The 5 Best Nissan Scan Tools of 2023 (Reviews & Comparisons)

If you’re looking for the best car diagnostic tool for your Nissan vehicle, it’s easy to get confused by all the options that are out there in terms of Nissan OBD2 scanners. To make your decision easier, we’ve rounded up our five favorite Nissan scan tools, with a side-by-side comparison so you can see how they stack up against each other.

Each one is different and should be considered based on its perks or what it offers, as some may provide you with much more than just the basic scanning codes function. You should know what you need or at least are looking for in such a scanner, as well as how much you are willing to pay before deciding on one.  

What OBD2 Scanners Do

OBD2 scanners allow vehicle owners or mechanics to check diagnostic codes. This can be useful if you want to save money on constantly hiring professionals or sending your vehicle in for an inspection and not having access to it in the meantime. Besides diagnostics, they offer other functionality such as being able to provide accurate mileage readings.

OBD2 scanners are a step up from OBD1 scanners, allowing for a more comprehensive diagnosis into a vehicle’s data. An OBD1 scan is basic and OEM-specific, scanning codes in cars made during 1988-1996. Meanwhile, OBD2 was mandated in 1996 in lightweight vehicles and in 2005 in medium-weight vehicles – and compared to OBD1, OBD2 scanners are much more advanced in terms of accessing vehicle data and various diagnostic codes. 

An OBD2 scanner is a great tool to consider for your Nissan vehicle, which is why we choose five that we think deserve the title of being the best for this purpose. We included both pros and cons, so that you can look at the strengths they possess and weigh them against the cons they come with to see which one will be the right fit for your needs.

How We Ranked Our Top 5 Nissan Scan Tools

We tested and reviewed the below-listed Nissan OBD2 scanners based on a set of four criteria to ensure that each scan tool is measured and evaluated in the same way. 

The criteria we measured for these five OBD2 scanners include:

Nissan-specific capabilities – These tools are all compatible with Nissan vehicles. Looking beyond that, we evaluated each tool based on its ability to provide accurate, comprehensive, and valuable data about Nissan vehicles.

Key functionalities – We evaluated each tool based on utility, or usefulness, and compared them against each other. Some are specialist tools offering owners something other tools do not, while others are more general focused.

Convenience and user-friendliness – We made sure to call out which tools are great for beginners, and which ones are best left for professionals to handle. User friendliness or the ability to use the tool is often based on experience a vehicle owner has handling scanners.

Overall value – We made sure to measure price against overall utility in each review, ensuring you get the best tool for the price. We also try to explain the price differences in terms of what you get for the price or if paying extra is worth it in the long run.

Comparison Chart: Our Top 3 Nissan Scan Tools 2023

Reviews: The 5 Best Nissan Scan Tools of 2023

In this article, we review the following Nissan scan tools: 

• FIXD™ OBD2 Scanner
• Veepeak OBDCheck BLE OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner
• OBDLink MX+ OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner
• Konnwei KW850 Professional OBD2 Scanner Auto Code Retriever
• Launch OBD2 Scanner CRP129E

1. FIXD™ OBD2 Scanner

The FIXD™ is one of the best OBD2 scanners for Nissan owners. First, it offers full OBD2 functionality, with all 10 modes and protocols supported. It’s not just a code reader though, although it supports that function beautifully. It also comes packed with an AutoVIN function that lets you view manufacturer-specific data as well as generic codes you see with most OBD2 scans.

The enhanced Mode 6 on the FIXD™ gives you access to more on-board monitor test results. This is in addition to viewing live data in real time from the monitors along with freeze frame data – when any trouble codes were set. All of these together make it a powerful tool for identifying the source for any engine trouble. 

We also appreciate the user-friendly operation of the FIXD™ OBD2 scanner. The built-in DTC library gives you code definitions quickly, which is a very helpful function for those who aren’t car experts. For emissions tests, it even offers a one-button I/M readiness hotkey. It’s also easy to update the software using either Mac or Windows-based computers.

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Verdict: The FIXD™ OBD2 scanner supports all OBD2 modes and protocols and is one of the most affordable hand-held Nissan scan tools for users of all experience levels. 

2. Veepeak OBDCheck BLE OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner

If you’d rather use your own automotive diagnostic app or software, an adapter like the Veepeak OBDCheck is something you should consider. It communicates through Bluetooth, allowing you to wirelessly diagnose your vehicle through any Android or iOS devices you have on hand. Just plug it in as, for the most part, it will pair your vehicle to your device automatically.

The low power consumption of the Veepeak OBDCheck lets you leave it plugged in full-time. You can monitor your engine all the time without draining much of the battery. Many compatible apps offer helpful dashboards for tracking fuel economy and reading enhanced PID data. 

You can perform some coding and customization functions through the Veepeak OBDCheck if you have the right app installed. It will allow you to read ABS, SRS, and transmission codes through certain apps, but doesn’t support service functions like oil light reset. Compared to hand-held scanners at a similar price point, though, it’s a comprehensive diagnostic tool and worth a look.

