So, your "Check Engine" light is on. What now?
We all love our cars & trucks, at least most of the time and here at Tuner Tools
it's our job to help out when something like that pesky "Check Engine"
light diminishes the feeling of a finely tuned and well running ride.
You know there's something wrong, or at least there might be, but what
is it? Is it something serious or did I forget to put the gas cap back
on right?
In this edition of the Tuner Tools Summer Cruisin' Series, we'll focus on the On Board Diagnostic or OBD-II
side of your car as well as some of the easy to use and inexpensive
tools available to help you learn what's going on with your car and why
that light is on. We'll also touch on some of the more advanced uses of
the information from the OBD system that can be incredibly useful when
you're trying to get a performance equipped vehicle to run like you
know it could.
Please read on.......
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So What Is This "OBD-II" Anyway?
 On-Board
Diagnostics, or OBD, in an automotive context, is a generic term
referring to a vehicle's self-diagnostic and reporting capability. OBD
systems give the vehicle owner or a repair technician access to state
of health information for various vehicle sub-systems. The amount of
diagnostic information available via OBD has varied widely since the
introduction in the early 1980's of on-board vehicle computers, which
made OBD possible
OBD-II is an improvement over what came before
in both capability and standardization. The OBD-II standard specifies
the type of diagnostic connector and its pinout, the electrical
signalling protocols available, and the messaging format. It also
provides a candidate list of vehicle parameters to monitor along with
how to encode the data for each.
Finally, the OBD-II standard
provides an extensible list of DTCs (trouble codes). As a result of
this standardization, a single device can query the on-board
computer(s) in any vehicle.*
More detail and the history of OBD is available on our partner website All OBD.com should you wish to learn more.
*
All cars & light duty trucks built for sale in the United States
since model year 1996 are required by law to be OBD-II compliant. In EU
member countries, this requirement was made law begining in model year
2001 for gasoline powered passenger vehicles and 2004 model year for
diesel power passenger vehicles
What is "On Board Diagnostics"? |
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The Elmscan 5 Scan Tool - our most popular product
 The compact and durable ElmScan 5 USB
scan tool supports all OBD-II protocols (including CAN), features
automatic protocol detection, and ships with the free software program
"scantool.net". It will install as a virtual COM port on any USB 1.0
compatible computer running most versions of Windows, including Vista,
XP, 2000, 98, ME.
Please note: This is the USB version of the ElmScan. If you prefer a serial version, visit this link.
This is by far our most popular scan tool. The ElmScan 5 is well built, reliable, easy to use and includes free basic OBD-II software.
See the Elmscan 5 PC based scan tool here |
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ElmScan 5 Bluetooth OBD-II Scan Tool
 The
ElmScan 5 Bluetooth is a compact and versatile wireless scan tool with
a range of up to 300 feet. Optionally, it can be connected to a PC's
serial port using the supplied cable. The scan tool switches easily
between wireless and wired modes by simply connecting the serial cable.
It supports all OBD-II protocols, features automatic protocol detection
and works well with a number of compatible programs, including PCMSCAN, ScanXL ELM or DashCommand as well as many available open source software applications.
This
bluetooth model conveniently allows you to have your laptop away from
the vehicle, such as on a desk or workbench and even allows the use of
a desktop computer as long as it's in range.
Like it's USB &
Serial siblings, the Elmscan 5 Bluetooth also ships with the free basic
OBD-II scan tool application "scantool.net".
ElmScan 5 Bluetooth OBD-II Scan Tool |
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OBD-II Scan Tool, Data Logging & CarPC Software
Premium OBD-II Software for Diagnostics, Data Logging and CarPC
While
the ElmScan 5 and similar scan tools ship with free software that will
reset the check engine light and display the trouble code that caused
the light to come on, sometimes you need a little bit more
functionality and that's where these premium software applications can
shine. Tuner Tools is a fully authorized distributor of OBD-II Software Products from Palmer Performance Engineering:
PCMSCAN is the tried and true and very popular original flagship software from Palmer Performance Engineering. PCMSCAN
works with a number of different scan tool & SAE J2534 interface
hardware including all of the Elm327 based scan tools like the ElmScan
5 family, OBDpros, OBD2 All-In-One, Autotap AT1, AT2, AT3, AT123
(v2.x), VIA LDV100, LDV200, LDV300, LDV123, Multiplex Engineering T16,
ELM320, ELM322, ELM323 (v2.x) ELM327 (all versions), as well as any SAE-J2534 compliant OBD-II interface such as the CarDAQ-plus and the Mongoose J2534 interface cables. PCMSCAN
is a fully featured generic OBD-II scanner and diagnostic tool that
allows viewing, charting, logging and playback of diagnostic data in
real time via the vehicle's OBD-II diagnostic data port. PCMSCAN
also allows viewing of vehicle Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's), Freeze
Frame data, and other vehicle information. It features customizable
high quality virtual dashboards (using our DashXL™ technology) as well
as a built-in virtual drag strip and dyno! ScanXL™ is the professional line of diagnostic scan tool software developed by Palmer Performance Engineering. Built on top of their advanced scan tool technology, ScanXL™
delivers the full range of generic diagnostics for any OBD-II compliant
vehicle sold worldwide, with optional manufacturer-enhanced diagnostics
for many vehicle types. ScanXL™
provides access not only to the powertrain systems, but also ABS,
airbag, and other proprietary systems that would otherwise require
expensive dealer tools to work with (**see notes).
