No. AutoEnginuity's ScanTool includes all four vehicle interfaces (ISO/KWP2000, VPW, PWM and CAN) in a single compact connector. This is a cost savings of hundreds of pounds over competing units.

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

No. The OBDII connector was designed on an electrical interface standard that hasn't changed in years. All updates are implemented in software and field updateable. 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 authorised service centre for repairs?

That depends on your skill set and your vehicle’s problem. The main point of the package 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, the User Guide is packed with information that will help you understand engine management and how to use the 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 fuel cap, you can prevent the costly and time-consuming trip to an authorised service centre.

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 (Ford or 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.

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

If your petrol passenger vehicle was manufactured for sale in Europe, with the model year of 2001 or newer (and in some cases 2000), you have the EOBD / OBDII interface. EOBD diesel vehicles start with the 2004 model years.

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. BMW M3/M5/Z8 2001-2004 are not compliant and the EPA is looking into this currently. As of February 2005, AutoEnginuity does communicate with these BMW models. The Volvo V70 will connect but show no information.

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, Mazda, Mercedes, and Nissan). While other manufacturers implemented it selectively in their vehicles beginning in the 2004 model year (Porsche, SAAB, and Toyota).