Do you have a vehicle manufactured before 1996? Chances are that your vehicle is an OBD1 compliant vehicle. But what exactly is one of the best OBD1 scanners?
To put it in the simplest way possible, an OBD1 scanner often works for one specific make of car. Unlike the OBD2 scanners, OBD1 scanners are not standardized across different manufacturers. For instance, an OBD1 scanner that can diagnose a Toyota make will not diagnose a make from Ford.
The difference between an OBD1 and OBD2 scan tools also extends to the kind of retrieved diagnostic trouble codes. You will observe that if a Toyota and Ford have the same engine faults, OBD1 scanners will retrieve different diagnostic trouble codes.
Contents
- 1 How We Evaluated These OBD1 Scanners
- 2 OBD1 Scanner Comparison Chart – Top Choices for 2023
- 3 Top 5 OBD1 Scan Tools – Reviews & Comparisons
- 4 Frequently Asked Questions
- 5 Related Reading:
How We Evaluated These OBD1 Scanners
In this review, we have featured 5 best OBD1 diagnostic scanners.
The first two scanners are exclusively OBD1 scanners. The three other scanners are OBD1/OBD2 diagnostic scanners. Luckily, if you have an OBD1 compliant vehicle you can choose any of the scanners and it will work well with your car.
We have picked these five OBD1 scanners following a rigorous testing process. Some of the factors that we have examined include:
- Features and Functionalities: We have taken into account the special features and functionalities of the OBD1 scanners and evaluated them based on their price and value.
- Compatibility: Since most OBD1 scanners are not compatible with multiple vehicles, we have curated this selection to ensure a wide range of compatibility on each of the tools.
- Strength and Downsides: Every tool has its strengths and weaknesses. We aim to be as transparent as possible with what we like about each tool and what we don’t like.
- Who It Is Built For: Not all automotive tools are built for the same people. We want to make sure you’re getting the right tool for your skill level and lifestyle in the garage. A beginner home mechanic and a veteran professional need wildly different tools in their kit.
OBD1 Scanner Comparison Chart – Top Choices for 2023
To help you get a clear understanding of each tool, we’ve built out a comparison chart to break down the differences between our top 3 models.
 Actron CP9690 |  FOXWELL NT510 |  INNOVA 3120 |
|
| Our Rating |  4.3 / 5 |  4 / 5 |  4.2 / 5 |
| Price |  | | |
| Product Dimensions | 4" x 11" x 13.5" | 7.9" x 1.5" x 3.9" | 2.5" x 15" x 10.5" |
| Item Weight | 3.63lbs | 1.35lbs | 2lbs |
| OBD1 and OBD2 functions | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Support ABS functions | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Support SRS functions | ✔ | ✔ | -- |
| Support transmission and engine | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Read and clear check engine light | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Top 5 OBD1 Scan Tools – Reviews & Comparisons
Below, we have written comprehensive reviews to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each OBD1 code scanner. We will tell you everything you need to know before purchasing one of the following OBD1 scanners:
- Innova 3145 Ford Digital OBD1 Scanner
- Innova 3123 GM OBD1 Scanner
- FOXWELL NT510 BMW OBD2 Scanner / OBD1 Scanner
- Actron CP9690 Elite Pro Diagnostic OBD1 Scanner
- INNOVA 3120 OBD1/2 Scanner
#1. Innova 3145 Ford Digital OBD1 Scanner
4.1 / 5This scanner has a digital display designed to show numeric DTCS instead of flashes.
It is a big relieve as you won’t have to count the flashes in order to identify a diagnostic trouble code.
All you need to do is connect the scanner to the onboard computer and directly read the diagnostic trouble code from LCD screen.
Once you have retrieved a DTC, use the manual to interpret it. If you find that the points to a minor issue, then you can fix it if you are a DIY.
However, if you are dealing with an advanced issue you can take your car to a mechanic.
Getting to know the cause of a fault before taking your car to a mechanic can help you estimate the cost of repair.
Innova 3145 will help you to clear the check engine light once the fault has been fixed.
Besides, this code reader can help you to test the Cylinder, KOER, KOEO, as well as perform relay tests.
The best part is that the manual has clearly elaborated procedures on how to perform each of these tests.
Compatibility
Innova 3145 works on most trucks and cars from GM manufactured from 1982 to 1995.
You will be able to diagnose vehicles such as Lincoln, Ford, and mercury all being domestic trucks and cars.
