Note: The Bosch line of OBD code scanners has been discontinued. For the most recent software version information, please refer to the respective product software page.
Bosch has long been a trusted name in automotive technology, and while the Bosch OBD 1350 scanner is no longer in production, understanding its features provides valuable insight into the capabilities of a high-quality Bosch Obd2 diagnostic tool. This robust scanner was designed for both DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians seeking to quickly diagnose vehicle system faults in OBD II equipped vehicles. Despite its discontinuation, the features it offered remain relevant when evaluating the functionalities of other OBD2 scanners on the market today.
Advanced Diagnostic Features of Bosch OBD2 Scanners
The Bosch OBD 1350 was particularly noted for its advanced diagnostic functionalities, extending beyond basic code reading. One of its key strengths was the ability to read ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) codes for a wide array of vehicles, including models from GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, BMW, Mercedes, Smart, VW, Audi, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Volvo. This capability allowed users to pinpoint issues within the braking system, crucial for safety and vehicle maintenance.
Similarly, the scanner could read and display SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) / airbag codes for many of the same manufacturers, plus Jaguar. Diagnosing SRS issues is vital for ensuring the proper function of safety systems in case of an accident. These features elevated the Bosch OBD 1350 beyond a basic code reader, positioning it as a more comprehensive diagnostic tool.
Further enhancing its diagnostic power was the inclusion of enhanced Powertrain and ABS datastream for Domestic, Asian, and European vehicles. This allowed for a deeper dive into vehicle system data, providing real-time information to aid in pinpointing the root cause of problems. For Ford vehicles, it offered ‘On Demand’ tests, enabling users to activate switches and actuators within the engine to further isolate issues.
Alt text: Hands-on view of a Bosch OBD2 Scanner in use, displaying diagnostic data on its screen during a car inspection, highlighting its role in automotive troubleshooting.
Bosch also integrated CodeConnect into the OBD 1350. This feature was a significant advantage, offering over 26 million fixes in its database. CodeConnect aimed to provide users with the most probable reasons behind warning lights, moving beyond just displaying error codes and offering practical next steps for repair. For vehicles from GM and Ford, the tool provided transmission enhanced live datastream, offering specialized insights into the transmission system’s operation. Moreover, it could monitor fuel mileage, displaying metrics like MPG, average MPG, elapsed time, distance, fuel used, and average speed – useful information for both diagnostics and fuel efficiency monitoring.
Essential OBD2 Functions and User-Friendly Design
Beyond the advanced features, the Bosch OBD 1350 included all the essential OBD2 functionalities expected from a quality bosch obd2 scanner. The AutoID feature streamlined the diagnostic process by automatically populating the tool with vehicle data for most 2000 and newer vehicles. It allowed for resetting oil lights and check engine lights, common maintenance tasks. Additionally, it could perform a battery life reset, a necessary procedure when replacing batteries in newer vehicles with battery management systems.
The scanner provided access to all modes of OBD II global data, including Mode 6 and O2 monitor tests, ensuring comprehensive system checks. It could also monitor battery, alternator, and charging systems, crucial for diagnosing electrical issues. Data graphing capabilities (for 1996 and newer vehicles) and the ability to read, record, and play back live sensor data further enhanced its diagnostic capabilities, allowing for detailed analysis of vehicle performance over time.
Designed for user convenience, the Bosch OBD 1350 offered menus and options in English, French, and Spanish, catering to a wider range of users. It could read, display, and erase both generic and enhanced diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Additional user-friendly features included freeze frame data, emissions readiness status (I/M readiness monitors) for emissions testing, a built-in OBD II code library for quick code lookups, PC compatibility for data transfer and updates, and a large, backlit, graphic LCD screen for clear and easy viewing of diagnostic information. The device was also battery powered, allowing for convenient review of vehicle data even when disconnected from the vehicle. Compatibility was broad, covering ALL 1996 and newer import and domestic vehicles (OBD II & CAN), as well as some ’94 and ’95 OBD II compliant vehicles.
Conclusion
While the Bosch OBD 1350 is no longer available, its rich feature set exemplifies the quality and capabilities associated with bosch obd2 diagnostic tools. Understanding its functionalities provides a solid benchmark for evaluating current OBD2 scanners. Even though discontinued, the Bosch OBD 1350 served as a powerful and versatile tool for vehicle diagnostics, offering a wide range of features from basic code reading to advanced system analysis, catering to a broad spectrum of automotive diagnostic needs.
