Hand held Dyno and "Check engine light" code reader!!!

Here is the info on the On Board Diagnositc II code reader and dynomometer tool I brought to the Yard House this past weekend. It acts as a code reader when you "check engine" light comes on and has real time analysis of the on board control module to tell you exactly how much torque and HP is being generated at what RPM

www.auterraweb.com

The scan tool assists the home mechanic in repairing the automobile by providing access to the vehicle sensor readings. The scan tool displays, in real-time, the value measured by any sensor. For instance, if Diagnostic Trouble Code P0503 (vehicle speed sensor intermittent) is logged, a verification of the speed sensor using the scan tool may assist in confirming the failure. Most manufacturer and aftermarket vehicle repair manuals make use of a scan tool to assist in diagnosing and repairing problems.

Many repair shops charge $100 or more to read the Diagnostic Trouble Code from the vehicle’s memory one time – an expensive and time-consuming operation. Owning your own scan tool enables you to read and clear the Diagnostic Trouble Codes as often as necessary.

Even if you don’t repair the vehicle yourself, knowing the Diagnostic Trouble Code number before taking the vehicle in for repair makes you an informed consumer. Unfortunately, unscrupulous mechanics exist and take advantage of unsuspecting consumers with unnecessary repairs. If the Diagnostic Trouble Code indicates a faulty vehicle speed sensor, for example, and the mechanic talks about a major engine overhaul, you may want a second opinion before leaving the vehicle for repair. In short, the more information you have before taking the vehicle in for repair the less likely you will be ripped off.

Once the vehicle is repaired, the Diagnostic Trouble Code(s) can be erased and the Check Engine light extinguished using the scan tool. In states that require a smog check, an illuminated Check Engine light fails the emission test, even if the repaired vehicle might otherwise pass inspection. The Auterra OBD II Scan Tool extinguishes the Check Engine light.

Another highly useful application for the scan tool is purchasing used vehicles. Used vehicles can have all sorts of expensive mechanical or electrical problems. Since the Auterra Dyno-Scan is battery powered, portable device you, the buyer, can connect the scan tool to the vehicle and in a few seconds determine if the vehicle has detected a problem. Remember, not all Diagnostic Trouble Codes illuminate the Check Engine light and a scan tool is the only way to obtain the information.
Dyno Features

The Auterra scan tool is unique in that its not just a powerful diagnostic tool, its also equipped with a built-in dynamometer used to measure horsepower and torque, acceleration times, such as 0-60 and 1/4 mile, and even fuel mileage. The dyno features operate by measuring speed and RPM from the vehicle's computer as it accelerates through the RPM range. Once the software has collected the data, it displays a graph and various statistic computed based upon the vehicle test run. Extensive testing against the Dynojet chassis dynamometer has shown the Dyno-Scan to be very accurate.

A dynamometer, or dyno for short, is used to measure the power produced by an engine. Up until now, automotive dynos used were either crankshaft dynamometers or chassis dynamometers.

Crankshaft dynos require the motor to be removed from the vehicle. The power is measured directly at the crankshaft, or flywheel, and is not affected by transmission and axle powertrain losses. Vehicle manufacturers spec crankshaft power on new cars and trucks.

Chassis dynos test the entire vehicle. The vehicle is tied down to a large machine and the drive wheels are placed over a rotating drum. The chassis dyno tests the entire powertrain system, not just the crankshaft power. This is a more realistic test since it measures the power delivered to the wheels, not just the crankshaft. As such, the power figures measured are always less than with a crankshaft dyno since the powertrain robs some power from the vehicle.

Clearly pulling the motor to use a crankshaft dyno is beyond most people, and chassis dynos can run $150 and hour or more to operate. The Auterra Dyno-Scan provides the ability for anyone to inexpensively measure their vehicle performance.

It's universal, works on all 1996 and newer vehicles. Reads both generic and manufacturer specific trouble codes for powertrain, chassis, body, and network communication type errors.

 

On the manufacturer's web site, Ferrari codes are not specifically listed however I have found that the tool is very good identifying the diagnositc code itself but the definitions are a bit weak (just for exotics). In the old F-chat, someone had previously posted all the Ferrari Diagnostic Trouble Code definitions however I found this link to another tool which is much less sophisticated but does have the Ferrari codes. You can order the codes on CD and keep them on your Palm or desktop or just use this link to find them online!!!!!

http://www.gendan.co.uk/diagnostic/dtcs.php

http://www.gendan.co.uk/diagnostic/index.shtml