Computer diagnostics of cars is that? Why do you need computer diagnostics of cars?

Timely detection of abnormalities and faults at the earliest stage is the guarantee of stable operation and durability of the vehicle. To achieve this goal, computer diagnostics of cars is carried out . This is a wide range of diagnostic activities carried out with the help of computer technology aimed at detecting malfunctions by reading information from the sensors located at the main vehicle nodes.

Significance of computer diagnostics

For the normal functioning of units and aggregates of vehicles, computer diagnostics of cars should be periodically carried out. This is due to the increase in the share of electronic components - chips, sensors, microcircuits - in the design of the machine. Check their performance, identify errors in their software is possible only with the use of computer technology. In a modern car, almost all systems are equipped with electronic control chips and control sensors. Moreover, some systems, for example, ABS, engine, transmission, airbags can no longer function without microprocessors.

On the one hand, this complicates the maintenance, and on the other - reduces the risk of unforeseen breakdown and accident. Computer diagnostics of car systems can never completely replace a visual inspection - they must complement each other.

Diagnostic process

Computer diagnostics is the process of reading and subsequent decoding of error codes from electronic means of control and management of cars. To this end, specialized computer stands are connected to the systems - OEM scanners, portable readers, multifunctional devices. Each manufacturer produces its own diagnostic scanners that are compatible with the electronic components of a specific model and are best suited for testing. Computer diagnostics of car faults allows in real time to read and detect the slightest malfunctions in the operation of systems. All information is displayed on the scanner's display or on the monitor of a PC or laptop computer.

Stages of diagnostics

The duration of the investigation of the electronic components of the car usually does not exceed 30 minutes. In cases where a specific node is tested (ABS, engine), the first results are obtained after 10 minutes. In any case, the diagnosis is carried out in three stages:

1. General computer diagnostics of cars. This is the reading of error codes in the "standby" mode, when none of the systems is functioning. It is necessary to identify the faulty unit.
2. Dynamic verification. The car is installed on a special stand, its main systems are started, information is read from the functioning sensors.
3. Delete the data. Accumulated by the on-board computer, the database is deleted, controllers are initialized (activated) to collect information.

The error codes received during the diagnosis are deciphered using special applications. On the basis of these data, a verdict is issued on the malfunction of a particular system.

When to conduct diagnostics?

At least once a year, computer diagnostics of cars should be carried out. This is if your machine is functioning without obvious faults. In the case of uncharacteristic sounds, jerks, jerks and other phenomena during the movement, it is worth immediately contacting the center for diagnostics:

• Engine, if it is unstable, loses power, increased fuel consumption, there are extraneous noise;
• Automatic transmission - when there are slips, jerks, knocking, oil leakage, impossibility to switch on any speed;
• Suspension - with uneven wear of the rubber, after the appearance of knocking on the maneuver;
• ABS - if the car bounces on corners, the stability on the road has decreased;
• Steering rack - at occurrence of knocks, squeaks, increase люфта or detection of a leak from the hydrotransformer.

After diagnosing the systems and revealing the real causes of the malfunctions, a visual inspection and repair of the car by a master specialist is carried out.

Types of diagnostic devices

All computer car diagnostic systems have two classifications - according to performance and functionality. In the first group, stand-alone scanners and adapters are selected. The first dimensions are similar to a walkie-talkie, they have a display in their design and allow you to connect directly to the machine for reading information. Adapters work only in conjunction with the computer, which is connected to the computer or sensors of the car by cable. According to the functional characteristics, the equipment can be:

• Dealer - scanners from the car manufacturer, are characterized by full compatibility with the machine, the possibility of reprogramming the computer;
• Branded - diagnostic tools issued by a third-party company for a particular brand or model;
• Multi-brand - devices that are compatible with all cars or with a vehicle from a region (South Asian, American).

Obviously, it's better to give preference to dealer equipment, but its value can reach several thousand dollars. Other scanners have less functionality, but it's enough for troubleshooting.

Self-diagnosis

Many modern cars are equipped with self-diagnosis systems. Such equipment independently analyzes the TC systems and notifies the driver of the appearance of malfunctions. If you notice that the indicator light on the instrument panel has turned on or turned off, then the computer diagnostics of the car has worked. Repair must be carried out immediately, otherwise you risk undermining the performance of other nodes. Computerization and automation are inevitable phenomena accompanying technological progress. Electronic diagnostics can significantly reduce the cost of maintaining the car. However, it is worth remembering that such an event can not detect all the malfunctions. To achieve maximum efficiency from the procedure, it is necessary to conduct it in tandem with a survey of transport by a master specialist.