When performing a remote diagnosis, such as through Jifeline Remote Diagnostics, it is crucial to perform both a pre-scan and a post-scan. This process helps determine the exact condition of a vehicle before and after repair. Let us elaborate on this importance.
What is a Pre-Scan?
A pre-scan is a diagnostic measurement carried out before any repair or maintenance begins. It establishes the current state of the electronics and control units in the vehicle.
It is similar to a "baseline measurement" and provides valuable information about any existing fault codes or problems. This makes it easier to see later whether a repair was successful and prevents unexpected problems.
The practical benefit of pre-scan
Take, for example, a 2023 BMW iX3. This car was offered for remote diagnosis due to damage to the steering box. Although the steering box was successfully coded after the repair, fault codes remained. Here, a pre-scan could have saved a lot of time by knowing the exact status of the systems beforehand. Such a scan could have identified the cause of the fault codes early, which would have ensured a more efficient solution.
What is a post-scan?
The post-scan takes place after the repair and checks that all previously identified problems have been resolved. This is essential to confirm that the repair was carried out correctly and that no new problems have arisen. Without a post-scan, it can be difficult to prove that a vehicle has been fully repaired.
Practice makes perfect
Reading and interpreting pre- and post-scan reports takes practice, but with time and experience you will get better and better at recognising fault codes and system configurations. By performing pre- and post-scan diagnostics on every vehicle that comes into your workshop, you become familiar with common fault codes, control unit designations and network typologies. You can then take advantage of this while diagnosing vehicle malfunctions.
Working more efficiently and better anticipating potential problems
Pre-scans and post-scans are not only important for recording the condition of a vehicle, but also provide valuable insights that can greatly speed up diagnosis and repair. By consistently tracking this process, bodyshops and garages can work more efficiently and better anticipate potential problems.
At Jifeline Remote Diagnostics, we support bodyshops with this process every day, so that vehicles can get on the road quickly and safely.
