Carman Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tool Comparison With Gscan

A diagnostic scan tool is a important piece of device for automobile owners. It used to be an essential tool for workshops, but these days every other car or truck owner has a diagnostic scan tool. It is helpful to have such a device since you can save repairing costs to some extent. Many a times even trivial stuff like a loose connection may set on the check engine light. With the help of a scanner you can rectify such problems with ease and save cost. However, you need to have the most suitable scanner to serve your purposes in the best way possible. There are a number of scan tools in the market. You need to draw a comparison between different makes to select the most suitable scanner for your car. Both Carman and GScan are reputed scan tool manufacturers. A comparison between two mid range scanners from Carman and GScan can help you to select the most suitable one.

Carman Auto-i300

It is a PC based multiple use wireless scanner with sufficient memory. It boasts of simple design and has a compact size and intuitive working. You can get auto diagnosis using the built in Bluetooth module. You can also get wired diagnosis using USB cable. It has a Auto Diagnostic Searching feature for vehicles available in its database. The colour display makes it easy to view in sunlight.

Vehicle Coverage

It boasts of huge range of vehicle coverage ranging from OEM Level Coverage for European, Asian, USA and other manufacturers.

Help Feature

For individual car owners help functions are very useful. The Carman Auto-i300 boasts of a help function for different subsystems. It also has a Trouble Code Help Support system which helps in understanding the implications of trouble code. If you are a seasoned pro in the field of car repairs, you can take help of the Vehicle Wiring Diagram too. 

Functionalities

Include trouble code reading, real time parameter view, flight recording, fault code erasing, activating actuators, coding for injector and other components, calibrating sensors, remote and key programming etc. You can also get frequent updates about service procedures.

Compatibility

The Carman scanners are compatible with a wide range of Japanese, Korean, US and European manufacturers.

    • Asian Vehicles
Kia, Hyundai, Ssang Young, GM-Daewoo, Nissan/Infiniti, Toyota/Lexus, Mazda, Honda/Acura, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Fuso, Daihatsu, Chinese and Hino.

    • European Vehicles
Audi, BMW, Volkswagen, Skoda, Seat, Porsche, Volvo, Opel, Saab, Peugeot, Citroen, Renault/Dacia, Lada, Mercedes Benz.

    • US Vehicles
Ford, GM, Jeep, Chrysler,

G-SCAN2

This too is a PC based scanner with a 7” LED color screen that you can view even in sunlight. In fact, readability is very good. It also has sufficient storage for data and application.

Special Features

It boasts of three CPUs for separate functions like communications, computing and measurement. This makes it a high performance device. This scanner is also able to diagnose Asian commercial vehicles.

Functionalities

Apart from usual functionalities like trouble code reading and erasing, CAN BUS line inspection, system auto search, DTC auto search etc there are some special functions. It also offers full text description for all trouble codes.

Special Functionalities

Special functionalities include displaying injector specific data, Transmitter Code Saving, Idle Air Volume Relearn, Idle RPM Correction, Auto Drive Position Setting, Airmatic System Actuation & Leakage Test, Intelligent Key Programming, Steering Angle Sensor Calibration, Data Graphing Function, G-Scan Error Log Capture, Fuel Leakage Test Function, Immobilizer Key Coding, screen capture and noting,  etc.

Apart from these there are some OEM specific functions like BMW Oil Service Light Reset, VW/Audi Electronic Parking Brake, Early VW/Audi SRS DTC Read/Clear, Honda EGR Test Function etc.

Vehicle Coverage

Mazda, Suzuki, isuzu, Mitsubishi, ford, Subaru, Mercedex Benz, Hino trucks, BMW, Fuso, VW/Audi, Proton, Ssanyong and Hynduai. There are some model specific coverage too such as Nissan/Infinity, Honda/Acura, Toyota Lexus etc.

Conclusion

It is apparent that in terms of vehicle coverage, Carman may be somewhat ahead of Gscan. Carman seems to be compatible with a wide range of  European, US and Asian cars. However, in terms of ease of use and performance Gscan may be somewhat ahead of Carman if not equivalent. The triple CPU configuration of Gscan makes it a fast performer in comparison to many others.

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 Benefits Are Expected From An Automotive Scan Tool

The modern versions of cars have witnessed a massive improvement. One thing for sure a lot of technological inputs has been embedded in the overall makeup of a car. Examples in the form of dash cams, rear cams along with other accessories strike our minds. But one of the significant issues that prop up time and time again is how to diagnose and solve the issues pertaining to the vehicle. To have a control over this problem automotive scan tool have emerged.

On board diagnostic tools or OBD is the name given to the car diagnostic tool. You can term it as an automotive term that goes on to describe the reporting capabilities along with the self-diagnostic features of the vehicle. It does provide the repair technicians or the car owners complete access to the various subsystems of the car.

Features

Long before the mandate of EPA in 1996, different brands of cars had varied diagnostic protocols. This was really a cause of inconvenience to both the repairers and car owners. At that point in time, OBD1 was in use and it was cantered to each model and type of vehicle. Once the mandate has been put forth it has become obligatory for the manufacturer to develop a standard diagnostic tool. The best part is that a car owner can go on to purchase any type of diagnostic tool as it will comply with their vehicle.

An information overview is provided to the driver with the use of this standard tool. Gone are the days where they needed to head over to a mechanic for minor issues and fixing it. A considerable amount of time and money is saved during the process. An example will make things more clear. If the wheels of the car are not aligned, information is passed on to the drivers. Generally, the message is displayed on the screen or in any form the manufacturer deems it necessary.

By far till date, this works out to be the most recent additions to the vehicle system as part of modern improvement methods.

The Major Benefits Of An Automotive Scan Tool Are As Follows

A Comprehensive Tool For All The Needs Of Your Car

When it is an automotive scan tool, there are computer systems in place for monitoring and spelling out issues. There are sensors in various parts of the car that transmit data to the main terminal. To detect any potential issue complex codes are in place. Before it becomes dangerous information is sent across to the drivers. By doing so a lot of money and time is saved in the process. In hindsight, the investment is worth the money.

A Sense Of Confidence And Complete Peace Of Mind

With the troubleshooting module, each and every component of your car is accessed. A scanning of the problems is done and the driver is informed if things are not on track. Taking a cue on the technical process, it does require a certain level of technical expertise and knows how in dealing with them. With the convenience feature of a car diagnostic tool, you can operate it without any need of current knowledge. Just follow the instructions that are on screen and the job well done.

Cost-Effectiveness And Affordability

Before the emergence of OBD2, for specific car models or systems, there were diagnostic tools implemented. Each one of them could be used on a particular car model. The problem was a variance in cost was found. it was influenced by the rating of the car in the existing market. This was followed by a variant of car diagnostic tools which one could hardly afford.

In recent times the scanner has gone on to become a lot affordable. You can confer the fact that it would be in line with the standard versions of OBD 1. For the convenience of users, there are multiple language options as well. if you still feel that the price range does not squeeze in your budget, then borrow one from your relatives or friends.

It is high time to purchase an automotive scan tool for the needs of your car.

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.

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.