How to Use Automotive Diagnostic Scanners

nbsp; Beginning with why scanners are needed to work effectively on modern cars, this book teaches you how to choose the right scanner for your application, how to use the tool, and what each code means. How To Use Automotive Diagnostic Scannersis illustrated with photos and diagrams to help you understand OBD-I and OBD-II systems (including CAN) and the scanners that read the information they record. Also included is a comprehensive list of codes and what they mean. From catalytic converters and O2 sensors to emissions and automotive detective work, this is the complete reference for keeping your vehicle EPA-compliant and on the road!Diagnostic systems monitor everything from cylinder misfires to improperly closed gas caps. Starting with why we need scannersnbsp;to work effectively on modern cars, this book teaches readers how to choose the right tool (from the bewildering array of scanners, ranging from hand-held units to computer software), how to use it, and what each code means. It also includes a complete guide to online information sources as well as a comprehensive list of codes.A federal government mandate put on-board diagnostic systems--at the time strictly for emissions--into automobiles in the 1970s. But it wasnrsquo;t until 2002 that automakers made their diagnostic codes available to the public. Now backyard mechanics and professionals alike have access to these codes, which today monitor everything from cylinder misfires to improperly closed gas caps. All thatrsquo;s missing is information about how to use this invaluable diagnostic tool; this book provides that information. Starting with why scanners are needed to work effectively on modern cars, author Tracy Martin teaches readers how to choose the right tool (therersquo;s a bewildering array of scanners, ranging from hand-held units to computer software to giant shop machines), how to use it, and what each code means. He also includes a complete guide to online information sources as well as a comprehensive list of codes.From hand-held, dedicated units to software that turns PCs and Palm Pilots into powerful diagnostic scanners, auto enthusiasts today have a variety of methods available to make use of on-board diagnostic systems.nbsp;And not only can they be used to diagnose operational faults, they can be used as low-budget data acquistion systems and dynamometers, so you can maximize your vehicle's performance. Beginningnbsp;with why scanners are needed to work effectively on modern cars, this booknbsp;teachesnbsp;you how to choose the rightnbsp;scanner for your application,nbsp;how to use the tool, and what each code means. "How To Use Automotive Diagnostic Scanners" is illustrated with photos and diagrams to help you understand OBD-I and OBD-II systems (including CAN) and the scanners that read the information they record. Also included is anbsp;comprehensive list of codes and what they mean. From catalytic converters and O2 sensors to emissions and automotive detective work, this is the complete reference for keeping your vehicle EPA-compliant and on the road!How to choose a scanner, how to use it, and what the codes mean.Tracy Martin writes forMotorcycle Consumer News, RoadBike, Friction Zone, PowerSports,andDealer Newsmagazines. Author of three books, Tracy co-authored theMSFrsquo;s Guide to Motorcycling Excellence, Second Edition. Published by Motorbooks International, Tracyrsquo;s latest book,Motorcycle Electrical Systems: Troubleshooting and Repair, is available at book sellers everywhere. His first book,How to Diagnose and Repair Automotive Electrical Systems, is also available at book stores. In addition to writing, Tracy teaches the Total Control Advanced Riding Clinic with Lee Parks, author ofTotal Control. Tracy has presented riding skills and motorcycle suspension seminars across the United States and recently in England and the Russian Federation.