Customer Reviews

How To Use Automotive Diagnostic Scanners (Motorbooks Workshop)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After buying and reading this book cover to cover, I am little disappointed in some of the scan tool coverage. It does a good job of covering the nuts and bolts of obd1 and obd2, and giving you background on what they are and what they want to do. This is a great starting point as most driveability problems stem from the computer trying to keep everything within certain parameters, and what it can't do.

It has some great gems in it, which is always a plus, but it could go a little more in depth about what it actually is that you are looking at when you use the scan tool, and what fuel trim is, what it means, how to use the tool to get into the problem, etc.

I can never say that a book is a total letdown, because all automotive books have gems that a real mechanic can't ever say aren't useful, but this book won't give you the total definitive scan tool. But it is a great primer for those that have purchased one and are on their way to understanding and using one.

If you want a fast start to becoming a doing yourself technician and have never work with a scanner and have zero idea of OBD 11 system and related components.... this is an entry level recommendation for you. The book should have been titled "Introduction to the OBD II Diagnostic" has the emphasis is on basic principles/component of OBD 11 compliant vehicles and their functionalities.

An absolute must-have! Clearly explains the workings of today's car in layman's language. You'll be up and running in no time and save yourself a bundle diagnosing those codes yourself. Mr. Martin's companion book on auto electronic diagnosing is the perfect compliment of this book; also a must-have. Finally, someone has simplified a rather complex subject and illustrated it with great photography. A big debt is owed to Tracy Martin for this book. Highest rating!!!

I'm an old guy who works on cars as a habit from years past and to save a buck when I can. I saw a scanner in Walmart for $98. I inferred that that product was legitimate, capable, and designed for people with my general level of ability. Online research let me confirm that, so I decided to buy a scanner. Spending extra money for a book is never easy, but it is something that I usually do. I've probably got sixty books over the years from auto body repair to engine rebuild.
This book is a pearl. It is exceptionally high quality from a physical standpoint with sturdy pages and sturdy spine. It is well laid out visually with colors, white space, text, diagrams, and photos together very effectively. I think it is well organized subject-wise, and the subject selection and the depth/breadth of each were just right for me to get a handle on the world of the "Check Engine" light. Kudos to Motorbooks. The author says in the Preface that Motorbooks approached him to write the book. They knew what they were doing. Mr. Martin is a very effective author with knowledge, clarity, and a style that helps the reader learn a subject that could be messy. I now have more than a clue about OBD, and use my scanner with more understanding and confidence.

The book is well organized and provides straightforward and clear guidance on the use of automotive scan tools. The author intuitively realizes that his audience requires a less than sophisticated technical discussion but rather a lot of hand holding to fully appreciate the capabilities of OBD 1 and OBD 2 scan tools.

Good Book. Mostly compares different makes & models of scanners & their capabilities. Good learning tool especially when you're in the market for purchasing one.

This book also gives some history of the Automotive computer systems. It helps to know as much as you can about the system you are working on. This is not an advanced book but is great for the home mechanic. Just having the code list handy in the garage is worth it to me. There are some valuable basic (Electronic problem) troubleshooting tips in it too.

it covers the basic and it is very helpful it explains the electrical very good and shows how to. it helps if you are just a bringer.

this books title should be changed. But it is still a great book for beginners

I love this book...I have learned so much. easy to read and easy to understand...