What is an OBD2 Scanner?
An ob2 scanner is a device that plugs into a car’s onboard diagnostics (OBD) system, which is tasked with monitoring and regulating variables like engine speed, fuel mixture and ignition timing, as well as reporting when something goes wrong. It’s an essential tool for anybody who wants to work on their own vehicle or save money by knowing exactly what the problem is before going to a garage.
There are a lot of different options out there, but they all work in roughly the same way: a cable connects to your OBD2 port, which is usually located under the dashboard, and the device reads the codes stored by the vehicle’s computer. The code information is displayed on the device’s screen, and some devices will tell you what the problem is, while others will require you to use a separate app or website to interpret the data.
Unlocking Your Car’s Data: A Comprehensive Guide to OBD2 Scanners
There’s also a category of OBD2 scanner that comes in the form of a bluetooth dongle that you plug into your OBD2 port and then pair to your smartphone via an app. These tend to be more expensive, but can offer a range of features that you may not get from a basic code reader – such as live data and freeze frame/VIN check on 2002-on vehicles.