If you own an OBDII vehicle and work on it yourself, you need a code scanner. If your vehicle features CAN, be sure the scanner you pick up is CAN-compliant, like the DashHawk. Most people aren't going to drive around with a code scanner dangling off their diagnostic port, or even with one in their glove box. Most scanners are fairly bulky, not to mention expensive, and not the type of thing you want sliding around down by your feet while driving. Since the DashHawk is a multi-tasker, it makes sense to leave it plugged in all the time. And since it's small and dash-mountable, it will stay put. The DashHawk provides feedback that proves useful during varying driving conditions and can even read and clear trouble codes should one pop up. This can be especially useful when problems arise out on the road and the conventional code scanner would otherwise be back home in a drawer. The DashHawk recognizes most diagnostic trouble codes and is Internet updateable should new DTC's become available. As with any code scanner though, be sure and figure out why the code displayed in the first place instead of just clearing it and shrugging it off as a fluke.
Besides reading check engine lights, the DashHawk does other things that give it its multi-task status: on-board data logging, an audio/visual alarm, peak and hold functions and performance monitoring, like 0-60 mph and quarter-mile times with 60-foot and eighth-mile data included. Almost any of the 100 parameters the DashHawk reads can be uploaded to a PC - five at a time - with the supplied software. Runs can be viewed in graph form showing quarter-mile data and values for throttle position, manifold pressure, engine load, shift points or really anything else the ECM can tell it including DTC's. Even data you might not expect to be able to obtain like fuel trim banks, spark advance and intake air temperatures. The unit also interprets important information that lets users know if their vehicle is ready for an emissions test by monitoring EVAP system pressure, EGR valve error percentages and catalytic converter temperatures. The software also features a horsepower calculator and gear ratio calculator. Up to five minutes of any of this information can be recorded (about 90 seconds at a time, depending on sampling), uploaded and played back in real time. There's also a "valet" mode that records peak data for when the vehicle is loaned out. The DashHawk's audio/visual alarm can be used as either a warning device or to replace a more obtrusive shift light. The flashing multi-colored light and warning beep can be programmed to go off based on a variety of parameters like coolant temperature, engine speed or vehicle speed.
The DashHawk's display offers quite a bit of versatility. Users can toggle between 11 different screens, predefined by them, to keep tabs on dozens of vehicle parameters. If the ECM can read it, so can the DashHawk. The DashHawk is already scheduled to receive a slight revision. Version 2.1 will allow the unit to accept one additional sensor such as a wideband oxygen sensor or really anything else users should decide to plug in. Firmware updates like this can be made by going to MSD's website. Finally, a multi-tasker that makes sense.