Running car whilst using diagnostics tools

[Dark_stranger]

Whenever I use the Scanner 1.4 tool, it always kills battery. Can you run the car whilst using diagnostics tools such as PASoft, DIS, etc.

[petebmwm]

hook up a battery charger while you do it, no different from the dealership here, programming and diag, we always hook up the charger to maintain voltage.

[upallnight]

I run the car while using P.A. Soft BMW 1.4, how else will you be able to see live data?

[jdstrickland]

I use my scanner while driving the car. What would the trouble be from doing this?

[Clockwork]

when parked, the car must/should be connected to battery charger that NOT only trickle charges but provides full power (ie 13.6-14.4v), as if an alternator/battery system would when driving. If your batt craps out during coding/software updating, it could "brick" your car.

[Clockwork]

Originally Posted by jdstrickland

I use my scanner while driving the car. What would the trouble be from doing this?

just causes the alternator to work a bit harder to keep power going to car AND computer/diagnostics while reading/writing.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by Clockwork

just causes the alternator to work a bit harder to keep power going to car AND computer/diagnostics while reading/writing.

Depending on what you have attached to car while reading/writing. Connecting a power inverter to run that IBM XT home computer will draw enough current to drain the battery or make the alternator work harder, but most modern laptops will not drain down the battery or make the alternator work harder. My tablet isn't connected to the car and I doubt the bluetooth adapter will draw that kind of amperage that it will drain the battery or cause the alternator to work harder.

[stackz]

I leave my scanner plugged in all the time

but then again mine is a bluetooth elm327 unit that I pair to my droid.

I like looking at the various gauges and the sensor readouts.

[Ricky Bobby]

My DIS rarely runs unless the X is running. The battery voltage drops too quick although my charging system and battery is fine, I usually have to start the car before running a scan. Never had issues clearing fault memories, etc while car was running.

[Dark_stranger]

Cheers guys for your input. I will leave the car running from now on.