The Best Obd2 Scanner For Home Mechanic Of 2024

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
Best Obd2 Scanner For Home Mechanic
Best Obd2 Scanner For Home Mechanic

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: ANCEL AD310 Universal OBD II Scanner

The ANCEL AD310 Universal OBD II Scanner is the perfect tool for any car owner! This intuitive device can quickly and easily determine the cause of the check engine light coming on, fast read and clear diagnostic trouble codes, and read live data. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: AUTOPHIX OBD2 Scanner

The AUTOPHIX OBD2 Scanner OM126P is a powerful tool for diagnosing your car's performance and troubleshooting any issues. It can quickly and accurately read data from your vehicle's onboard computer and display it in a graphical format. Read Review

3. Best Easy To Use: FOXWELL Car Scanner

The FOXWELL Car Scanner is the perfect tool for any car enthusiast. This scanner will help you diagnose and repair your vehicle quickly and easily. Its comprehensive scanning and detection capabilities will quickly identify the exact problem. Read Review

4. Best Compact: INNOVA 5210 OBD2 Scanner

The Innova 5210 OBD2 Scanner is a powerful tool for vehicle owners and technicians. This device allows you to easily and quickly identify problems with your car's engine, transmission, and emissions systems so they can be corrected quickly. Read Review

5. Best Design: LAUNCH CRP123 OBD2 Scanner

The LAUNCH CRP123 OBD2 Scanner is the perfect tool for diagnosing an engine, automatic transmission, anti-lock braking system (ABS), and supplemental restraint system (SRS) data for all vehicles manufactured after 1996. Read Review

If you’re a home mechanic looking for the best OBD2 scanner, you’ve come to the right place. The On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system is an essential tool for any mechanic, allowing them to quickly and accurately diagnose and repair any car or truck. The OBD2 scanner is a device that scans the car’s computer network to identify any faults, errors, or other issues.

It can then provide information about what’s wrong and how to fix it. A variety of OBD2 scanners are available for home mechanics, ranging from basic code readers to more advanced scanners that offer additional features. Choosing the best OBD2 scanner for your needs can be daunting, so we’ve compiled this guide to help you find the best OBD2 scanner for your home mechanic needs. We’ll look at the various OBD2 scanners available, their features, and how to choose the right one for you. We’ll also review some of the best OBD2 scanners on the market. 

Our team had to focus on researching and sifting through 18 hours to get such results for readers. These studies are based on customer star reviews and interviews about their feelings when using the product. As a result, We believe the best obd2 scanner for home mechanic is ANCEL AD310 Universal OBD II Scanner because this device will immediately tell you the source of the check engine light and allow you to remedy the problem without having any prior understanding of cars. If you’re seeking additional options and more in-depth advice, check out the following buying guide & FAQs.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 ANCEL AD310 Universal OBD II Scanner
Our Score:
9.7
ANCEL

The ANCEL scanner can assist you or your mechanic determine whether your vehicle is in good condition. It delivers remarkably accurate and quick results, and it can read and delete engine error codes in a matter of seconds. This device will immediately tell you the source of the check engine light and allow you to remedy the problem without having any prior understanding of cars. 

Because of its less weight and more portable design, this code reader is a good choice for home and traveling. You may quickly slide it into your bag as you travel to the garage, or you can put it on the dashboard. In addition, this product can scan both current data and data stored in hard memory and easily establish why the check engine light is illuminated in the first place. The only downside of this product is that its button is a bit hard to use initially, but you will get used to it after a long time.

TOP Choice #2 AUTOPHIX OBD2 Scanner
Our Score:
9.5
AUTOPHIX

This OBDII scanner can read and delete the issue codes that can create e-mission difficulties in your car in seconds. Additionally, it can determine whether or not the MIL (check engine light) is on. With the silicone keypad, you can easily access each menu option on the vehicle diagnostic tool. The I/M Readiness hotkey may check the state emissions readiness and drive cycle verification. The car diagnostic tool has a 2.4" TFT 262K true color LCD screen to indicate the test results. 

In addition, a plethora of car information is obtained so that you can learn everything there is to know about your vehicle with no effort. This information can be used for recording, car tracking, ordering matched parts, and other purposes. Because of its compact design, this device is simple to store in a toolbox drawer or inside your rig. It also offers data comparison, which makes it simple for you to troubleshoot any problems that may be occurring with the car and learn every parameter of the freeze frame. However, it would be best if this product had more instructions to help you use it easily.

