Automotive diagnostic scan tool - Carman Vs. Gscan

Automotive diagnostic scan tools are widely used equipments in home garages and workshops. These are helpful in interpreting and understanding the error codes sent by various systems in a car. With a scan tool you can not only diagnose the problem, but also reprogram certain systems in your car. It is basically an interface between the various systems in the car and the On Board Diagnostic module. Once you have diagnosed the problem you can decide on repairing it yourself or taking it to a garage. There are a number of scan tools available in the market, some of which are just simple code readers while others may be bidirectional computers with programming capabilities. Your decision to buy an automotive diagnostic scan tool should be based on your vehicle brand, model, electronic systems installed, functions that you want to have in it, your ability as a DIY car repair enthusiast and price. Carman and Gscan are two reputed brands of scan tool and are compatible with a variety of vehicle brands, models and communication protocols and serve a variety of functions. Let us compare the two brands and see which is better suited for your vehicle.

Automotive diagnostic scan tool - Carman Vs. Gscan

Carman automotive diagnostic scan tool

It is a flexible tool that can be connected to your PC as an adapter. It comes with a touchpad and a display that can be either a monochrome or a color TFT one. It has got a number of models suitable for different types of models and brands of vehicles. The auto search system is helpful in fast detection of problems. The tool can also be remotely controlled with the help of in built Teamviewer software.

Functions supported by carman scan tools

You can get a variety of functions like reading, analysis and erasing of Diagnostic Trouble Codes, Current data view in graphical and parameter mode, Activation function, Flight record, System identification, sensor calibration, Service resetting, key programming, remote programming, injector programming etc. It also supports some special functions like coding for Injector and some other components. You can take printouts via Wi-Fi or with the help of a flash drive. You can also get Bluetooth data transfer limited to a distance of about 30 meters. You can also get frequent updates to keep the tool abreast of new technology.  

Communication protocols

These scanners support all communication protocols in vogue.

Coverage by vehicle brand

Till date 84 vehicle brands are covered by Carman scanners and they include brands like Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Lexus, Proton, Nissan, Mazda, Isuzu, Hyundai, Daewoo, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat, Volvo, Ford, Opel, Peugeot, General Motors, Chrysler, Ford etc. More than 4568 vehicles can be scanned by this tool.

Gscan automotive diagnostic scan tool

This is a simple tool that is easy to use and read. The display is effective even in sunlight, and you get frequent updates to keep the tool abreast of technology. Though it is found to be very good with Asian brands of vehicles it also works very well with European and American brands. 

Supported functions

Functions that are supported by this tool are – vehicle system auto search, reading and erasing diagnostic trouble codes, body control module actuation test, programming and reprogramming for various components, coding and programming for key, live data streaming and graph generation, EPS recalibration, diesel injector writing and copying, antilock braking system analysis, SRS airbag analysis, EGR self test etc. You can also get fault code reading from memory of tested control unit, current system setting in digital and graphical format, activation of special controller work mode, saving array of existing parameters etc. 

Supported communication protocols

It supports both OBD-II and EOBD protocols. 

Coverage by vehicle brand

Some of the brands covered by Gscan are Daewoo, Samsung, proton, Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Suzuki, Daihatsu, Isuzu, Hyundai, Kia, BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Skoda, Volvo, Ford, Opel, Renault, TATA, Mahindra etc.

Conclusion 

Choosing the most suitable automotive diagnostic tool is a tricky job. If you are aware of the jargon used in automotive terms and their implications then you can go ahead with the one that best matches your vehicle by brand, model and country of origin. If you are not confident then you must take the help of an expert rather than risk buying a tool that will not serve your purpose fully.

Carman Vs. Launch scanner – select the most positively reviewed tool for your type of vehicle

Modern cars and vehicles rolling out of assembly lines are an assembly of systems. Brake system, transmission system, steering, and suspension system, engine cooling system, fuel system etc make up the whole vehicle. These systems come with sensors which send error codes in cases of malfunctioning. If you can read and interpret these error codes correctly, you can solve many problems with your vehicle. An automotive diagnostic scan tool is a very useful equipment for home garages as well as workshops. It helps the user to interpret error codes sent by systems. These devices can even send coded messages to various systems in a vehicle. Once you are aware of the problem you can try to mend it yourself or take the vehicle to a workshop. 

There are various scanners available in the market, but when you browse through these you must have some idea about the usefulness and suitability of various types of scanners for your type of vehicle. Let’s get a comparison between Carman and Launch scanners, two of the industry leaders in the field of automotive scanner tools. 

