Best OBD fault code reader 2024 - which OBD2 scanner do you need? We rate 8 OBDII readers

OBD scanners have become an essential part of the home mechanic’s toolkit, with the ability to read engine fault codes crucial to diagnosing and repairing modern cars and vans. For more information, including up to date prices, on the fault code readers in this video, head here: haynes.com/en-gb/tips-tutoria...
So which is the best OBD scanner? There's a huge variety of OBD readers out there, but they all perform the same basic functions. Crucially, many of them cost less than the price of that trip to the garage - but which is the best OBD reader for you? We've put 8 to the test, ranging in price from £13 to nearly £250.
Thanks to Yeovil College for use of their motor vehicle workshop to carry out this test: www.yeovil.ac.uk/
Haynes is the trusted home for DIY mechanics of all levels working on cars, trucks, SUVs and motorcycles. More than 2 million Haynes manuals have been sold all over the world! Anybody can follow our instructions, using tools and equipment you have at home. We show you how to repair and maintain your vehicle, including modern electronics diagnosis and repair.
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0:00 - Intro
00:35 - How does an OBD reader work?
01:16 - Where is the OBD port?
01:52 - iCar Pro Scan review
02:50 - Laser 7728 review
03:31 - Streetwize Multilingual OBDII review
04:05 - Clarke CEOBDS review
04:44 - Motopower OBD2 review
05:30 - Sealey EOBD review
06:03 - Draper Fault Code Reader review
06:51 - Draper 12045 review
07:47 - Conclusion
08:00 - Best Buy & Recommended
08:25 - Using an OBD reader with Haynes AutoFix
👍 Was this video helpful? Please click Like and share it with your friends, and let us know your car maintenance and repair tips and problems in the comments.
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[@jonathansimmonds5784]

Well thanks for this, I bought according to your recommendation and the damned thing didn't work with my vehicle! There is absolutely no point in showing what each reader does if it doesn't do it on your vehicle!! This is where the really useful video should start, with the ability to find out which readers work with which vehicle then move on to describing the reader! I have spent god knows how many hours on the phone and on line trying to find out and it's proving impossible, right now as I'm typing this I'm on hold waiting to speak to someone at Halfords! My VW dealer where I bought the vehicle new hasn't a clue and never rings me back after 'looking into it' What is anyone supposed to do, keep buying them until we find one that works?

[@HaynesManuals]

According to the relevant legislation, all of these scanners should work on EOBD equipped vehicles. That's petrol models from 2000, and diesels from 2001.

[@CosmicSeeker69]

If you look at Ama$on 3 star reviews you'll find a guy who eventually set it up - and to do that it needs Windows, or a fight....

[@jacquesw3086]

Get the scanner that the dealer uses. "But it's expensive": Nope, usually around $50 for a non-genuine cable that works perfectly. Software usually available for free online. How does it work? You buy a special cable (depends on your car brand, model and year) which basically works as the interface between a PC and OBD port. You have to find the dealer software online (if it didn't come with the cable) and set it up on your PC (usually this is the trickiest part). Why? Because it can scan (and sometimes program) your car better than any other scanner out there. For example, you won't find an OBD2 scanner under $50 that can show the two live readings from both potentiometers in the steering angle sensor on my BMW x3...

[@gaveintothedarkness]

super useful!

[@HaynesManuals]

Glad you think so!

[@haydawk9536]

Can I use any Bluetooth obd2 reader with any scanner

[@drhfhs]

Cheers

[@1928james]

Do all of these OBD readers read ABS faults

[@hanrealistic]

you need a better mic pal.. and please turn down the background music

[@Shearers1953]

I think you should make it very clear which (if any?) of these devices can go beyond the basic engine management system into areas like ABS, airbag etc. etc. I accept that these are bottom end devices but users don't want to buy then find out they can't access information on the fault codes they have? A bit like the Spanish comment below says?

[@HaynesManuals]

Hi Doug, thanks for the comment. As we've replied to the Spanish comment, we deliberately chose to test products for home DIYers, not professionals. We recommend relatively basic OBD code readers used in conjunction with Haynes AutoFix for fix-at-home mechanics. This combination is much better value than high-end OBD readers and by entering the fault code into AutoFix you get make/model specific data and guides to help carry out the repair.

[@p4rswotblitz738]

battery reg for vw

[@levysugu3588]

Music is annoying

[@HaynesManuals]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@user-rr5dd8ps6l]

Blue driver #1

[@alonzojohnson7563]

Blue driver

[@blainemcdonald6972]

none of these are available in canada

[@Noname-ct5dh]

Esos lectores son juguetes de niño pequeño. No son oara profesional.

[@HaynesManuals]

Hi there, we deliberately chose to test products for home DIYers, not professionals. We recommend relatively basic OBD code readers used in conjunction with Haynes AutoFix for fix-at-home mechanics, because that solution will allow diagnosis for the owner's specific vehicle along with guides on how to perform a repair. Thanks for the comment!

[@ShadowzTheHusky]

Posted in 2022 and retitled? Um ok time travelers

[@grumpy8870]

This is a substandard worthless video catalogue with no actual details and certainly nothing to learn from. Most unexpected. Shame.