Lesson plan
Scan tool
An automotive scan tool (scanner) is an electronic tool used to interface with, diagnose and, sometimes, reprogram vehicle control modules. There are many types from just as many manufacturers, one of the most familiar being the Snap-On Inc. "brick", or MT2500/MTG2500. Snap-On, Hella Gutmann Solutions, OTC/SPX, XTool india, Autel, Launch, Vetronix/Bosch and a number of other companies produce various types of scan tools, from simple code readers to highly capable bi-directional computers with programming capabilities. The scan tool is connected to the vehicle's data link connector (DLC) and, depending on the particular tool, may only read out diagnostic trouble codes or DTC's (this would be considered a "code reader") or may have more capabilities. Actual scan tools will display live data stream (inputs and outputs), have bi-directional controls (the ability to make the controllers do things outside of normal operations) and may even be able to calibrate/program modules within certain parameters. However, a typical scan tool does not have the ability to fully reprogram modules because it requires a J-2534 pass-through device and specific software. OBD 1 vs OBD 2 the vehicle will also dictate what the scan tool is able to display. If the vehicle is equipped with OBD 1 it will have significantly less available data when compared to a vehicle equipped with OBD 2.…
Article summary
An automotive scan tool (scanner) is an electronic tool used to interface with, diagnose and, sometimes, reprogram vehicle control modules. There are many types from just as many manufacturers, one of the most familiar being the Snap-On Inc. "brick", or MT2500/MTG2500. Snap-On, Hella Gutmann Solutions, OTC/SPX, XTool india, Autel, Launch, Vetronix/Bosch and a number of other companies produce various types of scan tools, from simple code readers to highly capable bi-directional computers with programming capabilities. The scan tool is connected to the vehicle's data link connector (DLC) and, depending on the particular tool, may only read out diagnostic trouble codes or DTC's (this would be considered a "code reader") or may have more capabilities. Actual scan tools will display live data stream (inputs and outputs), have bi-directional controls (the ability to make the controllers do things outside of normal operations) and may even be able to calibrate/program modules within certain parameters. However, a typical scan tool does not have the ability to fully reprogram modules because it requires a J-2534 pass-through device and specific software. OBD 1 vs OBD 2 the vehicle will also dictate what the scan tool is able to display. If the vehicle is equipped with OBD 1 it will have significantly less available data when compared to a vehicle equipped with OBD 2.…
Key claims
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Discussion questions
- Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
- Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
- If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?
Bibliography
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Key claims and bibliography are generated from the same tracked claims and sources as the article page.