How to Use a Car Diagnostic Tool

In the past, car diagnostic tools were prohibitively expensive. Prior to 1996, an independent technician could expect to pay thousands of dollars for a tool that was compatible with only a single vehicle make. Even after the introduction of onboard diagnostics II (OBD-II), professional scan tools continued to cost thousands of dollars.

Today, you can buy a simple code reader for less than the cost of a movie ticket, and the right accessory can even turn your phone into a scan tool.

Since most of the information you’ll need to interpret trouble codes can be found online, a check engine light no longer has to call for an immediate trip to your mechanic.

Before you buy a car diagnostic tool, it’s important to realize that they aren’t aren’t some kind of magic panacea. When you plug in a check engine light code reader, or even a professional scan tool, it doesn’t automatically tell you how to fix the problem. In most cases, it won’t even tell you what the problem is. What it will do is provide you with a trouble code, or several codes, that provide a jumping off point in the diagnostic process.

Using a Check Engine Light Code Reader
With the ignition key turned off or removed, you can gently insert your code reader plug into the diagnostic connector. If it doesn’t slide in easily, then make sure the plug isn’t upside down and that you have correctly identified the OBD-II connector.

With the diagnostic connector plugged in securely, you can insert your ignition key and turn it to the on position. This will provide power to the code reader. Depending on the specific device, it may prompt you for some information at that time. You may need to enter the VIN, the type of engine, or other information.

At that point, the code reader will be ready to do its work. The most basic device will simply provide you with any stored codes, while other scan tools will give you the option to read the trouble codes or view other data.

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