How Scan Tool Companion Can Help You Fix Your Car Faster and Easier
Scan Tool Companion Diagnostic Training Software: A Review
If you have a scan tool or scanner software, you need Scan Tool Companion to maximize your repair knowledge and skills. Scan Tool Companion is a quick reference guide for all scan tool users that provides guidance and help on how to troubleshoot check engine light problems, trouble codes, and driveability, emissions, and performance problems on 1996 and newer OBD2 vehicles with your scan tool. In this article, we will review Scan Tool Companion Diagnostic Training Software and see what it can do for you.
Scan Tool Companion Diagnostic Training Software.zip
What is Scan Tool Companion Diagnostic Training Software?
A brief introduction to the software and its features
Scan Tool Companion Diagnostic Training Software is a Windows-based program that teaches you how to use a scan tool to diagnose your vehicle. It does not interface with your vehicle or scan tool, but rather provides general guidelines and tips on how to diagnose common OBD II problems that can be applied to all vehicles. It covers topics such as:
The basics of OBD II systems and how they work
The different types of trouble codes and what they mean
The most likely causes of symptoms or codes
What to check and what PIDs (data parameters) to look at with your scan tool
What parts might need to be replaced and why
Expert tips on diagnostics and repairs
The benefits of using the software for automotive diagnostics
Scan Tool Companion Diagnostic Training Software can help you save time, money, and frustration by helping you fix your vehicle right the first time. It can also help you learn more about your vehicle's systems and how they function. Some of the benefits of using the software are:
It can diagnose problems by symptom, by code, or by system
It can guide you through the diagnostic process step by step
It can offer suggestions on what tests to perform and what tools to use
It can explain the meaning and importance of various PIDs and data values
It can provide expert tips on how to interpret scan tool data and troubleshoot faults
It can enhance your automotive knowledge and skills
How to use Scan Tool Companion Diagnostic Training Software?
The system requirements and installation process
To use Scan Tool Companion Diagnostic Training Software, you need a Windows laptop or desktop PC with at least Windows XP operating system, 512 MB RAM, 100 MB free hard disk space, CD-ROM drive, mouse, keyboard, monitor, sound card, speakers or headphones. You also need a scan tool or scanner software that works with your vehicle. To install the software, you need to insert the CD-ROM into your computer's drive and follow the instructions on the screen. The installation process is simple and quick, and it will create a shortcut icon on your desktop for easy access. You can also run the software directly from the CD-ROM without installing it on your computer.
The main interface and functions of the software
When you launch the software, you will see the main interface that consists of four sections: the menu bar, the toolbar, the navigation pane, and the content pane. The menu bar contains the file, edit, view, help, and exit options. The toolbar contains buttons for accessing the main functions of the software, such as search, print, bookmark, and exit. The navigation pane contains a tree view of the topics and subtopics that you can browse through. The content pane displays the information and instructions for each topic or subtopic that you select.
The software has three main functions: diagnosis by symptom, diagnosis by code, and diagnosis by system. You can access these functions by clicking on the corresponding buttons on the toolbar or by selecting them from the navigation pane. Each function will guide you through a series of steps to help you diagnose your vehicle's problem.
The three modes of diagnosis: by symptom, by code, or by system
Diagnosis by symptom allows you to select a symptom from a list of common problems that affect OBD II vehicles, such as hard starting, poor fuel economy, rough idle, misfire, hesitation, stalling, surging, lack of power, etc. The software will then display a list of possible causes for that symptom and suggest what tests to perform and what PIDs to look at with your scan tool. It will also provide tips on how to interpret the scan tool data and troubleshoot the fault.
Diagnosis by code allows you to enter a trouble code that you retrieved from your scan tool or scanner software. The software will then display the definition and description of that code and suggest what tests to perform and what PIDs to look at with your scan tool. It will also provide tips on how to interpret the scan tool data and troubleshoot the fault.
Diagnosis by system allows you to select a system from a list of OBD II systems that are monitored by your vehicle's computer, such as fuel system, ignition system, emission system, transmission system, etc. The software will then display a list of components and sensors that are part of that system and suggest what tests to perform and what PIDs to look at with your scan tool. It will also provide tips on how to interpret the scan tool data and troubleshoot the fault.
The help sections and tips for troubleshooting
The software also has several help sections that provide useful information and tips for using your scan tool and diagnosing your vehicle. These include:
OBD II Basics: This section explains the history and purpose of OBD II systems, how they work, what they monitor, how they detect faults, what types of codes they generate, how to retrieve codes with your scan tool or scanner software, how to clear codes and reset monitors, etc.
Scan Tool Basics: This section explains the features and functions of scan tools and scanner software, how to connect them to your vehicle's diagnostic connector, how to navigate their menus and screens, how to read and interpret PIDs and data values, how to use freeze frame data and mode 6 data, etc.
Troubleshooting Tips: This section provides general guidelines and tips on how to diagnose OBD II problems with your scan tool or scanner software, such as how to verify a problem before replacing parts, how to isolate a problem to a specific component or sensor, how to test components and sensors with a multimeter or other tools, how to use wiring diagrams and flow charts for diagnosis, etc.
Glossary: This section provides definitions and explanations of common terms and acronyms used in OBD II systems and scan tools.
References: This section provides links to online resources and websites that offer more information and help on OBD II systems and scan tools.
What are the pros and cons of Scan Tool Companion Diagnostic Training Software?
