Mechanics Tool Supply

OTC Tools is on schedule to launch the Pegisys™ OTC3825 onboard diagnostic futureistic scan tool in mid September. With At the fender™, Untethered Diagnostics, Air Bridge™, Speedscroll™ Control, Touch Screen, High Speed Scope, Multi Media capabilities, the Pegisys is sure to be the icing on the cake. OTC Tools has been producing scan technology for over 25 years now. The OTC3825 Pegisys kit addresses the mechanics tools storage issue as well. The cable case top and bottom halves split for easy placement into most tool box drawers. The OEM adapters are identified by part number, color, and description for easy storage and identification in its rugged blow molded case. OTC Tools has also claimed that the OTC3696 Genisys will remain in the scan tool family. The Pegisys, Genisys, and many more scan tools can be found at Mechanics Tool Supply.

Did you know that cars and trucks are responsible for approximately half of the air pollution that causes acid rain, smog, and climate change?   It is true that modern cars emit less air pollution than older vehicles due to new engine management tools and emission control equipment; they are only cleaner if all emission control systems are operating properly. The OBD II system can often detect a vehicle malfunction before the driver becomes aware of the problem. Early detection and repair of malfunctions will result in fewer emissions. In addition, early repair of minor problems may prevent more significant and more expensive engine problems that could develop if left undetected. These problems can be detected and repaired quickly and usually with less cost if the mechanics tool box contains one of many OBDII scan tools. For example, a poorly performing spark plug can cause the engine to misfire, a condition sometimes unnoticed by the driver, but one that will be detected by the OBD II system. This engine misfire can, in turn, quickly degrade the performance of the catalytic converter and permanently damage the catalyst. By responding to the check engine light (turned on by the OBD II system) in a timely manner, the driver would be faced with a relatively inexpensive spark plug repair. However, without OBD II detection, the driver could be faced with an expensive catalytic converter repair in addition to the spark plug repair. Many OBDII scan tools store the malfunction information in the computer’s memory at the time it occurs, OBD II allows the mechanic to more accurately identify the problem and make the proper repairs. This saves time for the repair technician, money for the consumer, and reduces air pollution. The next generation scan tool, the new OTC3825 Pegisys™ gives the mechanic tools to gather all the information At the Fender™ saving you and the mechanic time money and comebacks. The OTC3825 Pegisys will be available soon at mechanics tool supply

Pegisys provides over 27 years of vehicle coverage (1980 - 2007) for 44 different vehicle makes from over 25 different manufacturers. This is the KEY for the OTC3825 onboard diagnostic (OBDI-OBDII) labeled The New Pegisys!!
It comes preloaded with expanded Scan (Pathfinder™) and Scope (Infotech™) diagnostics, Repair-Trac™ Tech Tips, Automated System test™, includes large screen touch control, SpeedScroll™ Thumb pads, built-in 2-channel scope, audio and video capability and much more. Product Features Include: Airbridge™ Wireless Connectivity , At the Fender™ Diagnostics , SpeedScroll™ Control , Touch Screen , High-Speed Scope , and Multi-Media capabilities. The OTC3825 Pegisys should be able to add to the mechanics tools box  in September,  and will be available at mechanics tool supply. Additional scan tools and code readers by OTC Tools, Innova, Actron, and more are available to ship immediately.

We talked yesterday about there being various levels of scan tools and the advanced abilities that come with each level.  Today we are going to look at that a bit more as we focus on OEM, aftermarket, and CAN compliant scan tools. 

There is no doubt about it, OEM factory scan tools are very impressive.  They give the user basically an all access pass to all they need, but this accessibility comes with a price.  Some OEM scan tools cost over $5000.  These scan tools have a few inclusions, though:  Tech II for GM applications, New Generation Star (NGS) for for Ford/Lincoln/Mercury models, DRB III for Chrysler, and those needed for foreign vehicles as well.  These types of scan tools have access to everything - they have your regular run of the mill diagnostic codes, all the onboard self-test features and electronics.  They can also be utilized to reset a module if need be. 

One drawback to these tools is that they generally only work for one car, making it fairly useless for a mechanic unless he or she has the resources to purchase many to compensate for all the vehicles that come in to a shop.  By applying the appropriate hardwares and softwares to a general scan tool, they are performing their work more feasibly. 

