That dreaded check engine light – every Subaru WRX owner knows the feeling. You want to be out enjoying the turbocharged performance of your WRX, not stuck in the garage worrying about what’s going on under the hood. When that light pops up, you have a choice: spend time and money at the dealership, or take control and diagnose the issue yourself. The key to DIY diagnostics? A quality OBD2 scanner.
Since 1996, every car in the US, including your Subaru WRX, has used the On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD2) system. This system provides a wealth of data about your car’s health, from engine temperature to sensor readings, all accessible through a standardized port. An OBD2 scanner plugs into this port, allowing you to read Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) that trigger the check engine light, and much more. For WRX owners, a good scanner isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about understanding your car’s performance and staying ahead of potential issues.
The market is flooded with OBD2 scanners, but not all are created equal, especially when it comes to the specific needs of a Subaru WRX. You need a scanner that can read manufacturer-specific codes, offer live data for performance monitoring, and ideally, be user-friendly enough for home use. To help you cut through the noise, we’ve compiled a list of the best OBD2 scanners based on expert reviews and community feedback, focusing on what works best for your Subaru WRX.
1. OBDLink MX+ – The Top Choice for Subaru WRX Diagnostics
The OBDLink MX+ stands out as a favorite among car enthusiasts and for good reason. It offers a powerful and fast Bluetooth connection, crucial for getting real-time data from your WRX’s engine computer. This is particularly valuable for WRX owners who want to monitor performance metrics. While it operates through your smartphone or tablet, OBDLink provides a robust free app compatible with both iOS and Android – a significant advantage over many budget Bluetooth scanners that often lack Apple support.
Beyond basic OBD2 functions, the MX+ excels at reading manufacturer-specific codes, giving you deeper insights into Subaru-specific issues that generic scanners might miss. For WRX owners, this means accessing detailed information relevant to Subaru’s systems. Its ability to provide live data streams allows you to monitor sensor readings, engine performance, and other vital parameters in real-time, which is incredibly useful for diagnosing performance issues or even for track day monitoring. Plus, its three-year warranty and safe-to-leave-plugged-in design offer peace of mind.
2. ScanGauge II – Versatile Gauge and Diagnostic Tool for WRX Owners
The ScanGauge II offers a unique dual purpose for Subaru WRX owners. It’s not just an OBD2 scanner; it also functions as an auxiliary gauge display for your dashboard. Compatible with all OBD2 vehicles (1996 and newer), including your WRX, it performs standard diagnostic functions like reading and clearing trouble codes (both active and pending).
What sets the ScanGauge II apart is its ability to display a wealth of vehicle data on its compact screen. For WRX enthusiasts, this means monitoring critical engine parameters like RPM, speed, intake air temperature, fuel pressure, and even boost pressure (with vehicle-specific gauges). Beyond performance monitoring, it can also track fuel economy, showing instantaneous and average MPG, which can be helpful for daily driving or long trips. Its real-time data display and gauge functions make it a valuable tool for both diagnostics and performance awareness in your Subaru WRX.
3. Innova 5610 – Advanced Diagnostics for the DIY Subaru WRX Mechanic
The Innova 5610 steps up the diagnostic capabilities, making it an excellent choice for the more experienced DIY mechanic working on their Subaru WRX. It handles basic and manufacturer-specific codes effectively, which is essential for comprehensive WRX diagnostics. The large color screen enhances usability, making it easy to read data and trouble codes, and to view live data graphs. It scans virtually every module in your WRX, including tire pressure monitoring systems.
The standout feature of the Innova 5610 is its bi-directional control capability. This advanced function allows you to send commands to vehicle modules and sensors, similar to what a professional technician can do. For example, you can test components like the EGR valve by commanding it to open and close, or isolate modules for testing purposes. While these features might be more advanced than what a casual user needs, for WRX owners who are serious about DIY repairs and in-depth diagnostics, the Innova 5610 provides a significant advantage.
4. BlueDriver Pro – User-Friendly OBD2 Scanner with Repair Guidance for Subaru WRX
The BlueDriver Pro is another highly recommended OBD2 scanner, appreciated for its ease of use and helpful features, particularly for Subaru WRX owners who want a straightforward diagnostic experience. Like the others, it reads and clears all standard OBD2 codes and goes further by providing freeze frame data, capturing the conditions when a trouble code was triggered. Live data streaming allows you to monitor your WRX’s sensors in real-time.
A particularly useful feature for WRX owners is its smog check readiness test. Resetting codes can make your car fail an emissions test until internal tests are complete. The BlueDriver Pro tells you when your WRX is ready for inspection, saving you potential headaches. Perhaps the most valuable feature is its repair report function. For each trouble code, BlueDriver Pro provides likely causes, owner-reported fixes, and other helpful information to guide your repair process. This repair guidance is invaluable for DIYers and helps take the guesswork out of fixing your Subaru WRX.
5. Autel AutoLink AL329 – Affordable and Reliable Standalone Scanner for WRX Basics
Autel is a well-known brand in professional automotive diagnostics, and the AutoLink AL329 brings some of that expertise to a DIY-friendly and affordable package, ideal for Subaru WRX owners on a budget. While Autel offers high-end diagnostic systems used by professional mechanics, the AL329 is a standalone tool that simplifies the process, avoiding the need for smartphones or apps. For those who prefer a dedicated device that just plugs in and works, the AL329 is a great option.
The AL329 features a color screen for easy reading and retrieves both generic and manufacturer-specific codes, ensuring you get comprehensive diagnostic information for your WRX. It also displays emissions readiness status and freeze frame data, covering essential diagnostic needs. While it may not have the advanced features of higher-end scanners, the Autel AutoLink AL329 provides reliable basic diagnostics at a very accessible price, making it a solid entry-level OBD2 scanner for any Subaru WRX owner looking to address check engine lights without breaking the bank.
Having the right OBD2 scanner can save you time, money, and frustration when dealing with car issues. For Subaru WRX owners, these recommended scanners offer a range of features and price points to suit various needs and levels of DIY expertise, ensuring you can keep your WRX running at its best and get back to enjoying the road.
