Carman v/s Launch - How Some Features of Carman Automotive Tools Are Better Than Launch Scanner

Corporates today are coming up with new innovations and technology, which is directly affecting our lives and our vehicles!

All hail science!

But wait, how are they benefiting our vehicles?

Well, multiple advancements are being made on the diagnostic scan tools front, which is the rage today! More and more companies are coming forward to give us what our vehicles really deserve. Efficiency and effectivity are the keys here.

However, before you go on investing your time, energy, and of course, your money in an automotive diagnostic scan tool, you should first analyse and understand the top brands, their value, and their features that set them apart.

Today, among all the brands in the market, Launch Scanner and Carman have gained their fair share of popularity for the value they can provide to our lives and our vehicles. Both are considered the best, the professionals. But which one should you be opting for? 

Professionals are inclined towards Carman. Why?

Here are Some Features of Carman Automotive Tools which Are Better Than Launch Scanner:

When it comes to the benefits, professionals always seem to opt for Carman Automotive Tools. This happens for a simple fact - Carman Automotive tools do happen to have a better scope and worth in the market; all thanks to their capability, features and their functionality.

Coverage of vehicles

Carman Automotive Tools are considered hassle free, in comparison to the Launch Scanner. They are compatible with almost all vehicles, some of them include - Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Ford, Volvo, BMW, General Motors, Volkswagen, Skoda, Seat, Audi, Hyundai, etc.

Language and platform preferences

Carman also provides you with a wide choice, as far as platforms are concerned. They are compatible with all platforms, conventional and modern. They can be connected to WiFi and work in synergy with your mobile, tablets, and laptop devices. In fact, they can also read all programming languages, no matter old or new.

Flexible
Lastly, carman automotive scan tools are better in comparison to Launch Scanner because of a simple reason - they are hand held. This ensures their flexibility when it comes to their actual usage. You can make use of a Carman device to tend to a specific area in your vehicle easily.  

Carman saves money!

Yes, quite literally. Investing in a carman device is going to help you save thousands of dollars in the long run. It is not just a diagnostic scan tool, rather a money saving one! You will no longer be required to take your vehicle to a garage, every time something bad happened. Not only will it help you save your precious and hard-earned money, but also it will help you save hours of waiting and travelling around a garage to get your vehicle fixed. One the diagnostic tool works its magic, you are going to be on a saving spree!

Multiple benefits are in store when you opt for Carman for your vehicle today!

Automotive Diagnostic Scanners Are Useful; Only If You Are Comfortable Under The Hood

Diagnostic scanners are not for every car owner. These devices are only for those owners who are comfortable under the hood and have a DIY tendency. Given your love for fixing car problems, you do need a automotive diagnostic scanner. Indeed, it can be a piece of utility for you. This piece of utility can decipher the fault codes displayed by your car computer (OBD II) and bring out the exact location of the fault. Modern scanners are two steps ahead of this. They can even suggest remedies for the problem and also guide you to fix the problem in a step by step manner. So how is this possible? This is made possible by the OBDII and the sensors and actuators present in different parts of the car for controlling them.

On Board Diagnostics

OBD I was the precursor of OBD II. In the previous avatar it was a kind of dumb machine that just illuminated the check engine light whenever there is a problem with the car. It could not signify the system or subsystem of the car that is causing the problem. Cars and trucks too were not so comprehensively integrated with electronic communication systems. Now a days, manufacturers use embedded electronics in every system and system of cars and trucks. All these systems are connected to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) for control, diagnosis, testing and repair. PCM is the mother of all control systems in your automobile. It encompasses the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and the Transmission Control Unit (TCU). All the sensors and actuators in the subsystems related to engine, fuel supply to engine, emission etc are connected to the ECU. On the other hand, the subsystems related to transmission, braking etc are connected to the TCU through actuators and sensors. While the sensors are necessary for getting the working data from various subsystems of your car, the actuators are necessary to control the function of various parts. So if you are a car enthusiast and love DIY car repair, you may not need to take the car to workshop at all. However, to do this you need to have a modern automotive diagnostic scanner. Such a scanner can bring out the hidden meaning of the error codes sent by the OBD II.

