Find a Code Reader and Scan Tool that perfectly fits your needs and pocket in 2020 from the reviews below.
The products listed in the reviews were tested and reviewed by Tim Miller, an automotive mechanic, and blogger in Denver, Colorado.
FOR CAR BRANDS:
* BY FUNCTIONALITY:
– Best OBD1 SCANNERS
– Best OBD2 Scanners
– Best OBD2 BLUETOOTH Scanners
– Best OBD2 Scanners with ABS SRS
– Best BI-DIRECTIONAL Scan Tools
– Best ELM327 Adapters
– Best Heavy-Duty TRUCK Scanners
– Best Transmission Code Readers/Scanners
– Best PROFESSIONAL Automotive Diagnostic Scanners
SCAN TOOL BRANDS:
Cannot find what you want? Send an email to timmiller.obdscanner@gmail.com, tell us about your needs and we will recommend the best choice for you.
That is a hard question to answer, as good scanners come in a variety of prices, with some being more affordable than others. A good scanner can cost less than $100, but it can also cost well over a thousand dollars.
There are certain things that will affect how much a scan tool costs – for example, whether the scan tool has Bluetooth functionality, how many vehicles it can be used on, as well as how many additional features it has.
A scan tool is a car diagnostic device that has a number of features. It usually includes a code reader, has the ability to read and sort live data, and contains some kind of knowledge base.
A professional scan tool includes more or less the same things, the difference being that the knowledge base is a lot more extensive, and they often include some other diagnostics tool, such as a built-in scope or milimeter.
Scan tools perform a variety of tasks, with their main function being reading and clearing codes. You can plug a scan tool into an OBD1 or OBD2 socket.
Some of the things they do include storing and playing back live data, presenting data in a graph form, reading both generic and specific for a manufacturer code, providing definitions of trouble codes, as well as providing you with troubleshooting procedures and tips.
A good can help you identify issues with your vehicle by providing you with data from different sensors. Once you test drive your vehicle, you will be able to go back to a recording from it and focus on the one you need to find out what the problem is.
There isn’t one answer to that, as what scan tool will be the best for a person depends on several factors, with the most important one being the brand of your vehicle and what you need your scan tool to do.
There are also some other things that you need to take into consideration – for example, if you want it to have Bluetooth functionality or if you want your scan tool to be more versatile and work on a variety of vehicles manufactured in different years.
Every mechanic will have a scan tool that they like to use, so picking out just one or two would be hard. However, there are a few that we consider to be the best for professional use. Those are:
In the end, however, which scan tools a professional will use depends solely on their personal preferences.
That depends. If you do your own mechanic work, then it is definitely worth it, as it makes it easier to know what is wrong with your vehicle. Keep in mind, though, that the basic scan tools usually display only the engine codes, while the more advanced models show issues with all the systems in your car.
Yes, all OBD2 scanners can both read and clear codes. It is very easy to do, and here is how you can do it:
Every driver will greatly benefit from using an OBD2 scanner – thanks to it, you will be able to find issues with your vehicle before they become so severe they will be irreparable. The key is understanding what the code showing up on the screen means. U11E9 is one of the codes you’re most likely …
Imagine you’re driving in your Ford as usual. Suddenly, you see one of the icons on your dashboard light up, but you have no idea what it means. There are few more stressful situations, especially if you lack knowledge about what the warning lamps and indicators mean. That’s why we’re here, though – to explain …
What Do the Warning Lamps and Indicators in My Ford Mean? Read More »
Innova diagnostic tools are among the best on the market today. The company makes a wide range of them, from entry-level devices to high-end ones that cost thousands of dollars, from OBD1 scanners to OBD2 scanners and diagnostic code readers. What Exactly is OBD? Important side notes if you are new to OBD: OBD is …
The 9 Best Innova Diagnostic Tools For DIYers and Professional Repairmen of 2022 Read More »
Autel Mk808BT and Autel MK808TS are two of the most popular obd2 diagnostic scan tools available on the market. These tools help diagnose various automotive problems on your own, saving you hundreds at the mechanic. Both from Autel, the MK808BT and MK808TS have some similar features including an Android foundation, 7-inch LCD touchscreens, 32GB memory, …
Autel MaxiCOM MK808BT vs Autel MaxiCOM MK808TS: Which Is Best For You? Read More »
Check this guide to find the best Volvo scan tool so you can scan vehicles for issues and save time and money.