For car owners, encountering vehicle issues can be frustrating and often expensive to resolve at a professional mechanic. Modern vehicles are complex systems managed by computers, and sometimes these systems require a reset to resolve glitches or after repairs. Fortunately, automotive scan tools have become increasingly accessible, empowering DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike to diagnose and fix car problems, including performing essential reset functions. If you’re looking for the Best Scan Tools That Reset various vehicle systems, this guide will help you understand your options and make the right choice.
Understanding the need for resets in modern vehicles is crucial. Vehicles today rely heavily on sensors and computer modules that monitor everything from engine performance to safety systems. Sometimes, these systems can misread data or get stuck in a fault state even after the underlying problem has been fixed. This is where the ability to reset becomes invaluable. Functions like resetting trouble codes, service lights, and even specific parameters like fuel trim or alcohol content are now within reach with the right scan tool.
One common issue that highlights the need for reset capabilities is the alcohol percentage problem in some flex-fuel vehicles. As experienced by a Toyota Tundra owner, the vehicle’s computer may incorrectly register a high alcohol content in the fuel, even when standard gasoline is used. This can lead to hard starting, poor engine performance, and reduced fuel economy. The original article described a personal experience using a Launch X431 CRP919E bidirectional scan tool to successfully reset the alcohol percentage level in a 2013 Toyota Tundra. This highlights the power of bidirectional scan tools in performing specific reset functions that go beyond just reading and clearing codes.
Why is Resetting Alcohol Percentage Necessary?
In flex-fuel vehicles, the engine control module (ECM) learns and adapts to the ethanol content in the fuel. Sensors measure the fuel composition, and the ECM adjusts fuel delivery and ignition timing accordingly. However, sometimes this system can malfunction, leading to an incorrect high alcohol percentage reading. This can happen due to sensor issues, software glitches, or even after certain repairs. Resetting the alcohol fuel density level forces the ECM to relearn the correct value, often resolving drivability issues associated with this problem.
Beyond Alcohol Reset: What Other Resets Can Scan Tools Perform?
The ability to reset goes far beyond just alcohol percentage. Modern scan tools, especially bidirectional models, offer a wide array of reset functions, including:
- Service Light Reset: Turn off the oil change, tire rotation, and other maintenance reminder lights.
- Brake Pad Reset (EPB): Retract electronic parking brakes for service and reset the system after brake pad replacement.
- Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) Reset: Calibrate the steering angle sensor after wheel alignments or steering system repairs.
- Throttle Body Reset: Reset the throttle body adaptation after cleaning or replacement.
- Battery Management System (BMS) Reset: Register a new battery with the BMS in vehicles that require it.
- Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Regeneration and Reset: Initiate DPF regeneration and reset DPF related codes.
- Transmission Adaptation Reset: Reset the transmission’s learned shift patterns.
- ABS Bleeding: Cycle the ABS pump to bleed air from the brake system.
- Injector Coding: Code new fuel injectors to the ECM.
These are just a few examples, and the specific reset functions available depend on the scan tool’s capabilities and the vehicle’s make and model.
Choosing the Best Scan Tool for Reset Functions
When selecting a scan tool for reset functions, consider these factors:
- Bidirectional Capability: For advanced resets like alcohol percentage, throttle body adaptation, and ABS bleeding, a bidirectional scan tool is essential. These tools allow you to send commands to the vehicle’s modules, not just read data.
- Vehicle Coverage: Ensure the scan tool supports your vehicle’s make and model, and the specific systems you need to reset.
- Functionality: Check the list of reset functions offered by the scan tool. Some tools specialize in basic resets, while others offer advanced capabilities.
- Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface and clear instructions are important, especially for DIY users.
- Updates: Regular software updates ensure compatibility with newer vehicles and expanded functionality.
- Budget: Scan tools range in price from basic code readers to professional-grade tools. Determine your budget and balance it with the features you need.
Types of Scan Tools that Offer Reset Functions:
- Basic OBD2 Scanners: These are typically entry-level tools primarily for reading and clearing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). They may offer limited reset functions, such as basic service light resets.
- Enhanced OBD2 Scanners: These scanners offer more advanced diagnostics, including live data streaming and some special functions like oil reset or EPB reset on certain vehicles.
- Bidirectional Scan Tools: These are professional-grade or advanced DIY tools that offer comprehensive diagnostics and bidirectional control, enabling a wide range of reset functions. The Launch X431 CRP919E, as mentioned in the original article, falls into this category. Other brands like Autel, Thinkcar, and Bosch also offer capable bidirectional scan tools.
- Manufacturer-Specific Scan Tools: These tools are designed for specific vehicle brands and often offer the most in-depth diagnostics and reset capabilities for those brands. Examples include Techstream for Toyota and ISTA for BMW.
Conclusion
Investing in a quality scan tool that offers reset functions can save you time and money by enabling you to perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot certain vehicle issues yourself. Whether you’re dealing with a pesky service light, need to reset your brake system after a pad change, or are facing a more specific issue like an incorrect alcohol percentage reading, having the best scan tools that reset at your disposal is a valuable asset for any car owner. By understanding your needs and researching the available options, you can choose a scan tool that empowers you to take control of your vehicle’s maintenance and repair.
