Navigating car troubles, especially those pesky evap leaks, can be frustrating. For DIY mechanics and car enthusiasts, having the right scan tool is crucial. In online automotive scan tool forums, the ThinkDiag 2 frequently surfaces in discussions, particularly when tackling evaporative emission (evap) system issues. Let’s delve into a real-world user experience shared in a ThinkDiag 2 automotive forum, highlighting its strengths and limitations in diagnosing an evap leak.
One user recounted their experience pinpointing an evap leak in a vehicle with relatively low mileage. Initially suspecting a simple gas cap issue, the problem turned out to be more intricate, requiring a deeper diagnostic approach. The user owned both the ThinkDiag 2 and the BlueDriver scan tools, offering a practical comparison between the two.
The BlueDriver was praised for its user-friendly interface and polished feel. However, its capabilities were limited when it came to advanced diagnostics, specifically the ability to control solenoids – crucial for evap system testing. The ThinkDiag 2, while acknowledged as less refined in its interface, offered the essential functionality needed: solenoid control. This allowed the user to manually close the evap canister vent valve, a necessary step in leak detection.
Despite its solenoid control capability, the ThinkDiag 2 wasn’t without shortcomings. A key limitation highlighted was its inability to command the vehicle to initiate its own evap system tests. While the tool effectively displayed live data, including evap pressure readings – a feature where BlueDriver’s visual presentation was preferred – it couldn’t autonomously trigger the car’s built-in diagnostic routines.
To effectively troubleshoot the evap leak, the user combined the ThinkDiag 2 with an Ancel S3000 smoke machine. By introducing smoke into the system via the gas cap and utilizing the ThinkDiag 2 to close the evap canister vent valve, they were able to visually identify the leak source. Smoke emanating from the top of the fuel tank led to the discovery of a cracked fuel pump locking ring.
Replacing the faulty gasket and locking ring resolved the leak, confirmed by the absence of further smoke after a thorough system smoke test. Post-repair, the vehicle ran significantly better, and the previously noted misfire issue disappeared, likely due to the corrected vacuum leak. Despite the successful repair, the user expressed a desire for the ThinkDiag 2 to incorporate a feature that would instruct the car to perform its own evap system tests, providing a definitive pass/fail result.
In conclusion, this real-world experience, typical of discussions in automotive scan tool forums, illustrates the ThinkDiag 2’s practical value in diagnosing evap leaks and its advantage over more consumer-grade tools like BlueDriver due to its solenoid control. However, it also points out areas for improvement, particularly in automating vehicle-initiated diagnostic tests. For users comfortable with manual testing and interpretation of live data, the ThinkDiag 2 remains a powerful and affordable option for automotive diagnostics, especially within the DIY and enthusiast communities active in automotive scan tool forums.
