For modern car owners, having the right tools to understand and maintain their vehicles is becoming increasingly important. Among these tools, the OBD2 scanner stands out as a critical piece of diagnostic equipment. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a car enthusiast looking to take control of your vehicle’s health, understanding OBD2 scanners is essential. Let’s explore what makes a great OBD2 scanner, reflecting on the landscape around 2019 and how those insights are still relevant today.
Understanding the Need for Advanced OBD2 Scanners
While basic OBD2 scanners can read and clear generic trouble codes, advanced scanners offer a much wider range of capabilities. These advanced tools allow you to delve deeper into your vehicle’s systems, providing access to manufacturer-specific codes, live data streams, and bidirectional controls. For tasks beyond basic diagnostics, such as adjusting vehicle parameters after modifications like changing tire sizes, an advanced OBD2 scanner is indispensable.
AlfaOBD and OBDLink MX+: A Practical Application of Advanced Scanning
Consider a real-world scenario: upgrading your truck with larger tires. This isn’t just a cosmetic change; it affects your speedometer accuracy and potentially other vehicle systems. To properly recalibrate the vehicle’s computer, specialized software and a compatible OBD2 scanner are necessary. One such solution is AlfaOBD software, known for its in-depth diagnostic and programming capabilities for vehicles from manufacturers like Chrysler, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Dodge.
Pairing AlfaOBD with a robust OBD2 adapter like the OBDLink MX+ creates a powerful diagnostic and customization tool. Here’s a step-by-step look at how this combination can be used to adjust tire size settings, as experienced by a truck owner:
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Software Acquisition and Setup: The first step involves obtaining and installing AlfaOBD software on a compatible device, such as a laptop or Android device. Licensing is typically a straightforward online process.
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Security Gateway Bypass: Modern vehicles often have security gateways to protect their electronic systems. To access deeper functions like parameter adjustments, a bypass adapter is usually required. In this case, a Chrysler 12+8 adapter from Amazon was used to bypass the security module. This adapter typically involves disconnecting specific connectors, often located behind the driver’s side knee bolster, and connecting them to the bypass adapter.
Alt Text: Bosting Chrysler 12+8 Adapter used to bypass the security gateway for OBD2 access and programming.
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OBD2 Adapter Connection: The OBDLink MX+ adapter is then connected to the OBD2 port via the bypass adapter. Establishing a connection between the OBDLink MX+ and the device running AlfaOBD (in this case, initially a laptop, and later an Android phone due to Bluetooth issues with the laptop) is crucial.
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AlfaOBD Software Operation: Using AlfaOBD, the vehicle’s control modules can be accessed. For tire size adjustment, the process generally involves navigating to the appropriate module (like the ABS module) and locating the tire circumference or revolutions per mile setting.
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Data Input and Calibration: The correct tire specifications are essential. In this example, the revolutions per mile (611) was used to calculate the tire circumference in millimeters (2634mm). This calculated value is then inputted into AlfaOBD to update the vehicle’s computer.
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Verification: After programming, it’s important to verify the changes. Road testing and cross-checking the speedometer with GPS at various speeds can confirm the accuracy of the adjustment. The experience described showed perfect speedometer accuracy even after an 8% increase in tire circumference.
Key Features to Look for in an OBD2 Scanner (Then and Now)
When choosing an OBD2 scanner, especially if you intend to perform advanced tasks like vehicle customization, consider these features:
- Vehicle Compatibility: Ensure the scanner supports your vehicle’s make and model, going beyond basic OBD2 compliance to include manufacturer-specific protocols.
- Software Capabilities: Look for scanners compatible with powerful software like AlfaOBD, or scanners that offer similar in-depth diagnostic and programming functions within their own software.
- Bidirectional Control: This feature allows you to send commands to the vehicle to test components and systems, not just read data.
- Live Data Streaming: The ability to view real-time data from various sensors is crucial for diagnosing complex issues.
- Ease of Use and Connectivity: Consider the scanner’s user interface, compatibility with different devices (smartphones, laptops), and connectivity options (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi).
- Security Bypass Compatibility: If you work on newer vehicles with security gateways, ensure the scanner or software supports bypass methods or adapters.
While the “best OBD2 scanner” in August 2019 might have looked slightly different in terms of specific models, the core functionalities and considerations remain largely the same. The need for robust vehicle compatibility, advanced features, and ease of use are timeless.
Conclusion
Investing in a capable OBD2 scanner is a smart move for any car owner who wants to be more involved in their vehicle’s maintenance and customization. Tools like AlfaOBD and OBDLink MX+ exemplify the power and potential of advanced scanners to perform tasks that were once only possible at a dealership. By understanding your needs and the features available, you can choose the best OBD2 scanner to empower your automotive endeavors, whether you’re recalibrating for new tires or diagnosing a complex engine issue.
