What is an OBD-II scanner?
An OBD2 scanner allows you or your mechanic to access vehicle data. The device is often small enough to fit in your hand. Once connected to your car, it can show you essential information, such as: Your vehicle’s VIN number. You car’s speed, fuel efficiency, and engine RPM.
Which is the best OBD scanner?
Comparison of the best OBD2 scanners in 2022
| Brand | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| The best OBD2 scanner overall | Innova | $320 |
| The best Bluetooth smartphone OBD2 scanner | BlueDriver | $100 |
| The best OBD2 scanner if money is no object or if you’re a paid professional | Bosch | $4,490 |
| The best leave-it-in-all-the-time OBD2 Bluetooth dongle | FIXD | $50 |
What can an OBD reader tell you?
What problems does the OBD system detect?
- Fuel Systems.
- Engine Misfires.
- Emissions Control Systems.
- Vehicle/Speed Idling Controls.
- Computer Systems.
- Transmission Systems.
- Others related to vehicle body & chassis etc such as Seat-belt, Airbags etc.
Are all OBD scanners the same?
Not all 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 plug into the car’s OBD port. Wireless OBD2II scanners plug into the port, but then connect via Bluetooth to a smartphone or tablet to display their findings.
What is the difference between OBD I and OBD II?
OBD1 is connected to the console of a car, while OBD2 is remotely connected to the vehicle. 2. OBD1 was used during the earlier years of the car manufacturing industry, while OBD2 was only introduced in car models produced in the early 1990’s.
What is the difference between an OBD reader and scanner?
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 may also provide advanced data reading and playback features, knowledge bases, diagnostic procedures, and built-in testing equipment.
What does the OBD II&can code reader do?
This OBD II & CAN code reader reads your car’s computer to find out what your problems are when the “CHECK ENGINE” light pops on. Get the information about the detected malfunction in English, French or Spanish and save money by diagnosing your auto issues yourself.
This OBD-II scanner shows live car data, can graph it and lets you print it. ArtiLink 500’s OBD database has many of the manufacturer specific codes that widens its scope compared to those that only use only generic codes.
Is an OBD2 scanner a flash programmer?
An OBD2 scanner is not a flash programmer — a device that can actually rewrite the carmaker’s control code in search of more horsepower from the engine or different transmission shift points. Flash programmers are a thing, but they’re a different beast entirely and typically auto-brand specific.
Should you buy a Bluetooth OBD2 scanner?
A Bluetooth OBD2 code reader dongle uses those components on your phone, where the screen and the chip are probably much higher quality than you need for this task. If the typical cost advantage in a Bluetooth OBD2 scanner sounds like a no-brainer, you should consider the more subtle issues.