How to use an OBD-II or OBD2 code scanner and auto diagnostic tool

13 Responses to How to use an OBD-II or OBD2 code scanner and auto diagnostic tool

1. Thomas D. on April 12, 2010 at 2:27 am

   Great. I got one of these OBD2 decoders for Christmas from a relative and it didn’t come with a manual. I tried what you said and it worked. I was able to erase the annoying service reminder light. Thank you for the great how to article.
2. 

   Fred Thomas on April 12, 2010 at 4:07 pm

   Can you use these OBD-II code readers to erase a airbag warning light?
3. 

   Dolly Quinton on April 16, 2010 at 12:27 pm

   Are these code scanners or OBD2 diagnostic tools easy to use and something even I (a woman) could use? I have a Ford Explorer (my friends refer to it as the exploder) that has a service or check engine light that comes on quite often and for no reason at all. The ford dealer mechanic told me there is a glitch in the electrical wiring and that this will keep happening until I replace the entire wiring for the vehicle. The ford dealer wants $3500 to replace the wiring. Since there is nothing else wrong with it I figure a $100 OBD-II diagnostic tool would be a great investment (besides I only paid $3200 for the truck).
4. 

   Amy on April 19, 2010 at 12:57 am

   Can you use these OBD-II code readers to erase a airbag warning light?
5. 

   Kinet Kipmo on April 21, 2010 at 2:11 am

   Very interesting. I was wondering how to get rid of those check engine and service lights. Thank you.
6. 

   Tiffany on May 2, 2010 at 7:25 am

   wow.. I really enjoy reading your posts. great. now, i just need to find a good service mechanic that will work on my car and motorcycle for cheap…
7. 

   Cornelius C. on May 7, 2010 at 4:11 am

   I’m not much of a blog reading person, but I just wanted to tell you that I’m really enjoying what you’ve written so far. Please keep up the good work! Great info on code scanners and such. One can really learn a lot from this blog!
8. 

   Buenos Dias on May 13, 2010 at 9:18 am

   I have been looking this for a long time, thanks for sharing. Now, the question is why if cars are so advanced nowadays can I not just hookup my computer via usb and clear out or check any engine codes? Does anyone know if this is possible to do?
9. 

   Cynthia Porter on May 18, 2010 at 11:56 pm

   Can I buy one of these OBD 2 scanners used through Craigslist or Ebay? Will a used one be reliable and work good for me? Also, can a girl with no automotive experience use one?
10. 

    Patience Zammiello on September 24, 2010 at 7:24 pm

    Can I just hook up my home computer to the car’s computer? Where is the USB port on my car?
11. 

    Rufus Schweyen on September 28, 2010 at 7:24 pm

    Do they make OBD II diagnosis tools in different languages like Russian?
12. 

    Edwardo on November 2, 2010 at 8:05 pm

    Is there an instruction book somewhere on how to use the OBD2 unit I bought from a guy outside of Dollar General. I think he stole it from the Wal-mart and it doesn’t have the instructions. I need the instructions manual. Can someone here mail it to me for free and pay for the shipping too? That would be great.
13. 

    car owner on November 1, 2011 at 5:36 am

    Where can I get one of these wonderful OBD2 scanners and which brand do you guys recommend?