Quote:
Originally Posted by mgarblik
It is probably worth mentioning that although the parts stores will use a scan tool to retrieve codes and even provide you with a printout and definitions in some cases, their primary objective is to sell parts. That's why they provide the service. It's nice of them, sure, and a free service much like free battery replacement, and wiper blade installation. Remember, however, NO scan tool or trouble codes TELL YOU what is wrong with your car, period. The codes stored are simply a reference to an open, short, or out of expected range signal from thousands and thousands of signals going through a multiplex of dozens of modules in the vehicle. Yes it's true that many of the codes point to a particular part you can buy, replace and plug in and see what happens. The problem may be fixed, it may not if it's a circuit, wiring or processor issue. It's what we in the repair industry refer to as the "shotgun approach" to auto repair. Or we also call it the "RAP" method (replace all parts) Retrieve the code, replace all associated parts. Sometimes you get lucky, sometimes it costs the vehicle owner thousands in unnecessary repairs. That's why a better scan tool like the OP was indicating he wanted is superior. You can record events in real time, map and graph thousands of inputs and outputs, perform functional output tests on all kinds of actuators and sensors. Actually diagnose and repair the problem.
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Speaking of parts stores...Many times it will read the code and say "No solution found" or if it points to a certain part they buy and install it. Most times if it doesn't fix the problem they remove it and return it.
A lot of people just want to clear the code not realizing that it will just come back. I myself have a "Creader" scan tool I was given after I worked on car that was misdiagnosed saving them a lot of money. It works great although it may be becoming dated being a few years old.