I’m not a professional mechanic, even with AutoEnginuity's scan tool, will I have to take my car to an authorized service center for repairs?

That depends on your skill set and your vehicle’s problem. The whole point of our product is to help you figure out what service, if any, your vehicle requires. Whether you are a skilled technician or a Do-It-Yourselfer, AutoEnginuity’s scan tool offers you unparalleled access to your vehicle’s engine computer so that you can examine system test results and live sensor data. What’s more, our User Guide is packed with information that will help you understand engine management and how to use our tool to diagnose the problem. If you don't have the tools or mechanical skills to perform the work, then at least you'll be armed with the knowledge of what the problem really is. In those cases where the Check Engine/Service Engine Soon indicator is illuminated for something as trivial as a loose gas cap, you can prevent the costly and time-consuming trip to an authorized service center without ever turning a wrench.

Is there enough information in the generic OBDII interface to service my vehicle?

Yes. The generic OBDII interface supports sensors that can tell you if something is wrong with your vehicle. If your vehicle is equipped with OBDII, then the emission-related sensors are directly affecting your vehicle’s performance. If any of those sensors detect a malfunction your vehicle will perform badly or can breakdown. For the most part, the sensors used by the generic OBDII interface are those that are required for even the most complex servicing. If your vehicle supports an OBDII enhanced interface (GM, Ford, Chrysler, Mazda, and Toyota), then you can also purchase the optional expansion modules, which support more sensors and fault codes. The enhanced support gives you even more information with which to diagnose your vehicle.

Why not buy a cheap tool to clear the Check Engine/Service Engine Soon indicator or wait for it to go away?

The Check Engine/Service Engine Soon indicator is connected to the engine computer, which constantly senses for faults. Even if you did reset the Check Engine/Service Engine Soon indicator, or wait for the computer to stop sensing the fault, something is wrong. It's unwise to pretend that the fault didn't happen. A potentially serious engine-related issue could strand you on the side of the road and/or cost you a lot more money, because you ignored it or waited until it was too late to service the vehicle. You need the peace of mind that your vehicle is in top operating condition. Even if the problem is trivial, it could affect your vehicle’s performance and that’s costing you money.

Will this reset my Oil or Service Interval light? Or how about the ABS or Airbag light?

Yes and no. First these are not covered by generic OBD-II so the basic unit will NOT support this. Second, with some vehicles you don't actually need a tool (i.e., 2001+ BMWs now use the instrument cluster and Toyotas use the ignition key position and odometer reset button). Finally, in the case of GM, with our enhanced interface option we can actuate the Oil Life Reset and reset the Crank Learn (spanner wrench icon on the cluster). In the case of the airbag or ABS light, if you have our enhanced interface option and it supports those systems for your vehicle, clearing the light is as easy as clicking the Clear button the DTC tab.

What's the difference between PDA and PC versions?

The PC version has a more extensive user-interface. The feature set is almost identical between the PC and Pocket PC platforms with minor exceptions. The Palm version does have much more significant differences from the PC version. First, the current version of the Palm doesn't support the Chrysler enhanced, Mazda enhanced CAN support, Toyota enhanced CAN support, Hyundai/Kia enhanced, GM enhanced Light Truck body and chassis. Otherwise, it is feature complete with PC version. Want both the compact size of a PDA and the power of a PC? Get the Panasonic ToughBook laptop with a 8" or 12" touch-screen.

What would be the differences between RS-232C serial and USB versions of the OBDII connector?

First, the vehicle bus is the limiter, so USB will not be faster then RS-232C serial. The advantages of RS-232C serial is it can have cable lengths up to 100ft; whereas, USB can't without powered repeaters. Also, RS-232C serial is required for Dual Mode (PC/PDA) connectors. (Since almost all PDAs can't be a host for USB devices.) USB does have the advantage of Plug-n-Play without device drivers and no port configurations necessary for operation.

Why do you require USB 2.0 support on Windows 98SE/ME?

Our product supports enhanced interfaces which use USB 2.0 devices. Those devices are discovered using USB 2.0 commands. We first check for their presence and then proceed. Since Windows 2000 and XP have this support, it's not necessary.

Can I use a USB-to-serial adaptor with your serial version of the product?

AutoEnginuity has verified our product with dozens of USB-to-Serial adaptors (IO Gear, Prolific, Belkin, etc.). This adaptor can also be purchased from us. Note: Not all USB-to-Serial adaptors are made equal. We have tried some based on the FDTI chipset (Cables Unlimited), KeySpan, the "<10$ eBay unit", and Radio Shack are NOT compatible. We highly recommend getting any of the above or anything based on the Prolific-chipset from a reputable company.

Can I use a USB-to-serial adaptor with my PDA?

Sorry, no. Today's PDAs do not host devices. They can only be slaves. Since our product requires a host, a USB adaptor won't work either. Currently we have no version that doesn't require a host.

I have an IBM ThinkPad with a serial/COM port. Why doesn't the software connect to the vehicle?

The IBM ThinkPad also has a IrDA port that can collide with your serial/COM port. The best way to solve this problem is to disable the IrDA port. This can be done in the Device Manager (varies per operating system version). While you're there, verify that the serial/COM port is enabled. When asked, reboot the PC. This will re-enable the serial/COM port. After the computer reboots, return to the Device Manager and determine which port number the serial/COM is now on. (This can change when you re-boot.) Finally, restart ScanTool and select the serial/COM port.

I have an HP 1910 Pocket PC. Why can't I find a serial cable?

The HP 1910 Pocket PC doesn't have a serial cable available for it. Our OBDII connector will not work with this Pocket PC device.

How do I know if my vehicle is OBDII/EOBD compliant?

If your passenger vehicle or light truck was manufactured for sale in the U.S., with the model year of 1996 and newer (and rarely some 1994 and 1995 vehicles), you will have the OBDII interface. EOBD vehicles follow the same rules except new gasoline models became complaint in 2000 and existing models became compliant in 2001. EOBD diesel vehicles start with the 2004 model years. You can also check in the engine compartment for an emissions sticker that will verify your vehicle's compliance.

What OBDII/EOBD vehicles does the ScanTool or SpeedTracer not work with?

We will connect to the Duramax, Cummins, and Powerstroke diesel vehicles; however, because their gross vehicle weight exceeds the maximum requirements of the OBDII standard, they are not OBDII compliant and a very limited amount of data and sensors will report with generic OBDII. However, with the enhanced Ford, GM, or Chrysler interfaces, the proprietary powertrain and other systems sensors are available.

What is CAN?

CAN is short for Controller Area Network. It will be the required electrical interface for all vehicles beginning in the model year of 2008. Some vendors began using CAN exclusively in the model year of 2004 (Ford, Jaguar, and Mazda). While other manufacturers implemented it selectively in their vehicles beginning in the 2004 model year (Mercedes, Porsche, SAAB, and Toyota for example).