The world of car diagnostics has changed a lot over the last 50 years. Back in the '70s and earlier, a mechanic's most valuable diagnostic tools were usually their eyes and ears. You could figure out ...

What is OBD-II: A standardized system in all cars since 1996 that monitors engine, transmission, and emissions, storing trouble codes when something’s off. Why it matters: Reading codes with a scanner ...

If you've been involved in automotive repair for a while, you probably know that modern vehicles use onboard diagnostic (OBD) systems to help notify us when there's a problem. The OBD system works ...

In 2026, the gap between professional diagnostics and DIY capability has narrowed significantly, thanks to a new generation of Bluetooth OBD2 scanners and smartphone apps that cost less than a tank of ...

If you own a car built after 1996, it comes equipped with a second-generation onboard diagnostic (OBD or OBDII) system. These systems work together with the vehicle's primary computer or powertrain ...

A Bluetooth code reader connected to a vehicle. - Maddox/Harbor Freight It's never a good time when one or more dashboard lights decide to turn on. While some dashboard lights are more common and ...