The Autel AutoLink AL319 OBD2 scanner is a popular choice for car owners and DIY enthusiasts looking for a reliable and user-friendly tool to diagnose car problems. This compact device helps you read and understand your vehicle’s trouble codes, turning off that pesky check engine light, and ensuring your car is running smoothly. If you’re wondering how to use the Autel AutoLink AL319 OBD2 scanner, this guide will walk you through each step, making car diagnostics accessible to everyone.
What is the Autel AutoLink AL319 OBD2 Scanner?
The Autel AL319 is an OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics II) scanner designed to access your car’s computer system. Modern vehicles since 1996 are equipped with OBD2 systems, which monitor various aspects of the car’s performance and emissions. When something goes wrong, the system generates trouble codes, often illuminating the check engine light on your dashboard. The AL319 scanner reads these codes, providing you with valuable information about potential issues. It’s a handheld device, known for its ease of use, quick operation, and essential features for basic car diagnostics.
Key Features of the Autel AL319
Before diving into how to use the Autel AutoLink AL319 OBD2 scanner, let’s highlight some of its key features that make it a valuable tool for car owners:
- Reads and Clears Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): The primary function is to read generic and some manufacturer-specific codes related to the engine. It also allows you to clear these codes and turn off the check engine light.
- I/M Readiness Button: A dedicated one-click button to quickly check your vehicle’s emission readiness status, indicated by color-coded LEDs (Green, Yellow, Red). This is helpful for emissions testing.
- Live Data Stream: View real-time data from your vehicle’s sensors, such as coolant temperature, O2 sensor readings, and more. This live data is presented with a fast refresh rate, making it genuinely useful for diagnostics.
- Bright Color Display: Features a clear, color screen that is easy to read in various lighting conditions.
- Fast Boot-up and Responsive Interface: The device starts up quickly and navigation through menus is fast and responsive.
- Wide Vehicle Compatibility: Works with most OBD2 compliant vehicles (post-1996 models) across various makes and models including Honda, Toyota, Subaru, VW, and Nissan.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use Autel AL319
Now, let’s get into the practical steps on how to use the Autel AutoLink AL319 OBD2 scanner to diagnose your vehicle:
1. Connecting the Scanner
- Locate the OBD2 Port: Your vehicle’s OBD2 port is typically located under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Common locations include near the steering column, above the pedals, or in the center console area. Refer to your vehicle’s manual if you are unsure of the exact location.
- Turn Off Ignition: Ensure your vehicle’s ignition is turned off before connecting the scanner.
- Plug in the Autel AL319: Firmly plug the OBD2 connector of the Autel AL319 into your vehicle’s OBD2 port. Ensure it is securely connected.
2. Reading Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
- Turn Ignition to ‘ON’ (Engine OFF): Turn your vehicle’s ignition to the ‘ON’ position. This powers up the car’s electronics without starting the engine. The Autel AL319 should power on automatically once connected and the ignition is on.
- Navigate to ‘Read Codes’: Use the ‘Scroll’ buttons (UP/DOWN arrows) to navigate through the main menu. Select the ‘Read Codes’ option and press the ‘ENTER/Exit’ button.
- View Trouble Codes: The scanner will communicate with your vehicle’s computer and display any stored Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). Note down the codes displayed. The AL319 can read both generic OBD2 codes and some manufacturer-specific codes. If a manufacturer-specific code is detected, the scanner will prompt you to select your vehicle’s make and model for more accurate information.
3. Understanding Error Codes
- Consult the Manual or Online Resources: The Autel AL319 manual provides a basic explanation of common OBD2 codes. For detailed descriptions and possible causes, you can refer to online OBD2 code databases or websites like OBD-II Codes.com.
- Identify the Problem Area: OBD2 codes are typically alphanumeric and indicate the system or component experiencing an issue (e.g., P0300 indicates a misfire, P0171 indicates a lean fuel mixture). Understanding the code helps you pinpoint the area of the problem.
4. Clearing Trouble Codes
- Navigate to ‘Erase Codes’: From the main menu, use the ‘Scroll’ buttons to select ‘Erase Codes’ and press ‘ENTER/Exit’.
- Confirm Erase: The scanner will typically ask for confirmation before erasing codes. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm.
- Verify Check Engine Light is Off: After erasing codes, start your vehicle and check if the check engine light has turned off. Note that clearing codes does not fix the underlying problem; it only turns off the warning light. If the issue persists, the light will likely reappear after driving for a while.
5. Using the I/M Readiness Button
- Press the ‘I/M Readiness’ Button: With the scanner connected and ignition ‘ON’, simply press the ‘I/M Readiness’ button on the AL319.
- Interpret the LED Indicators:
- Green Light: Indicates all emission monitors are ready and your vehicle is likely to pass an emissions test.
- Yellow Light: Indicates that some emission monitors are not yet ready. You may need to drive your vehicle for a bit longer to complete the drive cycle and set all monitors to ready.
- Red Light: Indicates that there is an issue with one or more emission monitors, and your vehicle is likely to fail an emissions test. You should read the trouble codes to identify and fix the problem.
6. Viewing Live Data
- Navigate to ‘Live Data’: From the main menu, select ‘Live Data’ and press ‘ENTER/Exit’.
- Select Data Parameters (if prompted): Depending on the scanner version, you might be prompted to select specific data parameters to view. You can typically choose from a list of available sensors and readings.
- View Real-Time Data: The scanner will display live data streams from your vehicle’s sensors. You can scroll through different data parameters using the ‘Scroll’ buttons. This is useful for monitoring engine performance in real-time, such as coolant temperature, oxygen sensor voltage, RPM, and more, which can be helpful for diagnosing intermittent issues.
Pros and Cons of the Autel AL319
Based on user experience, here are some pros and cons to consider when thinking about how to use the Autel AutoLink AL319 OBD2 scanner:
Pros:
- User-Friendly: Very easy to use, even for beginners. The interface is straightforward, and navigating the menus is simple once you get used to the button layout.
- Fast and Responsive: Boots up quickly and provides fast readings. Live data refresh rate is excellent.
- Portable and Compact: Small and lightweight, making it easy to store in your car.
- Essential Features: Offers all the necessary functions for basic OBD2 diagnostics at an affordable price point.
- Bright Color Screen: Easy to read display in various lighting conditions.
- Reliable Performance: Consistently reads codes across various car makes and models.
Cons:
- Navigation Learning Curve: The user interface navigation can be slightly confusing initially, particularly the ‘EXIT’ function, which requires using the scroll button to go back to the previous menu.
- Short Cable Length: The 2-foot cable is not detachable and can be short in some situations, such as when using a lift or trying to view live data while driving.
- Basic Functionality: Primarily focuses on engine codes and OBD2 functions. It does not read codes from other modules like Transmission, ABS, or Airbag systems.
Conclusion
The Autel AutoLink AL319 OBD2 scanner is a fantastic tool for anyone wanting to understand and address their car’s check engine light and basic diagnostic needs. Hopefully, this guide has clarified how to use the Autel AutoLink AL319 OBD2 scanner effectively. Despite minor drawbacks like the short cable and initial UI learning curve, its strengths in ease of use, speed, and essential features make it an excellent portable code reader to keep in your car. It empowers you to troubleshoot common car issues, saving time and potentially costly trips to the mechanic.