TOP Choice #3 FOXWELL Car Scanner
Our Score:
9.4
FOXWELL

This Foxwell scanner will assist you in comprehensive scanning and detection for your cherished automobiles. Additionally, it will identify the nature of the issue and help you save time and money. It will turn off the warning light once the problem has been fixed, encouraging you to learn more about your vehicles and repair them yourself. Through the I/M readiness option, you can use it to determine whether or not your vehicle is prepared for the yearly inspection. 

This OBD2 car scanner lets you quickly obtain your V-IN and vehicle information by using the AUTOVIN menu. You no longer have to spend time locating your V-IN and inputting it one by one. Moreover, this automobile scanner has a sturdy protective cover that shields your obd2 scanner from harm should it be dropped or knocked over. Unfortunately, this scanner may not work well for vehicles manufactured after 2004.

4 INNOVA 5210 OBD2 Scanner
Our Score:
9.2
Innova

This OBD2 Scanner makes it simple for you to diagnose and resolve any issues with your vehicle. RepairSolutions2 is a mobile application that can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play to obtain real-time remedies and fixes to any automotive problems you may be experiencing. This device helps you get verified fixes, locate and purchase the exact item required for repair, check maintenance schedules, order parts, receive technical bulletins, dealer and safety recalls, and access Innova's database.

With the Innova OBD2 scanner live data, you can view critical information about your car in real-time, such as the RPM, speed, and oil temperature, which will assist you in identifying and resolving issues. You can also examine and test your battery and your alternator to determine whether or not it is necessary to take your vehicle to a mechanic. It can provide trip cycle procedures for you to follow to pass your smog inspection successfully. Although this product's cord is a bit short, it is still an excellent choice for every vehicle.

5 LAUNCH CRP123 OBD2 Scanner
Our Score:
9.0
LAUNCH

This OBD2 scanner lets you see preset or user-defined live data streams for ENGINE, AT, and SRS data. Moreover, this device can graph, record, replay, and print data; read and reset codes for the engine, ABS, SRS, and transmission on systems; and more. It can read problem codes in the SRS (Airbag) system, clear them, and switch off the warning light of the airbag to ensure that the engine works correctly and safely.

The LAUNCH CRP123 scan tool supports the OBDII standard's ten modes, which provide a comprehensive and reliable system diagnostic. This device also supports pending codes, generic OBDII codes (P0, P2, and P3), and manufacturer-specific codes (P1, P3, and U1). Also, this diagnostic tool can help determine the engine ignition, fuel injection, air-to-fuel ratio, and exhaust emission conditions in the Engine system to improve vehicle performance, save energy, and lower exhaust emission levels. It is a pity this product's manual is a bit outdated; hence, you must watch instructional videos on Youtube to learn how to use it.

6 Autel MaxiCOM MK808S Scanner
Our Score:
8.8
Autel

This automobile diagnostic equipment that includes a reset button reads and clears codes, reads information from ECUs, views live data, conducts active testing, and performs specific functions for all available vehicle systems. It works well on more than 150 car makes and models from worldwide manufactured after 1996. The comprehensive analysis clarifies the precise nature of the issue and suggests potential solutions, which makes it much easier to establish a budget for the necessary repairs.

The Autel flexible OBDII scanner MK808S is an excellent option for auto repair business owners and expert technicians because it is compatible with over 150 car brands with FCA AutoAuth. This device is built with Auto VIN, which enables it to directly retrieve precise information on the car with just the push of a button, including anything from the engine type to the location where it was created. Moreover, this product's active test and bi-directional control are utilized to help determine whether or not the actuators in the vehicle are in working order. Even though this product sometimes responds a bit slowly, it generally works well.

7 AMTIFO OBD2 Scanner
Our Score:
8.6
AMTIFO

This OBD2 scanner diagnostic tool has a built-in OBD2 DTC lookup library, which allows you to determine the cause of the engine light, read code, erase code, query fault code information, and examine frozen frames. This device's I/M Readiness tool can assist you in determining whether or not the emissions-related systems on your vehicle are prepared for the Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance testing, as well as whether or not the repairs have been carried out effectively. The only drawback of this scanner is that the screen is a bit hard to see in the daylight, but it doesn't affect you too much.

The power for the OBD reader comes straight from the OBDII Data Link Connector in your vehicle, so there is no need for a separate battery or charger. The O2 Sensor Test function of this scanner monitors and tests the operation of the O2 sensors to find faults that may affect the fuel efficiency and the pollutants produced by the vehicle. Moreover, the AMTIFO V317 OBD2 scan tool can collect a variety of vehicle-related details, including but not limited to the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the Calibration ID (CID), and the Calibration Verification Number (CVN), amongst other things. 

