What does a bidirectional scanner do?

You may have noticed that when you take your vehicle to an auto repair shop, the first thing they do is connect an automatic diagnostic tool to your car. The tool shows the mechanic exactly where to check, and after a few repairs, your check engine light suddenly goes off. This diagnostic tool is a two-way scanner used to diagnose modern vehicles. If you want to learn about this device, read this article.

What is a bidirectional scanner?

Vehicle engineers design and program scanning devices to be able to request information or perform specific tests and functions. Bidirectional controls can perform various tests such as functional, actuator, system, and inspection tests. Other included controls include reinitialization and reprogramming controls.

Modern vehicle scan tools are bidirectional devices that send information to and receive information from the vehicle control module. Advanced scan tools can activate relays, coils, and injectors. They also perform system tests.

You may have seen different types of scanners in the market, but bidirectional scanners are the latest development. Traditional scanners only get information from the scanner, but bidirectional scanners can also input data. In addition, they can also command the vehicle to perform actions.

Bidirectional scanners are essential for mechanics. Sometimes you need to give specific instructions to the vehicle to understand the nature of the problem. Another name for a bidirectional scanner is an encoding scanner or an engine scanner. Here are the best bidirectional scan tools.

The role of bidirectional scanner

Unlike a basic scanner, a bidirectional scanner does more than just read the inputs of the OBD. It can test the outputs in these areas,

Door lock system
Engine functions
Battery health status
Braking system and ABS
Oxygen, air pressure and temperature sensors
Two things happen when you run a bidirectional scanner: you get an error code or an indication that no error was found. Advanced scanners can detect systems that may fail soon. Still, a bidirectional scanner can't fix what's wrong with your car, but it can guide you where to check.

Almost every expert uses a bidirectional scanner. It connects to the vehicle's PC and sends diagnostics to the expert's machine, which then assesses your vehicle's condition and tells you what's wrong. If you don't want to take your vehicle to a mechanical repair shop, a personal bidirectional device can help. The VD70 has most of the features that a bidirectional scanner has.

Benefits of using a bidirectional scanner

A personal two-way scanner has excellent benefits. The tool will present you with clear problems that need to be solved. Some of these problems only require simple DIY tips, while others may require expert attention. In the long run, you can save money.

Easy-to-read graphics

Most bidirectional scanners are handheld and display data with designs and diagrams. The device displays the code and presents you with a list of issues you must address.

Save time

Analyzing car problems system by system can take a lot of time. Using a bidirectional scanner manages time efficiency and helps you find the exact problem quickly and accurately. The device searches the vehicle from the engine to the drivetrain and provides comprehensive feedback on the exact problem. This prompts a quick resolution of the problem.

Get to the bottom of mechanical problems

While an experienced mechanic can find the exact problem right away, a bidirectional scanner helps determine if the problem is continuous or intermittent. Intermittent problems have a variety of causes.

 

Here comes the most critical step

How to use the Bidirectional Scan Tool

A two-way scanner will help you diagnose car problems when the check engine light comes on. It will help you take better care of your car. Once you have a two-way scanner, you may never spend time at the auto repair shop again.

Step 1

The first step is to plug the tool into the OBD2 port under the vehicle's steering wheel and start the vehicle. The tool will automatically start and connect to the onboard computer to read the CEL.

Step 2

At this point, the scanner reads the vehicle information and displays it on the screen. To access the error code information, navigate through the menu to the system or actuator test. The procedures on the menu may vary depending on the model.

Step 3

Get the information you need on the scanner. If the problem seems complex, you can fix it yourself or have it fixed by a mechanic.

We will provide one-on-one guidance on these steps after you purchase Vdiagtool products (VD70, VD70Lite, VD70S)!