7 Best OBD2 Scan Tool for Honda [Reviews & Comparisons]

For diagnosing simple problems like a failed emission or a more serious one like a busted engine, a great Honda scan tool comes in handy for pinpointing the problem. Exact functions vary from one device to another, so we’ve compiled this list of the 7 best Honda scanner tools on the market to make your car tool shopping a bit easier.

How We Ranked Our Top Honda Scan Tools

Honda-specific capabilities– We evaluated each Honda OBD scanner for its ability to scan, diagnose, and offer repair suggestions specifically for these vehicles. 

Key functionalities– Each Honda reader has a different set of diagnostic abilities and special features. We considered the key features of each scan tool and ranked them based on importance and overall utility. 

Compatibility– Every Honda diagnostic scanner on this list is a great option. Many also have a wider capability, so you can use one tool on multiple vehicle types. 

User-friendliness – An intuitive interface and overall ease of use makes any tool more valuable. We called out the user-friendliness of each Honda reader on this list.

Comparison Chart: Our Top 3 Honda Scan Tools

Reviews: Our Favorite OBD2 Honda Scan Tools of 2022

This list includes our top 7 OBD2 Honda scan tools on the market, each with a unique set of special features, automotive diagnostic abilities, and more. 

We evaluated the following OBD scanners for Honda: 

• FIXD™ Scanner – Editor’s Pick
• Innova 3040e Live Data OBD2 Scanner
• BlueDriver LSB2 Honda OBDII Scan Tool
• FOXWELL NT301 Full OBD2 Scanning Tool
• Autel AL319 OBDII Code Reader
• LAUNCH CR319 OBD2 Car Code Reader
• FOXWELL NT614 Elite OBD2 Scan Tool

1. FIXD™ Scanner – Editor’s Pick

The FIXD™ is, without a doubt, the best OBD scanner for Honda. It packs diverse Honda diagnostic scanner functions in one simple-to-use device.

Diagnostics for all systems. The NT510 Elite lets you scan all the available systems for problems. From the engine and transmission to the ABS, SRS, EPS, wheels and every other on-board system.

Codes, live data and freeze frame data. During the scan, the FIXD™ will display and clear generic codes in all the available systems. Just as important, it allows you to view freeze frame data so that you know when a code was registered. And you can also pull live sensor data to check the health and performance of various components.

Many reset functions. First of all, you can use the NT510 Elite Honda OBD2 scanner to reset (turn off) the Check Engine Light. The same goes for all other warning lights. In addition to that, it supports oil reset, EPB reset, SAS reset, battery reset, DPF reset, TPS reset, ABS bleeding etc.

Bi-directional controls. You can initiate bidirectional control tests with the FIXD™ code reader for Honda. It will command the component to perform as if the command was from the PCM. For example, you can fold mirrors, roll windows, open/close doors, activate/deactivate brakes using this scanner.

Active tests and adaptations. While you won’t actually be able to do coding and programming, you can perform active tests and relearn new components. That means you can use this Honda diagnostic scanner to replace components like battery and sensors and to relearn steering angle position, throttle position etc.

Final Verdict

It’s easy to see why the FIXD™ OBD2 Scanner for Honda Acura ranks as the best Honda scan tool. It supports a wide range of functions, most of which are only available on high-end scanners. A definite steal for the price!

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2. Innova 3040e Live Data OBD2 Scanner

You don’t necessarily need a big budget to get your hands on a good code reader for Honda. Even on a shoestring budget, you can buy the Innova 3040E Live Data OBD2 Scanner. It will serve you almost as well as a high-end scanner.

Read and clear codes. Specifically, the Innova 3040E Honda OBD2 scanner pulls engine, ABS and EVAP fault codes in Honda and Acura vehicles. You can diagnose the CEL as well as the ABS light and turn them off. You can also check your car’s emission readiness.

View live data. Real-time sensor data is important when you need to check the health and performance of your car’s various systems. You’ll be glad to know that the 3040E Honda reader lets you graph PIDs and compare them.

Reset oil service light. The oil light usually comes on when your car is due for oil change and service. It may also signal a serious problem in the car’s oil circuit. Needless to say, you’ll have to change the oil.

And if it’s the latter case, then you’ll need to get the oil circuit fixed. Doing both of those things doesn’t mean that the oil service light will automatically disappear. You may need to turn it off again with the Innova 3040E.

Test battery and alternator. Why have a separate battery tester when you can get that exact function in the Innova 3040E? In fact, this Honda code reader offers a lot more than battery testing, it also tests the alternator. With it you’ll always know if you’re dealing with a dead battery, if your battery needs recharging or if the alternator is faulty.

Covers other car brands. In addition to Honda and Acura vehicles, the 3040E Honda OBD Scanner is also compatible with all mainstream OBD2 car brands. Its capabilities include Ford, GM, Toyota, BMW and all the common car brands. That’s a plus if you’re planning to use the scanner on other vehicles apart from your Honda.