Nowadays, car are being built with a protocol called CAN (Controller Area Network).  A CAN-compliant scan tool is needed in order to perform the necessary diagnostics. 

Tomorrow we will continue with the “Reading Diagnostic Codes” series when we talk specifically about scanner software.

In yesterday’s post, we talked about the benefits of using a code reader to read diagnostic codes that are registered when a fault is noticed.  As was also stated yesterday, code readers have their limitations in the amount of knowledge they can offer the user.  When more of a thorough onboard diagnostic tool is needed, a scan tool comes in extremely handy. 

Unlike code readers, scan tools have the ability to read sensor data and operating information.  Like code readers, there are both generic scan tools and professional level.  Generic scan tools not only do all that code readers do, but they also show system monitors, air flow, coolant temperature, and many other various readings. 

Professional level scan tools, on the other hand, do all that a generic can do and more.  They can display Performance Information Data (PID), and, given adequate software is installed, can perform most OEM self-tests.  When the more high-tech scan tools are used that show graphs, more information can be gathered due to the visual the graph provides. 

We will continue to look more in depth at scan tools and their abilities in tomorrows post.  Stay tuned!

Yesterday we took a glance at many of the acronyms that are often seen when dealing with OBD II systems.  Today, we will look at the remainder of that list.

• J1850PWM:  Pulse Width Modulated - SAE-established OBD II communication standard used by Ford domestic cars and light trucks.  One of three hardware layers defined by OBD II.
• J1850VPW:  Various Pulse Width Modulated - SAE-established OBD II communication standard used by GM cars and light trucks.  One of three hardware layers defined by OBD II.
• J1962:  SAE-established standard for the connector plug layout used for all OBD II scan tools.
• J1978:  SAE-established standard for OBD II scan tools.
• J1979:  SAE-established standard for diagnostic test modes.
• J2012:  SAE-established standard accepted by EPA as the standard test report language for emission tests.
• MAF:  Mass Air Flow
• MAP:  Manifold Absolute Pressure
• MAT:  Manifold Air Temperature
• MFG:  Manufacturer
• MIL:  Malfunction Indicator Light
• NOx:  Oxides of Nitrogen
• O2:  Oxygen
• OBD:  Onboard Diagnostics
• OBD II:  Updated onboard diagnostics standard effective in cars sold in the US after 1996
• PCM:  Powertrain Control Module
• PCV:  Positive Crankcase Ventilation
• PID:  Parameter ID
• PTC:  Pending Trouble Code
• RPM:  Revolutions per Minute
• SAE:  Society of Automotive Engineers (professional organization that set the standards that EPA adopted for OBD and OBD II).
• SES:  Service Engine Soon light (now referred to as MIL)
• SFI:  Sequential Fuel Injection
• TBI:  Throttle Body Injection
• TPI:  Tuned Port Injection
• TPS:  Throttle Position Sensor
• VAC:  Vacuum
• VCM:  Vehicle Control Module
• VIN:  Vehicle Identification Number
• VSS:  Vehicle Speed Sensor
• WOT:  Wide Open Throttle

That wraps up our look at OBD II acronyms and what they stand for!

Early onboard diagnostics (OBD) were very limited as to what what information they gave technicians, as well as what problems they could even detect.  When OBD II came along, a new generation of onboard diagnostics was born, creating a variety of codes that allow for the detection of more specific problems that are going on within the vehicle.

Unlike before when only the most serious engine problems were detected, OBD II, being more sensitive to the happenings within the engine, now detects engine misfires as well.  If patterns occur within these misfires, a code will be sent to the onboard diagnostics and the “Check Engine” light will appear.  Once this misfire code is sent, the technician can then begin troubleshooting what the problem is, such as a bad spark plug or a clogged fuel injector.  A list of generic trouble codes can be found here.

False codes can be a problem due to the sensitivity of the modern onboard diagnostics.  Various conditions, such as driving on a rough road, may cause a code to be sent to the OBD system.  Luckily, some newer systems attempt to compensate for these conditions in the way the onboard diagnostics are created.

OBD II has many advantages that early diagnostic systems simply did not have.  The ability to pinpoint vehicle engine issues saves both time for the technician, as well as money for the vehicle owner.  In order to diagnose these issues, though, technicians must have the technical training and the equipment, such as scan tools, to do so.