Obd ii Scanners

We’ve all heard the term OBD II but many of us aren’t sure exactly what it is and how the OBD II scanners work.  OBD is short of On-Board Diagnostics.  These on board diagnostic systems are found on most cars today.  These systems were first installed in the late 70’s and early 80’s as a means to control engine functions and diagnose engine problems when they occurred.  The idea was that the OBD systems could also help pollution and help with smog control.  

All cars built since 1996 have what is known as OBD-II systems.  These systems are an updated version of the original OBD system and are meant to further enable the control of engine functions and ability to diagnose engine problems.  The way that the problems are diagnosed is with OBD-II scanners.  These scanners are typically used by auto repair shops but they can also be purchased with consumers. 

These OBD-II scanners are hooked up to the connector on the vehicle.  These connectors are usually under the dash or even near the ashtray in most cars.  The OBD-II scanners have a plug that is put into the connector and is then connected to an AutoTap.   

The scanner is able to measure toxins coming from the vehicle as well as decode any engine troubles.  The OBD-II scanners may also be able to clear old codes, depending on the unit that is purchased.  OBD-II scanners can range from $50 for hand held models all the way up into the thousands of dollars for the console computer based units. 

The great thing about having your own OBD-II scanners is that it can help you pinpoint where engine troubles are originating.  Instead of guessing what the issue is or ignoring that check engine light, now you can diagnose the problem yourself and determine if it is something that you can fix yourself or if you will need to bring the vehicle to a auto repair shop to have the issue fixed and the code cleared from the system. 

If you don’t want to buy OBD-II scanners you don’t have to, you can take your vehicle into your local auto repair shop and have them hook it up to their scanner.  This will usually cost you.  Most shops will charge anywhere from $25 to $150 for the use of the scanner.  This is where having your own scanner will save you money, although you may be able to find a shop that will not charge if you have the repairs done there.