All I know is that it spits out codes to tell you what's wrong. I'm getting my car checked on one next Friday and I was just wondering if it's actually going to tell me the right things cause money is TIGHT! I have problems with my radiator and my oil and like my alternator. I think. Will the diagnoistic check tell me that type of stuff? Cause they said they had one for the transmission too and I'm just really confused.
2007-03-24 21:23:18 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
A "Code Reader" spits out codes, often only generic ones, not vehicle or brand specific codes. You can find these readers at any auto parts store for $100-300.
A Diagnostic Scanner gives vehicle specific codes, allows the diagnostician to view a snapshot of what every function on the engine was doing when the code(s) was registered, allows the diagnostician to view all engine performance data in real time and will even allow the diagnostician to do things like turn cooling fans on and off or open the EGR valve manually.
A Computer Engine Diagnostic isn't going to tell you anything about your radiator, alternator or oil though. These are not things the engine PCM monitors. They require different tests.
2007-03-25 02:00:11 · answer #1 · answered by Naughtums 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will tell you things that aren't acting right on your vehicle and will give you a pretty good idea of whats wrong.
While it will tell you whats not acting right lets say your EGR valve flashes up, it won't tell you why the valve messed up in the first place. Could be age, could be another problem down the line someplace.
2007-03-24 21:48:48 · answer #2 · answered by relkholyheart 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