Diagnostic Device Test - Comparisons. Com 2024

OBD

OBD means on-board diagnostics. The system was developed in the 80 years to simplify the fault diagnosis of motor vehicles. Initially, OBD consisted of a simple LED that indicated a fault in the engine. However, the system has evolved and became commonplace today:

OBD2 

OBD2 is the second generation of On Board Diagnostics. It allows a diverse review of the car, with various control devices. So it is possible to query exhaust emissions, airbags, air conditioning, ABS, brake electronics and much more.

Incidentally, OBD and OBD2 connectors are standardized, as are the error codes.

CAN bus

CAN stands for Controller Area Network and represents something like the information superhighway in the vehicle. The networking of individual modules and ECUs enables a uniform data exchange and cross-system diagnostics.

The upgrade and the economic realization of systems such as ESP have also been and are considerably facilitated by a CAN bus system.

EOBD

EOBD is the European variant of the OBD standard and applies to all vehicles in Europe from year 2001 (or 2004 for diesel). It necessarily requires an engine warning light, which is mounted in the driver's field of vision.

DTC

DTC is the abbreviation for Diagnostic Trouble Code. This refers to the error codes displayed by your diagnostic device. These are standardized and specific to a specific problem. This allows a simple diagnosis across manufacturers and years of construction.

VAG

The Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, abbreviated VAG, has united or even planned several car brands under one roof a few decades ago. The term is actually no longer in use, today he means all vehicles from VW, Audi, Skoda and Seat. Since there are some VAG diagnostic devices that are only compatible with these car brands, we have decided to use the term in this article.

ELM327

The ELM327 is almost the messenger between the mechanic and the on-board computer. The microcontroller is part of professional diagnostic equipment and controls commands from the mechanic. On the other hand, this microcontroller also reads out the error codes that the on-board computer makes available.

For which vehicles your diagnostic device is suitable, is in the product description and in our Diagnostic scanner comparison, If you are unsure whether it fits, it pays to ask the manufacturer directly at the diagnostic device. Often, manufacturers also provide specific updates on their website, so you can update your diagnostic device for your vehicle.

While OBD was structured quite simply, OBD2 offers you a lot more functions. In addition to the module "Motor" and all associated codes can Professional OBD2 diagnostic device also retrieve components such as airbags, ABS, tire pressure, immobilizer, steering wheel and brake electronics and the air conditioning.

Which functions your diagnostic device offers exactly for your vehicle, however, is again an individual question and can unfortunately not be answered uniformly at this point.

To be able to work with your diagnostic device not only today, but also in the future, you should pay attention to the installation of updates. These are often provided by the manufacturers online and provide up-to-date features and codes for a variety of vehicles.

Like ours Error reader comparison has shown not only prior knowledge of the automotive sector, but also solid English skills of advantage. Although cheap diagnostic scanners advertise having multiple languages ​​to choose from, the translation is sometimes incomplete or the small display shows so many abbreviations that you need to research first.

One point that is important to many consumers is the service reset. Frequently, inspection tasks such as changing the oil or brake fluid itself can be carried out, especially if the warranty period for the car has already expired. You can then reset the message for inspection with the best diagnostic equipment.

Is there a diagnostic device test from Stiftung Warentest?

Because diagnostic equipment is not necessarily one of the everyday items in life (unless you're a car mechanic), it was one Diagnostic device test unfortunately not to be found.

Other test portals, such as ökoTest or Konsument.at do not have any Diagnostic Scanner Test carried out. So for the time being, we and you only have the opportunity to create your own Fault reader test to make or ask a friend from the workshop for an honest opinion.

How do I properly connect a diagnostic device?

Now the time has come, you have yours Diagnostic device comparison winner ordered online and now stand in front of your car with the device. And now?

1. Locate the OBD port. This is depending on the manufacturer under the dashboard, in the passenger compartment or in the engine compartment. If in doubt, take a look at the manual.
2. Connect the OBD plug of your diagnostic device to the socket provided for this purpose.
3. Start the ignition (not the engine!)
4. Now your diagnostic device should turn on, as it is supplied with voltage. Often, specific information about your vehicle is required at this point so that the diagnostic device can correctly assign the error codes. In any case, be careful and check the information.
5. Now the diagnostic device starts troubleshooting.

Cheap diagnostic devices typically display only the error codes that you must then decrypt using a DTC catalog. Professional fault readout devices often show you directly where the shoe presses. In addition, they offer extensive functions, such as service reset and adjustment of various ECUs.

How practicable are Bluetooth diagnostic devices?

Perhaps you have one or the other in the diverse diagnostic scanner range Bluetooth diagnostic device discovered. These diagnostic devices operate via a transmitter, which is plugged into the OBD socket and then transmits the data via Bluetooth to a laptop or tablet.

However, Bluetooth diagnostic devices are usually a bit more expensive to purchase and do not offer a stable connection, which is why we recommend cable diagnostic devices to you.