Start Earning Money Using A Good OBD-2 Vehicle Scanners to Diagnose DTC

I can confidently say we are currently in the millennium car era. What I mean by this is that people now mostly drive in vehicles manufactured in the year 2000 or later. OBD2 technology debuted with 196 newer cars. In today’s article, as the title suggests, we shall be appraising how one can start using an OBD2 scanner to the extent of trying to commercialize its usage. In short, I will teach you how to make money using OBD2 vehicle scanners, but before then, you must learn some basic terminologies about OBD2.

How A Vehicle OBD2 Scanner can save you from Expensive Mechanical & Electrical Repairs

Using Nigeria as a case study, do you know you can be charged money to diagnose a vehicle? This depends on the person offering the service and the brand & year of the vehicle in question—the newer the vehicle, the higher the charges. We are rapidly leaning toward electric vehicles. Most modern vehicles are made up of countless sensors and chips. I picked interest in using OBD2 scanners when a friend of mine wasted a vast amount of money trying to solve an Auto transmission problem with his illiterate mechanic. At a point, they had to drop the transmission and rebuild, all to no avail. None of us knew a partially connected transmission solenoid caused the problem.

Eventually, the mechanic recommended that we take the vehicle to a transmission specialist who would connect it to a computer to know what was left to be repaired(This was after he had ignorantly dropped the engine). Unfortunately, the so-called mechanic only gave this advice after milking us dry. He was at his wit’s end. The so-called specialist charged us xx for diagnosis without repair and an additional 5k for the repair. We were asked to return, and the problem was gone when we arrived. A couple of months later, my pal hit the underneath of the vehicle when he ran over a bump, and the transmission problem reoccurred, and the “D” light started blinking. At this point, I told him to let me research this. I was smart enough to memorize the DTC code when it happened earlier.

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I only used Google to find a solution to that particular error code. I was lucky enough to get a youtube video that showed me where the solenoid is located. We reconnected it, and the problem was gone. Huge expenses saved within two minutes. My friend vowed to get an obd2 scanner, which is how I became his diagnostic expert. Now, we have saved many families and friends a lot of money through vehicle diagnosis. 

What does OBD-2 Mean?

By definition, or call it a description, an OBD-II is a sort of computer that monitors emissions, mileage, speed, and other useful data. OBD-II is connected to the Check Engine light, which illuminates when the system detects a problem.

Depending on the problem, the light stays on, flashes, or disappears entirely. Mechanics can use scan tools to make sense of the diagnostic trouble codes(DTC). But with the right equipment and some technical know-how, you can too. You can even collect data on other aspects of your vehicle’s performance.

What are Diagnostic trouble codes(DTC) in Vehicles?

First off, DTC is an acronym for “Diagnostic Trouble Codes”. Today’s computerized engine control system can self-diagnose to detect auto problems affecting your vehicle emissions and engine performance up to a certain point.

Current/active trouble codes vs. pending trouble codes in a vehicle

Active codes are live codes or malfunctions that are keeping your Check Engine Light on. … Pending codes mean that the OBD-II monitoring system has failed the operation of an emission control system at least once, and if it fails again, the Check Engine Light will be turned on and the malfunction becomes an Active code.

“OBD II Pending Codes are also referred to as “continuous monitor” and “maturing codes”. An intermittent fault will cause the computer to store a pending code in memory. The code will be cleared from memory if the fault does not recur within 40 warm-up cycles. If the fault recurs a specific number of times, the code will mature into a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and the MIL or “check engine” light will turn on. ”

What are the features of OBD-2 Vehicle Scanners? How are they Useful?

Nowadays, OBD2 scanners are not limited to scanning and reading just engine codes. They do a lot more. Some of the diagnosis an OBD-2 scanner can perform includes the followings:

• Scan, read, and clear vehicles’ fault and pending codes(All obd2 do this)
• Check vehicles SRS,
• Abs scanning
• Tires/tires pressure
• Chasis
• Vehicle’s VIN
• Fluid and lubricant
• transmission
• All sensors and so on.