Check Engine Light

The OBD II displays the check engine light if there is a problem with the cars’ engine, fuel supply, power transmission system, emission system or other systems. A check engine light may indicate a number of problems. This is why the diagnostic system also sends an error code. You need to have detailed information about individual error codes in order to sort out the matter. However, OBD II is dumb in this respect. You need to connect the automotive diagnostic scanner to the OBD computer to decipher the trouble codes. Manufacturers have a dictionary of error codes. These veritable tomes contain thousands of error codes, their meanings, implications and ways to resolve them. Modern scan tools contain this veritable dictionary in its memory. It helps to decipher specific trouble codes along with their implications and ways to resolve them. 

Error codes

There are generic error codes for some troubles, but there are a number of manufacturer specific error codes too. It may not be possible to decipher an error code if your automotive diagnostic scanner is not compatible with the make and model of your car. The aspect of compatibility spawns over the areas of communication protocols, manufacturer specific error codes, modes of connection of the tool with the dashboard, powering the tool etc. So while buying an automotive scan tool you need to see that it is compatible with your car.

Functions Of Scan Tools
Though reading the error codes is the basic task of any automotive diagnostic scanner, there are a number of other functions too. The tool must be able to read and analyze the trouble codes in order to guide the driver. The tool must also be enabled for code erasing. This is a very important since if you have old codes in the memory, the tool may indicate problems when there are none. The ability to show data serially is another very important feature of any standard automotive diagnostic scanner. Stuff like sensor calibration, manual parameter grouping, system identification, activation function, service resetting, key programming etc too are very useful functionalities of a scan tool.

A Diagnostic Scan Tool Can Be An Excellent Aid, If You Are At Ease With Working Of Various Car Subsystems

If you are a DIY car enthusiast, you may like a diagnostic scan tool. Such a tool can be a real friend for you. It can save your costs and your car too. It can show error codes thrown up by the OBDII for various systems and subsystems of your car. It not only indicates the location and type of fault, but also guides you to resolve the problem. You can really get some much needed help from this tool. It acts much like the neighborhood friendly workshop mechanic. Since, it can throw up errors through trouble codes, you can get a glimpse into the working of the subsystems of your car. Even if it does not throw up an error code, you can spot anomalies in Serial Data View mode. There are some anomalies that don’t show up through codes. However, there may well be some anomaly in the working condition of various parts. For example the fuel leakage error code may not show if the leakage is miniscule, yet the reading of various data regarding fuel use, fuel combustion, thrust etc may expose the anomaly. This can be done if you view the corresponding data in Serial View. This option is there in an advanced diagnostic scan tool. However, to interpret such data you need to be comfortable with operating conditions and parameters of various systems and subsystems of an automobile. 

 

Functionalities of A Diagnostic Scan Tool

The basic function of a diagnostic scan tool is to read the error codes shown by the On Board Diagnostic computer. But today’s scan tools are more about interactivity and intelligence than just showing error codes. These are not like the dumb devices of yesteryears.  These tools can not only read trouble codes, but also analyze them and suggest ways to resolve the problem. They can also guide you to solve the problem. This is the biggest help that you can get from the device. But in order to serve this purpose and also for other purposes, a modern diagnostic scan tool is capable of many other functions. It is able to erase data, show current operating data in parameter as well as graphic mode etc. You can also group the parameters manually. The device can identify a system with the System identification app. In can also calibrate the sensors, Since the sensors are the ones that send the data to the OBD II, they need to throw up proper working data. With sensor calibration you can ensure that the sensors are working perfectly. The ability to program is a great utility of such tools. You can program the fuel injector so that it injects fuel in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. You can also program the keys and the remote if need be. However, for all these and especially for sensor calibration and programming of various components, you need to be quite adept at everything related to automobiles. A diagnostic scan tool does help the owner a lot, but only if the owner is very much conversant and comfortable with various systems and their working parameters. A service reset is a very useful function for any scan tool since without it you are stuck with a Service Now message for various services even if you have serviced them many times over. You may have changed engine oils, yet the OBD II is showing Change Engine Oils soon. This happens since the sensor can detect the changed oil or other services only after few drive cycles. In such a condition a service reset option is very handy. You can use the Service Reset option in every item. 

