How to Use an OBD-II Scan Tool

With car computers doing so much heavy lifting these days, knowing how to use a hand-held scanning tool to communicate with it is important. Popular Mechanics associate auto editor Ben Wojdyla explains:
* How the onboard diagnostic system works
* Plugging into the car's computer system
* Using a standard type scanner
* The next generation apps on your phone
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Who says you can't work on your own car anymore? Follow Popular Mechanics associate auto editor Ben Wojdyla as he leads viewers, step by step, through repairs, upgrades, and troubleshooting tips. Got car questions? Email Ben, and he may answer them on the show.

[@alonzomart7873]

The does not try to be funny or goof around, he just give you straight talk about the obd scan tool, good video.

[@ryanfrancis3839]

Ya touché brother i fucken HATE laughing

[@alonzomart7873]

@@ryanfrancis3839 me to I can't stand to laugh

[@alonzomart7873]

@Roland Cullen how did it work for u?

[@casualluke1978]

Wish I could get plugged in to see what’s wrong with me 😅😁

[@noobjitsu1743]

Yeah my grampas oxygen is running a little too lean

[@Dragontron20]

My reading: "Depression detected." 😂

[@VRtechman]

Needs a Nookie to keep from Freezing up over the Holidays.

[@punchabunchabuttons]

An old fat hairy drooling man out there putting on the nurse glove. SNAP!

[@syncblackberry4972]

@question everything Really? In what funny way does my body tell me i'm deficient in copper, nickel, selenium and chloride - all necessary nutrients by the way. Only an actual nutritionist (not a quack naturopath) can tell us these things.

[@jasonnaylor781]

Well done. All I wanted was to see an overview of how to use the diag tool, and this is the best video I have come across.

[@bottmar1]

The more I read and watch videos about fuel injection testing and repair the more I appreciate my collector cars and motorcycles with carburetors as I never had to Google anything to repair them the last fifty years. Just learning about code readers and how to diagnose fuel injection is harder and more involved than any repairs needed on my old cars and motorcycles.

[@Unknown70896]

SAD

[@airsearch9192]

Informative, quick, and with excellent audio and video quality. Thank you!

[@pita-bw2cy]

Great video - straight to the point - On my way to purchase one right now

[@deangelosmith97]

"Its a really easy process you just wait for the computer to do its work🙄" I felt like that son who didnt listen to his dad the 1st time he showed him 😂😂 Great video though👍🏽

[@jamescarlisle3770]

My new ODB II scanner, goes through the routines on connecting, but at the end it says :\"Link Error". What do I do?

[@glossfx8452]

Awesome video and presentation. Learned a lot about the onboard diagnostics! Thanks buddy.

[@Kei-Kei]

Not the EZ Scan 6000 🤣 What a time to be alive! But seriously thanx for the information.

[@klogjo]

Thank you for your video, short and sweet to the point

[@crabapple6775]

around 2:24 you say that it could be a problem with the way the fuel system is detecting or the way it's working. I suppose that means the way the O2 sensor is either Reading, or Sending info, (not sure which, please clarify), or the way the fuel sys. is working, like maybe clogged fuel injectors ? Any clarification about these points would be helpful.

[@im4everblessed]

you are very thorough in you instructions. thank you

[@boomcity4942]

Excellent, simple to follow explanation. Thank You!

[@rupertpupkin2493]

Great video and thank you for sharing your knowledge. I am looking to buy a used car and want to take a scanner with me. I didn't know they makes apps for your smartphone. I have an iPhone 6 Plus. What app do you recommend I use and where do I purchase a cord to hook my phone up to the car ? Thank you again and I look forward to hearing from you soon ! 🙂

[@daisyfrost5347]

Thank you, this video is so useful!

[@joabalexander4120]

I have a old Molar Timing Diagnostic Computer looks like a timing gun. It gives your rpm it also has a button for DW ADV and TEST and an up and down ARROW. IT has four wire red black green and box for number one spark plug wire. I need to know where to hook the green wire around on the motor.

[@tommygunn63]

Are these devices able to read the ECU mileage so as to make a comparison between the ECU and the Odometer? Cheers.

[@teresacole4780]

That was good infomation, I have a OBOII DIAGNOSTIC V310 nOT SURW HOWTO USE IT CAN YOU PLEASE SHOW VIDEO ON HOW TO USE THIS i HAVE LOST INSTRUSTION

[@frankbryan1600]

Wow that video was really clean and professional. Two thumbs up!

[@fabianbanda4558]

Straight to the point..thanks Ben

[@jeansandmyshirt]

for mitsubishi outlander 2003. do you know where is the fuse for the odb2 port? i don't see it in owner's manual. i plugged in the reader but i can't get a reading

[@luke6905]

hey this video was uploaded on my 10th birthday

[@user-ke7lq6re4v]

I'm a new guy here, and I want to know more about this diagnosis scan machine. Can you please help me out. And what is the process you can take me through before teaching me about this machine.

