For years, I’ve relied on an OBD2 scanner to keep my cars running smoothly. My trusty DS150e unit has been a lifesaver across various vehicles, from tackling persistent EGR fault codes to diagnosing more complex issues. It’s become an indispensable tool in my garage, and it even gets borrowed by friends and family – including a retired mechanic who misses having access to dealership-level diagnostic equipment. He ended up buying his own after using mine! Even my brother-in-law, after a mishap with his car that triggered a cascade of fault codes, was impressed by how easily the scanner cleared them all.
Recently, my experience with my current MINI really highlighted the value of having a good OBD2 scanner, especially a mini, portable one. I encountered an EGR valve code a couple of times, which the scanner quickly cleared, saving me potential trips to the mechanic. More alarmingly, an airbag warning light suddenly illuminated, disabling all airbags and safety systems. My basic Bluetooth Android reader was useless – it couldn’t even detect, let alone clear, the codes. I braced myself for an expensive repair bill.
To my surprise, the issue turned out to be something incredibly simple: a blown boot light fuse. This seemingly minor problem caused the passenger airbag disabled light to malfunction, which in turn triggered a major freak-out in the airbag module. Replacing the fuse and getting the warning light working again wasn’t enough to solve the problem. The fault code remained and needed to be cleared. Thankfully, my DS150e and its software were up to the task. This mini scanner prevented what could have been a costly and stressful situation.
One crucial point to remember when considering an OBD2 scanner, particularly a mini one, is compatibility with your vehicle. The additional cables that sometimes come with these units are generally only necessary for older vehicles that predate the standardization of the OBD port, typically older BMWs and similar makes. For most cars manufactured after the mid-1990s, a standard OBD2 plug is all you’ll need. The extra cables are simply adapters for older, proprietary ports.
If you’re looking for a similar OBD2 mini scanner, there are many options available online. For example, this unit on AliExpress link to another one offers similar functionality at a lower price point (though prices can fluctuate, so it’s worth doing some searching). My personal preference leans towards Bluetooth-enabled units without unnecessary cables, typically priced around £35-£40 including postage, but prices vary. The only reason I haven’t upgraded yet is that my current unit is still working perfectly fine. However, an upgrade is definitely on my radar for the future.
On the topic of alternatives, I’ve also experimented with the Carista Bluetooth unit – twice, in fact. Both times, I returned it within the first week. While the initial unit cost was around £25, the software subscription was an additional £35 per year or so. The first time, I found it lacking in the coding features it advertised. The second time, years later, the software had become cluttered, and basic code reading and clearing functions were inexplicably locked behind the subscription paywall. Even worse, it was detecting phantom error codes that weren’t actually present and wouldn’t allow clearing them without a paid subscription. My main reason for trying Carista again was for its coding capabilities, specifically to disable bulb checking to prevent flickering after switching to LEDs. However, the coding options had actually decreased since my first attempt, including the light checking features that had previously been available (though not used). Based on my experience, I would strongly advise against Carista. Save your money and invest in a more reliable and feature-rich OBD2 mini scanner.
