Safety and Precautions
Safety comes first no matter what you are doing and setting up a scan tool is no different. Setting up an OBD Scanner isn’t as easy as one might think. There are also safety precautions you need to take in consideration. As well as, remembering to read the directions thoroughly and take notice of positioning.
Wear protective clothing and eyewear: During the course of setting up an OBD II Scan Tool, you may encounter gaseous objects, acids, and / or corrosive materials. It is advisable to wear not only protective eyewear but also clothing that can withstand corrosive substance. Gloves are also a good idea to have on hand.
Be Cautious and Aware of Risks: There are some risks that go with setting up an OBD II Scan Tool. They range from fire and burns, shocks, and spills. This is why paying attention to how your body is positioned is important; it just may keep you from being burned either by chemical or heat. Be aware of your tools and where they are placed after use. Because you are inserting the scanner in charged areas make sure you have the proper tools to work in that environment. It is also important to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid exposure to gases and other hazardous materials.
The importance of setting up an OBD II Scanner Tool
If you fail to set up an OBD II Scanner Tool you will not be able to utilize some important functions. These include enabling the power off time to be modified, turning the printer head off, and allowing scans to be retained within the internal memory. It is also helpful when it comes to upgrades and new information.
Proper procedure for Setting up an OBD II Scanner Tool
Setting up an OBD II Scanner Tool isn’t consistent across the board. It will vary depending on which OBD scanner tool you have purchased. Still no matter which tool you purchase the programming can get very involved. First you will need to download all necessary applications that you need in order for your scanner to work effectively. There are some applications that will only work with a PC; so be advised you may need access to one. These applications are imperative in allowing other areas of the Automotive Scan Tool to work. There are also other programs that you add such as Bluetooth. These programs will allow your smartphone or tablet to become a diagnostic scan tool.
Data Connectors
Most OBD II Scanner tools have connectors that will plug into your cars DLC – Data Link Connector. The connector has 16 pins or connection points that are usually color coded and match specific parts within your vehicle. They are generally located under you dash board on the drivers side. Make sure the DLC is properly connected to the various points, this is important.
The 16 pins of a Data Connector
1. Manufacturer reserved pin
2. The J1850
3. Manufacturer reserved pin
4. The chassis ground connector
5. The signal ground
6. The CAN high, J-2284
7. The k line, ISO9141-2/DIS 14230-4connector port
8. Manufacturer reserved pin
9. Manufacturer reserved pin
10. J1850 Bus
11. Manufacturer reserved port
12. Manufacturer reserved port
13. Manufacturer reserved port
14. CAN, J2284 PORT
15. The L line, ISO 9141 and ISO/ DIS 14230-4
16. The battery power connection
Final Notes
When you get the system up and running you will want to familiarize yourself with the tools navigation. The keypad will help you enable features and scroll up and down. The power button allows you to turn the devise on and off, most Car Diagnostic Scanner use standalone power but occasionally will need the use of the engines power. Finally, the display is where you will retrieve your codes from that alert you problems within the vehicle. After you have familiarized yourself with the devise plug it in and run a couple tests to ensure it is working correctly.