No. AutoEnginuity's ScanTool includes all three vehicle interfaces in a single compact connector. This is a cost savings of hundreds of dollars over the competitors' units.

Will I have to buy updates every year to keep the OBDII ScanTool current?

No. Our OBDII connector was designed on an electrical interface standard that hasn't changed in years. All our updates are implemented in software and field updatible. The software is updated every quarter for any new features that vehicle manufacturers implement and best of all it's free.

I’m not a professional mechanic, even with AutoEnginuity's ScanTool, 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 ScanTool 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, etc.), 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.

What if my computer doesn't have an RS-232 (9-pin) serial/COM port?

Not all newer computers have the traditional 9-pin serial connector, instead they are being equipped with USB. If your computing device has USB only, then you will need a USB-to-Serial adapter. A USB-to-Serial adapter simply connects to your USB port and gives you a fully functional traditional 9-pin serial connector. AutoEnginuity has verified our product with dozens of USB-to-Serial adaptors (IO Gear, Prolific, Bafo, etc.). This adaptor can also be purchased separately from us. Please note that Belkin USB-to-serial adaptors do NOT enumerate as serial ports to software; but, as a modem. We choose not to allow modem ports to be auto detected and therefore the Belkin USB-to-serial adaptor will not work with our software.

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 the ScanTool and select the serial/COM port.

I have an HP 19XX Pocket PC. Why can't I find a serial cable?

The HP 19XX Pocket PCs don't have a serial cable available for them. Our OBDII connector will not work with these Pocket PC devices.

How do I know if my vehicle is OBDII compliant?

If your passenger vehicle was manufactured for sale in the U.S., with the model year of 1996 and newer (and rarely some 1995 vehicles), you have the OBDII interface. You can check in the engine copartment for an emissions sticker that will verify your vehicle's compliance.

What vehicles does the ScanTool or SpeedTracer not work with?

The EPA has listed the 2000 Nissan Maxima and Altima as non-compliant because of a hybrid protocol implementation and they will not connect. We will connect to the Duramax, Cummings, and Powerstroke diesel vehicles; however, because their gross vehicle exceeds the maximum requirements of the OBDII standard, they are not OBDII compliant and very limited data or sensors will report with generic OBDII. However, with the Ford enhanced interface, the Powerstrokes and everything 250 - 450 will access all the Ford proprietary powertrain sensors.

Why does my vehicle only show a few live vehicle sensors?

Some vehicles (Dodge Caravan and BMW M3/M5 2001-2004) only have a few live vehicle sensors available through the OBDII vehicle interface. We query the vehicle for the available sensors, and we enumerate that list as is. In the case of the vehicles listed above, the ScanTool will only be useful to retrieve trouble codes and inspection/maintenance monitor results.

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 2006. Some vendors began using CAN exclusively in the model year of 2004 (Ford, Mazda, Jaguar, Mercedes, BMW, Nissan, and Subaru). While other manufacturers implemented it selectively in their vehicles beginning in the 2004 model year (Toyota, SAAB, and Porshce). The CAN option is a new daughter board that fits inside our existing OBDII connector design. It is not field updatible and requires the OBDII connector to be returned to us so that we can update a ROM and insert the daughter board.

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. If you buy the Bluetooth solution when you buy your OBDII connector we insert a power supply inside the OBDII connector to drive the Bluetooth transceiver. Without this power supply, you'll be required to 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.

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.