What laptops and/or requirements do you recommend?
We currently use Toshiba laptops because of previous success and limited issues. They also consistently rank in the "Top 3 Shoot-out" for laptops (as does IBM). We don't recommend older Dells as they have reported USB issues which most USB devices will have issues with (Dell C500 and C600 series for example, have issues powering the USB port correctly).
As for features, any laptop that can run Windows 2K, XP, or Vista will run any of our products.
Will I have to buy updates every year to keep the ScanTool current?
No. Our OBDII connector was designed on an electrical interface standard that hasn't changed in years. With the advent of new interfaces like CAN, we understand that changes may be required and the unit is field updatable. The software is updated every quarter for any new features that vehicle manufacturers implement and best of all our generic updates are free.
What is the update policy for the enhanced options?
The first 12 months of enhanced option updates are free; for another 12 months of updates the cost is 50 USD (Item #AC10) per regional group (Domestic, Asian, or European) or 50 USD for every 5 enhanced expansions per 12 month period. For example, the ProLine contains the Domestic and Asian support, therefore the cost to update per 12 month period is 100 USD. You are not required to purchase updates and can continue to operate the existing enhanced version for as long as you'd like. After a 12 month period the server will only make activation codes for the previous version unless the account is made current. You are also allowed to skip years and are not required to purchase the skipped years when you do choose to update your enhanced options.
The enhanced options update frequency averages 4 times per 12 month period. Unlike most PC-based software that doesn't provide competitive products to the factory tools, our updates include significant amounts of new enhanced coverage for a diverse set of manufacturers. The engineering effort is considerable to implement this constant and diverse new coverage for service professional-level tools; for that reason we are required to charge for our enhanced coverage updates. Comparing our updates cost to the competing manufacturers' factory tool's update cost will reveal our cost structure to be an amazing bargain.
Please note all enhanced option hardware upgrades are not free. Should a new electrical interface be required for new support, we charge the manufacturing cost of the upgrade and the cost of shipping (Item #AC11 and #AC12).
What is the activation procedure for the enhanced options?
The process is different for USB and serial versions of the product. USB versions are hardware keyed to the USB connector. Once you purchase an option, a 64-digit code will be sent to you that will be used to activate your new options. That code can then be subsequently installed on as many computers as you like. The serial version gets three activations in a 12 month period. This code is computer-based so any change to the computer setup may require a new activation code. USB-based products activations will arrive with your package so you can be up and running immediately. Adding support to a USB-based product and serial-based products activations are done through email. Please do not call technical support for activation codes, this is only done through email.
All my enhanced options are activated, but I get no coverage?
There are several "pirated" or "cracked" versions of our products out on the Internet. If you connect to a vehicle and you get nothing more then Generic OBDII--you have a pirated version. Your "pirated" version is worthless as we provide the Generic support for free with all our scan tool packages. Please don't call our technical support for a help resolving your enhanced options giving no coverage. We can only solve this by selling you a working copy of the software.
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 OBDII 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 Windows PC and Pocket PC feature set are almost identical with minor exceptions. Of course, the PC version will have a more extensive user-interface because of the obvious operating systems capabilities. For example, the Pocket PC does not have support for History or Cleared codes, Saved Sessions, or live data pausing or printing.
In the case of the Palm version, it does have much more significant differences from the PC version. First, the current version of the Palm doesn't support the extensive enhanced coverage of the PC or Pocket PC. The Palm version lacks the Mazda enhanced CAN support, Toyota enhanced CAN support, GM enhanced Light Truck body and chassis, Chrysler, Hyundai/Kia, BMW, Porsche, Subaru, Jaguar, Land Rover, Honda, or Nissan enhanced. Otherwise, its feature set is very close to the 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, KeySpan (supports Vista) etc.). Note: Not all USB-to-Serial adaptors are made equal. We have tried some based on the FDTI chipset (Cables Unlimited), the "10$ eBay unit", and Radio Shack are NOT compatible. We highly recommend getting KeySpan USA-19HS because of their Vista support.
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.
For vehicle's 1994 and 1995, CARB has provided this list: CARB_OBDII_Compliance.pdf
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. Check the Software Enhancements page for more details..
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).
I have an old unit, how can I tell if the unit I purchased has CAN installed in my OBDII connector?
All USB OBDII connectors are pre-built with CAN. The RS-232C version have will have eight pins for CAN-enabled version; and six for the non-CAN.
What is the wireless option?
With the popularity of the Bluetooth wireless technology appearing in PDAs and laptops, we decided to work with AirCable to provide this cabless solution to our connectors. Bluetooth has a range of 33 feet and is easier to use than other wireless technologies. Because Bluetooth is a "cable replacement" technology, it doesn't require sophisticated network protocols and complex handshaking. This means its installation and operation are much simpler than other wireless technologies. If you buy the Bluetooth solution when you buy your OBDII connector we will insert a power supply inside the OBDII connector to drive the Bluetooth transceiver. Without this power supply, you'll be required to externally power the Bluetooth transceiver. Our Bluetooth transceivers are also modified to specifically work in our communications environment so that you don't have to set anything up. The Bluetooth transceiver is a small module that then attaches to the end of our OBDII connector instead of the normal serial cable. By not building the Bluetooth module into our OBDII connector, you can still use the standard serial cable for those times that your computing device is not Bluetooth-enabled.
Why not use 802.11x for wireless?
802.11x is expensive and complex. Too complex for something as simple as replacing a cable. Bluetooth has a protocol purely for serial cable replacement making its use the right choice.
Why don't you recommend Bluetooth with PC enhanced interface options?
Although in some cases Bluetooth will work fine, it won't work flawlessly. The reason we say this is because generic OBD-II's data rates are slow enough to accommodate Bluetooth's overhead but enhanced interfaces typically run to fast for Bluetooth. So if you are pulling codes or checking IM states Bluetooth will work perfectly. But in the case of viewing a few dozen enhanced sensors or actuating components it will yield unreliable data.
I never see the "OBDII Connector Found" message. What am I doing wrong?
In most cases, this is caused by a serial port not operating correctly or there is no power on the vehicle's DLC. Always check that your serial port is not already being used and set to the correct baud rate or faster. (We recommend 115.2k; however, 19.2K is the minimum.) Lastly, check pins 16 (V) and 4 or 5 (GND) for ~12V. If you find no voltage, check the vehicle's DLC fuse. For most Fords and GM vehicles, check the Cigarette Lighter fuse. For most Dodge trucks, check the radio fuse.
Which connector do I need for my vehicle? *
Currently, AutoEnginuity is selling two connectors - the ST05 OBDII, and the ST06 ProLine. The basic OBDII functionality, is the same on both connectors, but in Enhanced Mode, they both perform differently. First, the ST06 ProLine works with all enhanced support. The ST05 ODBII connector does not work with them all. If you are planning on adding an enhanced interface to your system, or do not own an AutoEnginuity system yet, and would like to know what you should order, or even if you own a system and do not know which connector to use for a specific manufacturer and would like to have a reference chart, please click on this link to find out more.
I have Windows Vista / 7, and I want know how to make a debug log file?
The Windows' security model has changed since Window XP, now you will have to enable the ability for software to make a file in the root of the C drive. We prefer to create it there instead of the software directory, because it's easier to get to for most of our non-computer trained customers. If you have a new operating system then Windows XP, click on this link for how to enable debug logging.
* Last Updated 09/03/2009
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