Scan Tool Levels

Since a Scan Tool can range in cost from $20-$10,000 or more, you need to know first what level of diagnostics you want to be able to perform and what are the different levels of scan tools have to offer. In addition to functionality, since the scan tool is a mini-handheld computer that communicates with a car’s computer the more money a scan tool costs, the more likely that the internal components are of greater capabilities allowing better performance.

In an effort to classify capabilities of scan tools, I created the following table based on my opinions of user levels. Scan Tool Examples

Feature/Level Consumer Novice Beginner Intermediate Advanced Professional
Display Generic PIDs1 X X X X X X
Display Manufacture OBD PIDs1,5 X X X X X
Graphing Generic PIDs1 X X X X
Graphing Manufacture PIDs1,5 X X X X
Clear Trouble Codes X X X X
Bi-Directional Control2,5 X X X
Oscilloscope7 X X
Sensor Testing Information3,5,6 X
Specific Trouble Code Fixes4,5,6 X
Legends
1 PID - Parameter ID, e.g. Throttle position sensor %
2 Bi-Directional Control - This allows the user to change the state of actuators in the car for testing purpose. For example, using this feature, a technician can turn on an EGR control solenoid to test that the EGR Value Position Sensor reports correctly to the ECU.
3 Sensor Testing Information - Detailed sensor information containing location, pin outs, specific tests, and desired voltages or wave forms.
Note: This service is usually a yearly subscription.
4 Specific Trouble Code Fixes - A database of write ups on common fixes for your specific issues for your specific automobile. This is Priceless of the professional mechanic.
5 If you want to access to information for newer vehicles, this is usually a yearly update.
6 This service is usually a yearly subscription.
7 This could be accomplished via another device.
Consumer This person just wants to know reported trouble codes. This would allow them to perform some research before going to a mechanic. This knowledge would help reduce the probability of being taken advantage of.
Novice This person understands the difference between generic codes and manufacture specific codes. Again, like the novice, they are interested in performing research for trouble codes that are specific to their automobile make.
Beginner This person is leveraging this site and the resources provided. They are starting to have a good understanding of how computer control automobiles function. They are able to address straight forward issues.
Intermediate Using the numerous resources provided on this site, this person has studied quite a bit and has a good amount of actual diagnostic and mechanical work experience. They have the ability to use a digital volt meter (DVM) and leverage the scan tool to display appropriate PIDs to determine root causes to a majority of trouble codes.
Advanced Using many more resources then provided on this web site, this person has studied a great deal and has a very good understanding of mechanical, electronics, and automobile diagnostics. They have been working with cars for double digits years. They usually work with wiring diagrams, DVMs, test lights, oscilloscope, scan tools … to track down advanced automotive issues.

They tend to really enjoy working on automobiles. They will most likely help friends or colleagues for a small amounts of money that they immediately reinvest into this hobby.
Professional This person is a professional mechanic. They will most likely be professionally trained and be ASE certified. They work on cars all day and need to diagnose and make repairs quickly and accurately.

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