This page is intended to introduce and explain to you precisely how an automotive diagnostic case works.
You will be able to hear or see several terms to define this material as diagnostic case, diagnostic tool, diagnostic interface, diagnostic beacon, car diagnostic, car diagnostic box, car diagnostic device or even car diagnostic case. In reality, all these terms designate exactly the same thing, namely an electronic box allowing you to interrogate your vehicle and to report information.
A motor vehicle is composed of a central computer (ECU) and various electronic modules responsible for detecting possible malfunctions on one of the components of the vehicle such as, for example, the engine, the airbag, the braking system, etc.
The diagnostic case plugs directly into the vehicle's diagnostic socket, since 2001, it is now a standard format called: OBD2. This is a standardized 16-pin plug.
Once your diagnostic case is connected to the vehicle, it will interrogate the various electronic sensors and detect any faults that may be present on the vehicle.