In this list, you will find the best OBD2 scanner to buy on the market in 2019. You will find both cheaper ones and professional automotive diagnostic scanners.
$79.99 - $89.99
Average rating from 4,743 customers who received a Check Engine Light is on Inspection.
There’s no need to go into a panic when the Check Engine Light comes on! For ease of diagnostics and troubleshooting, automotive scanners have been a real godsend for mechanics and technicians. This is a quick listing of some of the best handheld scanners around for DIYers and professional technicians both.
1. Donop Professional U480 CAN OBD2 OBD II Car Diagnostic Scanner Engine Code Reader Tool, $14.00
This basic OBDII scanner is great for retrieving code information on post-1996 American and Asian vehicles, with an accurate and readable display and no need for batteries. It’s a stand-alone unit that has doesn’t require a laptop connection. While it can’t perform some of the more complex diagnostics of pricier units, it’s great for DIY mechanics.
2. iKKEGOL® v2.1 Bluetooth Mini Small Interface OBD2 Scanner Adapter Compatible with Android / Droid Torque, $10.99
Simple and inexpensive, this unit uses a wireless connection to communicate with your tablet or Android phone - the device alone can perform the diagnostics. Compliant with OBDII protocols, this scanner gives live engine data and connects to the vehicle’s ECU to retrieve fault codes and clear the Check Engine light.
3. INNOVA 3160 Diagnostic Scan Tool with ABS/SRS and Live Data for OBD2 Vehicles, $199.99
Innova’s ABS + Scan tool is a pro-level product that diagnoses ABS codes, transmission trouble codes, and more. It provides detailed explanations of the trouble codes displayed on its all-in-one screen.
4. iSaddle WIFI Wireless OBD2 OBDII Scan Tool Auto Scanner, $22.99
Similar to the IKKEGOL scanner mentioned above, the iSaddle is a Bluetooth interface for OBD-II systems. This scanner is also compatible with Windows and iOS iPhone systems, and comes with a CD for device drivers.
5. ScanTool 426101 OBDLink MX Bluetooth: Professional OBD-II Scan Tool for Android & Windows, $79.95
The ScanTool 426101 uses Bluetooth to connect with your Android phone, and also can serve as a trip computer, logger, and real-time performance monitor. It’s also a reliable diagnostic scan tool. It’s especially useful in tracking down and diagnosing intermittent problems in real-time, which can otherwise be tricky to nail.
6. OBDLink SX USB: Professional OBD-II Scan Tool for Windows, $29.95
A long-time industry standard, the OBDLink SX connects to your tablet or laptop via a USB port, giving you trouble code information and links to an online database detailing trouble code descriptions.
7. INNOVA 3040 Diagnostic Scan Tool/Code Reader with Live Data for OBD2 Vehicles, $81.78
For a mid-priced scanner, you can’t go wrong with the INNOVA 3040. Unlike many other OBD-II vehicles, the INNOVA 3040 refreshes its information every 30 seconds, making false positive diagnosis less likely.
8. INNOVA 3030 Diagnostic Scan Tool/Code Reader, $56.99
For entry level or medium-skilled techs and owners, the INNOVA 3030 refreshes data every 30 seconds and displays 25 pieces of information and performance parameters at a time, giving a better picture of performance than just a simple trouble code reading.
9. INNOVA 3100 Diagnostic Scan Tool/Code Reader with ABS and Battery Backup, $99.99
More versatile and advanced than other INNOVA products mentioned here, the INNOVA 3100 helps read and erase ABS light trouble codes in GM, Ford, Chrysler, and Toyota applications, and provides an all-in-one screen and LED display for state emissions compliance and drive cycle verification.
10. Autel MaxiScan MS300 CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for OBDII Vehicles, $14.33
Don’t be fooled by the low price…the Autel MaxiScan MS300 is a sturdy and modern device that can be used to retrieve VIN number information on 2002 and newer vehicles, and supports CAN protocols, as well as all OBD-II protocols. It also features a complete list of trouble code definitions and a simple two-button operation to read and clear trouble codes.
Whether you’re a shade-tree tech, journeyman, or pro-level mechanic, there are lots of choices out there on the market if you’re looking for a scanner or code reader device. We hope this helps narrow down your decision!
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In the past, car diagnostic tools were prohibitively expensive. Prior to 1996, an independent technician could expect to pay thousands of dollars for a tool that was compatible with only a single vehicle make. Even after the introduction of onboard diagnostics II (OBD-II), professional scan tools continued to cost thousands of dollars.
Today, you can buy a simple code reader for less than the cost of a movie ticket, and the right accessory can even turn your phone into a scan tool. Since most of the information you’ll need to interpret trouble codes can be found online, a check engine light no longer has to call for an immediate trip to your mechanic.
Before you buy a car diagnostic tool, it’s important to realize that they aren’t some kind of magic panacea. When you plug in a check engine light code reader or even a professional scan tool, it doesn’t automatically tell you how to fix the problem. In most cases, it won’t even tell you what the problem is. What it will do is provide you with a trouble code, or several codes, that provide a jumping off point in the diagnostic process.
What Is a Check Engine Light?
When your check engine light turns on, your car is trying to communicate in the only way that it can. At the most basic level, the check engine light indicates that some sensor, somewhere in your engine, exhaust, or transmission, has provided unexpected data to the computer. That could indicate a problem with the system the sensor is responsible for monitoring, a bad sensor, or even a wiring issue.
