It’s a common question among car owners: are Basic Obd2 scanners still relevant for today’s technologically advanced vehicles? If you own a modern car like a Genesis G70 or a Hyundai Santa Fe, you might be wondering if a simple, affordable scanner can still help you diagnose and fix common issues. The good news is, for many essential functions, a basic OBD2 scanner is indeed sufficient.
Since 1996, the OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics II) standard has been mandatory for all cars sold in the United States. This standardization was put in place to ensure that vehicles could be easily diagnosed for emissions-related issues. Therefore, any basic OBD2 scanner is designed to communicate with your car’s computer and retrieve standardized diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the engine and emissions system.
For vehicles like the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe and Genesis G70, a basic OBD2 scanner should absolutely be capable of reading and erasing codes related to the fundamental systems:
- Engine: Check Engine Light issues are the most common, and a basic scanner will read these codes, helping you understand if the problem is minor or requires professional attention.
- Transmission: While less frequent, transmission issues can also trigger OBD2 codes that a basic scanner can detect.
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): Many basic scanners can read ABS codes, although coverage can vary.
- SRS (Supplemental Restraint System – Airbags): Similar to ABS, some basic scanners include SRS code reading capabilities.
The original poster in the forum mentioned Autel suggesting that even their MK808BT ($550) might not fully work on a G70, and only MK808 or MX808 models would work for basic functions on a 2022 Santa Fe. This information seems questionable. While advanced scanners offer more in-depth diagnostics and features, it’s highly unlikely that basic OBD2 functionality is completely blocked on these vehicles. The OBD2 standard is precisely designed for universal access to basic diagnostic data.
However, it’s important to understand the limitations of a basic OBD2 scanner. These scanners are primarily focused on the standardized OBD2 codes. They might not:
- Access manufacturer-specific codes beyond the standard OBD2 set.
- Perform advanced functions like SAS (Steering Angle Sensor) reset, TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) relearn, or other service resets.
- Offer bidirectional control (the ability to command the car to perform certain actions for testing).
- Provide very detailed live data streams beyond the basic parameters.
For most car owners and DIY enthusiasts, a basic OBD2 scanner is an invaluable tool. It allows you to quickly understand why your check engine light is on, potentially clear minor codes yourself, and have more informed conversations with mechanics. If you are looking for a scanner under $200 that reads and erases codes for engine, transmission, ABS, and SRS, and offers live data, a basic OBD2 compliant scanner should meet your needs for a modern Hyundai or Genesis vehicle. Brands like Innova and Autel (lower-end models) are popular choices, but numerous reliable and affordable options are available on the market.
Before purchasing any scanner, especially if you need specific features like SAS reset, it’s always wise to check the scanner’s compatibility with your specific vehicle year and model to ensure it meets your diagnostic requirements.
