What Does 'INC' Mean on a Car Scanner?

You’ve just plugged in your car scanner, eager to get a quick health check on your vehicle, and then you see it—"INC."

If you’re like most people, your first thought is probably, "What does that mean?"

Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Let’s dive into what "INC" stands for, why it’s there, and what you should do about it.

Understanding 'INC' on a Car Scanner

So, what exactly does "INC" mean? On a car scanner, "INC" stands for "Incomplete."

This usually refers to a diagnostic monitor or readiness test that your car’s onboard computer is still working on.

Think of it like this: your car’s computer runs regular self-checks to make sure all systems are functioning correctly.

If something hasn’t been fully checked or tested yet, the scanner will show "INC" to let you know.

For instance, if you’ve recently disconnected the battery, reset the car’s computer, or just had some repairs done, the car might need to re-run these checks under specific driving conditions to ensure everything is okay.

Diagnostic Monitors and Readiness Tests

An Example with the Foxwell NT809

Let’s say you’re using the Foxwell NT809 to check up on your car’s health. You run a scan, and everything seems okay—except you notice a few "INC" readings.

These "INC" readings mean that certain diagnostic tests, like those for your car’s emissions systems, haven’t finished yet.

For example, if the oxygen sensor monitor shows "INC," it might be because you recently reset your car’s computer, maybe after a repair or battery disconnect.

The car needs to gather more data under specific driving conditions to finish testing this sensor.

This could involve some steady highway driving or idling at a stoplight. The idea is to mimic a variety of driving conditions that help your car complete its self-checks.

Until all these monitors switch from "Incomplete" to "Complete," your car isn’t fully ready to pass an emissions test.

The NT809 shows you these details, so you know if your car’s systems are fully tested and functioning properly.

By paying attention to these "INC" readings, you can make sure everything is in order before heading to an emissions test or dealing with potential issues down the road.

How to Address 'INC' Readings

When you see "INC" on your car scanner, it simply means a diagnostic test isn’t finished. To resolve this, here’s what you can do:

Drive the Car: The best way to complete these tests is by driving your car under varied conditions.

Mix in some highway driving with city stop-and-go traffic.

A cold start, followed by steady speeds and gradual deceleration, helps your car complete the necessary checks.

Be Patient: Sometimes, these tests take a few drive cycles to complete.

If the "INC" status persists after a few days of driving, it might be time to consult a mechanic.

Preventing 'INC' from Impacting Vehicle Performance

To minimize "INC" readings:

Drive Regularly: Regular driving, including longer trips, helps your car’s systems complete their diagnostics naturally.
Avoid Unnecessary Resets: Don’t disconnect the battery or reset the car’s computer unless necessary, as this forces the diagnostics to start over.
Routine Maintenance: Keep up with regular maintenance, like oil changes and filter replacements, to ensure your car’s systems run smoothly and complete tests efficiently.

Conclusion

Seeing "INC" on your car scanner isn’t something to be alarmed about, but it’s definitely something to pay attention to.

It’s your car’s way of telling you that it’s still in the process of checking itself.

By understanding what "INC" means and how to address it, you can ensure your vehicle stays in good health and is ready for any inspections or emissions tests that come its way.

Next time you see "INC," you’ll know exactly what to do—keep driving, maintain your vehicle, and if needed, consult with a mechanic.

Your car will thank you, and so will your peace of mind.

FAQs

What does "INC" mean in IM readiness?

"INC" means "Incomplete," indicating that the car's diagnostic tests haven't finished.

What does it mean when a monitor is "INC"?

It means the monitor's test is incomplete and needs more driving to finish.

What does "NA" mean on a code reader?

"NA" means "Not Applicable," indicating the test isn't relevant for your vehicle.