Automotive diagnostic scan tool - Carman vs. Launch scanner

Carman scanner

It is a flexible tool which you can use as an adapter for your PC. It is a stand-alone device with a touchpad. The display can be either monochrome or color TFT. It has got a series of scanners suitable for different brands and types of vehicles.

• Supported functions

Carman scanners support a variety of functions like DTC reading and analysis, DTC erasing, Current data view in parameters and graphic mode, manual parameter grouping, Activation function, Flight record, System identification, sensor calibration, Service resetting, programming of keys, remotes, injector and other components etc. Also, there are some special functions like coding for Injector and other components. The diagnostic software is installed into the tablet PC which runs on Windows 10. You can print via Wi-Fi or use the USB. It also supports Bluetooth data transfer up to a distance of 30 meters. You can also get frequent updates about various service procedures.

These scanners are also supported by all the electronic systems and circuits in vogue like AIRBAG/ETR (SRS), ENG, ENG-2, EA, BM/GM, CCS ADS, ASD, RB, IMMO, RST, A/C, EPS, AHLS, ECS, AAC, FFH, FWDS, KCS etc.

• Coverage by vehicle brand

Carman scanners cover a wide variety of vehicle brands such as Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Proton, Subaru, Mazda, Suzuki, Isuzu, Hyundai, Daewoo, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Audi, Skoda, Volkswagen, Saab, Seat, Volvo, Opel, Fiat, Ford, Peugeot, Alfa Romeo, General Motors, Chrysler, Ford etc. However, when it comes to Chrysler vehicles, only the jeeps support Carman scanners. 

Launch scanner

With Launch scanner, you can do an OEM level diagnosis of car problems and repair them. With vast vehicle coverage and highly sought after functionalities such as key programming, full OBDII test mode coverage, module programing, adaptive resets, relearn procedures, airbag system functions, auto transmission functions etc. Launch scanners are one of the most desirable devices in the automotive industry. You can even switch off the engine check light with this tool. The vehicle coverage is also awesome. In fact, in terms of vehicle coverage, it is somewhat ahead of Carman scanners. What is more, it even supports large vehicles like trucks from MAN, Ashok Leyland, Volvo etc. Owing to this wide vehicle coverage you can read manufacturer specific as well as generic error codes. It has also got a series of products with continuous upgrades. Launch scanners are custom built for different vehicles and systems. Products are categorized into several series like Proline Series, Millennium Series, Creader Series etc. Among these, there are some modules designed specifically for trucks. In fact, it supports 34 truck brands in the USA. The scanner also supports all the electronic systems and circuits in vogue. Moreover, you can print via a laptop and get a lifetime free software update.

Your choice: Automotive diagnostic scan tool - Carman vs. Launch scanner

It all depends on the type of vehicle you possess, your level of comfort with car diagnostic tools etc. You need to select one that is most positively reviewed for your kind of vehicle.

What Is an Automotive Scan Tool and Why Do You Need One

Picture this – It is a Monday morning. You have a long day ahead and lots of business to tend to. You are all set to leave for work, you get into your car, and there you see it – the check engine light is on. You are frustrated, as you do not know if it is a serious problem that requires your immediate attention or if it is something that you can deal with later at your convenience. 

In such a situation, would it not be nice to have a tool that can instantly tell you what the problem is? It is precisely what an automotive scan tool does. 

The Need for an Automotive Diagnostic Scanner

Your car, just like every other vehicle on the road today, has an onboard diagnostic system built into it. Whenever your car develops a problem, the onboard computer generates and stores an error code corresponding to the problem. It is basically an alphanumeric code, using which you can find out the problem with your vehicle. 

A scan tool is designed to communicate with the onboard computer, read the code, and display it for you to see. Once you have the code, it becomes a lot easier to find out what is wrong with your car. 

The Advantages of Using a Scanner

An automotive scan tool is an excellent time saver. Any time the check engine light comes on, you can use your scanner to find out what is wrong with your car and save yourself a trip to the nearest automobile service center. 

Secondly, it can save you a lot of money as well. Every single trip to a service center costs you money, as mechanics charge hefty fees merely to diagnose the issue with your vehicle. Sometimes, these diagnostic charges alone could run into hundreds of dollars. You can avoid such unneeded expenditure by investing in a good scanner and find out what is wrong with your car all by yourself. If the problem is serious enough to merit a visit to the mechanic shop, you can do so by all means. If not, you can fix it yourself and save even more money. 

