Diagnosing malfunctions efficiently is a core skill in Car Mechanic Simulator 2021. While the Easy difficulty mode conveniently highlights all faulty parts, Normal and Expert modes demand a more hands-on approach. Initially, damaged components might be obscured, listed as “part not discovered,” pushing players to manually dismantle vehicles—a time-consuming and often unnecessary task. Fortunately, Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 provides several methods to streamline diagnostics, with the OBD scanner being a crucial tool in your arsenal. This guide will delve into how to effectively use the OBD scanner and other diagnostic tools to pinpoint damaged parts and optimize your repair workflow in Car Mechanic Simulator 2021.
Utilizing Examination Mode for Visual Inspections
Before diving into advanced tools, Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 offers a basic yet useful feature: Examination Mode. This mode allows for a visual sweep of the vehicle to identify obvious damages, particularly within the suspension, exhaust, and engine systems.
To initiate Examination Mode, simply approach the car and access the pie menu. Select the Examination Mode icon, and your mechanic will begin a visual inspection.
Hold the interact button to allow the examination of group-specific parts to complete. As parts are examined, their color will change, providing immediate feedback on their condition. Green indicates a healthy part, yellow or orange signifies wear and tear, and red signals the need for immediate replacement.
Examination Mode is readily available at any point, offering a quick initial assessment of the vehicle’s condition.
Furthermore, even during disassembly, visual cues like rust can help identify damaged parts, offering another layer of visual diagnosis.
However, it’s important to remember that Examination Mode and visual checks have limitations, especially in the early stages of the game. Many complex issues require specialized diagnostic tools to uncover.
Expanding Your Diagnostic Capabilities with Tools
To diagnose a wider range of issues in Car Mechanic Simulator 2021, you’ll need to invest in additional diagnostic tools. These tools can be purchased and unlocked within your garage using Credits (CR).
Purchasing Diagnostic Tools
Tool cabinets within your garage serve as the gateway to expanding your diagnostic toolkit. Interact with any tool cabinet to access the purchase menu.
Navigate to the “Garage and Tools” tab to browse the available diagnostic instruments. Each tool comes with a Credit cost, reflecting its diagnostic capabilities.
Utilizing Diagnostic Tools in Disassembly Mode
Diagnostic tools are used within Disassembly Mode. To access this mode, click on the engine or another relevant car component.
Once in Disassembly Mode, bring up the pie menu and select “Extra Tools”. This will open a new tab displaying your purchased diagnostic instruments.
The following sections detail each diagnostic tool available in Car Mechanic Simulator 2021, with a focus on the OBD scanner and its application.
The OBD Scanner: Diagnosing Modern Vehicle Systems
OBD Scanner (Cost: 1500 CR)
The OBD scanner is a vital tool for diagnosing electronic components in Car Mechanic Simulator 2021, specifically targeting spark plugs, ignition coils, catalysts, ABS, and ECU. It’s important to note that the OBD scanner is compatible only with modern vehicles equipped with an OBD port. To use the OBD scanner, select it from the Extra Tools menu while in Disassembly Mode and interact with the appropriate car area (usually under the dashboard or hood, depending on the car model). The OBD scanner will then provide a diagnostic report, highlighting any faults within the supported systems. Mastering how to use the OBD scanner is essential for efficiently diagnosing and repairing modern cars in Car Mechanic Simulator 2021.
Compression Tester: Assessing Engine Internals
Compression Tester (Cost: 300 CR)
The Compression Tester focuses on the engine’s internal health, examining components like the crankshaft, pistons and connecting rods, engine block, and piston rings. This tool is crucial for identifying mechanical engine failures not detectable through visual inspection or the OBD scanner.
Electronic Multimeter: Checking Electrical Components
Electronic Multimeter (Cost: 150 CR)
For electrical system diagnostics, the Electronic Multimeter is indispensable. It allows you to test the battery, alternator, starter, cooling fan, fuses, and relays, pinpointing electrical malfunctions efficiently.
Tire Tread Tester: Evaluating Tire Condition
Tire Tread Tester (Cost: 150 CR)
As its name suggests, the Tire Tread Tester measures tire tread depth, allowing you to quickly assess tire wear and determine if replacements are needed.
Fuel Pressure Tester: Diagnosing Fuel System Issues
Fuel Pressure Tester (Cost: 300 CR)
The Fuel Pressure Tester is used to diagnose problems within the fuel system, specifically examining the fuel pump, fuel filter, and common rail for malfunctions.
Utilizing the Test Path for Comprehensive Vehicle Inspection
For a holistic vehicle assessment, Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 offers the Test Path. This vehicular inspection station performs technical tests, including wheel and light alignment adjustments, and critically, evaluates braking system and suspension components. The Test Path is particularly effective at identifying subtle issues, such as worn rubber bushings, which can be challenging to spot manually.
Unlocking the Test Path
The Test Path is a garage expansion that must be unlocked using Credits. Access the toolbox in your garage to open the expansion menu.
Select the Test Path option from the Garage Expansion menu to unlock it for a Credit cost.
Placing a Car on the Test Path and Running Diagnostics
To use the Test Path, select the “Move Car” option from the pie menu when interacting with a vehicle in your garage.
Choose “Test Path” from the available destinations to move the car to the inspection station.
Once the car is positioned on the Test Path, interact with the computer terminal by the wall to initiate the diagnostic test.
Follow the on-screen prompts, typically involving pressing the gas or brake pedal as instructed, to complete the test sequence.
Upon completion, the Test Path generates a detailed report outlining the condition of numerous vehicle parts, providing a comprehensive overview of potential issues.
Conclusion
Mastering diagnostic techniques is crucial for success in Car Mechanic Simulator 2021. From the basic Examination Mode to specialized tools like the OBD scanner and the comprehensive Test Path, the game offers a range of methods to efficiently identify damaged parts. Understanding how to use the OBD scanner and leveraging other diagnostic tools will significantly enhance your ability to repair vehicles quickly and profitably. By combining visual inspections with advanced diagnostic instruments and the Test Path, you can become a highly efficient virtual car mechanic in Car Mechanic Simulator 2021.