Who can use an OBD-2 Scanner?

• A vehicle owner who wants to use it personally to save him or herself from mechanics’ extortion
• Anybody who wants to make money from diagnosing vehicles with this tool.

Features & Specifications to look out for in an OBD-2  Scanner that can be used professionally for commercial purposes

• First off, The OBD2 scanner must support live software updates.
• The scanner must support American, Asian, Chinese, and European cars
• In addition, the scanner must support OEM-specific trouble codes, generic codes, and enhanced codes.
• Furthermore, the scanner must support vehicles from 1996 and newer
• The scanner should be able to recommend repair reports(Optional you can work around this with Google and youtube)
• The scanner should support all diagnostic connectors(optional as 16 pins OBD is currently the most popular and supported by more than 90% of vehicles.
• Also, it should support most vehicle types, including light trucks(Note: if you want to do only trucks, you should buy a more advanced scanner)
• It should support the two engine types that we have, which are Gasoline / Petrol and Diesel.
• After repair, it should be able to read and clear the error codes
• It will most likely have options to buy paid software
• Optionally, It should support Chinese vehicles(This is optional and depends on you)
• It must also support the display of various graph streams.

Compare a Bluetooth(Wireless) OBD2 Scanner With a Wired one

Choosing your OBD2 scanner concerning the design/style is tricky. Should I opt for the Bluetooth scanner without an inbuilt LCD or buy the conventionally wired tool? The followings are the difference between the two:

1. One is wireless, while the other requires a wired connection.
2. Also, given an ideal situation, the wired auto scanner supports more connectors and, as a result, might support older vehicles than the wireless auto scanner.
3. The Bluetooth scanner is portable and small. The wired one is as big as it has buttons and an onboard display.
4. When you look for a total or complete tool, you may need to buy the wired one. However, this comes at a more expensive price tag.
5. Both types would get the basic diagnosis of any vehicle’s trouble codes.
6. If you are a mobile mechanic or want to use it for just one vehicle, I suggest you get the Bluetooth scanner.
7. Another difference is that for that expensive professional tool, you get the support and connectors for other nonpopular vehicles like 30 pins, 24 pins, and so on.

Quick Tips on How to make money using OBD2 Vehicle Scanners

Did you know that OBD2 scanners can do more than just diagnose and repair your car? They can also help you earn money. You can start this up with as little as $100 or less. Also, you don’t need a shop to get started. Read on to learn how.

 Requirements to start using an OBD2 Scanner

•   First, You need to be able to read basic English Language. I mean, it is difficult for someone who cannot read to be able to use an OBD2 Scanner effectively without help.
• Secondly, You need a small capital. it depends on if you will opt for the wired or wireless one.
• Thirdly, if you opt for a Bluetooth scanner, you will need either an Android or an iOS phone.
• Next, you also need an internet connection for research. I mean, it is almost impossible for you to know the location of the OBD2 of every vehicle model. This is where the Google search engine and youtube come in. Please search for the vehicle’s name and year of manufacture and look up its OBD2 port on Google.
• Similarly, you need the internet and Google search to interpret DTC codes, especially if you don’t have the vehicle service manual you are trying to troubleshoot.
• Finally and most importantly, you must be willing and ready to market and promote yourself convincingly. You can’t buy it, wait at home, and expect people to call you.

Everyone reading this article today is qualified to make money from possessing such a tool. I will now explain how below:

Diagzone Pro App: The Ultimate Scanning  App for automotive diagnosis.

DiagZone Pro App is an Automotive diagnostic software. It requires membership or registration for you to utilize its features thoroughly. It is not free software.

It would be best to have a connector/adapter and an Android phone to use the diagzone app. iOS is not currently supported.