Thirdly – and this is by far the most overlooked reason in our opinion – a scanning tool can offer you peace of mind. It might sound incredible, but if you think about it, you will realize that it is actually true. Any time your vehicle develops a problem, it can be incredibly frustrating as it means you have to spend your time and money to get it fixed. What is even more frustrating is that you do not even know if it is a major issue that could cost you a lot of money or a minor one. With a scanner, you can put all your doubts to rest and diagnose the problem yourself, which is very relieving to say the least. 

The Different Types of Scanning Tools Available

You can find a variety of different diagnostic tools on the market today and you can choose one based on your budget and the tool’s functionality. 

The most basic, user-friendly, and affordable tool you can find is a code reader. It is designed to perform only two functions – display the error code and then clear it to turn off the check engine light. You have to find out what the code means by either checking the instruction manual or by going online. 

The mid-level version is a scanning tool, which actually goes a step above what a code reader does and gives you the error code and also tells you what the code stands for. 

The high end versions can display and clear error codes, tell you what the codes stand for, and provide you with troubleshooting information, which makes your job a lot easier. They also have the ability to display, record, and play back live data from sensors, which is a very important feature. 

At the end of the day, the automotive scan tool you choose should fit into your budget. If you can afford to, you can invest in a high-quality scanner. Otherwise, a beginner level code reader could be the best choice for you. Mind you – operating a high-level scanner requires technical knowledge, which is another factor you should keep in mind while choosing a scanning tool. 

The Three Key Benefits of Using a Diagnostic Scan Tool

If you were to conduct a poll among car owners in Australia as to what they think is the most essential tool for automobile care and maintenance, the diagnostic scan tool would definitely be among the most common replies. What exactly does a scanner do and why is it considered a must-have tool for automobile owners? Let us take a look.

The Purpose of an Automotive Scan Tool

A scanner, to put it simply, makes it easier for you to diagnose the problems with your vehicle. Many of the systems in your car, as you probably already know, are controlled by an onboard computer with a built-in diagnostic system. Whenever there is a problem with your vehicle, the computer generates an error code and warns you of the same by flashing the ‘check engine’ light.

The primary duty of an automotive diagnostic scanner is to connect with the onboard diagnostic system, access the error code, and display it. Once it does, you can find out what the error code stands for and the source of the problem – either by checking the reference manual or via the internet.

The Benefits of Using the Diagnostic Scanner

Saves Time

How many times have you had to take your car to a workshop just to find out what the problem is? It could be a minor problem, but you still need to go to a mechanic shop to get it diagnosed. It takes a lot of time, but most people in the country have no choice as the car is their primary mode of transportation and they depend on it for their daily commute to work. So, the moment the dreaded ‘check engine’ starts flashing, most people’s first instinct is to get their car checked by a mechanic.

With a diagnostic scan tool, you can do it on your own and save yourself a trip to the nearest mechanic shop. You can find out what the problem is and then decide if it serious enough to warrant a trip to the workshop.

Saves Money

This is basically an extension of the aforementioned point. Every trip to the workshop costs you money. Many times, the problem could be so trivial that you could have fixed it yourself or it never needed your immediate attention in the first place. Still, you end up spending money just to find out what it is, which is unnecessary spending to say the least. By investing once in a decent quality scanner, you can avoid all these unnecessary trips to the workshop and save lots of money in the long run.

Peace of Mind for the Owner

Not knowing what is wrong with your vehicle can be incredibly frustrating and stressful at times. Whether you depend on your car for your daily commute, planning a road trip with your friends, or a pleasure trip with your family – in each of these scenarios, a vehicular malfunction could totally screw up your plans. In some other cases, there might be an emission inspection due and you know you will not pass it unless you do something about the ‘check engine’ light that is flashing like a danger signal.

In such cases, having an automotive diagnostic scanner with you can be incredibly beneficial, as you can figure out what is wrong with your car in a matter of minutes. Once you know what the problem is, you have plenty of options – if it is a trivial one, you do not have to worry about it and get it looked at later. If it is a minor one that you can fix yourself, you can do it as well. You need to go to a mechanic only if the problem is a major one and you do not know how to fix it yourself. It is any day better than not knowing what is wrong with the vehicle in the first place.

Choosing the Right Tool

The diagnostic scan tool, as you can see, is incredibly useful and highly functional. If you are a car owner, there is no better tool to have with you when the warning light comes on. There are many different types of tools available and many of them are affordably priced, so you should have no problem finding one that meets your needs and budget.

