MAUREEN AZUHwrites on some diagnostic tools that can help you detect minor and even major car problemsIMAGINEbeing able to diagnose your vehicles fault without first consulting a mechanic' This is advancement in technology - the introduction of automotive diagnostic tools. These do-it-yourself devices make the difference as automobile tools.The CarMD diagnostic tool is one device that connects to a vehicles On Board Diagnostics II port, designed as a simple-to-use diagnostic tool. It is also easy to use. According to carmd.com, all the user needs to do is to put the batteries in and turn the device on, then locate the OBD II port, plug it in, then turn on the ignition.Carbibles.comalso reports that, usually, there will be a slight pause while the CarMD reads the status of the vehicle and then emits a series of beeps to indicate that its work is done. Once the analysis is finished, one of three Light-Emitting-Diodes will come on in the front of the device. At this point, it can be unplugged from the car and the rest of the diagnosis is done online.The LEDs are green, yellow and red. If the green one lights up, it means the vehicle is basically in good condition and the device did not detect any stored diagnostic trouble codes. The emission system indicates that the vehicle should pass an emission test. If the yellow LED lights up, it means that the OBD II system was recently reset and the vehicles diagnostic monitors have not completed their normal series of tests. Either that or there is some sort of problem pendingprobably a Diagnostic Trouble Code that has not yet turned on the check engine light.And if the red LED lights up, it means the check engine light is also on, on the dash. The display will show FAIL and any stored DTCs can be scrolled through using the arrow button on the device. The display itself shows the sort of information that mechanics will be familiar with. At the top right is a tally of the number of DTCs retrieved and which one the user is looking at while the main display shows the DTC code itself and along the top-left of the screen are a series of small icons. These icons are emission-control circuit check indicators. As the manufacturer says, all a consumer need to know is that if one of the lights is blinking, it means that a particular circuit did not complete its check properly, and it will likely cause the CarMD to report a yellow or red LED. After the diagnosis, the user then goes online for the remaining information.Like the CarMD, the ScanGauge II is an add-on multifunction computer that can be used in any car built after 1996as stated by the manufacturer. It has three main functions - an OBD II scanner, real time gauges, and a trip computer. The ScanGauge II plugs in to the cars OBD II port - hence why it can only be used on post 1996 vehicles, as those are the only ones that have them.According to nextag.com, on most cars, this can be found somewhere under the dash, near the steering column or the drivers knees. The ScanGauge comes nicely presented in a box with a flip-open front, displaying the device itself. It is also tidy in size and has five buttons, an LCD display on the front and two RJ-45 style jacks - one on the side and one on the back so a user get some the choice of cable location. It equally has a connector cable, a small handbook and two pieces of self-adhesive velcro for mounting somewhere around the dash of the car. Once plugged in, it gets all the power from the +12v feed in the OBD II port, so there is no need for a separate external power cord.As autotap.com notes, when first plugged in, the ScanGauge II takes a moment to connect to the cars computer, during which time it displays a Connecting... message. Once connected, it defaults to the home screen, which the user can return to at any point by pressing the red-ringed button on the front.It is also easy to use as each screen presents four options relating to the four buttons around the screen.Another is the Autel MaxiScan MS509 OBD2 II EOBD Car Diagnostic Code Reader Live Data. This device supports all nine OBDII test modes on all OBD II compliant vehicles to enable technicians accurately diagnose even the toughest problems. Though it is small, automotive-diagnostic-tools.com reports that it is able to retrieve same information as large expensive scanners. This code reader reviews the emission readiness status of OBD monitors and determines the malfunction indicator lamp.Although these devices will save users a lot of problems, they can only be sourced online primarily.How to buy basic automotive tools-Figure out the extent of your capability. Theres no need buying an array of auto-repair tools if your maintenance knowledge is limited. However, that doesnt mean a novice cant repair minor damages.-Start simple. Buy a set of adjustable wrenches and a lug wrench, funnels, a jack and jumper cables. Stock up on some cleaning supplies and auto-only towels and rags to deal with oil spills and greasy hands.-Act like a pro. Even with limited knowledge, you can purchase a continuity tester to examine electrical circuits. Theyre fairly cheap, too. Buy a rubber mallet if you feel comfortable hammering out dings and making small body repairs.- Consult an auto mechanic on whats necessary. Just like a chef and his knife, a carpenter and his hammer, an auto mechanic usually has a couple of small, cheap must-have auto-maintenance tools. Ask around to see what you should get to begin your collection.Source: www.eHow.com
Click here to read full news..
