For car owners looking for a straightforward and reliable way to understand their vehicle’s health, the Ancel As100 Obd2 Scanner emerges as an excellent entry-level tool. This compact device is designed to provide essential diagnostic functions, empowering you to troubleshoot common car issues and maintain your vehicle effectively. Let’s delve into the specifications and capabilities of the Ancel AS100 to see how it can assist in your car maintenance journey.
Key Features of the Ancel AS100 OBD2 Scanner
The Ancel AS100 is equipped with fundamental OBD2 functions that are crucial for basic car diagnostics. These features allow you to quickly assess your car’s condition and address minor problems before they escalate.
Reading Codes: Understand Your Car’s Trouble
One of the primary functions of the AS100 is its ability to read diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). When your car’s check engine light illuminates, it signifies that the vehicle’s computer has detected an issue. The Ancel AS100 can retrieve these codes, providing you with a detailed description of the problem. This crucial first step helps you understand the nature of the fault, whether it’s related to emissions, engine performance, or other systems.
Erasing Codes & Reset: Clear the Check Engine Light
After identifying and addressing the issue indicated by the DTC, the Ancel AS100 allows you to erase codes and reset the system. This action turns off the Check Engine Light (MIL) and clears the stored codes. It also resets the monitors, which are emission-related system checks. Note that erasing codes without fixing the underlying problem will only result in the light reappearing.
Data Stream: Live Vehicle Performance Data
The data stream function provides real-time insights into your vehicle’s operation. The Ancel AS100 reads and displays live ECU/PCM data, presenting it in a readable format. This includes plotting functions graphically, allowing you to visualize sensor data and track changes over time. It also stores freeze frame data, capturing a snapshot of vehicle conditions when an emission-related fault occurs. This information is valuable for diagnosing intermittent issues.
I/M Readiness Status: Emission System Check
Preparing for an emissions test? The I/M Readiness Status function is your quick check. It shows whether your vehicle’s emission-related systems are operating correctly and are ready for inspection and maintenance testing. This helps you avoid failing an emissions test by identifying incomplete or failed monitors beforehand.
View Freeze Frame Data: Capture Fault Conditions
As mentioned earlier, the view freeze frame data feature is essential for understanding the context of a fault. It allows you to check specific vehicle conditions recorded by the on-board computer at the exact moment an emission-related fault was triggered. This data, including parameters like engine speed, coolant temperature, and fuel trim, can provide valuable clues for diagnosis.
Read Vehicle Information: Identify Your Car
The Read Vehicle Information function retrieves and displays crucial details about your car. This includes the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), CID (Calibration ID), and CVN (Calibration Verification Number). This information is useful for vehicle identification, accessing repair information, and ensuring compatibility with parts or software updates.
Vehicle Compatibility: Wide Range of OBD2 Cars Supported
The Ancel AS100 boasts broad compatibility with OBD2 compliant vehicles across different regions.
- American (USA) cars: Compatible with standard OBD2 cars from 1996 onwards (Chrysler, Ford, GM, Jeep).
- European cars: Compatible with standard OBD2 cars from 2003 onwards (Alfa Romeo, SAAB, Acura, Opel, Audi, Seat, Bentley, Skoda, Daewoo, Benz, Daihatsu, Land Rover, BMW, Vauxhall, Volvo, VW, Ford, Jaguar).
- French cars (after 2006): Citroen, Fiat, Renault, Peugeot (Note: Not Supporting Renault Clio 2/Megane/Dacia Logan).
- Japanese cars: Compatible with standard OBD2 cars from 2005 onwards (KIA, Isuzu, Honda, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Dacia, Lexus, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota).
- Chinese cars: Compatible with standard OBD2 cars from 2008 onwards (BYD, Chery, Geely, Great Wall, Karry).
Important Compatibility Notes: While widely compatible, OBD2 protocol adoption varied by region and some vehicles have unique designs. Compatibility issues may arise, especially with certain Japanese and Korean brands or models outside the specified year ranges. This tool provides OBD2 engine functions only and does not include advanced features like ABS or Airbag resets. It is also not compatible with Russian cars (VAZ, UAZ, LADA) and trucks. Specific models like Ssangyong Actyon, Korando, Kyron, and Rexton within certain year ranges, and Opel Corsa C 2004 1.3 CDTI, VW Golf 4 2002 are also not supported. If unsure, it’s recommended to confirm compatibility by providing your car’s year, cc, and fuel type for verification.
Ancel AS100 OBD2 Scanner Supported Protocols
The Ancel AS100 supports a comprehensive list of OBD2 protocols, ensuring compatibility with a wide array of vehicles:
- SAE J1850 PWM (41.6Kbaud)
- SAE J1850 VPW (10.4Kbaud)
- ISO9141-2 (5 baud init, 10.4Kbaud)
- ISO14230-4 KWP (5 baud init, 10.4 Kbaud)
- ISO14230-4 KWP (fast init, 10.4 Kbaud)
- ISO15765-4 CAN (11bit ID, 500 Kbaud)
- ISO15765-4 CAN (29bit ID, 500 Kbaud)
- ISO15765-4 CAN (11bit ID, 250 Kbaud)
- ISO15765-4 CAN (29bit ID, 250 Kbaud)
Language Support
The Ancel AS100 caters to a global audience with support for multiple languages including: English, Russian, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, Finnish, and Polish.
Conclusion: A Reliable Basic OBD2 Scanner
The Ancel AS100 OBD2 scanner is a valuable tool for car owners and DIY enthusiasts who need a reliable and easy-to-use device for basic car diagnostics. Its core OBD2 functions, broad vehicle compatibility, and multilingual support make it a practical choice for understanding and maintaining your vehicle’s engine health. While it focuses on essential functions and does not include advanced features, the AS100 provides excellent value for its price point, empowering you to take control of your car maintenance and address common issues effectively.