ScanXL™ comes in two different versions* - ScanXL™ J2534 and ScanXL™ ELM and you can add enhanced data for either or both Ford and General Motors to either version** |
* The software licenses are not interchangeable between these ScanXL
versions, so make sure to choose the version that best suits your needs
& matches the hardware interface you intend to use it with.
**
Requires purchase of an enhanced diagnostics add-on package. At present
time, the GM enhanced data is powertrain only. Ford enhanced data
includes ABS, Airbag & proprietary systems now and these will be
added to the GM package within the next few weeks. |
DashCommand™
is a touch screen friendly software application utilizing our
patent-pending DashXL™ technology to deliver high quality dashboards on
any screen size. The dashboards are fully customizable with both
digital and analog gauges, and scale to fit any screen size from
320x240 to 1600x1200 and larger. It supports any display resolution and
has a completely customizable skin-able interface! DashCommand™
supports all OBD-II and EOBD compliant vehicles whether they be US,
Asian, or European. It is designed to work on any desktop, laptop, or
in-car computer that runs Windows. It supports Windows 95, 98, ME, NT,
2K, XP, & Vista. If you own an ELM compatible OBD-II interface and
have a laptop or in-car computer, then DashCommand™ is for you!
OBD-II Scan Tool, Data Logging & CarPC Software |
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The ScanGauge II - Gauge, Computer & Scan Tool
 For
those who want a simpler plug in solution and one that requires no
laptop or PC, the all new ScanGauge II is a 3-in-one Automotive
Computer System. Multi Function Digital Gauges, Trip Computer and
built-in OBD-II Scan Tool! And all this for only $159.95!
DIGITAL GAUGES
Display 4 gauges at a time from the 12 built-in digital gauges. the information is presented in Real-time!
TRIP COMPUTER
Automatically tracks four sets of trip data - Each with 11 individually stored parameters
BUILT-IN SCAN TOOL
The
ScanGuage II allows you to troubleshoot your own car, read error codes,
and the conditions present when the error occurred. You can also turn
off the “Check Engine” light (CEL) and avoid those costly trips to the
mechanic
The ScanGauge II - Gauge, Computer & Scan Tool |
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The CJ4 Enhanced Data Pack OBD / CAN Scantool & Oscilloscope w/ Enhanced Applications
 For the automotive professional (or the DIY guy or gal who wants professional tools) The CJ4 Pro Pack (package 9240-IR)
is a handheld scantool ready to retrieve enhanced diagnostic
information from GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, Volkswagen and
more.
A built-in automotive labscope allows testing sensors,
actuators and electrical circuits. Making it easier and faster to
verify fault codes as a diagnostic is performed.
The CJ4 Pro
Pack also retrieves global OBD-II diagnostic information from most
models of; Acura, Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet,
Chrysler, Daewoo, Dodge, Eagle, Ford, Geo, GMC, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai,
Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda,
Mercedes Benz, Mercury, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Plymouth,
Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Seat, Skoda, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen
and Volvo.
The CJ4 9240-IR Pro Pack contains the power packed PC applications ScanPC and Screenshot Converter.
These
PC programs provide the ability to perform all the scantool diagnostics
with a larger view and various display options. Personalized reports
and printing is supported.
Also, screenshot storage and manipulation is possible, as well as recorded parameters data review.
The CJ4 Enhanced Data Pack OBD / CAN Scantool & Oscilloscope w/ Enhanced Applications |
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Free Shipping - All Orders Over $100 (U.S. Domestic Ground)
 To best serve our customers and provide the most bang for your buck, Tuner Tools
offers free ground shipping on all orders over $100. Overnight shipping
is available on most items, but please contact us before ordering to
avoid any surprises.
Shipping worldwide with verified payment
& confirmed address. Domestic shipments are a mix of services from
UPS, USPS, FedEX & DHL and the method selected is at our
discretion. International shipments are generally USPS Priority
International or Express International (EMI / EMS). Customs & VAT
duties for non U.S. buyers are the responsibility of the buyer. We do
not collect these fees in advance and we do not calculate the amount
which may or may not be charged by the country of import.
Monitor, Diagnose & Light up the Tune in your car or truck! |
Finally, and we sincerely appreciate your having read this far... but finally and in closing;
We
understand full well that times are tough, that there are many other
performance shops & online stores competing for your hard earned
money. At Tuner Tools, we promise to always do our best to earn your
continued trust and your business. We promise to do whatever it takes
to ensure you are happy with every purchase trusted to our team. As a
returning customer, we also offer an additional 5% discount on every
purchase with the use of a coupon code at checkout, just enter TTReturnCustomer in the field provided at checkout and accept our thanks for your loyalty.
Thank
you for being a loyal Tuner Tools Member. We will continue to provide
you valuable savings opportunities as well as additional regular Summer Crusin' Series email
messages each with a specific focus in a particular area of automotive
& truck performance, tuning & diagnostic equipment.
Sincerely,
Lloyd, Jan and The Team at Tuner Tools LLC |