The advantages of the software compared to other diagnostic tools
Scan Tool Companion Diagnostic Training Software is not a replacement for your scan tool or scanner software, but rather a supplement that can enhance your diagnostic capabilities and skills. Some of the advantages of the software compared to other diagnostic tools are:
It is easy to use and understand, even for beginners and DIYers
It is compatible with any scan tool or scanner software that works with OBD II vehicles
It covers a wide range of topics and problems that affect OBD II vehicles
It provides clear and concise instructions and tips for each step of the diagnostic process
It offers expert advice and insights from experienced technicians and trainers
It can help you save time, money, and frustration by fixing your vehicle right the first time
It can help you learn more about your vehicle's systems and how they function
The limitations and drawbacks of the software
Scan Tool Companion Diagnostic Training Software is not a perfect solution for all your diagnostic needs. It has some limitations and drawbacks that you should be aware of before using it. Some of them are:
It does not interface with your vehicle or scan tool, so you still need a scan tool or scanner software to retrieve codes and data from your vehicle
It does not provide vehicle-specific repair instructions or service procedures, so you still need a repair manual or online service information for your vehicle model and year
It does not guarantee that you will find and fix the problem, as there may be other factors or variables that affect your vehicle's performance and emissions
It may not cover some rare or unusual problems that occur on some vehicles or systems
It may not be updated with the latest information and features as new vehicles and technologies are introduced
Where to buy Scan Tool Companion Diagnostic Training Software?
The price and availability of the software online
If you are interested in buying Scan Tool Companion Diagnostic Training Software, you can order it online from the official website of the developer, Automotive Diagnostics and Publishing. The website is www.auto-diagnostics.info. The price of the software is $49.95 USD, which includes free shipping within the USA. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or check. The software comes in a CD-ROM format that can be delivered to your address within 3 to 5 business days.
The customer reviews and ratings of the software
Scan Tool Companion Diagnostic Training Software has received many positive reviews and ratings from customers who have used it. Here are some examples of what customers have said about the software:
"This software is awesome! It has helped me diagnose and fix several problems on my car that I couldn't figure out before. It is very easy to use and understand, and it gives you clear and helpful guidance on what to do with your scan tool. I highly recommend it to anyone who has a scan tool or scanner software."
"I bought this software as a gift for my husband who loves working on cars. He was very impressed with it and said it was one of the best gifts he ever received. He said it taught him a lot about OBD II systems and how to use his scan tool more effectively. He said it saved him a lot of time and money by avoiding unnecessary trips to the mechanic."
"I am a professional technician and I use this software as a reference tool for my work. It is very comprehensive and informative, and it covers almost everything you need to know about OBD II diagnostics. It also provides expert tips and tricks that I find very useful. It is a great software for anyone who wants to improve their diagnostic skills." Conclusion
Scan Tool Companion Diagnostic Training Software is a valuable tool for anyone who owns or uses a scan tool or scanner software. It can help you diagnose and fix your vehicle's problems faster and easier, as well as enhance your automotive knowledge and skills. It is easy to use, compatible with any scan tool or scanner software, and covers a wide range of topics and problems. It also provides clear and concise instructions and tips for each step of the diagnostic process, as well as expert advice and insights from experienced technicians and trainers. However, it also has some limitations and drawbacks that you should be aware of before using it, such as not interfacing with your vehicle or scan tool, not providing vehicle-specific repair instructions or service procedures, not guaranteeing that you will find and fix the problem, not covering some rare or unusual problems, and not being updated with the latest information and features. Therefore, you should use it as a supplement to your scan tool or scanner software, not as a replacement. You should also consult a repair manual or online service information for your vehicle model and year for more detailed and specific information and guidance.
If you are interested in buying Scan Tool Companion Diagnostic Training Software, you can order it online from the official website of the developer, Automotive Diagnostics and Publishing, for $49.95 USD, which includes free shipping within the USA. You can also read more customer reviews and ratings of the software on the website to see what other users have to say about it.
We hope this article has given you a comprehensive review of Scan Tool Companion Diagnostic Training Software and helped you decide whether it is worth buying or not. If you have any questions or comments about the software or this article, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!
FAQs
What is the difference between Scan Tool Companion and OBD II Guide?
Scan Tool Companion and OBD II Guide are two different products developed by Automotive Diagnostics and Publishing. Scan Tool Companion is a Windows-based program that teaches you how to use a scan tool to diagnose your vehicle. OBD II Guide is a printed book that provides general information and tips on OBD II systems and scan tools. Both products cover similar topics and problems, but Scan Tool Companion is more interactive and user-friendly, while OBD II Guide is more portable and convenient.
Does Scan Tool Companion work with any scan tool or scanner software?
Yes, Scan Tool Companion works with any scan tool or scanner software that works with OBD II vehicles. It does not interface with your vehicle or scan tool, but rather provides general guidelines and tips on how to diagnose common OBD II problems that can be applied to all vehicles. However, some scan tools or scanner software may have different features and functions than others, so you should refer to your scan tool or scanner software's manual or help section for more specific information and instructions.
Does Scan Tool Companion provide vehicle-specific repair instructions or service procedures?
No, Scan Tool Companion does not provide vehicle-specific repair instructions or service procedures. It only provides general guidelines and tips on how to diagnose common OBD II problems that can be applied to all vehicles. For vehicle-specific repair instructions or service procedures, you need a repair manual or online service information for your vehicle model and year.
How often is Scan Tool Companion updated with new information and features?
Scan Tool Companion is updated periodically with new information and features as new vehicles and technologies are introduced. However, the updates are not automatic or online, but rather require you to buy a new CD-ROM version of the software from the developer's website. The latest version of the software is 2021.
Does Scan Tool Companion have a customer support or technical assistance service?
Yes, Scan Tool Companion has a customer support or technical assistance service that you can contact by phone or email if you have any questions or problems with the software. The phone number is 1-800-928-7667 (toll-free in the USA) or 1-619-234-7667 (international), and the email address is info@auto-diagnostics.info. The customer support hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time. dcd2dc6462