Final Verdict

The Innova 3040E is perfect if you’re looking for a basic code reader for Honda. It will help you diagnose the engine, ABS and EVAP systems. Granted, you won’t get advanced OBD functions but it will do the basic stuff to perfection.

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3. BlueDriver LSB2 Honda OBDII Scan Tool

At times stand-alone scanners just don’t cut it. Those are the times when a wireless tool comes in handy. And if you own a Honda, there’s no other wireless OBD diagnostic tool that will be as helpful as the BlueDriver LSB2 Honda OBD2 Scanner.

iOS and Android scanner. As hinted, the BlueDriver LSB2 is an adapter, not a stand-alone scanner. You have to pair it with your smartphone via Bluetooth and then use the BlueDriver app to run diagnostics straight from your phone.

The good news is that it’s compatible with Android and iOS phones. The bad news is that it doesn’t work with Windows, BlackBerry and other operating systems.

Compatible with 2003 and newer models of Honda. Still on matters of compatibility, the BlueDriver adapter was designed for Honda and Acura vehicles that were made in 2003 or later. That’s when EOBD (European & Asian version of OBD2) was made mandatory in the EU and Asia. So, if your car is an older model, there’s a chance you may experience compatibility issues.

All systems diagnosis. As far as functionality, the dongle lets you access and scan all the available on-board systems. You can check for problems in the engine, ABS, SRS, transmission, EPB, EPS, SAS and pretty much every other system.

Codes, freeze frame and live data. With that access you can view error codes, freeze frame data and live data. Each code comes with a description, suggested fix and the ability to clear it.

Note that when you clear system codes you reset warning lights. For example, clearing engine codes turns off the CEL. And there’s freeze frame data to help you pinpoint the problem, solve it and turn off the light.

The one feature that gives the BlueDriver LSB2 Honda reader an advantage over the rest is that it’s wireless. You can leave it plugged in the vehicle and it will relay live data straight to your phone. And you can keep track of your car’s health and performance in real-time. 

Mode 6 and emission check. Mode 6 basically lets you view the results of your car’s on-board self-tests. In other words, it reveals if there are any faults to be concerned about. And the BlueDriver adapter displays this data through the app on your phone.

One of the tests is a smog check. This Honda OBD scanner won’t actually check your emission system, but it will prepare it for the test. To put it simply, it will determine if the vehicle is ready for an emission check.

Final Verdict

The BlueDriver adapter is your best OBD2 scanner for Honda if you want a simple, wireless tool for checking your car’s main systems. You get the BlueDriver app for free, which is nice and simple to use.

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4. FOXWELL NT301 Full OBD2 Scanning Tool

Always choose a Foxwell OBD scanner for Honda, when you’re unsure which brand to choose. They never disappoint, and neither will the FOXWELL NT301.

Shows vehicle information. Use the Foxwell NT301 Honda OBD scanner to check any car’s VIN, CIN and engine number. These numbers are important if you’re a Honda dealer or if you’re trying to buy a Honda for your use.

Reads and clears trouble codes. The NT301 is primarily a Honda code reader for the engine. With it you can view all the codes that are related to the Check Engine Light, including emission-related codes. When the codes are fixed, you can proceed to clear them and turn off the CEL with this scan tool.

Displays live and freeze frame data. Still on matters codes, the NT301 will record freeze frame data every time a code is set. You can pull that data to see what may have caused the code.

If that doesn’t work, you’ll be glad to know that it also supports live sensor data. Check whether sensors, switches and components are working properly by reading live streams and PIDs.

Performs on-board monitor tests. If all the above don’t work, you can perform on-board monitoring tests for specific systems. This Honda diagnostic scanner checks multiple monitors, including misfire, heated catalyst, exhaust gas system, fuel system, O2 sensor and many more.

Checks emissions readiness. In addition to displaying O2 codes and testing O2 sensors, the Foxwell NT301 checks whether your Honda is ready for an emission test. It won’t actually do the test, but it will tell you if you can proceed with the test.

Final Verdict

The NT301 easily rates as the best OBD scanner for Honda, especially if you’re interested in reading codes. Nothing flashy, just the good old Check Engine Light diagnostics and lots of live data.

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5. Autel AL319 OBDII Code Reader

Like Foxwell, Autel is a brand that you can always count on to deliver. All their products are more than impressive, but the one you really need for a Honda is the Autel AL319. It’s one of the most affordable Honda OBD scanners, yet it packs some serious oomph.

Pulls vehicle information. The scanner will detect the model and year of your Honda. After that, it will display important info like VIN and CIN. That’s handy information when you’re buying or selling the car, replacing essential parts or trading Hondas.

