{"id":13644,"date":"2022-07-19T08:30:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-19T12:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/roadwarrior-inc.com\/?p=13644"},"modified":"2022-07-12T21:27:37","modified_gmt":"2022-07-13T01:27:37","slug":"obd-scan-tool-and-code-readers-everything-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/roadwarrior-inc.com\/obd-scan-tool-and-code-readers-everything-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"OBD Scan Tools and Code Readers: Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
As truck manufacture and design develops, heavy-duty trucks have become more and more computerized. When working on post-2010 trucks, mechanics usually start by scanning for fault codes with a scan tool, or OBD scanner. But these tools aren\u2019t just useful for mechanics. Whether you’re an owner-operator interested in DIY truck repairs, or a driver wanting to scan DTCs that crop up while you’re on the job, a code reader or scan tool is a valuable asset! More advanced diagnostic equipment is more expensive though, so you\u2019ll have to balance your needs and your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most diagnostic tools plug into your truck’s connector port to read error codes from your ECU\/ECM and key sensors. Most light- and medium-duty trucks have OBD2 ports, while heavy-duty trucks tend to have 9-pin (or even 6-pin) connector ports. This isn\u2019t always the case though\u2014some Volvo and Mack HD trucks have OBD2 connector ports. Most HD scan tools come with an adaptor so they can work with OBD2 or 9-pin connector ports, but you should check your truck’s port type before you invest in a scan tool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have a post-2016 HD truck with a 9-pin adapter, you should also check whether its connector port is green or black. The new green connector ports are more efficient, with double the speed (500kbs instead of 250kbs). However, some older scan tools and code readers aren’t able to read 500kbs. To prevent ports or scan tools being damaged, incompatible tools and cables won\u2019t fit into the new green connector ports. You can find out more about the difference in this informative article<\/a> by Diesel Laptops. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A truck code reader is a basic plug-and-play tool that reads and displays fault codes (DTC codes). Its only functions are to read and clear codes. The major benefits of truck code readers are that they’re much cheaper than scan tools and very easy to use. They’re sufficient for basic code scanning, but aren’t nearly as accurate as scan tools and provide far less detail. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Basic truck code readers often can\u2019t tell you the exact nature, cause and location of the problem. This is a major drawback, because if you can’t accurately pinpoint the root of a problem, you may replace the wrong parts and make expensive repairs unnecessarily. Code readers also don’t offer freeze-frame data, diagnostic-monitor updates, or truck-health data. This makes it much harder to confirm whether repairs have fixed the problem for good, or just put a band-aid on it. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Is a Truck Code Reader?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n