Maxiscan MS309 OBD2 Scanner Details You Should Know

Maxiscan MS309 is an auto OBD2 code reader that provides DIYers with easy and quick access to Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) on OBD2 compliant vehicles which are sold globally since 1996. OBD (On-board diagnostics) is an automotive term that refers to a vehicle’s self-diagnostic and reporting capability. A Maxiscan MS 309 packing include: Maxiscan MS309 Tool and a user’s manual. Despite its small size, however, it is powerful enough to conveniently retrieve the same amount of information as any other large expensive scanner, if not better.

The Maxiscan MS309 OBD2 Scanner is able to easily determine the cause of the “Check Engine Light”, retrieves both generic and manufacturer specific DTCs, and includes the definitions lookup software on a CD and displays the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) definitions on a large but easy-to-read backlit screen. It also features a 16-pin OBD2 connector with additional vehicle-specific diagnostic and control circuits, and a multilingual menu that supports four main international languages; Spanish, German, English and French.

Not only does the Maxiscan MS309 scanner capable of specifying the type of the diagnostic connector as well as its pinout, but it also indicates the electrical signalling protocols available, as well as the messaging format. The OBD2 standard also provides a candidate list of the vehicle parameters to monitor along with how to encode the data for each of the parameters. It views all the freeze frame data and identifies pending codes. The 16-pin in the connector provides the necessary power for the scan tool from the vehicle battery, thereby eliminating the need of having to separately connect a scan tool to a power source.

There are up to five signalling protocols that are permitted with the Maxiscan MS309 Code Scanner Reader interface; SAE J1 850 – PWM, SAE J1 850 – VPW, ISO 14230-4 – KWP 2000, ISO 9141-2 and ISO 15765-4/SAE J2480 – CAN. However, most vehicles only implement one of the protocols. As a result, a single device has the potential to query the on-board computer(s) in any particular vehicle. Actually the Maxiscan MS309 OBD2 standardization was prompted by emission requirements, and despite the fact that only emission-related codes and data are supposed to be transmitted through it, a good number of manufacturers have made its data link connector the only one in the vehicle via which all the systems can be diagnosed and programmed.

Today, it is an EPA requirement that all the 1996 vehicles as well as newer cars sold in the US must be OBD2 compliant. In fact a substantial number of the 1995 and even 1994 model year gasoline cars are OBD2 compliant. If you wish to verify if a 1994 or a 1995 vehicle is compliant, simply check the VECI (Vehicle Emission Control Information) label located by the radiator or under the hood of most vehicles. An OBD2 compliant vehicle will have its label designated as “OBD2 Compliant”.

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