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Automotive glossary

Live Data

Live data is the stream of sensor values and calculated readings from the control units, shown on a scan tool while the engine runs.

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What is Live Data?

It includes values such as coolant temperature, engine speed, fuel trims and sensor voltages. Recording live data during a test drive helps catch intermittent faults. Manufacturer tools show far more values than generic OBD-II.

How it works

The scan tool requests values from the control unit and displays them as numbers or graphs.

Why it matters for your car

Comparing live data with known good values is a key step in diagnosis. Graphs make patterns easier to see than numbers.

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