The article will focus on a device that represents all modern and universal autoscanners - Scan Tool Pro (user reviews read below in the article). It is used to diagnose a car. Powered by microprocessor EM327. In order to understand what capabilities the device has, it is necessary to understand the principles of its operation. This article will help with this.
Global computerization has long affected cars. They are equipped with all kinds of electronics, the work with which facilitates transport management as much as possible. Moreover, these all devices are controlled by the on-board computer. For the past 10-15 years, these autoscanners are in demand. They are equipped even with budget foreign cars. In order to conduct a full diagnosis of the machine, it is not enough just to inspect it. Autoscanner will be most useful in this case. He will help to find out all the real problems of the vehicle.
Types of scanners for car diagnostics
At the moment, all diagnostic devices can be divided into categories. We are talking about areas of use, support for vehicles, the connection interface, the operating system on which the software runs. They are also classified by the presence of a monitor: with their own or external.
Those scanner models that can be used both with Russian cars and with foreign ones have gained great popularity. The Smart Scanner version of the autoscanner belongs to this category. This device can diagnose a car through any program when connected to it via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or a USB cable.
Thanks to this device, the driver will be able to find out the mistakes of his car, read information from sensors, check their operability. The scanner is used not only to perform diagnostics, but also to correct errors.
Overview and description of Smart Scan Tool features
As a rule, the Scan Tool Pro scanner, reviews of which are controversial, has a special plug for working with diagnostics. It is used to make this process automatic. Special indicators are also built into the device. On the case, which is considered quite miniature, there is an on-off button. It allows you to deactivate this device without removing it from the port. Some recent modifications have received the option of automatic shutdown. In addition, they have not only light indicators, but also sound alerts.
Performance of tasks
Autoscanner Smart Scan Tool (reviews and views are described below) can receive information from any important electronic system. We are talking about sensors that monitor even exhaust fumes.
In addition, the device is able to detect all failures that occur during the operation of systems. It can find elements that are functioning incorrectly and with errors. Has access to receive diagnostic codes. It can even delete information about failures in electronics from the memory of the on-board computer. It can determine the speed, engine speed and fuel consumption.
How to connect an adapter via OBD2 connector
This scanner is connected for automatic diagnosis of any car brand using a special OBD2 connector. It was created by a special society of transport engineers. It is used in order to receive all data from the vehicle control unit. The location of the port depends entirely on the make of the machine, the year of manufacture and its model. Most often, manufacturers place the device under the steering wheel or under the dashboard. Sometimes there is a connector in the glove compartment.
For which cars is it suitable?
Most often, this device is used to work with American, European, Russian and Asian machines. As for the US, Ford, Chrysler, Hummer, Lincoln, Pontiac and others are supported. Among the European ones, Opel, Peugeot, BMW, Porsche, Renault, Volkswagen, Citroen, Mercedes, Fiat, Audi, Skoda, Bentley and so on can be noted.
Among the Russian supported "Gazelle", "Volga" and other cars from GAZ. Able to work with autoscanner "Kalina", "Prior", "Grant", Chevrolet Niva and other cars from the manufacturer "Lada". In addition, VAZ-2110, 2111, 2112 and others are supported. Among Asian, this device is able to diagnose such machines as Nissan, Isuzu, Suzuki, Toyota, Subaru, Honda, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Infiniti, Lexus. A complete list is presented on the manufacturer’s website, however, all the above brands of machines are considered the most popular.
Auto Diagnostic Instructions via Smart Scan Tool
In order to fully use this device, you need special software. It can be installed both on a computer and on a smartphone with any operating system. For phones, there is a huge list of available programs. They have enhanced functionality. As for the computer, the assortment here is not very large, but in general, the available applications will be enough to fix any problems.
The Smart Scan Tool Pro scanner itself, whose reviews are good, is small in size. He is a little oversized matchbox. Often used with a smartphone. The diagnostic port itself is used on an ongoing basis. In order to use the utility, you just need to install the program from disk or download from the Internet, connect the scanner to the connector on the car, and then start the diagnostics.
