Manufacturer Position Statements

Audi does not have a position statement regarding pre- and post-scanning, but they do, however, state when a scan tool is needed. For example, the Cautions and Warnings sectioning at the beginning of the body repair manual states “Any time the battery has been disconnected on an automatic transmission vehicle, it will be necessary to reestablish Transmission Control Module (TCM) basic settings using the VAG 1551 Scan Tool (ST).” Audi also specifies when a scan tool is needed within the procedures of the body repair manual.

BMW/Mini currently do not have a pre- and post-repair scanning position statement because their requirements for scanning are built into the repair procedures. Without consulting the service manuals, you will not be able to determine when scanning may be required to complete the repair. Also, disconnecting electronics such as headlights, control modules, or the battery, which is required for nearly every repair, can cause codes to be stored. The codes can only be diagnosed and cleared by using a scan tool. The BMW 7 Series manual states “When work is carried out on the electrical system, faults may be caused in the fault memories of some control units when the battery is connected.”

Mitsubishi does not have any position statement regarding pre- and post- repair scanning. This does not mean that a scan tool will not be needed to repair Mitsubishi vehicles. As with most electrical problems on a vehicle, Mitsubishi’s service manual references the use of a scan tool in many procedures. A scan tool is required for diagnosis, troubleshooting, calibrations, and checking for DTC after a collision.

The 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has a document titled Post-Collision Diagnosis. Per the 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross service manual: “Perform the inspection and service on post-collision vehicles according to the procedures below regardless of the deployment or activation statuses of air bags and seat belt pre-tensioner.”

The procedure involves hooking up a scan tool and reading recording and clearing all of the DTCs and then waiting a period of time and scanning for DTCs again. As stated this is to be performed on this vehicle after a collision. A similar document can be found in many different Mitsubishi models service manuals.

According to the document, scan tool requirements will be built into the service manual. The specific procedures that are being performed will generally have a step that says a scan tool is required to complete this procedure. Per the Tesla Body Repair Tech Note, “Toolbox is Tesla’s diagnostic and repair software. When a component is replaced or installed, it is necessary to use Toolbox to make sure the component functions properly within the vehicle.”

It is possible that a scan tool may be needed multiple times for the duration of repairs, for example: “If a Service Manual section is listed, perform the Toolbox operation at the completion of all procedures in that Service Manual section. If a Service Manual procedure is listed, perform the Toolbox operation at the completion of that procedure.” Tesla also says to run a DTC check after any repair that required the use of a scan tool is completed. This Tech Note, along with more Tesla Body Repair Tech Notes can be viewed on the RTS website.

Volkswagen does not have a position statement regarding pre- and post-scanning, but they do, however, state when a scan tool is needed. For example, the Cautions and Warnings sectioning at the beginning of the body repair manual states “Any time the battery has been disconnected on an automatic transmission vehicle, it will be necessary to reestablish Transmission Control Module (TCM) basic settings using the VAG 1551 Scan Tool (ST).” Volkswagen also specifies when a scan tool is needed within the procedures of the body repair manual.