In the repair and maintenance of cars, car technicians and maintenance personnel always use some tools to help check the status of the car. Among car scan tools, there are three types of devices: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) scan tools, aftermarket scan tools, and the more general OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) tools.
How to differentiate between OEM scan tools, aftermarket scan tools, and generic OBD-II tools?
OEM scan tools, aftermarket scan tools, and generic OBD-II tools all work for cars to some extent. Each has unique advantages and disadvantages.
Generic OBD-II tools will typically access a certain amount of scan data from a car's ECM (Engine Control Module), but may have difficulty accessing modules specific to electric or hybrid vehicles.
OEM scan tools typically have the most up-to-date and optimized coverage and data because they come from the original manufacturer, and are often used by dealers to diagnose any issues with the cars they sell.
In contrast, aftermarket tools may not always display data parameters accurately when connected to an electric or hybrid vehicle, unless they are enhanced for such specific vehicles.
OEM Scanner Tools vs Universal OBD2 Scanners: The Differences
Scope of application: OEM scan tools are diagnostic tools developed by car manufacturers specifically for their specific models, while universal OBD-II tools are suitable for most car brands and models. As a result, OEM scan tools can provide more granular and detailed diagnostic information to meet manufacturer-specific needs.
Functionality and Features: OEM scanning tools often have more functionality and features, such as supporting specific sensors and systems, providing more precise measurements and analysis, allowing for deeper debugging and configuration, etc. General-purpose OBD-II tools usually only provide basic diagnosis and trouble code reading functions.
Compatibility: OEM scan tools generally have better compatibility, allowing for more stable and reliable communication with the vehicle’s electronic control module (ECM). The universal OBD-II tool may have compatibility issues, resulting in the inability to read or parse the vehicle's diagnostic information.
Cost: Since OEM scan tools are developed and produced by the car manufacturer, they typically cost more than generic OBD-II tools. As a result, OEM scan tools are typically only available to authorized repair sites or dealers, while generic OBD-II tools can be used by regular car owners and service technicians.
What brand is best for scanner?
Autel Scanner Tools. Autel has a series of ecological products for automobile repair and maintenance services, covering OBD2 scanners, sensors, battery testing, endoscopy, ADAS calibration, IMMO services and TPMS services. It has similar OE-level scanning and diagnostic capabilities services for more than 80% of vehicle brands.
Special Note:
- Many scanner brands claim to perform car-wide system diagnostics but do not equate to OE-level diagnostics
- In the communication between the scanner and the car, the tire pressure sensor claiming to be OE level should also pay attention to distinguish the sensor frequency band.
- Choosing a more well-known scanner brand is more reliable
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