More To Consider

8 UDIAG CR800 OBD2 Scanner
Our Score:
8.5
Udiag
9 THINKCAR OBD2 Scanner
Our Score:
8.4
Thinkcar
10 BLCKTEC 420 Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner
Our Score:
8.3
BLCKTEC

What to Look For in a best obd2 scanner for home mechanic?

A valuable product is determined by many factors (included below). The process of researching the best obd2 scanner for home mechanic is pretty significant because of these features related to the products. However, rest assured that we are here to support your challenges.

Having a closer look at the following factors would benefit you a lot. These are the most important things among various ones you need to consider:

Information Processing

Commonly, an OBD-II scanner provides plain English with a nice resolution, rather than the underlying trouble codes. Even high-grade scanners that provide almost exactly the same data as those at the low end are rare. Whenever you look up the code or use a scanner that translates it, you will comprehend the code. Higher-end scanners that offer repair solutions are the best investment.

Connectivity

The majority of OBD-II scanners can be connected directly to an OBD-II port on the car with a cable. These scanners do not require batteries to function. They draw power directly from your battery. Wireless scanners with separate display units/app and a plug allow for easy mobility.

Live Data Scanning

With the advancement of onboard computers, modern vehicles can now monitor a large number of their subsystems simultaneously. You can check on the performance of your vehicle using live scanning. The technology has significantly advanced since 1996, so you can monitor your vehicle's operations in real time. You can, for instance, find out why your vehicle is losing gas mileage.

Compatibility

All of the car manufacturers have their own unique codes. Because the OBD2 system is standardized, the codes are not. To select the best scan tool, you must know whether your vehicle is included. These devices will have most of the major domestic businesses, including Toyota, Ford, and Honda. If you have a foreign or special vehicle, you must look for a scanner that is compatible with it.

Scanner

An OBD-II scanner's most important capability is not the actual scanning process but rather the data transmission abilities. Because the scanner itself doesn't monitor the vehicle, this phrase is somewhat misleading. Instead, the scanner communicates with the onboard computer through various sensors to assess problems. This, however, doesn't mean that the data the scanner receives is the same from vehicle to vehicle. Some scanners can read only basic trouble codes, whereas others can gather a wider array of information.

Code Reading

To get the check engine light code on an OBD2 scanner, the primary purpose is to provide you with the numbers. You can find the engine light code on a simple scanner, but some of them may also provide you with additional information about what the code means. If you have a small screen and can’t read the definitions clearly on your scanner, you might want to get a model with a larger screen.

Types Of OBD2 Scanners

A OBD-II scanner plugged into the OBD port is a quick and simple engine monitoring setup. However, it doesn't enable you to move around the vehicle while working on the engine bay. Battery-powered machines are also non-operational. The advantage of wired scanners is that they offer a link to a computer to translate codes. Because vehicles can be driven without wire, this option is more popular. Wireless scanner linkages are more difficult to establish at first, but the mobility advantage makes it hard to resist when working on an engine.

FAQs

What is an OBD2 Scanner?

An OBD2 Scanner is a diagnostic tool that helps you to read, diagnose and clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from your vehicle’s onboard computer. It can be used to identify and diagnose problems with your vehicle’s engine, transmission, brakes, and other systems.

What is the difference between an OBD1 and an OBD2 scanner?

OBD1 scanners are limited to providing information about engine issues, while an OBD2 scanner can read, diagnose, and clear a wider range of system faults, including those related to brakes, transmission, and other vehicle systems.

What types of OBD2 scanners are available?

There are a variety of OBD2 scanners available, from basic code readers to more advanced professional-grade scan tools. Basic code readers are designed for the home mechanic and are best for reading and clearing DTCs. Professional-grade scan tools are more expensive and offer more advanced features, such as live data streaming, graphing, and more.

What should I consider when buying an OBD2 scanner for a home mechanic?

When buying an OBD2 scanner for a home mechanic, consider the compatibility of the scanner with your vehicle. Many scanners are designed to be compatible with multiple vehicle makes and models, while some are specific to one make or model. Additionally, consider the features you need the scanner to have, such as the capability to read and clear codes, read live data, and access the vehicle’s computer. Finally, consider the price, as some scanners are more expensive than others.


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About Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson is a freelance writer who specializes in camping and wildlife topics for CampFireHQ. He has written for several outdoor magazines and websites, and he enjoys nothing more than spending a weekend in the woods with his family. Scott is an experienced camper and backpacker, and he has also spent considerable time studying the behavior of bears and other large mammals.

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