Auto Tips

Car Scanner: Function and How to Use It

30 September, 2023

The increasingly congested urban traffic and the tight competition in the automotive world have made car owners more concerned about the health and performance of their vehicles. In an effort to monitor and diagnose engine or electronic system problems in cars, a car scanner has become a very important tool.

Also known as an OBD2 scanner, this tool is used to read and clear error codes in the engine, conduct engine system checks, and, in some cases, make adjustments to the car’s CPU. Read on to learn about the functions, how to read them, and how to use them below.

What are Car Scanners and How They Work?

A car scanner is an electronic tool used to read trouble codes generated by the vehicle system, especially in modern cars with sophisticated control systems. This tool works by connecting to the OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) port inside the car. Once connected, the car scanner can read information from various sensors and components in the car.

Most OBD2 scanners also have a feature called live data. Its function is to help you understand fuel savings, thermal efficiency, and engine performance. By conducting this check, you will gain a lot of information about how your car performs overall.

Car scanners can only be used on vehicles that are equipped with ECU (Engine Control Unit) technology or use injection systems. This tool retrieves data from sensors inside the engine and electrical system of the car. Therefore, vehicles that still use a carburetor system cannot be diagnosed using this scanner.

However, it is important to note that not all problems in the car’s electrical system can be detected by a car scanner. Even so, this scanner remains a very useful tool for mechanics to identify various car malfunctions.

The car scanner works by reading data stored in the car’s ECU. The ECU, which can be likened to the brain of the car, is responsible for controlling various components related to the combustion and electrical systems.

Therefore, various car data is stored in this ECU, which is then captured by the scanner as diagnostic trouble codes, or DTC. It is important to remember that reading this DTC data should be done by a mechanic who understands the car’s engine system well.

Car Scanner Functions

After understanding the definition and workings of a car scanner, its functions for cars are as follows:

1. Diagnosing engine problems

A car scanner can help you diagnose engine problems that may occur in your vehicle. When the car engine experiences issues, its sensors will send error codes to the car scanner. You can read these codes to identify what’s wrong with the engine.

2. Monitoring vehicle performance

In addition to diagnosing problems, a car scanner can also be used to monitor vehicle performance in real-time. You can view various parameters such as engine temperature, oil pressure, wheel speed, and more. This helps you maintain the vehicle in optimal condition.

3. Saving money and time

With a car scanner, you can save money and time that is typically required to visit a workshop. You can also perform initial checks yourself and determine whether repairs are necessary or not. This is more efficient than sending the car to a workshop for complex testing.

4. Investigating fuel savings

A scanner can help measure fuel savings by looking at parameters such as fuel trim. This indicates how efficiently the engine uses fuel. If the result is close to 0.0%, it indicates that the fuel system is functioning properly.

5. Monitoring engine RPM

Engine idle RPM is an indicator of engine performance. An OBD2 scanner can display engine idle RPM, and you can check it to ensure the engine is operating at an appropriate level. RPM that is too high or too low can indicate issues in the engine.

6. Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor

The scanner also helps you check the MAP sensor, which measures airflow within the engine’s intake manifold. This sensor is crucial for maintaining the correct air-fuel ratio, which affects engine efficiency. If the MAP sensor has problems, it can result in excessive fuel consumption and other issues.

Using a Car Scanner

Using a car scanner may seem complicated at first, but with the right guidance, you can do it easily. Here are the general steps for using a car scanner:

• Ensure the car is in standby mode to be able to connect to the scanning tool and prevent interference.
• Prepare the car scanning tool and connect its connector to the car. Note that the socket connector location may vary for each car, but it is usually located in front of the dashboard.
• If you are using a scanning tool connected to an application on your phone:

1. wait for the scanning tool to connect to the application on your phone, and make sure Bluetooth is active.
2. Select the menu related to checking the car’s condition, such as fuel system sensors, brakes, and others.
3. If there is damage to the car, the DTC code will appear during scanning.
4. Continue the inspection to address the code and improve the car’s efficiency.

• If using a scanning tool without an application:

1. Turn the ignition key to the ON position and activate the scanning tool by pressing the scanner’s power button (usually red).
2. Press OK and choose whether the car is of Asian or European origin.
3. Select automatic diagnosis and the engine system to be checked, then press OK.
4. If there is damage to the car, the diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) will appear during scanning.
5. Continue the inspection to address the code and improve the car’s efficiency.

Car Scanner Price

The price of a car scanner can vary depending on the type and brand of the tool. There are several options available, from simple tools that you can buy at an affordable price to professional scanners used by automotive workshops. The price ranges from 300,000 rupiahs to 8 million rupiahs.

In addition to the cost of purchasing a scanner, you also need to consider the cost of maintenance and repairs that may be needed after scanning. However, the use of a car scanner generally saves money in the long run by allowing you to detect problems early and prevent more serious damage.

With the knowledge of this car scanner information, you can better care for your vehicle and ensure that your journey is always safe and comfortable.