In some cases, a check engine light may turn on and then eventually turn itself off with no outside intervention. That doesn’t mean the problem has gone away, or that there was no problem in the first place. In fact, information about the problem is usually still available via code reader even after the light turns itself off.
How to Get a Car Diagnostic Tool
There was a time when code readers and scanners were only available from specialty tool companies, so they were somewhat difficult for the average vehicle owner to obtain. That has changed in recent years, and you can buy inexpensive code readers and scan tools from retail tool and parts stores, online retailers, and many other locations.
If you aren’t interested in purchasing a car diagnostic tool, you may even be able to rent or borrow one. Some parts stores readily lend out code readers for free, with the understanding that you’ll probably buy some parts from them if you are able to figure out the problem.
Some tool stores and tool rental businesses can provide you with higher end diagnostic tools for much less than it would cost to purchase one. So if you’re looking for something beyond a basic code reader, but you don’t want to spend the money, that may be an option.
The Difference Between OBD-I and OBD-II
Before you buy, borrow, or rent a car diagnostic tool, it’s also important to understand the difference between OBD-I and OBD-II. Vehicles that were produced after the advent of computerized controls, but prior to 1996, are all lumped together in the OBD-I category. These systems don’t have a lot of common between different makes, so it’s vital to find a scan tool that was specifically designed for the make, model, and year of your vehicle.
Vehicles produced after 1996 use OBD-II, which is a standardized system that simplifies the process a whole lot. These vehicles all use a common diagnostic connector and a set of universal trouble codes. Manufacturers can choose to go above and beyond the basics, resulting in manufacturer-specific codes, but the rule of thumb is that you can use any OBD-II code reader on any vehicle produced after 1996.
Finding Where to Plug a Diagnostic Tool
Once you have your hands on a check engine light code reader or a scan tool, the first step in using it is to locate the diagnostic connector. Older vehicles equipped with OBD-I systems located these connectors in all sorts of places, including under the dashboard, in the engine compartment, and on or near a fuse block.
OBD-I diagnostic connectors also come in a variety of shapes and sizes. If you look at the plug on your scan tool, you should be able to get a good idea of what to look for in terms of the size and shape of the diagnostic connector.
If your vehicle is equipped with OBD-II, then the connector will usually be found under the dashboard to the left of the steering column. The position can vary from one model to another, and they can also be buried pretty deep. In some cases, you may find that the diagnostic connector is even covered by a panel or plug.
The connector will be either rectangular or shaped like an isosceles trapezoid. It will also have sixteen pins that are configured in two rows of eight.
In rare cases, your OBD-II connector may even be located in the center console, behind the ashtray, or in other difficult to find locations. The specific position will usually be recorded in the owner’s manual if you have difficulty finding it.
Using a Check Engine Light Code Reader
With the ignition key turned off or removed, you can gently insert your code reader plug into the diagnostic connector. If it doesn’t slide in easily, then make sure the plug isn’t upside down and that you have correctly identified the OBD-II connector.
With the diagnostic connector plugged in securely, you can insert your ignition key and turn it to the on position. This will provide power to the code reader. Depending on the specific device, it may prompt you for some information at that time. You may need to enter the VIN, the type of engine, or other information.
At that point, the code reader will be ready to do its work. The most basic device will simply provide you with any stored codes, while other scan tools will give you the option to read the trouble codes or view other data.
Interpreting Check Engine Light Codes
If you have a basic code reader, you will have to write down the trouble codes and do some research. For instance, if you find a code P0401, a quick Internet search will reveal that it indicates a fault in one of the oxygen sensor heater circuits. That doesn’t tell you exactly what’s wrong, but it’s a good place to start.
Some scan tools are more advanced. If you have access to one of these, the tool may be able to tell you exactly what the code means. In some cases, it will even provide you with a troubleshooting procedure.
Next Steps
Whether you have a basic code reader or a fancy scan tool, the next step is to determine why your trouble code was set in the first place. The simplest way to do this is to look up potential causes and rule each one out in turn. If you can find an actual troubleshooting procedure, that’s even better.
Taking the earlier example of a P0401 trouble code, further investigation would reveal that it indicates an oxygen sensor heater circuit malfunction in bank one sensor two. This could be caused by a malfunctioning heater element, or it could be a problem with the wiring.
In this case, a basic troubleshooting procedure would be to check the resistance of the heater element, either confirm or rule out a problem there and then check the wiring. If the heater element is shorted or shows a reading that is out of the expected range, then replacing the oxygen sensor would probably fix the problem. If not, then the diagnostic would continue.
Finishing the Job
In addition to simply reading codes, most check engine light code readers can also perform a handful of other important functions. One such function is the ability to clear all stored trouble codes, which you should do after you have attempted a repair. That way, if the same code comes back, later on, you’ll know that the problem wasn’t actually fixed.
Some code readers and all scan tools can also access live data from a variety of sensors while the engine is running. In the event of a more complicated diagnostic, or to verify that a repair has actually fixed the problem, you can look at this data to see the information from a specific sensor in real time.
Most code readers are also capable of showing the status of individual readiness monitors. These monitors are automatically reset when you clear the codes or when the battery is disconnected. This is why you can’t just disconnect the battery or clear the codes before having your emissions tested. So if you do need to go through emissions, it’s a good idea to verify the status of the readiness monitors first.