Fleet Maintenance - 37

DIAGNOSTICS
Most dongles available to consumers today
belong to this category.
Advanced diagnostic scan tools and systems
are able to integrate all, or nearly all, controllers
on the vehicle, as well as read and decode all of
the returned SAE-standard and manufacturer-proprietary codes. Some of these systems are
also capable of running test and recalibration
routines on components.
Let's look at an example comparing the two
scan tool types on a Toyota vehicle. A basic
scan tool may pull a P0785 code, indicating
a general problem with a shift solenoid. An
advanced diagnostic scan tool, on the other
hand, could provide a code like P1753, which
would indicate there is a specific issue with
shift solenoid No. 4 based upon the advanced
Toyota diagnostic database.

ing critical problems that may be ignored by
drivers. Telematics devices may also allow for
parts to be procured in advance of bringing the
vehicle in for service or repair.

The future of diagnostics

» Telematics tools, such as the
Voyomotive Voyo device, are meant to
stay installed throughout the life of
the vehicle. These devices are attached
to the vehicle's diagnostic port and
will send back any found codes to the
vehicle owner, fleet, or manufacturer.
Photo courtesy of Voyomotive

Differences in form

Basic and advanced diagnostic tools fall into
two general design categories: dedicated diagnostic tools and telematics tools.
Dedicated diagnostic tools are meant to plug
into a vehicle temporarily - often when a vehicle
is in a shop. These tools display codes and other
data on a computer screen or small embedded
display within the device. These tools may
require periodic updates, sometimes for a fee,
in order to support advanced diagnostics.
Telematics tools are meant to stay installed
throughout the life of the vehicle. These devices

are attached to the vehicle's diagnostic port and
will send back any found codes to the vehicle
owner, fleet, or manufacturer. The information
may also be displayed within the vehicle. Most
devices of this type are focused on code-reading and vehicle tracking. They do not usually
support test or recalibration routines.
Telematics devices that support advanced
data, stay up-to-date automatically over-theair, and are capable of running test or recalibration routines, can save fleets a lot of time
and money, both in terms of correctly characterizing the severity of an issue and by prevent-

Aftermarket diagnostics is an emerging and
expanding market. It is imperative that fleets
conduct thorough research on these products. Poor devices are sometimes masked
as advanced diagnostic products, which
can lead to higher overall repair costs and
increased downtime. Incorrect, insufficient,
and untimely diagnostics can also cause
significant safety risks.
The automotive industry, and to a greater
extent the heavy truck industry, have lagged
behind the prevailing trend to give the vehicle
owners more access their own data. Currently,
it is extremely time-consuming to determine
what is wrong with a vehicle, get a quote for the
cost of repair, and schedule a visit to a service
center. This should change with the availability of lower-cost, highly-capable diagnostic
systems that can be easily plugged into a vehicle by a consumer or fleet.
As seen in airline travel, banking, and other
industries, complex processes can be managed
from within a mobility app once the right information is available, and these will provide
consumers and fleets with better price and
service options.

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Fleet Maintenance

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Fleet Maintenance