Which OBD2 Reader Should I Buy?
The best OBD2 scanner overall
TheCarScanProoffers professional functionality at a consumer price. This dedicated OBD2 scan tool works on almost all German, Japan and American made cars built after 1996 for North America. It can decode virtually any diagnostic trouble code or DTC a car can generate.
Most OBD2 scanners and car code readers do not work on all cars. If you are looking for an OBD2 scanner or car code reader, you should check if it works with your specific make and model before purchasing.
OBD-I vs. OBD-II. This is the key difference between first generation OBD systems and OBD-IIOBD II systems are now homogenized into the vehicle itself. Contrasted with OBD-I, where diagnostic systems were connected externally to a vehicle's console.
Are cheap OBD2 scanners any good? If you just need a way to check trouble codes or reset a check engine light, an inexpensive OBD2 scanner will work. TheInnova CarScan Advisor 5210is our pick for best budget OBD2 scan tool.
Ask to borrow the scan tool
It is also known as an OBD reader.An AutoZoner will do it for youand have some tips for conducting the reading.
The scanner plugs into your car's onboard diagnostics port and reads the fault codes to see what's going on. At a cost of between $20 and $200 for a decent device, a small investment could pay off big. Over and beyond,Using an OBD scanner can help prevent potential problems before they even happen.
Your engine doesn't have to be running to connect and read codes, but the ignition must be in the "running" position to ensure full power is supplied to the motor controls. Typically, vehicles have four ignition positions: Off.
Code Reader - OBD2 scanner and car diagnostic tool. AutoZone-Scan-Tools.
at1996 and newer model yearGasoline and alternative fuel cars and trucks must have OBD II systems. All 1997 and later diesel powered cars and trucks must also meet OBD II requirements.
Those that cost less than $80 tend to only offer information on the most basic systems.They are realistically only usable as devices to read/reset basic engine, transmission and brake trouble codes.
Which code reader do I need for my car?
AOBD-II-Codelesercan read, view and even clear DTCs and reset the check engine light on your vehicle. It is a handy tool for car owners who want to perform these basic functions.
Yes, many cheap OBD-II code readers are good and effective. They scan your car's engine codes and help you interpret certain codes. They will save you a lot of money by saving you from having to visit a mechanic for every car problem.

Can you damage your car with an OBD2 scanner?No, however, some low quality OBD2 scanners can damage your car. A proper and quality OBD2 scanner and app should not damage your car's settings.
Connecting to an OBD-II port
You plug in an OBD-II scanner tool and in most cases a code will come up telling you what the problem is.You can also use the scanner to erase the vehicle's internal codewhat triggered the check engine light.
The Obd Mary diagnostic app allows you to scan and reset your car's ECUs.You can read and erase OBD2 codes in fault memory with your phone.
To reset a check engine light without a scanner,Disconnect the negative battery cable and wait a moment. This will reset the diagnostic system in your vehicle, and if the underlying issue has indeed been fixed, the light should go out immediately.
AutoZone can diagnose Check Engine Light codes, yes. If your check engine light is on and you're wondering why you should go to your local AutoZone where one of our branch associates can help you diagnose the problem via our free Fix Finder service.
Although OBD2 is a universal standard, there may be times when a scanner is incompatible or does not work well with your vehicle. We therefore advise you to check whether the OBD scanner you have chosen is compatible with your vehicle.
Auto technicians and owners use an OBD-II scanner device to understand the data the system collects. It canprovide data on your car's air temperature, coolant, crankshaft and camshaft, position, driving speed and accelerator pedal, as well as engine speed.
Plug the diagnostic tool into the OBD-II connector
Diagnostic tools download data from a vehicle's onboard diagnostic port (OBD-II). This universal access port gives you access to virtually everything the vehicle detects regarding problems. To access the information, you need to put a little juice on the setup.
Can the auto scanner detect engine problems?
Auto mechanics are able to find out the problems with your car using OBD scanners. These are devices that plug into your car's OBD port and read the stored data. This data is analyzed to identify the specific problem; whether it is an engine misfire, loose wires, or a change in oxygen levels.
The OBDII scan tool expresses both the STFT and LTFT as a percentage. The optimal reading for STFT and LTFT isbetween 5% and 10%. Be afraid of anything above 10% or below -10%. High fuel trim percentages indicate that the engine computer is trying to compensate for lean situations in the engine.
Bosch Diagnose-Scan-Tool 3970| O'Reilly Auto Parts.
The team member follows you to your vehicle with an OBD-II code reader, connects the scanner to your vehicle's OBD-II port and reads diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
If your check engine light comes on, stop by O'Reilly Auto Parts.Our parts professionals will read your codes for free, and can even provide a list of possible fixes or refer you to a local service center to perform the repair.