[@darkchocolategirl51]

Super content. It helped me when i scanned my car.

[@joangibb7480]

They're located in different places in all vehicles. It would be nice to tell us what make and year this vehicle is.

[@nwabuezejonathan-gy8hy]

How does the transmission system valve body actually function to effect a change in gear .

[@hal9000svk]

Are shown error codes only related to current issues or are these related to current issues plus not erased codes from the past? And will erased codes pop-up again if underlying issue with car was not fixed?

[@elpanico4458]

i just bought a obd reader and there was alot of choices in the store, i drive a volkswagen and my next car will also be a volkswagen and since i like to fix my cars by my self i have to rely on stuff like this, but i didnt know about the obd app, can you actully just plug it in your car, drive along and se on the phone while driving what is happening with your car from its computer? in that case whats the name of the app?

[@markcleaver6573]

I think he said if you bluetooth it while driving, but yep.

[@dinghypro8537]

Hi. So the Bluetooth is the same that the other ? I have to scan a E350 1997 transmisión I have the lifting overdrive light and recently change the mechanic sistem of the transmisión , which scanner do you recommend for this model ? Even if i have to scan de abs or other part of de vehicle is the same ?

[@RoyAndrews82]

Awesome Video Ben, I've been learning about Code readers at first, then 3 hours latter, I learned about CAN or CAN bus, but I'm pretty smart now about the whole OBD2 scanners. What I don't know, even though I know that cars/trucks are CAN BUS OBD2 if they were manufactured after 2008. We have a few cars in our family. I would like to get one, especially if we're going out and blowing $1000 on a truck, like we did yesterday, and drive it 2 hours to get home, to find out that it has problems. I have learned a lot, but even after 3 hours of research and learning, I still have questions. Maybe you can help. Q1. Will a CAN or CAN BUS OBD2 Scanner work with cars older than 2003? Q2. Do I buy a nice OBD2 Scanner, or a CAN OBD2 Scanner? Q3. What's the difference between one that does ABS and a regular OBD2 Scanner?

[@crabapple6775]

after a whole 3 hours you STILL have questions ? ah ha ha ah haha . what kind of dummy are you ? 😂Ah ha ha ha 🤣 ! !!

[@josephamoyal4539]

I have Malibu 2005 and the remote key stopped working, how to find out what is wrong and how to fix it, I checked the remote at the Dealer and they say nothing wrong with the remote. Is the scanner adapter can help with that? how to reprogram the remote if this is the problem. ( I replaced the battery in the Malibu and not sure if the remote worked after that). Thanks,

[@plant-lover9547]

I have a 2000 lincoln towncar that was having a smell of gas from the exhaust a year ago. both the right and left bank converters had been replaced and then had to have the right bank replaced again. The service manager and mechanic didn't even use the obd-2 to scan the engine and just looked for leaks. I feel like I had a dirty or defective map sensor and still get some hesitation and odor of gas occasionally. I would like a recommendation for a good obd-2 scanner for a car this model.

[@aperson6832]

plant-lover "for a car this model" That's not how it works. Go to the store, and read the box. Do some research. Read some reviews. Professional mechanics use simple OBD2 scanners, as well as more complicated scanners. It depends on what you're willing to spend and what works for you. Do you need a 2000 dollar scanner that has a lot of info that you might not need or be able to understand? Or a more simple 100 to 300 dollar scanner that most people get?

[@shezraysohaib9837]

do all the OBDs carry the technical details about the different models of cars or is it in the computer of each car .

[@PP-wp2bx]

how can I get the cable for the phone app? I searched Amazon, but it just shows OBD scanners and not the cable for phones.

[@jameslightnersr2929]

Could you plz tell me where I could get the cable to hook up truck via phone. Thanks for the help

[@khairrind4785]

i need to check troubleshooting with Carmen scanner VG plus

[@master_vator]

I just boosted my truck, with my battery booster, never had a check engine line on ever before, once I boosted it, light came on, I have this scanner, can I turn the engine light off, once I find the prob? I’m assuming nothing serious, 2019 ram 1500 classic

[@allgoo1964]

Can OBD 2 scanner(code reader?) tell if the drive cycle is completed? I have a problem with catalytic converter reading after I replaced the O2 sensor at the smog test station.("not ready") Everything else seems to be in good order including the oxygen sensor I just replaced. The guy at the station told me just drive a hundred miles or so until the drive cycle is completed. But how do I know if the cycle was completed?

[@lord_beethoven1169]

I’m plugging the tool in with the car key in the “on” position but the diagnostic tool won’t come on. Motopower 69033 model.

