How To Use Automotive Diagnostic Scanners (Motorbooks Workshop)

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. 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.

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 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 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!

Customer Reviews:

Good book

By J. Reichard "ASE cert. mechanic" - May 3, 2009

After buying and reading this book cover to cover, I am little disappointed in some of the scan tool coverage. It does a good job of covering the nuts and bolts of obd1 and obd2, and giving you background on what they are and what they want to do. This is a great starting point as most driveability problems stem from the computer trying to keep everything within certain parameters, and what it can't do.

It has some great gems in it, which is always a plus, but it could go a little more in depth about what it actually is that you are looking at when you use the scan tool, and what fuel trim is, what it means, how to use the tool to get into the problem, etc.

I can never say that a book is a total letdown, because all automotive books have gems that a real mechanic can't ever say aren't useful, but this book won't give you the total definitive scan tool. But it is a great primer for those that have purchased one and are on their way to understanding and using... read more

Good place to start

By Olumide "O.A.A" - October 19, 2009

If you want a fast start to becoming a doing yourself technician and have never work with a scanner and have zero idea of OBD 11 system and related components.... this is an entry level recommendation for you. The book should have been titled "Introduction to the OBD II Diagnostic" has the emphasis is on basic principles/component of OBD 11 compliant vehicles and their functionalities.

Glad I bought it. A superb book.

By William Burdick - March 11, 2011

I'm an old guy who works on cars as a habit from years past and to save a buck when I can. I saw a scanner in Walmart for $98. I inferred that that product was legitimate, capable, and designed for people with my general level of ability. Online research let me confirm that, so I decided to buy a scanner. Spending extra money for a book is never easy, but it is something that I usually do. I've probably got sixty books over the years from auto body repair to engine rebuild.
This book is a pearl. It is exceptionally high quality from a physical standpoint with sturdy pages and sturdy spine. It is well laid out visually with colors, white space, text, diagrams, and photos together very effectively. I think it is well organized subject-wise, and the subject selection and the depth/breadth of each were just right for me to get a handle on the world of the "Check Engine" light. Kudos to Motorbooks. The author says in the Preface that Motorbooks approached him to write the... read more