For car owners and DIY enthusiasts, understanding vehicle diagnostics is crucial. OBD2 scanners have become indispensable tools for reading error codes and maintaining vehicle health. A common question when choosing a scanner like the Hyper Tough HT309 is whether it can access and display past trouble codes. Let’s delve into the capabilities of the Hyper Tough HT309 OBD scanner and its ability to show past codes.
Generally, most OBD2 scanners, including those from Hyper Tough, are designed to retrieve and display various types of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). These codes are categorized as current codes, pending codes, and importantly, past or stored codes. Past codes, also known as history codes or stored codes, are records of previous issues that have been resolved or are no longer actively triggering the check engine light. Accessing these past codes can be incredibly valuable in diagnosing intermittent problems or understanding recurring issues in a vehicle’s history.
Based on the features commonly found in Hyper Tough OBD2 scanners, and similar models like the HT500, it is highly likely that the HT309 OBD scanner does indeed show past codes. These scanners are typically equipped to perform several key functions, many of which relate to code retrieval and management:
- Reading Stored Codes: OBD2 scanners are built to retrieve generic (P0, P2, P3, and U0) and manufacturer-specific (P1, P2, and U1) diagnostic trouble codes. “Stored codes” is another term for past codes, indicating the scanner’s capability to access this historical data.
- Clearing Codes: While clearing codes erases the fault memory, the initial reading process inherently involves accessing both active and stored codes. This function confirms the scanner’s ability to see past codes before they are cleared.
- Freeze Frame Data: When a trouble code is triggered, the scanner often captures “freeze frame” data, which is a snapshot of vehicle parameters at the moment the fault occurred. This function is linked to the detection and storage of trouble codes, including past ones.
- Comprehensive OBD2 Modes: Scanners like the HT500, and likely the HT309, support all 10 OBD2 modes. These modes are standardized protocols for accessing various diagnostic information, including emissions-related data and historical fault codes.
Therefore, to definitively answer the question, yes, it is almost certain that the Hyper Tough HT309 OBD scanner is capable of showing past codes. This feature is a standard and essential function of modern OBD2 scanners, allowing users to get a complete picture of their vehicle’s diagnostic history. When using the HT309, look for options within the device’s menu or paired app (if applicable) that indicate “Read Codes,” “Stored Codes,” or “History Codes” to access this valuable diagnostic information. Understanding past codes, alongside current and pending codes, provides a more thorough approach to vehicle maintenance and repair.