[@paulneumann7739]

Is damage done to the scan tool Innova 3030 if the car is started by accident? Instead of just ON position? Thanks in advance

[@ryanwirling6644]

Where can u get the connection to ur I phone and how much is it

[@erinapple156]

All of these scanners are different but everyone says the same beginning words, where can I view the scanners full capabilities. too many elementary videos

[@drrobotnikmeanbeanma]

With a odb2 scanner how can it tell me if a car has a head gasket or coil or even a tune up issue.Because i want to find out what's wrong with the car before i buy it. What's the best Odb2 scanners ??

[@joblack5141]

I need the Manuel for this tool. Help please. ASAP using someone else's tool. Got to give back soon!!! Ad I can't seem to download this one without it possibly hurting my device. But I can some other ones. Thanks

[@therealsocialgadfly]

Thanks millions! I just bought a scanner and am beginning to familiarize myself with it. Your vid has helped point me in the right direction. Just wish I'd known there was an app for that. LOL Thanks again.

[@cassandrasmibbo]

My question, which I cannot find anywhere on the Internet, is once you have attempted to address a problem, should you clear the code and do a drive cycle or do a bunch of random driving and hope the code clears itself? Which is better or more accurate or faster? example: I have replaced my o2 sensors and that came off teh scan as soon as it was done. I replaced my EGR valve and the scan still says "insufficient flow" even after driving 15 miles on the highway. So I threw some gas additive and drove some more. CEL is still on. So I finally cleared the codes and have been driving, hoping that will work. After 5 miles, the CEL did not come back on, the scan says no issues BUT when I click on "check codes" It tells me "insufficient flow" still! Is that because it has a "freeze codes" and is reading that to me, which doesn't apply anymore? Or is it still reading insufficient flow? The CEL is not on yet?! How is it reading codes when it says there are no codes? Did I clear it or is there still a problem I should check for? The hoses are clean,. the valve is new, WHA?!

[@kenr.b.891]

I have a 1994 Buick LeSabre with a OBD-II connector, so I bought a OBD-II scanner, but when I try to scan I get a "error trying to connect". Is my problem the fact that my car is a 1994? What kind of scanner would recommend for a 1994 Buick LeSabre with a OBD-II connector?

[@e1andvo494]

Your car too old. a OBD2 can’t not work with the old car

[@ranman4481]

Gave you a thumbs up. Particularly for the phone connection heads up! ....but geeez, can you turn the code reader upright so viewers can see its screen? I spent half the video with my head turned sideways. Good grief.

[@dinocook84]

Hi I want to check all brand of odb II model can be use for petrol n diesel right?

[@thesayayin365]

Very helpful video And I got a question How much is the app obd II.

[@davidgonzalez0913]

Can I use this to diagnose my 4wd and Electronic stability control?

[@adolg4049]

Ivhave problem 2 days ago When i Put gas pedal it Goes like Low rpm and Dificculty drive what is issue bcz i put it in obd2 and nthg shows there

[@austinrothe2800]

Great video, thanks!

[@markcleaver6573]

Thank you for the help. Clear and precise.

[@AdelleRamcharan]

Thanks for this. Can't believe how tricky it was to try and do this with just the written instructions!

[@billwilliams6338]

CAR AND DRIVER, OBD-II scan tool test and verify each CAN module on the CAN bus?

[@tysonboyette3532]

oh man i have OBD11 thats a wireless scanner for the app on my phone. how the times change huh

[@angelf9800]

Question When ever I go into my I/M readiness on my obd2 the cat and 02 sensors are checked green, but I have code po420

[@SuperFrise]

Thanks!! I needed to know how to use my new scanner.

[@indexplus]

What if the car sensor is bad and there is no real defect? Does it say the sensor is defective or just relays what the sensor is telling?

[@Bigblackee3]

Good video ❤

[@williamwhitmore1]

Will this tool enable me to see the actual mileage of the car not what's on the odometer?

[@actualgod6108]

Say I have a 96 Camaro with OBD2 but a 94 engine. Will I be able to scan?

[@goldbunny1973]

Could an OBD tool determine if you have non-standard electrical add-ons in your car eg. a non Factory Fit Car Tracker/Alarm/Stereo? Will it pinpoint the source of a problem with eg. rear seat belts warning light coming on when they're not in use? Thanks.

[@illuminatiCorgi]

"These scanners have really come down in price and you can even rent them..." I come from the future, Sir! You can now buy them for as low as $30-40 😐

[@eXodus313372]

Why making this video unavailable in Canada?

[@JBMSTRIKER71]

Alexandre Gosselin Because the King of Canada doesnt want his people to be smart and to keep the technology like this and the cat scans away from his Canadian Kingdom of Toronto

[@Del-Canada]

It's available in Canada now. I am in Nova Scotia.

[@theokan89]

Because everyone in Canada tells you straight up what's wrong with the car. Not needed in Canada.

