Automotive Scan Tools for Computers
Automotive scan tools communicate with your car's onboard computer, helping you diagnose issues with your vehicle. Scan tools, however, do more than simply provide you with the diagnostic trouble codes (DTC). These tools can also provide you with graphical representations of your car's overall health. These tools download this information onto your laptop, which you can print out and take to your dealer or mechanic. While automotive scan tools are expensive upfront, they save you money on mechanic visits.
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Auto Enginuity
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The Auto Enginuity scan tool works with both standard onboard diagnostic II (OBD) and European OBD (EOBD) IV vehicles, and it is available in four different languages, including German, English, Spanish and Hungarian. This tool provides you with live data on the overall health of your vehicle. You can also view and clear DTCs. It runs tests on your systems and outputs that information into graphical form. You can also purchase the SpeedTracer system with your scan tool. This tool measures data like boost pressure, torque and mph information.
Ease
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Ease Diagnostics sells a line of automotive diagnostic repair tools, including the PC Scan Tool and Mini Data Logger. The PC Scan Tool obtains diagnostic data from your computer, and then allows you to see this data side-by-side. You can view this information in different formats, including reports, graphs or data grids. You can record data over several hours as opposed to just a few seconds like standard scan tools. The Mini Data Logger works with your PC Scan Tool, and it allows you to capture data as you are driving. You can then download this data onto your computer.
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AutoTap
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The AutoTap Express DIY tool scans your OBDII computer, and it lets you know information about why your check engine light is on or why you are having issues with your engine. It comes with a Diagnostic Wizard, which converts the information captured by your scan tool into easy-to-understand graphs and charts. You can view this information either on your laptop or netbook. You can also run tests on your emissions to determine if you'll pass an upcoming emissions test.
CarMD
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The CarMD system features a small handheld tool that plugs into both your OBDII system and your computer. It is compatible with both Mac and PCs. It breaks problems up into three categories: green, yellow and red. Green means that you don't have a problem, and yellow means that you may have a problem. Red means that you must get your vehicle serviced as soon as possible. You can print out the data retrieved from your system to take to your mechanic.
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