Car owners will be perfectly right if they say that vehicle diagnostics and maintenance is a rather complicated and lengthy process. Today it helps to solve diagnostic issues. the car itself. To be precise, the built-in self-diagnosis system. It detects a malfunction, generates an error code and writes it into memory. Later this code can be read and deciphered.Such a procedure is within the power of even a simple motorist. It is not always necessary to contact the service station for diagnostics - it is enough to read the error code using a specialized scanner, inspect the problematic parts of the car and decide how to fix the malfunction. Perhaps you can fix it yourself. Get more info here: best car code reader

More about the self-diagnosis function of control units

The electronic control unit, which is equipped with all modern cars, not only receives and analyzes signals from various on-board systems, but also detects malfunctions. It works like this: the control unit receives signals from a variety of sensors, compares them with table values ​​and,in case of discrepancy, fixes the error, encodes it and writes it down. The generally accepted coding protocol today is OBD-2 - it is considered the standard of the global automotive industry . However, the error codes in one vehicle model may differ from those in another. What is the reason? The fact is that OBD-2 codes are divided into two subgroups:

· Basic / basic OBD-2 codes (English: generic OBD-II codes);

· Extended / supplemented OBD-2 codes (English:extended OBD-II codes).

The first subgroup includes codes that will be the same for all cars that operate under the OBD protocol. In the overwhelming majority of cases, such codes are "issued" not even by cars of the same make and different models, but by cars of different brands and different models.Somewhat more interesting are the augmented OBD-2 codes (second subgroup).

We note right away that reading errors and eliminating them is only part of the diagnosis . The main work will still fall on the shoulders of an experienced specialist or motorist, who decided to engage in diagnostic sand repairs on his own - decryption alone will not be enough. The diagnosis itself is:

· Mechanical;

· Computer.

Primary mechanical diagnostics obliges the motorist to make sure that the systems and main components of the car are normal. You need to check the wiring, fuses, mechanical components, seals and everything else.After that, you can do computer diagnostics . But once again, we remind you:reading error codes is only part of a big job. The error suggests that the specific elements of the on-board electrical system and the nodes adjacent to it need to be given close attention.

Classification of scanners and features of their use

You will need a special scanner to identify error codes. It is often referred to simply as an auto scanner. On sale you can find both budget models and quite expensive ones. The price is based on the functionality of such a device and some additional elements. Here's what the scanner can do and what extras. functions to have:

· Definition of error codes during diagnostics;

· Re coding of the control unit;

· Control unit adaptation;

· Connection and operation with a tablet,computer, endoscope, oscilloscope, etc.

A decent tech center has several professional scanners. For example, they support work with ADAS systems - budget devices cannot even be connected to an oscilloscope. Some models are completely full-fledged diagnostic tools with a built-in tablet, an advanced database, communication devices (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) and much more. An ordinary car enthusiast can get by with a simpler scanner with the ability to connect via RS232 and USB . There are these types of scanners:

· Autonomous . Those same professional diagnostic tools. Can be paired with other devices, but not required. The main disadvantages: high cost, difficulty in updating the software;

· Scanners-adapters (adapters-specifiers,scanners). Devices that require additional gadgets to fully function. They have limited functionality, which is complemented by third-party gadgets.