For automotive enthusiasts and professionals alike, the Autotap Obdii Scanner is an invaluable tool for diagnosing vehicle issues. If you’ve just acquired the AutoTap OBDII for Windows software and scanner hardware, this guide will walk you through the initial setup and connection process, ensuring you can quickly start diagnosing your vehicle’s health. We understand that new equipment can sometimes seem daunting, so we’ve broken down the process into simple, easy-to-follow steps to build your confidence and get you started with ease.
Connecting your AutoTap OBDII scanner is straightforward. The hardware is clearly marked to indicate which end connects to your vehicle and which connects to your computer.
First, attach the OBD II cable to the “Vehicle” connection port on the AutoTap scanner hardware. Next, connect the serial cable to the “Computer” connection port on the scanner.
Now, connect the opposite end of the serial cable to the DB9 serial port on your laptop. If your laptop doesn’t have a DB9 serial port, don’t worry. AutoTap offers USB adapters to ensure compatibility with modern laptops. Serial extension cables are also available for added convenience. You can find these and other accessories on the AutoTap accessory products page.
Finally, locate the DLC (Diagnostic Link Connector) in your vehicle – it’s typically found under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Connect the OBD II cable to this DLC connector. Once connected, check the AutoTap OBDII hardware for a red LED indicator. This light confirms that the scanner is receiving power from the vehicle, signaling a successful physical connection.
To illustrate the practical use of the AutoTap OBDII scanner, let’s consider a real-world scenario. Imagine your car’s “Service Engine Soon” light illuminates, leaving you puzzled about the cause. This is where the AutoTap system shines. Traditional diagnostic methods might be time-consuming and require specialized knowledge. However, with the AutoTap, you can quickly access crucial diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and vehicle data yourself.
Consider this example: A car owner experienced a sudden “Service Engine Soon” and “Trac Off” light after a simple battery replacement at a dealership. Frustratingly, without an OBDII scanner, understanding the cause would be guesswork. Even professional scan tools can sometimes lack the latest updates for newer models, rendering them temporarily ineffective. This was the case where a professional scan tool, lacking the latest software update, couldn’t diagnose the issue on a 2001 vehicle. However, the AutoTap OBDII scanner proved to be current and readily identified the problem.
Upon connecting the AutoTap OBDII scanner to the vehicle’s DLC connector and launching the AutoTap software on a laptop, the diagnostic process began.
With a few clicks within the user-friendly AutoTap software interface, the system quickly connected to the vehicle. It’s worth noting a potential minor hurdle: if you use a Palm handheld device that syncs via the serial port, its HotSync Manager software might interfere with the AutoTap connection. If you encounter a “Unable To Communicate With vehicle” error, simply exit the Palm HotSync Manager to free up the serial port for the AutoTap OBDII scanner.
Once connected, the AutoTap software displayed the stored DTCs. In this particular case, the scan revealed a single DTC related to the Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor circuit being high, indicating an open circuit.
A quick visual inspection under the hood revealed the culprit: the IAT sensor was unplugged, likely inadvertently disconnected during the battery replacement.
Reconnecting the sensor harness resolved the issue, demonstrating the AutoTap OBDII scanner’s ability to quickly pinpoint problems.
Beyond basic DTC reading, the AutoTap software offers advanced features. Within the DTC window, the “Advanced” function allows you to customize DTC checking options. You can enable or disable DTC checks and MIL status updates, and even set the interval for automatic checks. This provides real-time diagnostic information as you need it.
In conclusion, the AutoTap OBDII scanner is a user-friendly and efficient tool for anyone needing to diagnose vehicle issues. Its straightforward setup process, combined with its ability to quickly identify DTCs and offer advanced diagnostic options, makes it a valuable asset for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics. Whether you’re facing a mysterious “Service Engine Soon” light or performing routine vehicle maintenance, the AutoTap OBDII scanner empowers you with the diagnostic insights you need.
