Understanding professional car scanners can be crucial for modern vehicle maintenance and diagnostics. Many car owners and enthusiasts have questions about how these devices work and what they can do. Here, we address some of the most frequently asked questions to help you better understand professional car scanners.
Is the RepairSolutions2 App Necessary for Using a Professional Car Scanner?
While the RepairSolutions2 app is optional and available for free, it significantly enhances the capabilities of your professional car scanner. Think of it as a powerful diagnostic assistant. Although you can use the scanner independently, the app unlocks a wealth of advanced features. These include ASE-verified repair recommendations, options to export scan reports for detailed analysis, predicted repair timelines to help you plan, and access to technical service bulletins (TSBs) which are vital for identifying known issues and manufacturer-recommended fixes. For a comprehensive diagnostic experience, leveraging the RepairSolutions2 app is highly recommended.
Are Software Updates for Professional Car Scanners Free?
Yes, updates for professional car scanners are provided free of charge, and there are no subscription fees involved. This ensures that your device remains up-to-date with the latest vehicle protocols and diagnostic information, maximizing its effectiveness and longevity without incurring extra costs.
Can Professional Car Scanners Be Used Globally?
While professional car scanners are designed to be compatible with a wide range of vehicles, including domestic, foreign, and Asian makes, their operational range is typically limited to the United States and Canada. This is because these devices are engineered to comply with North American OBD protocols. For users in Mexico, compatibility is generally restricted to vehicles imported from the US. Therefore, it’s important to verify regional compatibility before use outside of North America.
Will a Professional Car Scanner Work on My Specific Vehicle?
Professional car scanners are designed to work with most vehicles that are OBD2-compliant, which includes the majority of cars manufactured from 1996 onwards. However, the specific features and functionalities can vary depending on your vehicle’s year, make, and model. To ensure compatibility and understand the extent of coverage for your particular vehicle, it is always advisable to use a Coverage Checker tool. This will confirm whether the scanner is fully compatible with your car and detail the features available.
Is it Possible to Diagnose FCA Vehicles (e.g., Jeep, Chrysler) with a Professional Car Scanner?
Professional car scanners offer comprehensive system diagnostics for FCA vehicles such as Jeep and Chrysler, particularly models manufactured in 2017 or earlier. For newer FCA vehicles from 2018 onwards, which require AutoAuth access for certain functions, these scanners can still perform tasks like TPMS relearn and access live data streams. However, due to limitations in AutoAuth access with standard handheld and dongle scanners, some features will be restricted. For instance, functions like code erasing, oil resets, and battery initialization may not be available on newer FCA models without AutoAuth. For full access to features on these vehicles, consider advanced options like the Innova 7111 tablet, which supports AutoAuth.
Can Professional Car Scanners Reprogram Vehicle Computers or Program Key Fobs?
No, professional car scanners are primarily designed for diagnostic purposes and do not support vehicle computer reprogramming or key fob programming. These functions typically require specialized equipment and software beyond the scope of standard professional car scanners.
Will a Professional Car Scanner Work on a Vehicle That Won’t Start?
No, OBD2 scanners, including professional car scanners, require the vehicle to be able to start or at least crank. These tools communicate with the vehicle’s Electronic Control Units (ECUs), which need to be powered on to establish a connection. If a vehicle cannot start or crank, the ECU is likely not powered sufficiently for the scanner to connect and perform diagnostics. Therefore, for a professional car scanner to function, the vehicle must be in a condition where it can at least attempt to start.
