How to Select an OBDII Scanner for Your Car

What to look for in a smartphone or handheld OBDII scanner

When something goes wrong with your car and you’ve got a Check Engine light, identifying the issue can be challenging without the right tools. This is where On-Board Diagnostics II (OBDII) scanners come into play. These devices help diagnose issues by interfacing with a vehicle’s onboard computer. With advancements in technology, OBDII scanners now come in various forms, including handheld devices and smartphone-based models. Here’s what to look for when choosing the best OBDII scanner for your needs.

How to buy an OBDII Scanner App

First, look before you leap. Check out each OBDII scanner app to make sure it works with your vehicle and provides all the data you need to diagnose your car. Here’s what you need to know:

Does the OBDII scanner read both Generic and Enhanced trouble codes?

All inexpensive apps read generic powertrain (P)

Blue driver OBDII scanner

trouble codes. But more and more car makers are using “enhanced” or “model specific” trouble codes. Scanner software that reads enhanced codes costs more because the app writer has to pay for that information, and that information changes year by year.

What happens if your app doesn’t have enhanced code capabilities? You may find yourself in a situation where you have a check engine light, but your OBDII scan tool has no codes. How can that be? I mean, if a check engine light is on, a code IS stored. But if your OBDII scanner can’t read the enhanced code, it will come up blank. Trust me, you want an app that reads enhanced trouble codes.

What is an enhanced trouble code?

The OBDII rules require all Generic P trouble codes to start with P0100 and go to P0900. The codes must mean the same thing across all makes and models. So, a P0128 means the same thing no matter the year, make, or model you’re working on.

Enhanced codes are different. They start at P1000 and go to P2999. These codes allow the car makers to make up their own definitions, and those definitions can vary by year, make, and model. So, a P1192 on one vehicle can mean something different for a different brand. The car makers are NOT required to give away enhanced trouble code information for free, like the generic trouble codes. So, the software needed to read and decipher enhanced codes will cost more.

Does the OBDII Scanner Have These Important Features?

The features offered by an OBDII scanner can vary significantly. Basic models may only read and clear error codes, while advanced ones offer extensive functionality. Here are some key features to consider:

• Trouble Codes Definitions— All OBDII scanners should read and clear DTCs. However, the ability to provide detailed explanations for these codes is beneficial.
• Live Data— This feature allows you to view real-time data from various sensors in the vehicle, such as engine RPM, vehicle speed, and fuel system status.
• Freeze Frame Data— Captures and displays the vehicle’s data at the time a DTC was set, helping diagnose intermittent issues.
• Readiness Monitors— These indicate if the vehicle’s emission-related systems are ready for an inspection.
• Mode 6 Data— Provides advanced diagnostics by displaying the results of onboard tests performed by the vehicle’s computer. See this article for more information on how Mode $06 helps your diagnostics.
• Graphing— Visual representation of live data can help identify patterns and trends.
• Software Updates— Regular updates ensure the scanner can diagnose newer vehicles and access the latest codes.

Does the OBDII scanner read B, C, and U trouble codes

In addition to enhanced codes, your OBDII scanner tool should also be able to read Body (B), Chassis (C) and Network (U) codes.

Does the OBDII scanner give you access to all the parameter I.D.s (PIDs) you need?

Not all scanners read data from all sensors.
How much does the recommended OBDII scanner interface cost and is the firmware upgradable?
The interface plugs into the diagnostic link connector (DLC) on your vehicle and communicates with your smarthphone or laptop through Bluetooth or WiFi. The best units are firmware up gradable, but they cost more.

©, 2019 Rick Muscoplat