The Three Important Benefits of Using a Diagnostic Scan Tool

What do you do when the ‘check engine’ light is flashing like a distress signal? In some cases, especially if your car still runs well, you might not worry too much about it. In some other cases, you might start wondering if it could be a big problem which you cannot afford to ignore or postpone. No matter what your line of thought is, the bottom line is that there is certainly an element of uncertainty in your mind. This is where a diagnostic scan tool can help you immensely.

A scanner, true to its name, can communicate with the onboard computer in your car, scan for error codes, and display them for your understanding. Once you decipher the code, you can easily find out if the problem is so minor that you can afford to fix it at your leisure or if it is something serious that needs your attention right away. It removes the element of uncertainty and tells you what the problem is instantly. This is the main reason why a large number of car owners in Australia have their own automotive scan tool, as it is too useful a device that they simply cannot do without.

If you are someone who does not have a scanner, there are three important reasons why you should seriously consider buying one. Let us take a look at them now.

Three Benefits of Owning a Scan Tool:

It Saves You Time

How many times have you had to run to the nearest repair shop because you could not figure out what the problem with your car was? In the absence of a scanner, your only option is to visit the workshop nearby every time the check engine light or any other indicator in your car starts flashing. It is a waste of time, especially if it turns out that the problem is a trivial one that really did not need your immediate attention.

If you are a professional with a busy schedule or a regular office goer who cannot afford to take time off frequently, you really cannot afford to go to a repair shop every time your car develops a problem. You also might have to wait at the repair shop every time you go there, as you are probably not the only car owner in Australia who does not own an automotive diagnostic scanner. In other words, you have to spend lots of time just to figure out what the problem is. 

With a scan tool, you can find out the problem with your car in a matter of a few minutes. All you need to do is connect the scanner to the onboard diagnostic system and you can get the relevant error code in a jiffy. It can save you tons of time. This is the most important reason why many vehicle owners decide to buy their own scanning tool.

It Saves You Money

This is basically a continuation of the aforementioned reason. Any time you step into a repair shop, you pay money. You have to pay the mechanic or technician just to take a look at your car and find out what the problem is. If you find out that the problem is so minor that it does not even have to be fixed right away, you still have to pay the mechanic just for diagnosing it.

You need not necessarily break the bank to pay the mechanic, but it adds up quickly. Even a few visits a year could set you back by a few hundred dollars. This is on top of your regular, scheduled visits to the repair shop for maintenance. With an automotive diagnostic scanner in your hands, you need not run to the mechanic shop every time the check engine light flashes on. You can figure what is wrong with your car yourself and go to the repair shop only if the problem needs to be fixed quickly and if it is something you cannot fix yourself. 

It Gives You Peace of Mind

Wondering if there is something wrong with your car could be very distressing and frustrating. Any time your car develops a problem, you have to wonder if it is something that could end up costing you lots of time and money. With a scanning tool, you can put all your doubts to rest and find out what the problem is in no time. It can be very reassuring and can help you avoid unnecessary stress.

A Beginner’s Guide to the Diagnostic Scan Tool

A diagnostic scan tool is something that many car owners have these days. It is particularly common in Australia, which has a large number of car owners. Gone are the days when people used to take their vehicle to the nearest workshop any time it developed a problem. The advent of the scanning tool has made the process of diagnosing automobile problems a breeze and made life easier for car owners not just in the country, but pretty much everywhere else in the world.

The Way It Works

An automotive scan tool, as the name itself indicates, is a tool designed to diagnose the problems in a vehicle. Modern day cars and other vehicles are computerized to a great extent. They have an onboard computer system which monitors the function of various systems in the car. Any time there is a problem with a particular system, the onboard computer makes a note of it by storing it as an error code.

A scanning tool, when connected to the car’s onboard system, scans the entire system and displays the error codes. These tools usually come with a manual or a CD which contains the details of all the common error codes pertaining to automobiles. So, you can refer to the same to find out what the error code means and what could be the reason behind the problem.

Why It Is Needed

As a car owner, you probably feel that whenever there is a problem with your car, it needs to be fixed as soon as possible. You are right in thinking so as some problems, when left unfixed, could lead to further problems and affect your car’s performance, safety, and functionality severely. At the same time, it is not practically possible for you to take your car to a mechanic every time the check engine light starts flashing. Not only does it take time, but you also have to pay the mechanic for merely telling you what the problem is. This is where an automotive diagnostic scanner comes into the picture.

