The best Automotive Diagnostic Scanner - Carman Comparison with Gscan

Automobiles have different systems for different functions. The steering, the suspension, the transmission system, the engine cooling system at all needs to work in tandem. They should also work without any hitch so that the vehicle can run perfectly.  The Problem with any one system can throw challenge to the driver as well as the occupants. If the suspension is not in perfect shape, it can make the journey extremely uncomfortable. It can result in uneven wear of tyres leading to accelerated depreciation of wheels and unsafe driving condition. It is the same with every other system. To have a comfortable and safe journey, you need to be aware about the status of every system. You also need to detect the problem so that rectification can be done easily. If you know the error, you can try to rectify the problem.

More often than not, the problem is a minor one like a blown fuse or a clogged port. Even if you are not able to do it, you can at least call a technician and point out the problem area without going through each and every system to detect the problem. For this you need a good automotive diagnostic scanner. These devices are able to interpret the error codes sent by various systems of a vehicle. But interpretation of error code is not their sole function. Advanced diagnostic scanners have a number of functionalities that make working on the car a breeze. They can even send messages to different systems in order to rectifying the problem. You can get a fair idea about what is wrong with a particular system. These are great devices for saving your time and money.

A variety of Diagnostic Tools

There is a variety of scanners in the market. Even though all of them work in almost the same way, there are differences in terms of vehicle brand coverage, model coverage, functionality coverage etc. You need to select one that covers the make of your car and all the functionalities included in it. Carman and Gscan are two popular brands of automotive diagnostic scanners. If you have a Asian brand of car or truck, you can easily choose between the two.

Automotive Diagnostic Scanner - Carman Comparison with Gscan
They have their own specialized areas, although both are reputed brands. Let us compare Automotive Diagnostic Scanner - Carman Comparison with Gscan  in terms of vehicle coverage, electronic systems, functionality, special functionalities, after sales support, software update etc.

Carman Scanner

It is a tablet size PC running on windows 10. It has a touchpad and a TFT display. You can get frequent software updates to keep abreast of changing system specifications.

Supported Functions

A Carman scanner can help you read error codes and analyze them. You can also calibrate the sensor, identify systems, and do a lot of things like flight recording, activation function, manual parameter grouping, service resetting, remote programming, key programming, injector programming etc.

Special Functionalities

It also includes some special functionalities like coding for Injector and other components.

Compatible Systems

It is compatible with almost all the prevalent electronic systems like ENG, BM/GM, EPS, ECS, AHLS, ENG-2, EA, CCS, RB, ASD, IMMO, ADS, FWDS etc.

Vehicle Coverage

Though Carman scanners are the most compatible with Asian trucks like Toyota, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Nissan, Isuzu, Mazda, Daewoo etc, it is also compatible with a variety of European and American cars like BMW, Audi, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Fiat, Volvo, GM, Ford, Chrysler etc.

Gscan Scanner

This is an OEM level scanner popular with owners of Asian brands of cars and trucks. It is compatible with a wide variety of vehicles. It also comes with a tablet PC, a TFT Color monitor and a touch screen. You can get software updates as and when required.

Supported Functions

You can get functionalities like flight recording, automatic system search, code retrieval, description and information, current data, system reset etc. You can also do a actuation test, diagnose multiple systems using DTC, get theft deterrent relearns, do key programming and security re-sets and a lot of other functions.

Special Functionalities

Specific functionalities include Idle Air Volume Relearn, Steering Angle Sensor Calibration, Idle RPM Correction, Auto Drive Position Setting, Leakage Test, Data Graphing Function, Airmatic System Actuation, Error Log Capture, Service Light Reset, Fuel Leakage Test etc.

Vehicle Coverage

It is very useful for vehicles from Subaru, Honda, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota, Hyundai etc. It is also compatible with European makes like Mercedes Benz and others. The proprietary DLC connectors can let you have OEM level access to many car lines.

To conclude the discussion pretty much outlines the difference between automotive diagnostic scanner - Carman Comparison with Gscan

All About an Automotive Diagnostic Scanner

Cars and trucks are an integration of systems. Various systems together make the vehicle run. While the fuel injection system is responsible for injecting the fuel into the engine chamber, the combustion system or the engine burns the fuel inside it and the transmission system transmits the power so generated to all the four wheels. But these are the core systems at work. You have a plethora of systems in your car. There is suspension system, safety system, door and lighting system, battery management system et al. If you have an automotive diagnostic scanner, the status of every system is in your fingertips.

An Interface For All Systems
What is common to these systems is that all of them are connected to a common interface in your car, the OBD2 diagnostic interface. This is an interface for all the systems. You need to connect an automotive scan tool to the port in the OBD2 diagnostic interface to get the status of various systems. This makes an OBD2 diagnostic interface a very important tool for car owners. If you are concerned about abnormal sound, vibration or a malfunctioning safety system, you can simply connect a diagnostic scanner to the OBD2 diagnostic interface and read the code coming out of a particular system.

Automotive Diagnostic Scanner

A diagnostic scan tool is a great utility for car and trucks owners, since it can help detect problems in particular systems. The advanced scanners have another important usability – they can direct the owners in rectifying the abnormalities found through scanning. These devices have evolved from the basic code readers into versatile tools for car owners. It can help you to fix a system and restart a stalled vehicle stranded on the highway. It can be really helpful. However, to use this utility effectively, you need to have some DIY experience in car maintenance. 

Benefits of Using a Diagnostic Scanner

Your car is just refusing to change speeds or the engine is making abnormal sound! What would you have done in the olden days, when there was no scanner? You would have taken it to the nearest workshop or dealer of the particular brand of car and get the problem fixed. You could not even come to know what was the problem, unless you were an avid car geek. But, with the help of a diagnostic scan tool, information about all the systems of your car is on your fingertips. You just need to connect the scanner with the OBD-2 interface. You can get information about the malfunctioning systems and also directions on how to fix it. If a small tweak here and there does the job, you can rectify the problem yourself. This can be huge utility for people in a country like Australia where you need to traverse long distances to reach your destination. So it saves great amount of time, effort and money for the car owner.

How It Functions

It is a handheld device with a screen and a variety of cables for connection. The size of the screen varies from one brand/model to another, and so are the functions. However, basically their functions are same. Once you connect it to the OBD interface, it gets on with its job. It detects faults and shows the code in its screen in the form of codes. To interpret the codes you need to go through the manual that comes with the tool.

Selecting The Most Suitable Diagnostic Scan Tool

There are a number of brands which are manufacturing automotive diagnostic scanner. Some of these tools have very high degree of sophistication while some offer just basic functions like code reading. If you are a car geek you can go for the high performing ones, but for others these are not the most suitable ones. You may need something that can locate the problem precisely and can also indicate steps to resolve the issue. From basic to the most advanced ones, the price rises by quite a few notches and so does the cost of upgrading the software. There is a whole range of products in between the two extremes. Selecting the most suitable one depends on whether you are a geek, a novice or an occasional DIY guy.