Where can I buy a car decoder?
2 Answers
Auto parts markets or 4S stores can purchase it. Below is an introduction about decoders: 1. Introduction: The automotive fault diagnostic tool is a vehicle self-inspection terminal. The automotive fault diagnostic tool (also known as a car decoder) is a portable intelligent vehicle self-inspection device used to detect car faults. Users can quickly read faults in the car's electronic control system and display fault information on the LCD screen, quickly identifying the location and cause of the fault. 2. Main functions: Through CAN and LIN communication modules, it can communicate with various electronic control units (ECUs) in the vehicle, transmitting fault codes and engine status information. Through the microcontroller's synchronous/asynchronous transceiver, it can perform serial communication with a PC to complete data exchange, download programs, and upgrade the diagnostic tool. The LCD screen displays the vehicle's operational status data and fault information. The keyboard circuit is used to execute different diagnostic functions. A large-capacity FLASH memory with a serial interface is used to store a large number of fault codes and measurement data.
I previously bought a car decoder on Taobao, and it worked quite well. Nowadays, there are many online channels for such automotive diagnostic equipment, such as official brand stores on JD.com and Tmall. Big brands like Bosch and Launch can be found directly by searching. As for physical stores, they are available in auto parts markets and repair shops, but the prices might be 10-20% higher than online. When purchasing, pay attention to the compatible vehicle models to avoid buying the wrong one—for example, OBD2 interfaces are now basically standard. There are also significant differences in functionality; some can only read fault codes, while more expensive ones can view real-time data streams and perform matching. Be sure to clarify the warranty, as it's normal for such precision instruments to develop issues after two years of use. Delivery usually takes three to four days, and you can easily install it yourself by plugging it into the OBD port—it's quite convenient.