When you have a scanning tool, a trip to the nearest mechanic shop can be entirely avoided in most cases. All you have to do is plug in the tool and let it do its job. When it displays the error codes, you can check the manual and find out what the problem is. If it is a minor issue, you have two options – If you have the necessary knowhow, you can fix the problem yourself. If you do not, and if the problem is trivial enough that it does not need your immediate attention, you can let it be and get it fixed at a later, more convenient time.

You need to take your car to a mechanic only if the problem is serious enough that it demands your immediate attention. What this means is that in most cases, you will be able to save a lot of time and money, as many of the problems are minor enough that you can fix them yourself and even if you do not, you can afford to pay attention to it at your convenience, rather than spending money and getting it fixed then and there.

The Many Advantages of a Diagnostic Scan Tool

As you can clearly see, having a scanning tool can be beneficial in many ways. It can save you a lot of time and money by helping you avoid incessant trips to mechanic shops every time your car develops a problem. It can save you a great deal of frustration and stress, as you can find out what the issue is right away rather than fretting and worrying if it could be a major one.

Despite being a sophisticated piece of equipment, an automotive scan tool is easy to use. All you have to do is plug in the tool and interpret the error messages using the manual. Some of the tools available on the market today can even store live data so that you can run a scan, store the error messages, and then play them back to find out what the problem is. Some of the advanced tools can even offer you troubleshooting information and tips to help you fix the problems in your car. So, you can consider various factors like the cost of the tool, its compatibility with your car, and its functionality and then choose a scanner accordingly.

Automotive Scan Tool – Automobile Diagnosis Made Easier

Remember the days when diagnosing a problem in your car used to be a pain? You had to take it to a mechanic and pay money just to find out what was wrong with it. Ever since the advent of the automotive scan tool, it is no longer the case. You can check your car yourself and determine what is wrong with it in no time. Such a tool is indispensable for any car owner, especially in a vast country like Australia, where car is the primary mode of transportation.

What Is It?

An automotive scan tool is designed to diagnose the problem in an automobile. It does so by interacting with the OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) system, which is also known as the onboard computer.

The Way It Works

Whenever there is a problem with your brake, engine, or any other component for that matter, your car’s OBD warns you by flashing a warning light. When it does, you can use a scan tool to find out what the problem is. The tool interacts with the OBD, reads the data, and lets you know what exactly the problem is. It usually indicates the problem in the form of a trouble code, which you can interpret using the manual that comes with the tool.

The Many Functionalities of an Automotive Scan Tool

There are many different types of scan tools available on the market today. They differ from each other in terms of built-in features and functionality.

The basic code reader type tools can interact with the OBD and list the trouble codes. You can interpret the codes and find out if the problem requires immediate attention or can be dealt with later.

Bi-directional scan tools, as the name indicates, can not only interact with the OBD and list the trouble codes, but also communicate back with the onboard computer and perform certain functions. Using these tools, you can switch on the headlights, activate the trunk release function, or disengage and deactivate some of the systems in the car.

Apart from listing trouble codes and communicating back and forth with the onboard computer, advanced scan tools can do so much more. For instance, in many cars, whenever you do a physical repair, you are also required to reprogram the onboard computer and command it to relearn the limits of the newly repaired or replaced component. Otherwise, even if the issue has been resolved, the onboard system might refuse to acknowledge it and not function properly. You can easily avoid this problem with the help of a scan tool that is capable of doing programming and calibration procedures.

A high end automotive scan tool can also capture, store, and play back live data. This is a crucial feature that can help you immensely. For example, if you want to test drive a car and find out how a particular system performs, you can use this tool to capture the specific sensor output readings you want.

Yet another important feature of high end scan tools is that they have a knowledge base. These tools not only list out the trouble codes, but also give you suggestions and tips as to what you can do to fix the issue. Such information is vitally important, particularly when you are dealing with a problem that you have never encountered before. At such a time, troubleshooting instructions could help you resolve the issue faster and save you a lot of time.

Many high-end tools also allow you to attach an external device like a gas exhaust analyzer or a lab scope. It not only extends the functionality of the tool, but also gives it a lot of additional value.

Choosing an Automotive Scan Tool

You need to choose a tool depending on your needs and budget. Low-end tools are budget friendly and can list out trouble codes, using which you can diagnose the problem. High-end tools are generally expensive, but they are well worth spending your money on as they can make diagnosing and fixing your car’s problems ridiculously easy. They can read and list out trouble codes and tell you what the codes mean and what the problem could be. From capturing and playing back data to performing re-learn functions, they can pretty much do it all.