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Verdict: The Veepeak OBDCheck Bluetooth scanner turns your iPhone or tablet into one of the best Nissan scan tools out there today. While its specific abilities depend on which app you pair it with, its diagnostic potential is wider than most hand-held scanners.

3. OBDLink MX+ OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner

Similar to the Veepeak adapter above, the OBDLink MX+ OBD2 scanner uses Bluetooth to make any device into a Nissan diagnostic scan tool. While it costs more than most OBD2 adapters, it’s worth the investment, in our opinion, as it provides professional-level diagnostics.

Unlike other OBD2 adapters, the OBDLink MX+ comes with OBDwiz and the OBDLink app. You can also use it with dozens of other software programs, like Torque or DashCommand, and it can communicate with Windows, Android, or Mac operating systems. 

The OBDLink MX+ allows you to quickly diagnose a wide range of engine issues. The data sampling rate is up to four times faster than most OBD2 adapters, and it’s capable of reading multiple parameters simultaneously. It’s reliable, too, so you don’t have to worry about data gaps or broken connections corrupting the readings. 

The Enhanced Diagnostics available for Nissan include all 10 modes of OBD2. This is in addition to live parameters from anti-lock brakes, airbags, and tire pressure. Using the right app, you’ll get the same diagnostic power you’d find at an auto dealership.

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Verdict: The OBDLink MX+ is the best OBD2 adapter for Nissan drivers, providing reliable access to more systems and a high data processing rate. It’s also safe to use all the time, with protections against hackers and battery drain. 

4. Konnwei KW850 Professional OBD2 Scanner Auto Code Retriever

The Konnewei KW850 calls itself a code retriever, but it’s honestly more than that. It gives users full access to OBD2 diagnostics. This includes reading fault codes and running emissions tests. In addition, it has a battery tester built in, thus providing more data than most OBD2 code readers. 

From a design standpoint, we love how user-friendly the Konnwei KW850 is. An extra-long cable lets you comfortably diagnose problems both inside and outside a Nissan vehicle. There’s a one-button I/M readiness control, and the interface is on the whole easy to navigate. Thanks to its optimized algorithm, you can read codes up to three times faster, in some cases identifying issues in seconds.

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Verdict: The Konnewei KW850 is the best Nissan scan tool if you’re looking for an easy, budget-friendly way to perform OBD2 diagnosis. The intuitive navigation and long cable allow anyone to use it comfortably.

5. Launch OBD2 Scanner CRP129E

For more advanced repairs, the Launch CRP129E is among the best OBD2 scanners for Nissan vehicles. While it’s a bit pricey for those mainly concerned with OBD2 diagnostics, the inclusion of reset functions and 4-system diagnostics are worth the investment. 

The Launch CRP129E reads and erases engine codes, transmission codes, airbag codes, and anti-lock brake codes. Since you can also reset the oil light, this gives you full control over the warning lights on the vehicle’s dash. Other reset functions include TPMS, throttle position, and EPB, along with steering angle calibration. 

You can also view more data at once with the Launch CRP129E, which is a great help in speeding up diagnosis and repairs if the needs arise. It can record 10 live data streams simultaneously, and display four PID graphs or two independent graphs on screen at the same time. All recorded data can be easily shared via email for printing. 

For overall health checks, the automatic vehicle health report is a great function. It also includes a battery voltage check and AutoVIN technology for accessing codes specific to Nissan. When you want to go deeper, it’s easy to find and test components and monitors with this tool.

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Verdict: The Launch CRP129E is the most comprehensive OBD2 scanner for Nissan on the list. It is able to perform reset functions and access codes from systems that other scanners leave out. 

What Type Of Diagnostic Scanner Do You Need?

There are two basic design options for diagnostic OBD2 scanners- hand-held and wireless OBD2 adapters. 

Hand-held scanners are compact and come with the diagnostic software built-in, while wireless OBD2 adapters typically work with your choice of diagnostic software. Thus, you have some nice options depending on whether you want something ready out of the box or you prefer to have the option of using the diagnostic software of your choice.

Both types of diagnostic scanners for vehicles have their own pros and cons to consider. Hand-held scanners are great because you can use them anywhere, even without wi-fi access nearby. OBD2 adapters, on the other hand, are typically more affordable and let you scan as you drive. They are also able to continuously monitor your vehicle.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a scan tool is all about finding the one that fits your needs and the needs of your vehicle. For reading and clearing codes, an affordable option like the FIXD™ scanner or Veepeak OBDCheck give you the knowledge you need at a great value. Those looking to make more in-depth repairs at home will appreciate the full functionality of the Launch CRP129E or OBDLink MX+. 

Whatever your needs, all 5 of these scan tools are excellent choices for reading codes from a Nissan ECU. Use the reviews and comparison above to identify the right one for your garage.

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