Turns the Check Engine Light off. The AL319 is primarily a code reader for Honda. As such, it can read and clear engine trouble codes. By doing so, the scanner allows you to diagnose the CEL and turn it off. With each code you’ll get a description to help you understand the problem better.

Freeze frame data. In addition to code descriptions, the Autel AL319 Honda scanner tool shows freeze frame data for each code. You can use that data to know when the code was registered. In other words, it will help you determine the possible causes of the CEL.

Live data. Live data stream from sensors helps you determine if the sensors and their circuits are working properly. While the AL319 won’t be able to draw PIDs, it will deliver a long list of real-time readings from sensors.

Checks I/M readiness. Again, this Honda diagnostic scanner doesn’t check emissions. It, however, checks whether the EVAP system is ready for an emission test. Put simply, it will tell you whether to proceed with an emission check or not.

Final Verdict

This little Honda scanner tool is perfect for you if you don’t want to dig deep in your pocket for an OBD scanner. With it you can diagnose the engine, check why the CEL is on and turn it off.

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6. LAUNCH CR319 OBD2 Car Code Reader

Launch is one of those brands whose scanners get a lot of attention. Rightfully so because they’re not only affordable but top performers as well. One that can probe for problems in your Honda car is the Launch CR319.

Check diagnostic trouble codes. For its price, it’s a wonder that the CR319 can even pull trouble codes, let alone clear them. There’s a catch though: you can only check engine codes; and that includes emission-related codes. Other system diagnostics like ABS, SRS, transmission etc. are not covered.

Built-in DTC lookup. Not sure what a code means? Use the built-in library to check for the definition. That will help a great deal when you want to understand what’s causing the CEL and possibly fix it.

View data. Alongside codes, you also get live sensor data and freeze frame data. As mentioned several times, freeze frame data helps you understand why a code was logged. Live data streams show which sensors, circuits and switches are faulty.

Check I/M readiness. This function lets you know whether your Honda is ready for an emission inspection. You don’t have to drive to the shop for that. 

Perform on-board monitor tests. The Launch CR319 Honda OBD2 scanner tests monitors in the EVAP system to ensure that they are not faulty. Otherwise your Honda will start releasing toxic emissions. Specifically, you can use the scanner for misfire, heated catalyst test, exhaust gas system test, fuel system, EVAP test, O2 sensor test, etc.

Final Verdict

For its price, the Launch CR319 OBD2 Code Reader for Honda is an absolute steal. You won’t find any other scanner that can do a nearly decent job in diagnosing a Honda CEL, engine and emission system in this price range.

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7. FOXWELL NT614 Elite OBD2 Scan Tool

Rounding off the review is another solid Honda scan tool from Foxwell – the Foxwell NT614 Elite. It may well be the best mid-range OBD2 scanner for Honda.

Diagnose OBD1 and OBD2 vehicles. What makes the NT614 the best OBD scanner for Honda? While all the other scanners on the list are for OBD2-compliant Hondas, this one covers both OBD1 and OBD2. Meaning you can use it on older cars that were manufactured before 1996 and newer models that were made after 1996. And yes, it also works on other mainstream car brands.

Scan the 4 main systems. Check and clear codes from the engine, ABS, SRS and transmission. That means you can use this Honda scanner tool to turn off the Check Engine Light as well as the ABS, airbag and transmission warning lights.

View live and freeze frame data. Safe to say these two are guaranteed in all the best OBD2 scanners for Honda. But what you won’t find in most other tools is the ability to graph and merge PIDs. With this one you can, and you’ll love the look of it thanks to the 4.3-inch screen. 

Reset oil service and EPB. You won’t find many maintenance functions in the Foxwell NT614 Elite but at least you can do EPB reset and oil service reset. EPB functions include brake bleeding, relearning brake pads/discs, activating/deactivating electronic brakes and opening/closing brake pads.  

Perform special functions. The EPB functions (above) fit in the “special functions” category. But they’re not the only ones. You can use the scanner to calibrate (relearn) sensors, perform bidirectional controls and retrieve Mode 6 data.

Final Verdict

You will struggle to find one thing to dislike about the Foxwell NT614 Elite Honda reader. Just make sure you update the software before use, and it will serve you better than most other high-end scanners.

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Our Final Thoughts

As you may have noticed, there’s a code scanner for every Honda, whether it be OBD1 or OBD2. Similarly, there’s a Honda OBD2 scanner for every owner.

If you’re an ordinary car owner who just wants to turn off the Check Engine Light, you can rely on a simple yet effective tool like the Innova 3040E, Foxwell NT301 or Autel AL319.

On the other hand, the FIXD™ Scanner and Launch CR319 are for Honda owners who want to unlock more functions. These OBD scanners for Honda can diagnose more systems than just the engine. If you’re ever feeling unsure, go with the FIXD™ Scanner.

Read more: TOAD Pro: Excellent OBD2 Software Review and Comparison

Honda Scan Tools FAQs: