Glossary / General

scan tools

16 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

Scan tools are gadgets that mechanics use to connect to a car's computer. They help find out what's wrong by reading codes that tell you about any issues.

Technical Definition

Scan tools are devices that connect to a vehicle's onboard computer to retrieve diagnostic information. They help technicians identify problems by reading trouble codes and monitoring various systems in the vehicle.

Hear It Discussed

"You got the scan tools. [5006.8s] Yeah."
The New BMW M, Porsche Denies Electric 911! Stradman's Lamborghini Catches Fire! THIS CAR POD! with Doug DeMuro & Friends! 23:24

"But the scan tools on those, most of those you can read the VIN out of the computer, then take it out, put a new one in, program it back in with a simple scan tool."
Under The Hood - LIVE Show Automotive Experts Giving You Advice Under The Hood show 18:19

"is [2668.3s] a lot of those are they hook up their scan tools to the computer, to the OBD2, and they run their [2677.5s] scan on it."
CarCast+Edmunds - Used hybrid buying guide and Edmunds’ long-term fleet discussed. CarCast 44:28

Cars Known For This

Audi e-tron GT Volkswagen ID. Buzz Chevrolet Suburban Ford Edge Ford Bronco Ford Escape

Episodes Mentioning "scan tools"

CarCast+Edmunds - Used hybrid buying guide and Edmunds’ long-term fleet discussed.

CarCast

The Fine Line Between Viral Content and Rage Bait | Bryan Pollock, Tonnika Haynes and Braxton Critcher

The Jaded Mechanic Podcast

The New BMW M, Porsche Denies Electric 911! Stradman's Lamborghini Catches Fire!

THIS CAR POD! with Doug DeMuro & Friends!

The Great Automotive Shift: EVs, Carvana, China, and the New Rules of Retail

Automotive Informants

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - October 10, 2015 - Hour 2 - You Love Your Car More Than You ThinkFrom the Car Doctor archives — originally aired October 2015. In this classic episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron opens the hour with a thoughtful discussion about the emotional connection we develop with our vehicles—often without realizing just how attached we've become. Whether it's the family car that's been through years of memories or the vehicle that always seems to get us home, cars become more than machines. Ron then helps a caller diagnose cooling system problems on a 2007 Mercury Mountaineer and takes a call from a 2013 Toyota Highlander owner whose wheels were nearly left loose after a routine oil change, leading to an important conversation about trust, quality workmanship, and paying attention after service. Also featured is an interview with Derek Miller from ALLDATA, discussing vehicle repair information, diagnostic resources, and the growing complexity of modern automobiles. Ron rounds out the hour by answering listener emails about choosing the right OBD-II scan tool and diagnosing hesitation and rough idle concerns on a Toyota. A great mix of automotive advice, consumer awareness, and a reminder that our relationship with our cars is often more personal than we think.

Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

The Weirdest Ram Failure We’ve Seen (Fixed)

The Diesel Podcast

From Guesswork to Process: Modern Diagnostic Strategies for Auto Repair Shops [RR 1093]

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast

Under The Hood - LIVE Show Automotive Experts Giving You Advice

Under The Hood show

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - September 19, 2015 - Hour 1