An automotive diaganostic tool has been added to the library's Takeout Tech collection.
An OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics II) scanner is a tool for diagnosing and troubleshooting issues in modern vehicles. It is designed to interface with a car’s onboard computer system to retrieve diagnostic information, including fault codes, sensor data, and other parameters. OBD2 scanners are typically used by mechanics, automotive enthusiasts, and even everyday car owners to identify and understand the source of problems in a vehicle.
OBD2 scanners connect to a car’s OBD2 port, usually located under the dashboard near the steering wheel. Once connected, they can read and interpret the information provided by the car’s computer system, helping users pinpoint issues such as engine misfires, emissions problems, or sensor malfunctions. This diagnostic data is valuable for timely repairs and can save both time and money by avoiding costly visits to a mechanic for issues that can be resolved with simple fixes.
Design:
The top section has a 2” display while just below the display, there are four buttons for navigation (Up, Down, Back/Exit, and Enter/Select). On the left of the device, there is a Mode selection button and, on the right, we get a USB Port.
Initial Setup:
Find the OBD2 Port inside your car, plug in the connector of the ANCEL BD310 and voila, the device comes to life and you can start using it.
In our case, we tested a 2018 Honda Accord. For this vehicle, the OBD2 Port is located just below the steering wheel. If you are not sure where the OBD2 Port is for your car, you can refer to the car’s owner’s manual or look it up online. Click here for more information about finding your vehicles OBD2: Where's my OBD2 Port?
As the device gets its power from the OBD2 Port itself, you don’t have to worry about additional power supply. Once the device is powered on and it boots up, you will get a screen saying “Bluetooth Mode” and “Please download ANCEL app”. Don’t worry. You can use the device even without the app. For this, you have to press the “Mode” button on the left of the device. As soon as you press the mode button, we will get the main display with four icons (OBDII, Meter, I/M, and Setup).
Features:
The ANCEL BD310 is a comprehensive OBD2 scanner that offers a wide range of features for vehicle self-diagnosis and maintenance. With a single click, the BD310 can perform a thorough self-check of your vehicle, including I/M (Inspection/Maintenance) readiness, error code retrieval, data stream monitoring, and other essential information. This scanner provides accurate and detailed explanations of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) that it detects. It allows you to understand the specific issues with your vehicle. You can also use the “Delete Code” function to clear both current and saved DTCs from the vehicle’s control module.
The View Data stream function enables you to monitor Parameter ID (PID) data from the electronic control unit of your vehicle in real-time. This feature is invaluable for diagnosing and understanding your vehicle’s performance. ANCEL BD310 offers an intuitive graphical display with three different styles for customization. You can add pages, select graphic styles, choose specific PIDs to display, and arrange them to your liking on the dashboard. This allows you to keep a close eye on essential vehicle parameters.
Freeze Frame menu shows you critical vehicle operating conditions recorded by the onboard computer at the time of a DTC occurrence. This snapshot of data is valuable for pinpointing the cause of a fault or issue in your vehicle. Some vehicles need to monitor and test oxygen (O2) sensors to identify fuel and emissions-related faults. The “O2 Monitor Test” function lets you view the results of O2 sensor monitoring tests, helping you assess the health of your vehicle’s emission control system.
The scanner can retrieve essential information about your vehicle, including the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), calibration numbers (CVNs) that indicate the software version of the vehicle’s control module, and calibration check numbers. This information is crucial for OBD II compliant vehicles from the year 2000 and later, as it verifies that emissions-related calibrations have not been altered. You can assess the health of your vehicle’s acceleration, braking, and distance capabilities with the performance test feature. It provides valuable insights into the overall condition of your vehicle’s key driving parameters.
ANCEL BD310 OBD2 scanner offers a comprehensive trip analysis, including time, distance, start time, travel time, maximum speed, maximum speed RPM, average speed, highest and lowest coolant temperature, number of over speeds, and quick braking incidents. You can record, save, print, and share trip data for analysis or discussion with your mechanic. The I/M Readiness function provides a snapshot of the exhaust system’s operations on OBDII/EOBD vehicles. It allows you to check the readiness status of various monitors and components in your vehicle’s emission control system.
The scanner can graphically display the battery voltage in real time, enabling you to monitor the battery’s health and trend over time accurately. This feature is valuable for keeping your vehicle’s electrical system in check. The scanner allows you to export diagnostic reports, making it easy to share diagnostic findings with your mechanic or on social media platforms.
In Action:
As mentioned, we used the ANCEL BD310 OBD2 Scanner with a 2018 Honda Accord. After plugging the connector to the OBD2 Port below the dashboard, the device powered up immediately.
First, we used the device without the smartphone app. Navigating through the menu and different options was very easy. Even though you will get a lot of information directly on the device’s tiny display, we feel that the smartphone connectivity is a better way to interpret the data. With the smartphone app, the experience changes all together. The layout is intuitive and you can see a ton of information on the app. Some of the data is not available or greyed out. This of course depends on the make and model of the car.
