Scan tool or scope?

We are often asked “Should I buy a scan tool or a scope”. The short answer is that you need both. A scan tool can often point you in the right direction, perhaps indicating a misfire on a specific cylinder but too often the less experienced technician then ends replacing several parts before the problem is solved. Oscilloscopes should be used:

• To eliminate guesswork and test individual components before they are replaced. This avoids “parts darts” where more and more parts are replaced until the fault goes away.
• To find intermittent wiring and connector faults.
• When a vehicle has a problem but no code has been set or when multiple / misleading codes have been set
• As the best way to find charging and starting problems.
• To find problems with actuators such as motors and injectors that are not monitored by the ECU.
• To identify mechanical problems such as compression and slipped / incorrectly fitted timing belts.

For the technician oscilloscopes lead to faster, more efficient diagnostics and a better understanding of how vehicle systems work. For the workshop using a PicoScope encourages a “fix it right” culture by reducing the number of parts changed on guesswork. The net result is improved customer satisfaction, increased repeat business and increased profits.