For car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike in 2018, an OBD2 scanner was quickly becoming an indispensable tool in the garage. The ability to understand and address those mysterious “check engine” lights without an immediate trip to the mechanic offered both convenience and significant cost savings. Are OBD2 scanners really worth the investment? Absolutely. They represent the most direct route to diagnosing car troubles. Imagine avoiding a costly garage visit just to identify a simple fault code. With independent garage labor rates averaging around $75-$100 per hour in 2018, owning an OBD2 scanner practically paid for itself after a single use. Coupled with online resources like repair guides and forums, a good OBD2 scanner empowered you to tackle common car issues and electrical problems right at home, using just basic tools.
The market in 2018 was flooded with OBD2 scanners, from basic models to advanced professional-grade units. While the range of features and prices varied dramatically, the core function remained consistent: to communicate with your car’s computer and decipher those cryptic fault codes. Prices ranged from budget-friendly options under $30 to high-end scanners pushing towards $500 or more. But regardless of the price point, every OBD2 scanner should, at a minimum, be able to perform these essential tasks:
- Establish communication with your vehicle’s computer system.
- Retrieve diagnostic fault codes.
- Clear stored fault codes after repairs.
It’s important to note that while most basic OBD2 scanners excel at reading and clearing engine fault codes, they typically won’t handle tasks like resetting service lights for oil changes or dealing with systems like ABS and SRS. For those advanced functions, you’d generally need to step up to more specialized or professional-grade tools, or consult resources that could guide you through manual reset procedures where applicable.
Understanding OBD2 Technology
OBD, which stands for On-Board Diagnostics, refers to a standardized system and port implemented in vehicles for self-diagnostics and reporting. The OBD2 standard, which was prevalent in 2018, uses a 16-pin connector, often likened in shape to an older computer port. In the United States, OBD2 ports became mandatory for all passenger cars manufactured and sold from 1996 onwards. This standardization ensured that any compliant OBD2 scanner could communicate with any OBD2-equipped vehicle, regardless of make or model. The OBD2 port not only provides a communication interface but also supplies power to the scanner, eliminating the need for separate batteries or power cables for the diagnostic tool itself.
