With the ECU of my car, I never faced issues with its performance. However, recently, even though there were no signs of physical damage, its function was interrupted. I researched and got to know that the OBD2 scanner can trigger this issue.
So, how can OBD2 scanner damage ECU? OBD2’s bi-directional arrangement can change the programming of the car’s ECU settings. This context accidentally messes up the set parameters of ECU and directs the system to act unusually. The faults also include a bad OBD socket, an incompatible scanner, and a CAN network fault.
Here, I elaborate on every aspect of this context to make you understand why and how an OBD2 scanner can damage the ECU tool.
The Interaction between the OBD2 Scanner and the ECU
First of all, the ECU is the car’s main computer that looks after the engine’s performance. It keeps an eye on various things in the vehicle, like proper injection of fuel, fuel circulation, etc.
On the other hand, the OBD2 scanner’s connection happened through the standard 16-pin port. To elaborate on, there are two prominent functions of this scanning device.
First, it is the checking and clearing of error codes stored in the ECU’s memory. Second, collecting and informing real-time data from sensors and parts like temperature, oxygen levels, and throttle position.
But, the issue is that OBD2 scanners can’t change the ECU’s software programming in general. The programming can only be changed if any malfunction occurs and the ECU starts to act inappropriately, resulting in degraded outputs.
How OBD2 Scanner Damage the ECU
In this section, I elaborate on the possible ways of getting an ECU damaged in connection with an OBD2 scanner. There are problems with bi-directional programming issues, bad OBD sockets, incompatible scanners, and CAN network faults.
1. Bi-directional Programming Issue
In general, an OBD2 scanner acts like a silent observer. It just observes what is going on without interrupting the car’s computer’s (ECU) performance. This is safe because they can’t accidentally mess things up.
But in the case of advanced scanners, named bi-directional scanners, that can communicate to the ECU. They ask for data or do certain tasks like clearing error codes. But, if the ECU’s built-in safety checks make sure they’re allowed to do these things.
If the ECU finds that it is not allowed to follow a certain command of the scanner, it comes with strong security restrictions. Finally, a contradictory situation has arisen. This can damage the ECU due to this contradictory programming context of the OBD2 scanner.
2. Bad OBD2 Socket
If your car’s OBD2 scanner’s socket isn’t in good condition, it can hamper the operation of the ECU. Look closely at the DLC terminals, especially 6 and 14, which the scan tool uses for communication.
If they’re loosely connected, the OBD2 scanner can send wrong or false signals to the ECU. Following this, ECU cannot find any issue within the system and acts like it has been damaged.
3. Incompatible OBD2 Scanner
If you installed a new OBS2 scanner, it is for sure that the associated software is more advanced than the earlier scanner. In this case, compatibility issues can arise.
Due to the associated incompatibility, the OBD2 sends the wrong prompts or commands to the ECU. However, the old ECU misinterpreted the command and failed to act accordingly. In this way, the ECU can act unusually, seeming that the OBD2 scanner has damaged the ECU tool.
4. Faulty CAN Network
In modern cars, different parts are controlled by small computer units with various names, like Control modules, Controllers, and Computers. They talk to each other using special wires called CAN lines.
It uses two lines: one uses higher voltage, and the other uses lower voltage.
When you start your car, these computers talk to each other to make sure everything’s okay. If they all talked at the same time, it would be a mess, so they take turns.
If one computer isn’t working or there’s a problem with the wires, the others notice, and an error code appears. In this case, OBD2 comes into action and misinterprets that there is a significant error. But in actuality, the error is for multiple communication at the same time.
Following this, the OBD2 scanner damages the working capacity of the ECU.
Final Words
We hope that now you have a clear idea about whether can OBD2 scanner damage ECU. The above-mentioned reasons can help generate or orient the assumption that the ECU is damaged. However, we suggest you be concerned about some other factors that can contribute to ECU’s damage, but these issues are minor.
You must take care of voltage spikes, short circuits, and unbalanced current passing. Finally, a scheduled and timely check of connection prompt between OBD2 and ECU eliminates the issue in an effective way.
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