The AD310 offered by Ancel stands out as the best obd2 bluetooth scanner on the market for its very affordable price. The Ancel AD310 is an excellent entry point for individuals interested in delving deeper into DIY auto repair or simply taking a more proactive approach to maintaining vehicle health.
One of the key factors in the ease of use of the Ancel AD310 is its user-friendliness. However, if you're new to Code Reader, you might have questions about how to connect to it, update it, and navigate its menus.
If you're an Ancel AD310 owner and committed to mastering its features, you're already well on your way to becoming an expert in using it effectively. Read on for valuable tips on proper AD310 handling.
Always Refer to the Owner's Manual
The first and foremost tip to remember is to retain your owner's manual. It's wise not to discard it as you never know when it might come in handy. Although reading the entire manual isn't necessary right away, Ancel includes it in the package for a reason.
The Ancel AD310 owner's manual offers detailed information about basic operations and also provides essential safety tips to optimize your experience. It emphasizes the importance of keeping the code reader dry before connecting it to your car and ensuring that your vehicle is in park to prevent any movement during diagnostic scans.
Connecting your Ancel AD310 to Your Vehicle
As many owners of the Ancel AD310 are new to obd2 bidirectional scanner, you may be wondering how to connect it to your car. The cable attached to the top of the AD310 is called the Data Link Connector (DLC). It plugs into a corresponding DLC port located inside your car.
If you've never owned an OBD2 scanner before, you might not have noticed the presence of a DLC port in your car. Typically, it can be found either underneath the dashboard on the left-hand side near the driver's door or in the center console behind the ashtray.
Before plugging in your Ancel AD310 code scanner, ensure that your car's ignition is turned off. Once connected and your AD310 recognizes the connection, the screen will prompt you to turn on your car's ignition. This step is necessary to initiate the scanning process.
After establishing a connection, the Ancel AD310 will automatically perform a diagnostic scan of your vehicle. This step is particularly crucial if your car's dashboard has been displaying the Check Engine Light.
Once the scan is complete, you'll be able to check the error codes or Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) detected by the AD310. Navigate to the Diagnostics menu on your device and select Read Codes to view them. If you no longer require the codes, you can also utilize the Erase Codes function.
Relevant:How To Update Ancel AD310
Learning to Interpret Error Codes with Ancel AD310
Since checking error codes is the primary purpose for most Ancel AD310 users, it's essential to become familiar with their structure and meaning.
Error codes are categorized into four groups, each denoted by a corresponding letter at the beginning of the code:
P stands for Powertrain
B stands for Body
C stands for Chassis
U stands for Unknown, representing any vehicle component not falling under the previous three areas
Following the letter, there will be four numbers, comprising the complete error code. To determine the meaning of your specific error code, you'll need to search for an error code database on the internet. Over the years, comprehensive repositories have been established, containing all the listed error codes along with their definitions.
Once you identify your error code, you can proceed accordingly. Depending on whether it's a minor issue you can fix yourself or a more significant problem requiring professional assistance, you can make an informed decision.
Updating the Firmware of Ancel AD310
Another notable advantage of the AD310's popularity is its ability to receive firmware updates repeatedly. You may have noticed that the Ancel AD310 is equipped with a USB cable and a USB port located at the device's bottom.
To update the firmware, visit Ancel's official download page and check for any available updates. If updates are available, download the package and extract its contents using tools such as 7zip or WinRAR. The folder will contain drivers that can be downloaded if you are using an older operating system like Windows 8, but the main file you need is Update.exe.
Connect your Ancel AD310 to your computer using the USB cable and launch the Update.exe file. If your drivers are installed correctly, the installation process can be initiated. It typically takes only one or two minutes to complete. After the update, your Ancel AD310 will be enhanced with the latest improvements.
Conclusion
As you can see, utilizing the Ancel AD310, or any other engine code reader from Ancel, is a straightforward process once you grasp the fundamental instructions. The AD310 was explicitly designed for ease of use, catering to both beginners and professionals alike, which explains its widespread popularity among car owners and mechanics worldwide.
If you already own the Ancel AD310, consider yourself fortunate, as it offers simplicity and durability that withstands the test of time. Its portability allows for easy storage in your vehicle's trunk or glove box, ensuring you have it readily available whenever you require it for your own car or to assist others on the go.
FAQS
What should I do if the Ancel AD310 displays error codes on my vehicle?
Check the meaning of the error code online and take appropriate action based on the diagnosis.
How do I know if there are firmware updates available for my Ancel AD310?
Visit Ancel's official download page to check for available firmware updates for the AD310.
Can the Ancel AD310 be used by beginners?
Yes, the Ancel AD310 is designed to be user-friendly and is suitable for both beginners and professionals.
13 thoughts on “How to Use the Ancel AD310 Engine Code Reader”
bharrat lilwah
hi who can i test this ANCEL AD310 OBD2 Scanner
bill freeman
I did not get a usb cord in my package. none of many I have will not plug into unit?
RICHARD MATTHEWS
I purchased the ANCEL AD 310 BUT IT DIDNOT INCLUDE THE USB CABLE . I ALSO WISHED THE USER MANUALHAD BEEN LARGER PRINT IT IS VERY HARD FOR ME TO READ. OTHER THAN THAT I LOVE THE READER.