the devices checked regularly or calibrated.
Keep the software of the devices up to date. Many providers provide updates on their websites.
What general information must be observed?
For the motor vehicle industry, extensive health and safety regulations apply to the prevention of injuries to employees and the use of workshop equipment.
It is also recommended that you find out exactly which systems fit your workshop profile before purchasing a device. This avoids costly conversions or repurchases.