Besides, Innova 3145 is compatible with EEC-IV and MCU computer control onboard systems.
Pros
- It displays numeric trouble codes
- The code reader has an easy to view LCD screen
- It has a memory storing capability even when it is unplugged
- The code reader is easy to use
- It is affordable
- The code reader comes with an elaborate manual
- It has a DTC guide for ease of interpretation
Cons
- You may find that the cord is rather short
- The plastic that has been used to make this scanner is not durable
- The pins may bend or move back into the casing
This code reader is designed for car owners who want to diagnose OBD1 compliant vehicles.
Learn More#2. Innova 3123 GM OBD1 Scanner
4.1 / 5The scanner will accurately access your vehicle’s onboard computer to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes.
If the check engine light is on, then you can bank on this scanner to turn it off. You will find that this OBD1 scanner can read the engine (ECM).
If you find that your car is experiencing performance issues such as a timing that is off or reduction in fuel efficiency, then Innova 3123 can help you to diagnose your car.
Worse still, if your car fails to start up, you can use this scanner to diagnose the engine.
Innova 3123 can also help you to diagnose and resolve issues surrounding the ABS system. You will be able to know if the wheel sensors are faulty and need to be replaced.
This will help you to resolve issues that may cause the wheels to lock up when braking.
Better yet, Innova 3123 is delivered with a guidebook that has the definitions of all DTCs.
Once you have the interpretation of the DTC you can go ahead and repair your car if you are a DIY. You can also choose to take the vehicle to a mechanic.
The good news is that you already know the underlying issue and therefore will not be overcharged by your mechanic.
Compatibility
Innova 3123 is compatible with most of the vehicles from GM. These vehicles are manufactured from 1982 to 1995.
Besides, Innova 3123 is compatible with MCU computer control onboard systems.
Pros
- This scanner is multilingual
- It is easy and straightforward to use
- This scanner comes with code definition guidebook
- The unit is highly affordable
- It has a compact size for portability and ease of storage
Cons
- This scanner is multilingual
- It is easy and straightforward to use
- This scanner comes with code definition guidebook
- The unit is highly affordable
- It has a compact size for portability and ease of storage
This code reader is basically designed for ordinary car owners who want to diagnose OBD 1 compliant vehicles.
Learn More#3. FOXWELL NT510 BMW OBD2 Scanner / OBD1 Scanner
4.2 / 5If you own either an OBD1 or OBD 2 compliant BMW then check out FOXWELL NT510.
This scanner is a BMW-only diagnostic scanner. You will be able to read code from most BMW manufactured from 1987 to date.
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FOXWELL NT510 has amazing diagnostic capabilities. To begin with, it can read as well as clear DTCs from major BMW systems.
These systems include transmission, engine, airbag, ABS, DISA, and SAS.
You will realize that the scanner will automatically identify your vehicle and subsequently run tests on all modules checking for error codes.
It also performs resets functions on various monitors as well as triggering windows, lights and brake caliper test and opening.
This OBD2/ OBD1 scanner supports a number of special functions.
The special functions include the activation of the ABS module, deactivation of the brakes, oil light lamp reset, battery registration, and adjustment of the throttle body.
Other special functions that you can perform with this scanner include CBS condition-based reset as well as DPF regeneration.
You will also be able to perform an active test using this scanner.
Besides, it can temporarily start as well as control all the system in your car for active testing.
As a result, you will end up with more accurate results and eventually draw better diagnostic conclusions.
Compatibility
FOXWELL NT510 is also an OBD1 and OBD 2 scanner. It works on BMW models manufactured from 1987 to date.
Pros
- It does not have a VIN lock allowing you to scan many vehicles
- It is an OBD 1 as well as OBD 2 diagnostic scanner
- The scanner has a slot for TFT memory card allowing data backup
- It comes with lifetime free update software
- It is portable and has an ergonomic design
- Supports live and freeze frame data
- It has a multilingual menu
- This device supports code definitions
- It has a large color TFT screen
Cons
- Only recognizes batteries that exactly resembles an original battery
- You will not be able to update using mac
- This code reader is not capable of programming
- It is comparatively expensive to other OBD1 scanners
This is built for professional tech and mechanics who are involved in a regular diagnosis of BMW vehicles.
