That pesky check engine light in your Subaru Outback can be more than just an annoyance; it’s your car’s way of telling you something isn’t quite right. Instead of immediately heading to the dealership and facing potentially hefty diagnostic fees, consider taking control with your own OBD2 scanner. These handy devices plug into your Subaru’s diagnostic port, accessing the onboard computer network that monitors everything from engine temperature to sensor readings. Since 1996, every car in the U.S., including your Subaru, has utilized the standardized OBDII protocol, making these scanners universally compatible.
An OBD2 scanner empowers you to read Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) – the very codes that trigger your check engine light. While basic scanners cover standardized codes, the Best Obd2 Scanner For Subarus goes a step further, reading manufacturer-specific codes to give you a more comprehensive understanding of your vehicle’s health. Investing in the right scanner can save you time, money, and the headache of guesswork. To help you choose, we’ve compiled a list of top OBD2 scanners, based on recommendations from the SubaruOutback.org community, ensuring you find the perfect tool to diagnose and maintain your Subaru.
1. OBDLink MX+: The SubaruOutback.org Community Favorite
The OBDLink brand is a popular choice among Subaru owners, and the MX+ model stands out for its exceptional performance and features. What makes the OBDLink MX+ a top contender for the best OBD2 scanner for Subarus? Its incredibly fast Bluetooth connection allows for smooth, real-time live data streaming from your Subaru’s engine computer directly to your smartphone or tablet. Unlike many budget Bluetooth scanners that are only compatible with Android devices, the OBDLink MX+ works seamlessly with both Apple iOS and Android, as well as Windows devices, offering broad compatibility for Subaru owners regardless of their mobile ecosystem.
Beyond its excellent connectivity, the OBDLink MX+ reads both basic and manufacturer-specific codes, providing in-depth diagnostic information tailored to your Subaru. It comes with a free OBDLink app and is compatible with a wide array of third-party OBD2 apps, expanding its functionality. For peace of mind, OBDLink provides a generous three-year warranty, and its compact design allows it to be safely left plugged into your Subaru’s OBD2 port without draining the battery. If you are looking for a reliable, fast, and versatile Bluetooth scanner, the OBDLink MX+ is a highly recommended choice for your Subaru.
2. ScanGauge II: More Than Just a Diagnostic Tool for Your Subaru
The ScanGauge II distinguishes itself from other OBD2 scanners by functioning as both a diagnostic tool and an auxiliary gauge display for your Subaru. Compatible with all OBDII vehicles from 1996 onwards, including every Subaru model, the ScanGauge II performs all the essential diagnostic functions you’d expect, such as reading and clearing both active and pending trouble codes. However, it goes beyond basic diagnostics by offering a customizable display that can show a wealth of real-time vehicle data.
This compact device mounts easily in your Subaru and provides a backlit screen that can display vital engine parameters like RPM, speed, intake air temperature, fuel pressure, ignition timing, and coolant temperature. For Subaru owners focused on fuel efficiency, the ScanGauge II can display instantaneous and average fuel consumption, and even calculate cost per mile. It also supports vehicle-specific gauges, including a boost gauge for turbocharged Subaru models. The ScanGauge II is an excellent choice for Subaru enthusiasts who want a combined diagnostic scanner and in-car performance monitor, making it a unique contender for the best OBD2 scanner for Subarus seeking more than just code reading capabilities.
3. Innova 5610: Advanced Diagnostics for the Subaru DIY Enthusiast
For Subaru owners who are more experienced DIY mechanics and want deeper diagnostic capabilities, the Innova 5610 is a standout option and a strong contender for the best OBD2 scanner for Subarus needing advanced features. While it handles basic and manufacturer-specific trouble codes like others on this list, the Innova 5610 sets itself apart with its bidirectional control features. This advanced functionality allows you to send commands to your Subaru’s modules and sensors, much like a professional dealer technician can.
The Innova 5610 features a large, easy-to-read color screen that displays data and trouble codes clearly, and it can also graph live data streams for visual analysis of your Subaru’s systems. It scans a wide range of modules, including tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). The bidirectional control is the key feature: you can disable modules for testing purposes or command components like the EGR valve to open and close, aiding in pinpointing the root cause of issues. While these features cater to more advanced users, they provide significant diagnostic power for the serious Subaru home mechanic looking to go beyond basic code reading.
4. BlueDriver Pro: Comprehensive Diagnostics and Repair Guidance for Subaru Vehicles
The BlueDriver Pro is another highly-regarded scan tool in the Subaru community, praised for its user-friendliness and comprehensive features. Like all scanners listed, it reads, identifies, and clears standard OBDII trouble codes and goes further by capturing freeze frame data, which shows the exact conditions when a trouble code was triggered in your Subaru. It also displays live data, allowing you to monitor sensor readings in real-time and check your Subaru’s emissions readiness for smog testing.
A standout feature of the BlueDriver Pro, making it a strong contender for the best OBD2 scanner for Subarus focused on repair assistance, is its repair report function. For each trouble code, BlueDriver Pro can generate a detailed repair report that includes likely causes, common fixes reported by other vehicle owners, and other helpful information to guide your diagnostic and repair process. This feature is invaluable for DIYers who want more than just a code reading and clearing tool; it provides actionable information to help you resolve the issue efficiently. Combined with its ease of use and robust features, the BlueDriver Pro is an excellent choice for Subaru owners of all skill levels.
5. Autel AutoLink AL329: Professional-Grade Diagnostics at a DIY Price for Subaru Owners
Autel is well-known for producing professional-grade diagnostic systems often seen in mechanic shops and garages. While they offer high-end, feature-rich systems, Autel also provides more affordable options for the DIY mechanic, and the AutoLink AL329 is a prime example. This standalone tool is perfect for Subaru owners who prefer a direct, no-fuss approach to diagnostics without the need for Bluetooth connections or smartphone apps. While Autel’s top-tier MaxiSys models offer near-factory level capabilities, the AL329 focuses on essential diagnostic functions at a user-friendly price point, making it a valuable best OBD2 scanner for Subarus on a budget.
The AutoLink AL329 features a color screen with a clear and simple display. It retrieves both generic and manufacturer-specific codes, checks emissions readiness status, and displays freeze frame data. While it may not have all the advanced features of higher-end scanners, the Autel AutoLink AL329 covers the fundamental diagnostic needs for most Subaru owners looking to understand and address check engine light issues without breaking the bank. Its ease of use and reliable performance make it a solid choice for basic Subaru diagnostics.
Investing in the best OBD2 scanner for your Subaru is a smart move for any owner who wants to be proactive about vehicle maintenance and save money on diagnostic costs. Whether you choose a Bluetooth-enabled scanner like the OBDLink MX+ or BlueDriver Pro, a multi-function device like the ScanGauge II, or a more advanced tool like the Innova 5610 or Autel AutoLink AL329, having an OBD2 scanner at your disposal empowers you to understand your Subaru’s health and address issues efficiently. Use this guide to select the scanner that best fits your needs and take control of your Subaru’s diagnostics today.
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