G-Force OBDII scan tool usage and role

July 19, 2012 - PRLog -- A gravitational force (g-force) is the acceleration that an object feels relative to free fall, and free fall happens when gravity is the main force that an object is experiencing. In vehicles, g-forces are found within acceleration and braking systems, and you can measure these g-forces using scanner systems. Most of these scanner tools are designed to communicate with the on-board diagnostic II (OBD-II) system, which is the main computing component of a vehicle. These scanners help you diagnose problems with your vehicle.

Rev
This is an iPhone and iPod Touch application that provides you with the same features as a standalone OBD-II scanner, and you can plug your phone or iPod Touch directly into your vehicle's engine control unit (ECU). This allows you to view real-time information, which means that you can capture vehicle statistics as your car is running. These statistics include information on acceleration and brake g-forces, fuel pressure, revolutions per minute (RPM) and vehicle speed. Other features of this application include seeing why your Check Engine light cam is on and resetting it, and you can create graphs of data and logs of statistical information. As of 2010, the Rev by DevToaster application costs $39.99, and you can download the app from the author's website.
PLX Kiwi
The PLX Kiwi Wireless Internet (WiFi) Miles Per Gallon (MPG) Trip Calculator and OBD-II Scanner features a plug and play interface, which means that your vehicle system will recognize the device as soon as you plug it in. It allows you to keep track of mileage during a trip and it outputs diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), which you can use to diagnose vehicle problems. You can also use this tool to clear DTCs and your Check Engine light. It also comes with a g-force calculator for acceleration, braking and lateral forces, and it has an inclinometer, which shows how your vehicle moves over different terrains. As of 2010, this product costs $149.99, and it is compatible with an iPod Touch and an iPhone.

AutoEnginuity
The AutoEnginuity Scan Tool is a scan tool for OBD-II and Enhanced OBD (EOBD) IV vehicles, and it is universal serial bus (USB) 2.0 compliant. This tool allows you to measure g-forces, torque, miles per hour (MPH) and horsepower, and you can output vehicle speed information into graphical form. This tool outputs DTC information and can run tests on your system to determine whether or not it is working properly. Other features of this tool include capturing live data as your vehicle is in motion and obtaining data about your different sensors, including oxygen (O2), ignition and timing sensors. As of 2010, this product costs between $250 and $350.