To start using the diagzone app, verify your connector’s compatibility first. You can do so by clicking on this link. You can safely pick from the list below if you can’t verify on their platform. However, make sure what you ordered is what you get. I will advise you to buy from a store with a return policy.

List of Auto Scanners Supported By Diagzone Pro App

Currently, I own a very powerful Bluetooth OBD2 scanner. It is known as Thinkcar/thinkdiag v4(old boot version), but I could get the Diagzone pro app to work on it.  Guess what? It serves me as well as those expensive wired ones. This tool itself cost me a little over $100.

• ThinkDiag (979860ХХХХХ) (only old boot version!)
• Golo EasyDiag+ (96919XXXXXXX)
• X431 iDiag For Android (96579XXXXXXX)
• Diagun III (98319XXXXXXX)
• EasyDiag 3.0 (97699XXXXXXX)
• EasyDiag 2.0 (96859XXXXXXX) i was using this before
• EasyDiag For Android (96679XXXXXXX)
• X431 PAD II (98429XXXXXXX)
• X-431 V (98364XXXXXXX)
• X-431 V+ (98374XXXXXXX)
• X431 Pad (98249XXXXXXX)
• X431 Pro (98269XXXXXXX)
• X431 Pro3 (98279XXXXXXX)
• X431 Pro4 (98489XXXXXXX)
• X431 HD2 (98524XXXXXXX)
• X431 PAD III (98569XXXXXXX)
• X431 Pro 2016 (98539XXXXXXX)
• X431 Pro3 S (98519XXXXXXX)
• X431 V 2016 (98549XXXXXXX)
• X431 V+ 2016 (98559XXXXXXX)
• CRP-2XX (96849XXXXXXX)
• MaxGo (98409XXXXXXX)
• Maximus2.0 (98419XXXXXXX)
• MaxMe (98449XXXXXXX)
• ScanPad071 (98384XXXXXXX)
• ScanPad101 (98394XXXXXXX)
• MaxGo (98619XXXXXXX)
• HD IV (98689XXXXXXX)
• X431 PAD II D2 (98659XXXXXXX)
• X431 PRO MINI (98639XXXXXXX)
• M-Diag (97619XXXXXXX)
• Golo Android CN (96889XXXXXXX)
• Diagun IV (98729XXXXXXX)
• PRO4 D3 (98609XXXXXXX)
• PAD2 D3 (98579XXXXXXX)
• Golo CarCare (96689XXXXXXX)
• Golo Master 2 (98499XXXXXXX)
• GoloMaster 3.0 (97709XXXXXXX)

How Many Vehicles Does Diagzone Pro Software Support?

I can confidently say that no other generic vehicle software package supports more vehicles than the diagzone pro app. The Diagzone pro application software supports 258 12volts vehicles, 129 machinery 24 Volts, and 61 100% electric vehicles. The video below shows the complete list. The list is so long that I counted no less than 280 vehicle brands and motorcycles.

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How To Connect Thinkdiag V4 Blutoth Scanner With Diagzone Pro APP

1. Buy the supported version of thinkdiag from eBay or a similar website. I am available to render a helping hand.
2. Please install the latest version of diagzone pro app from their website. The link above,
3. install it, and buy your preferred software. Note: buying the software individually is more expensive than buying multiple at once. Similarly, buying via their partner (which is what I did is cheaper than buying from within the app.
4. Once you are done installing it, launch it, go to “local diagnosis,” then select your vehicle’s software. In my case, I selected Honda>> select connect type mine is 16-pin DLC>> next, select your vehicle’s country of manufacturer. If you don’t know it, select general.
5. Next, select your scanning type. Are you trying to do live scanning, PGM-Fi/Diesel Engine diagnosis? Or, Transmission? or special service functions such as ADAS calibration, ECU coding, ECU programming, etc. I attached a video to this post to serve as an introduction. There is more to it than the basic scanning. For example, if you troubleshoot “misfiring,” you need a live data fuel stream. I can’t cover that in this post. Unique features or see the video below:

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How To Use Diagzone Pro App With A Compatible Scanner To Scan A Vehicle

I will teach you the basics and drop a video to get a clearer picture. The process is the same with every scanner. However, some scanner supports more functions than others. In this example, we will scan the petrol engine to monitor the long and short-term fuel trims. In this case, on bank 1 and bank 2, since i will be using a v6 engine as my case study. The video also illustrates how you can use an OBD2 scanner to troubleshoot cylinder misfire.