Learn More#4. Actron CP9690 Elite Pro Diagnostic OBD1 Scanner
4.2 / 5Actron CP9690 diagnostic scanner comes with OBD1 as well as OBD2 cables.
As a result, you will be able to perform both basic and most of the advanced functions on both OBD1 and OBD2 vehicles.
You will be able to read and clear the check engine light using this diagnostic scanner.
The most outstanding special functions that you can perform using this tool include engine, airbag, and ABS functions.
The scanner allows you to diagnose and resolve most of the engine performance issues.
Once the issues have been resolved you can use the scanner to clear the check engine light.
Equally, this scanner will help you to resolve underlying ABS issues and eliminate the chance of the wheels locking while braking.
And when you notice that the airbag light is on you can use this scanner to retrieve SRS trouble codes.
This will eliminate any chance of the airbag deploying without being triggered by a crash.
CodeConnect is another notable feature envisaged in Actron CP9690 scanner.
The feature connects you to over 26 million repair procedures, therefore, making it possible for you to resolve even the seemingly complex repair problems.
Compatibility
Actron CP9690 is compatible with OBD1 compliant GM, Chrysler, Ford, and Toyota vehicles made from 1984 to 1995.
It is also compatible with OBD2 Toyota, Hyundai, Nissan, Honda, Chrysler, Hyundai, and Ford vehicles manufactured from 1996 to 2013.
Actron CP9690 is also compatible with windows software.
Pros
- Has wide vehicle coverage
- It has an effective built-in DTC lookup library
- This device owns a large screen that allows easy navigation
- The scanner has a trilingual menu
- It compact and portable
Cons
- The code connects only have English data
- You have to buy an adapter separately
- The online instructions are not exhaustive
This diagnostic scan tool can effectively serve both professional tech as well as ordinary car owners.
Learn More#5. INNOVA 3120 OBD1/2 Scanner
4 / 5INNOVA diagnostic scan tools are designed with high quality and INNOVA 3120 is not an exception.
You will be able to scan most OBD 2 compliant vehicles that are made in the USA from 1996. These OBD2 compliant models include light-duty trucks, SUVs, as well as cars.
At the same time, this scanner works on most OBD1 vehicles manufactured from 1983 to 1995.
However, these vehicles should have an EEC-IV system that includes the KOER and KOEO system.
INNOVA 3120 is capable of reading and erasing transmission, engine, and ABS codes.
You will be able to erase the check engine light using the scanner after resolving the underlying engine issues.
You will also observe that the scanner keep refreshing after 30 seconds.
This makes it ideal for ongoing repairs as well as clearing ABS, MIL, and transmission light in real time.
Besides, the device also allows you to retrieve data even when you have switched off your vehicle.
This is because it has a battery that helps it to sustain backup data.
Compatibility
INNOVA 3120 works on OBD1 vehicles that are manufactured from 1982 to 1995.
It also works on most of the OBD2 compliant models manufactured from 1982 to 1995.
Pros
- The scanner has a large colored screen
- It is multilingual
- The scanner supports DTC definitions
- You can read and erase DTC using a one-click button
- Can scan a vehicle when the engine is turned off
- It is easy to use
- This scanner has an ergonomic design
Cons
- It does not support most of the advanced functions such as the airbag
- It has a limited coverage
- The manual is not exhaustive
INNOVA 3120 is ideal for DIY. It can also be used comfortably by average car owners as well as mechanics.
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
This is heavily dependent on your skill level in the garage, and how many cars you are working on. There are OBD1 scanners that fit every budget.
If you’re looking for a scanner to use in a professional garage with high levels of compatibility and special features, you’ll likely spend $100+. However, you can also find value OBD1 scanners if you are using it to work on your personal or project car. These tend to cost under $30.
An OBD1 scanner tool will work primarily on vehicles manufactured before 1996, while OBD2 scanners will work on vehicles manufactured after that year. However, you can find OBD2 code readers that have the capability to read OBD1 system diagnoses.
OBD scanners are made to help you diagnose your car’s troubles by providing you an error code describing where and what the issue is. OBD1 scanners are great for older cars, manufactured before 1996.
The Bottom Line on the Top OBD1 Scanners of 2022
Diagnosing a vehicle that was made between 1982 to 1995 requires you to use an OBD1 scanner.
Fortunately, you will be able to find an OBD1 scanner that is designed to diagnose specific brands of vehicles.The best part is the OBD1 scanners are affordable and easy to use.