For car owners and mechanics alike, understanding a vehicle’s history and current status is crucial. When it comes to assessing a car, mileage is a key factor. You might wonder, “Will a Snap-On scanner tell you how many miles are on a car?” The answer is yes, and this article will explain how and why this information is invaluable.
Snap-On scanners are renowned in the automotive industry for their advanced diagnostic capabilities. Beyond just reading and clearing trouble codes, these professional-grade tools can delve deep into a vehicle’s computer systems. One of the many pieces of data accessible through a Snap-On scanner is the vehicle’s mileage, often stored within the Engine Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
Accessing Mileage with a Snap-On Scanner
Snap-On scanners communicate with your car’s computer via the OBD-II port, typically located under the dashboard. Once connected, the scanner can request and display a wide range of live data and stored information. Finding the mileage reading is usually straightforward within the scanner’s menu system. Here’s a general process:
Connect the Scanner: Plug your Snap-On scanner into the OBD-II port of your vehicle.
Identify the Vehicle: Follow the scanner prompts to input your vehicle’s year, make, and model. This ensures the scanner is communicating correctly with your specific car.
Navigate to Data Display: Look for options like “Live Data,” “Data Stream,” or similar terms in the scanner’s menu.
Search for Mileage or Odometer: Within the data parameters, scroll through the list to find “Mileage,” “Odometer,” or a similar descriptor. The exact wording may vary slightly depending on your scanner model and the vehicle.
View the Reading: Select the mileage parameter to display the current odometer reading as reported by the vehicle’s computer system.