About the Advanced/Enhanced Diagnostic Functions of Scanners

Everyone can use an auto scanner to read fault codes. That is why I am not going down that route. In this segment, i will discuss tips on how to use the unique functions of professional scanners. My reference remains diagzone pro app since it has the most comprehensive features of all the 3rd-party vehicle software packages. The special functions of the diagzone pro app largely depend on the features of the hardware that you are using with it. These enhanced diagnoses include but are not limited to the following:

• module information(ECU info),
• ECM/PCM reset,
• read data stream(freeze frame data, fuel trim, misfire counts, o2 sensor monitoring, map sensors, EGR valves, crank position, temperature,A/F sensor all this are monitored real-time with the engine running.),
• Actuation test( This is used in troubleshooting problems with components such as brake, steering system, fuel system, etc.
• Special Function: Here, you will find ECU coding, IMMO programming, Injector coding, and Firmware flashing(for supported scanners only)
• AC System Release/Initialization.
• Gas Particulate Filter Regeneration.
• Engine Power Balance Monitoring.
• High Volt Battery Diagnostics
• Intelligent Cruise Control System.
• Engine Angle Calibration
• Reset AdBlue.
• AFS Reset
• Reset Air/Fuel
• Reset Airbag.
• Reset BAT. Match.
• Reset Bleeding.
• Reset Brake.
• Reset Coolant Bleed.
• Reset DPF Reg..
• Reset EGR Adaption.
• Reset Elec. Throttle Rlrn.
• Reset Gear Learn.
• Reset GearBox Learn.
• Immo reset
• Reset Injector.
• Reset Language Change.
• Reset NOx Sensor.
• Reset ODO Meter.
• Reset Oil.
• Reset SAS.
• Reset Stop/Start.
• Reset Sun Roof
• Reset Sus.
• TPMS reset.
• TPMS
• Reset Transport Mode.
• Reset Tyre.
• Seat Calibration.
• Windows Calibration.

How to Use The Special Functions/Enhanced Diagnostic Features of OBD2 Scanner

I bought the complete software model for all available vehicle brands, which you can see in my video.

• As I said earlier, search for your vehicle’s software and wait until connection/communication to the dongles is established—more on this in the video above.
• Next, please select your vehicle’s region or call it the country where it was produced. If you don’t know it, select general.
• The software will be connected to the OBD2 scanner, and you should hear intermittent beeps. This is normal. It will also display “retrieving vehicle information” on the screen.
• Since we are troubleshooting the engine, you must select PGM-FI/Diesel engine system.
• Next, select “read data stream.” However, if it is a faulty vehicle, you must select “read fault code” instead. However, the vehicle we are using for our test is not having any engine problems,
• Once the “data stream module” is loaded, scroll down to locate the function you are interested in. For this tutorial, We are testing “Fuel trims” and “cylinders misfire.” One good rule about fuel trims is that the values must be as close to zero as possible. As for misfire, you can get some misfire count at the cold start, which is normal. However, when your engine is fully warm and in motion(not idling), you must have cylinders that misfire. If you do, then there is a problem. Another tip is that; when troubleshooting a misfire on a specific cylinder, please do so immediately after you start up the vehicle, and don’t rev it/don’t press the gas pedal. You will be able to isolate the trouble cylinder.
• This is the introductory guide. I do a lot of fixing, but I am not going into that since it is pretty complicated, and I am not a certified auto-mechanic. At least not yet. I will definitely get a certification as an auto diagnostic technician before anything else.

