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scan tool

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  • #532387
    James BruJames Bru
    Participant

      Are scan tools useful?

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    • #532390
      A toyotakarlIts me
      Moderator

        Yes, they are very useful. Unlike regular code readers, a scan tool can let you know other things such as coolant temperature, Long and short term fuel trims and O2 sensor readings.

        Some scanners are also bi-directional that allow you to make the car do certain things (I.E. Activate solenoids in a ABS system when you bleed it)….

        Code readers only tell you part of the story, the scan tool fills in a lot of other blanks… I love my MODIS, plus it also has a lab scope….

        Lastly, the greatest diagnostic tool….. the brain (with experience preferably)… An example I’ll use is the typical ACURA 3.5 which throws an EGR code… If you don’t know, you may just throw another EGR valve on it and think the problem is solved, but the code never goes away… Experience teaches you that there are passageways that get clogged and need to be cleaned out and there is nothing wrong with the EGR valve…

        Karl

        #532840
        James BruJames Bru
        Participant

          I got a 1995 firebird and i see a jack for a scan tool i thought they didn’t have scan tool in 95?

          #532894
          A toyotakarlIts me
          Moderator

            They had different scan tools then… ODB I was what was used. There are some that tell you good information (not as much as ODB II) Also, you can use a paperclip to jump the reader and it will flash the trouble codes (if you didn’t already know that)

            Back in the day I used an ALLTEST 3256… You can get them dirt cheap nowadays… Tells you much more than you might think… I used mine predominately for GM’s made in the late 80’s… I still have it somewhere! You can find these pretty cheap on EBAY

            Here is what it can tell you:

            A/C Switch
            Air Control
            Air Flow
            Air switch
            Battery Voltage
            Baro
            Block learn
            Booste wast
            CCP Solenoid
            Clear flood
            coolant temp
            Coolant fan

            Crank
            Cross count
            Dwelll + RPM
            EFE Solenoid
            EGR %
            EGR Pressure (V)
            EGR Solenoid
            EPR
            EST
            Exhaust Gas
            Freon/Head
            Gear 3/4

            IAC
            Igniyion
            INJ Base PW
            integrator
            knock rtd
            loop status
            LV8
            Man air temp
            MAP/VAC (V)
            MPH + TPS (V))
            Nose switch
            Oxygen (V)

            Park/Neutral
            Power Steer
            Prom ID
            Rear VAC BRK
            Selection
            SPK ADV RTD
            Spark Count
            TCC SOL + MPH
            TPS (V) + RPM
            Trouble Cd
            Water INJ
            WOT

            When I used this, I used the Baro quite a bit as well as LOOP STATUS to check if the car was in OPEN or CLOSED Loop. Also you could check the O2 readings and see them switch back from lean and rich. Also used the TPS function A lot. Those computer controlled carbs had to be set just right…(anyone else remember this fun of drilling in the protective cover on the carb)

            https://www.ericthecarguy.com/forum/8-Service-and-Repair-Questions-Answered-Here/44161-pre-obd-diagnostics#54179

            Karl

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