The device operates on an ELM327 microprocessor with Bluetooth version 1.5 or Wi-Fi. It works without failures and errors, even on foreign cars. The software has special sound support, advanced functionality. As a rule, applications from third-party developers have more features and options than in official programs. After customers check many utilities that come both for free and for a fee, it can be distinguished that it is convenient to work with the scanner via a smartphone on Android and IOS, or on a computer running Windows. There are, of course, programs on Mac OS, as well as on Linux. For this type of controller there is a huge amount of software. Both ordinary programmers and official manufacturers are engaged in their development.
Application examples for the adapter
In order to check and diagnose a car, you need to download the application. You can choose any program from those presented on the Internet for your operating system, but it is better to use a free and proven option. Utilities such as DashCommand, Scantool, Scanmaster and so on can be noted. They have similar functionality, but have a nuance. It lies in the interface, so each person will have to choose the program that he likes.
What to do after installing the program?
After installing the software, you must run the wireless protocol on the device (on a smartphone, tablet or computer), and the adapter itself must be included in the diagnostic connector. After it is connected, it is necessary to activate the device via Bluetooth or WiFi. The first time, unfortunately, the analysis takes quite a while. Autoscanner Scan Tool Pro (positive feedback from the owners about the work) is trying to get information about the technical characteristics and full condition of the car. The following downloads will occur in just a few seconds. Most of the parameters are updated in real time, as thanks to streaming, all information is synchronized instantly.
In order to download this function, you must click on the special button in the housing, which will enable this device to be activated. In addition to the above operations, the described device is used to diagnose a car with the following malfunctions:
- gearbox breakdown;
- poor engine performance;
- the appearance of signals from sensors, which indicates a disadvantage;
- during maintenance work.
Many car enthusiasts advise using this particular scanner for car diagnostics when buying used cars.
Car Brand Compatibility List
It is necessary to buy this device for independent verification, since it can work with several protocols at once. We are talking about encryption ISO 9142. It is used in European and Japanese machines. Another protocol (ISO 1430) is used in Hyundai and Gazelle freight and passenger vehicles. This is confirmed by real reviews about Scan Tool Pro.
A similar protocol is often used on cars from VAZ. Encryption Can is considered the most common option that is found in cars from Ford, Volkswagen, Peugeot, Nissan and so on. American cars and Mazda use protocols such as VIW.
In general, this device will work with the machine if it was manufactured in the USA after 1996, and in the Russian Federation from 2003-2005. If we are talking about a European car with a gasoline engine, then support for this device will be possible on vehicles that are produced after 2001, and on a diesel engine - after 2004.
The popularity of such devices
If we talk about the popularity of all universal scanners, then this device was not in special demand until 2015. Since budget cars at that time were not supported by programs, drivers simply did not know that there was a cheap way to diagnose their car. Serviceability scanners have become popular since 2016, and in 2017, these devices became leaders in the sales market.
Owner reviews about the Smart Scan Tool adapter
In positive reviews, people note that with an excellent set of programs, the Smart Scan Tool has an excellent ability to scan the machine for a low cost. This device received a multifunctional interface, like any other multi-brand scanners. It outperforms the rest in that it is compact in size and as easy to use as possible.
You can also find negative reviews. As a rule, buyers fall for fakes, respectively, this device has much less functionality, as well as a short life. That is why there can be negative reviews.
The Scan Tool Pro scanner, whose average price is 3500 rubles, is best purchased only at official points of sale. When buying, you need to pay attention to the price tag. The real amount for the chip on which this device works is 2 thousand rubles, so all devices sold at a lower cost can be considered fake.
Summary
What can be said in conclusion? This device is advised by most car owners. It is as simple and convenient to use as possible. Serves more than five years. His work is really surprising - not a single mistake in several years of operation. It should be recalled once again that fakes should be avoided as much as possible, which will spoil the whole impression of this car scanner. Separately praised and the manufacturer for such an amazing device.