Watch the video below to see how I achieved the Data stream reading of fuel trims and misfiring:

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Frequently Asked Questions About Diagzone Pro APP

• Question: Why do you say the diagzone pro is the best auto-diagnostic software”
• Ans: As an automotive diagnostic app capable of scanning multiple vehicles, I have not seen anything like it. However, no multipurpose auto-diagnostic software can beat any vehicle-specific software when used on that vehicle.
• Question: My initial software has expired, and I can’t afford a renewal now. Does that mean I can’t use my Diagzone app?
• Ans: Of course, you can continue using it. However, the online features, such as software updates, will be disabled until you renew.
• Question: Why do I get a communication error when connecting my diagzone pro app to my dongle?
• Ans: It is what it is; remove the adapter and reconnect; if not fixed, switch off your vehicle for 5 minutes and start all over
• Question: Why is my Diagzone app font and text not displaying correctly?
• Ans: You are using a mobile phone. The latest app is designed for tablets. Temporary fixes include; changing your resolution to the max, reducing your font size, and using your phone in landscape mode while at it. If you want to be doing this professionally, you surely need a tablet.
• Question: Where can I pay for the subscription?
• Ans: from within the app, you can make payments. If you need help making a payment, you can contact me.
• Question: Are the software sizes large?
• Ans: Yes, some are relatively large. BMW software was around 1.7GB. Some are also as small as 10MB.
• Question: Can I use Just any good OBD2 scanner with Diagzone App?
• Ans: I am sorry, but you must use only a connector that is compatible with the app.

Best Types Bluetooth OBD2 Vehicle Scanners That You Can Use Professionally

I will List A few great bluetooth auto scanners here, but I will only review the ones I have used that work with the diagzone pro app. diagzone pro app is an auto diagnostic software that can be used with some specific Bluetooth and wired auto scanners. The software supports more vehicles than anyone that I have ever tested.

1.Thinkcar/Thinkdiag v4 Automotive Diagnostic Device(The version that supports Diagzone App Only)

2. Any OBD2 Scanner That Supports Full-Service Functions

I will list some of the top ones, both wired and wireless.

• BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool
• Thinkdiag by Laucnh bluetooth scanner version 4 and newer
• Any Diagnostic scanner by Launch so long it supports the features mentioned above.
• Any professional Autel scanner

3. Easydiag v2 and v3 connection with Diagzone Pro App

The illustration below was that of my previous and, indeed, older obd2 scanner. Easydiag/think diag v2. It still supports the diagzone app. However, the dongle does not support ECU coding and programming.

WARNING WARNING!!! Please diagnose in the presence of the car owner, not the mechanic. Your transparency must be 100%. Secondly, if you are not a mechanic or are not good with DIYs, do not attempt to fix the problem yourself/ Immediately after you diagnose the problem, go to the workshop.

How to make money As A Freelance Vehicle Diagnostic Technician

A diagnostic technician is a person who uses vehicle diagnostic tools to troubleshoot or scan and diagnose problems with a vehicle. One such tool is an OBD2 scanner/reader.

Make money using OBD2 Scanners as individuals:

