Get the read on your car issues with an OBD-II code reader. I tried out some of the top brands on the market to find the best ...

Reading OBD codes requires an OBD scanner, which can cost between $30 and $60. It’s a handheld tool with a 16-pin trapezoidal connector that plugs into the vehicle and interprets the OBD code.

Fault Codes. Let’s start with a breakdown of what each digit of the OBD-II fault code means. This will help you understand the code itself. The first character identifies the system related to ...

When your check engine light comes on, it can be tough to figure out why. Since the mid-'90s, though, most cars are made with OBD ports that make things easier.

Onboard diagnostics provide near-universal codes, allowing users to understand what is going wrong in their vehicle. By understanding the differences in OBD versus OBD II and the different code ...

Code P0720 is one of the OBD codes that is activated when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) detects erratic or insufficient input from the output shaft sensor (OSS). Such a code generally indicates ...

OBD-II diagnostic device BlueDriver interprets engine error codes to suggest what might need fixing, and lets you know if your car is ready for a smog check.

For example, newer OBD-II scanners and readers are starting to integrate Wi-Fi technology to wirelessly connect to a nearby laptop or smartphone for easier monitoring of a vehicle in a garage or ...

Back then, each manufacturer had their own OBD system and codes. So, imagine how much of a challenge it was for a technician who had to check multiple car brands in a day.

4. Locate Your OBD Codes. Now that you’re connected, you’re ready to read your codes. How exactly you do this will be different depending on the scanner. In most cases, you’ll find the codes in the ...

First of all, you will need an OBD reader, which you can purchase from specialized dealers. Getting a low-end under $100 one will also mean that you will have to connect it to a laptop in order to ...

The Autel AL319 OBD-II scanner was slow to boot up, slow to read codes, and difficult to navigate. Thanks to a single directional button, churning through the menus takes some practice (and patience).