 

How Does It Look Like

The automotive scan tool comes with a tablet PC running either on Windows or iOS. It is much like a tablet or a smartphone. The user interface is littered with options or apps. You just need to choose your option. It comes with a Data Link Connector popularly known as DLC, a power cable and some other components. The software for carrying out the job is installed in the tablet. You need to update this software on a regular basis. The frequency of updates depends on the type of tool, the company etc. In some companies the updates cost nothing, in others you may need to pay for updating. Without updates, the tool is not likely to perform satisfactorily.

What Advantages Are Presented In The Form Of Diagnostic Scan Tools For Cars?

Modern cars have incorporated a lot of technological components into the manufacturing process. Computers are a vital clog in the wheel of most systems and they notify the drivers if things go out of control. With an upsurge in electronic systems drivers are notified if things are not on track.

Rather than spending a lot of time and money in taking a car to a mechanic, a car owner can find the cause of the problem with a diagnostic scan tool. There are lot of websites where you can obtain information about these tools. In terms of operation the scanners are simple and come with friendly user manual or software. Let us now go through some of the advantages associated with car diagnostic scan tool.

A lot of technological innovations in the automobile domain has emerged over the years, and on top of the list has to be computerization of car components. With specialized and specific centered software you can easily detect the problem prone areas in a jiffy. It is all due to the in build processors or system.

A Standard Approach

As per the mandate of EPA in 1996, car manufacturers need to comply with some basic standards while manufacturing their car. The first one is the On Board Diagnostics version 2. Before this came into place things were totally out of place where each car manufacturer has a separate diagnostic tool and scanner for a single car label.
As devices were expensive, technicians were worried about such a system and finally their remorse bore fruit. Any motor cars that have been developed since 1996, needs to be compatible with a standard diagnostic scan tool. It would mean that any scanner can be purchased and use it on any car owned by them or their friends.

For Most Electronic Systems A Comprehensive Check-up Is Done

In a conventional modern car, computer is the pillar that handles most systems. This would include the gasoline system, transmission in consortium with a smaller number of systems. The sensors that are in built in the car are gathering and transmitting the data back to the central system of the car.

User Friendly

The modern versions of scanning tools are pretty simple to use. There is a component with an in built display that is placed on the hands of the users. With a short cable this is being hooked up on to the OBD 2 interface of the car. Since the dock is placed below the dashboard, and this is near to the drivers’ area. Once done, the owner can follow up on all the mentioned instructions so that the diagnostic check is performed.

Which Areas Of The Car Could Be Tested?

With an automotive scan tool, any malfunctioning of the brake systems, brakes, and performance issues could be detected with ease. One of the major misconceptions with automotive diagnostic scanner is technicians rely on error interrupting codes to find the exact problem that went on to trigger the engine light. In reality it showcases the technicians which components are out of range, but the root cause of the problem is not found out. At this point of time the human brain does assume a lot of importance as the technician puts his skills sets in use to figure out the exact problem.

At What Duration You Need To Avail A Diagnostic Testing Done?

There is no need to wait for the check light to blink in order to avail a car diagnostic test done. If you feel or hear something off, a mechanic with the aid of a diagnostic tool can get to the root of the problem. For these precise reason technicians recommend car owners to get a diagnostic check done once in a year. Minor problems could be detected which is not seen or heard.

In case if you are checking a used car, then automotive diagnostic scanner would be an important tool as well. Both professional and private sellers would agree to a diagnostic test being done before you plan to buy the car. If they are not going to do so then you would need to stay clear from the deal.

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.

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. 

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.