• Firstly, which can make money by buying and reselling the hardware/connector/dongle, you can also earn by also registering people.
• Secondly, you must have acquainted yourself with the specific tool. This is very important. Practice with it and know how it works before presenting yourself to people.
• Aside from the above, you will need to liaise or connect with as many mechanics as possible and with as many vehicle owners as you know(as long as their vehicles were manufactured on or after 1996).
• Now, start telling them about what you have; good for you if any of them already has a check engine light(which, in most cases, car owners ignore until the vehicle breaks down). Test it, explain what it does, and how it can help them. Have a pact with the local mechanics that you will give them discounts whenever you do business in their shop; you can also spend some time in the workshop of the trendy ones to talk with customers directly.
• First, you must determine where the vehicle’s 0BD2(16-pins) socket is located. my article here will help you with that
• In addition, you also need to know the vehicle’s manufacturing date so you won’t waste your time and energy.
• Especially relevant is the need for you to charge lesser than others in your vicinity initially. Once you become famous, you can increase your fee. No task force for OBD2 tool users yet, and you are not taking away the mechanic’s job. Many of these mechanics own their respective tools but can only read basic fault codes. Remember, you can read vehicle-specific, enhanced, and generic codes.
• You can also connect with vehicle electricians as it will be a mutual benefit. They are the ones who will replace the fuses, sensors, and solenoids.
• Once calls from a particular mechanic or client become very frequent, you can charge him twice the amount you purchase and help him get one for himself.
• You can enter some offices and introduce them to them.
• Finally, you can create an edge over your competition by helping them with the repairs after diagnosis. This is what I mean. When you scan their vehicles and see faulty sensors or fuses, help them order the sensors from a trusted local or online store. That way, you are increasing your income and also retaining your clients.
• There is no limit to how much you can make from this if you can commit your time and energy.

How to make money using OBD2 Scanners as an Artisan/Mechanic

If you are a mechanic, you can expand your flow of income from your workshop. You will have one advantage over most of your rivals/competition. To increase your income, I will advise you to learn how to repair ABS. The brake system has gone beyond just replacing the pad, and you may be hurting the vehicle by disabling the ABS brake.  In addition, please don’t condemn any sensors; replace them instead. All sensors serve a purpose. No one of them is surplus to requirement. Amongst others, below are some of the tips on how you can earn more money as a mechanic, vehicle electrician, brake specialist, or transmission specialist using an OBD2 tool

• Buy a very good(and feature-loaded OBD-2)for your personal use and rentals. You can rent to your colleagues who cannot afford it for a fee.
• Let us say that you can get more customers by owning one.
• Trading this is also very possible. I have personally been buying and reselling the OBD-2. You can also do this.
• It can propel you to learn and research even more which, by extension, will result in more money.
• You may consider buying the one for $2,000, which has 3 years warranty and two years of free premium software packages for all types of vehicles and trucks. This same complete tool also has at least 20 connectors. However, if you do not have the money, you can still make do with that $110 and buy more software as you make more profits. The software bought is yours for life.
• The Ultimate OBD-2 scanning tool also gives you the repair guide and, at times video.

The above is an example of a full package PROFESSIONAL Universal Bluetooth / wifi and cable scanner.  Cost between $1700 to $2,500.

How you can make Very big Money using OBD2 Scanners 

If you have a huge capital, you can make millions of these tools by ordering and reselling them in bulk. Big Chinese companies such as Alibaba sell OBD-2 in bulk at ridiculously cheap prices. Aside from that, if you are in Nigeria, you can list your items on local online retail stores like Jumia and konga, or even jiji. Below are tips on how to make huge profit trading in OBD-2 scanners

• Order them in bulk from a direct source. When your consignment arrives, resell.
• Alternatively, you can have an office for this and employ a staff to monitor things. You surely will need to buy a professional tool that will cover all. The advert may be useful here.
• You can buy additional tools like that alignment and so on
• Also, you can import large and sell cheap.
• Just think about any way to sell.

CONCLUSION

As I said, you can do this business even as a young graduate. I receive calls from mechanics and vehicle electrical technicians about thrice a week. In most cases, I don’t even have the time to go to them.

The owners will pay you directly for the diagnosis, and your Job is done. However, if the mechanic you are dealing with happens to be a stark illiterate, you can charge extra for interpreting the error code in other to facilitate repair. If you do not know the meaning of a code, you can use Google.

If you need help buying the primary or professional tool, you can contact me via the contact page or my email directly info @ lemmymorgan.com. Similarly, if you have some in mind already but are confused about which to choose, please you can get to me to give you advice.