Under the hood is a notice on a sticker or nameplate that says "OBD II Compliant" or "OBD II Certified.".
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) refers to the vehicle's electronic system that provides vehicle self-diagnostics and reporting capabilities for repair technicians.
There arefourdifferent types of OBD-II codes – P, B, C and U.
BasicallyThe more expensive the scanner, the more it will help you diagnose. Some cheap scanners just get the code out and erase the code. As the price increases, you will see more options and features such as data analysis, freeze frame, component activation and emissions monitoring.
A code reader is a simplified version of a scan tool, but it's only capable of performing basic scans of trouble codes. A scan tool can read and clear trouble codes, and it can also provide advanced data reading and replay capabilities, knowledge bases, diagnostic procedures, and built-in test devices.
How do I get a free scanner?
CamScanner(Android(Opens in a new tab) and iOS(Opens in a new tab)) This free app allows you to scan, merge and access cloud storage like iCloud or Google Drive. However, the app adds a small watermark to your scanned documents, so it may not work for every document scan.
Phone-based scanners are certainly what you need when you need to scan documents or photos when no other scanners are available. However, for those who want a higher quality scan, a standalone scanner always offers an easier scanning experience as well as a higher quality scan.
Use your phone or tablet's built-in camera to take a photo of your document. Then attach the photo to your email. This option turns your mobile device or tablet into a document scanner. Similar to taking a photo, the app converts your photo into a PDF or similar file type.
Most vehicles would be fine if plugged in for a long period of time. Or you could get one of those OBD extension cables with power switch. Leaving it on will consume little power and will not harm the car.
battery consumption
SoA poorly designed OBD device can completely drain your battery if left plugged into the OBD port. Worse, if a device isn't carefully designed, it can turn on your ECU even when the car isn't running, draining your battery even faster.
It is perfectly safe to leave an OBD2 scanner tool plugged in while driving. In fact, it's important to keep your car running while diagnosing an engine code to avoid corrupting the scanning software. Worried about your car's battery life?
Monitor the condition of your vehicles
However, a code cannot be erased after a repaircould result in you guessing the problem after the fact or duplicating your work to double-check the codes. This is why you should always make unlock codes an essential part of your repair process.
Leaving the battery disconnected for a few minutes will ensure that the vehicle systems are fully reset when you reconnect the battery. Reattach the negative cable to the clamp and cover it with the cap.Disconnecting the battery will erase the error codesand reset the check engine light.
Does your check engine light go out on its own? In most cases,If you successfully fix the problem that caused your light to come on, the check engine light will turn off automatically - but only after 10 to 20 "cycles"..
Not all of the best OBD-II scanners are created equal. There are two general types of devices. Handheld OBD-II scanners come with their own screen and cable to connect to the car's OBD port. Wireless OBD2II scanners plug into the port, but then connect to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth to display their results.
Which code reader do I need for my car?
AOBD-II-Codelesercan read, view and even clear DTCs and reset the check engine light on your vehicle. It is a handy tool for car owners who want to perform these basic functions.
No code reader is like the other. While the feature set largely depends on the price, any code reader can perform the basic task of reading, displaying, clearing codes and resetting the check engine light in a car.
Generally,The cheap ones are just read, check and reset codes and readiness monitors alongside real-time run numbers. The more expensive ones might allow you to upgrade to a factory-style module to dig deeper, but even these are somewhat limited.
However, you can get a cheap scanner to get the codesYour scanner can't help with the diagnosis other than giving you a code. A good, inexpensive scanner will give you the code and what it means to help you diagnose it. A mid-range scanner can look at the ECM and ABS system with data and freeze frame capabilities.
With your smartphone and one of the best apps for reading OBD2 codesyou can always know the health status of your car and avoid unexpected repair charges. There are many engine trouble codes that you can read with the right mobile app. For example the “check engine light”.
Free Fix Finder service from AutoZone
Fix Finder reads Check Engine, ABS and Service Lights. The free trial takes less than a minute and you'll receive an easy-to-understand report printed out and emailed. If you need help troubleshooting, Fix Finder even recommends a trusted local dealer.
With the ignition key
The ignition key can be used to get OBD2 codes. The user only has to turn the key on and off without starting the vehicle's engine. Depending on the vehicle, this process must be repeated several times.
Blown fuse
If you're plugged into your car's diagnostic port and reading nothing, you might think your OBD-II brain has been fried, but don't declare it dead just yet. The most common reason for not getting an OBD code is simple a blown fuse.
- Turn the ignition key to the "On" position for 15 seconds without starting the engine.
- If the "Service Engine Soon" light flashes 8 times, one or more readiness monitors are incomplete.
- When the Service Engine Soon indicator is solid, all readiness monitors are complete.