[@saiganhar]

That was a wonderful video, how do I use it on my i phone 7?

[@tonyschram1260]

Great video, thanks 👍

[@feedbrain6257]

Hello there. can ODB II detect bad Fuse? and provide the location?

[@RavensBreath]

I have this Autel AL519 and I want to do the print out report but not have it in raw data, what do I do?

hi,what a good video and straight forward to, however i have recently bought a nitro performance chip tuning box for my suzuki vitara gv1600 54 plate, as my suzuki seems to be quite thirsty for the fuel and uses quite a bit of it, i have had the obvious things like getting it checked to see if any fuel lines are ruptured or if the fuel tank has any small leaks but all are in perfect condition, the small nitro box gets plugged into the obd2 port and is to be left plugged into it so it can remap and adjust my cars ecu to the way that its driven by me and by which i hope to possibly cut down my fuel costs with the car, the nitro box seemingly makes these adjustments over the first 150 to 200 miles, however before i go and get the nitro box plugged in can you please tell me if you have used any products on the market like this nitro perfrormance chip box, i really dont want to have to think about possibly parting ways with my car as i love it and have had not a single thing go wrong with it since i bought it abt 3 years ago, any information would be welcome and thanks for taking the time to read and help out,,,

[@Bant0nVideo]

@Shawn Deyoung the app is called GoPoint

[@rogercook4224]

I’m trying to scan my car but it has the push button start with no key and the car is either off or engine on which doesn’t seem to work with my scanner

[@jeremycole6450]

What's the way to go for a 96 or older vehicle, I have a 88 f150 and can't figure this out

[@monirobaid5809]

hi, I'm on the process of changing the two front oxygen sensors on my 2003 E500 and I need your opinion regarding some info I've found online, i've copied it and I'll post it below here it is [ Replacing a failed oxygen sensor may be all that you need to do, but be aware that older catalytic converters may not play well with them. Likewise, when you change out your catalytic converter, you'll need to change out your O2 sensors.May 18, 2016]

[@chimwemwemwabulambo7245]

Well ,brilliant please where can i get that scan tool . help me please i am a guy from Africa/Malawi county

[@sajidmalik5835]

Good jab man

[@AuhUt]

Can you plug in the scanner while the engine is running to check for codes? My cars traction control is glitchy and turns on at random times, and it's a common problem for my car. If I shut off my car and then start it up again, the light goes away, so I was hoping I could scan it while the engine is on.

[@meme-wf8ks]

same question can we scan while the engine is running?

[@AuhUt]

me me I was looking around on the internet and people are saying that you can. I haven't tried it yet personally.

[@aperson6832]

AuhUt Some scanners run live, so it depends.

[@FleccaRobinson]

hypothetically if i change my exhaust on my 1998 wrx sti, would i need to do anything to the ecu?

[@Thomashto94]

Most likely not, but make sure you dont mess around with any sensors that you might have reading from the exhaust itself..

[@Rosa-gy1wo]

would the scanner help me with electrical problems as well?

[@jaimeledesma7771]

been whats the diferece between that small scaner and thause grate snop on tools i need one of thouse i haVe a 70$ one never have use yet from amazon

[@Jase269]

Now, in English please.

[@williamstapp3882]

Good, basic info necessary before plunging into your first scan.

[@yoonchun6945]

Incredible!! Thanks

[@quinton745456987]

Hi, would like to know if i can with the app program a new key to the car's computer?

[@GTVAlfaMan]

Which is less expensive, buying a code reader or purchasing the cable for your phone and the application to run it?

[@joelasobo1215]

Does anyone know what the name of the App is ? I’m trying to find it on the App Store ( iPhone )

[@stevenmchenry9276]

Dude you're the coolest. I like the cell phone ap. Going to have to try that.

[@cgrinna]

Good job on the video.

[@ginohernando4247]

hi i got a obd2 scanner for my phone. but he cant talk with my ecu. i dont know what to do now. i got a audi a3 1.8 1997 im from holland.

[@djdrew168]

Are you not supposed to unplug the negative side cable from the vehicle battery before plugging in and reading an OBI and OBDII Scan Tool? Maybe I was told wrong.

[@arthurrodesiler3109]

You was told wrong

[@rewind48]

I've had go point forever. Best app ever made!

[@boomertsm]

Maybe if you held the device up/down, it would be easier for the viewer to watch and learn. Good vid. Thanks.

[@mr_shetty_25]

Give the safety use of this tool

[@JoffreyBienvenue]

Can I use this tool to reprogram and reset TPMS sensors (when changing from summer to winter tires)?

[@jameskramer2194]

+Joffrey Bienvenue what kinda car do you have? since with nissian what I do to reset mine make sure the psi in tire is correct drive about 25 mph and have the 2 wheels on right touch on dirt and it resets.

[@JoffreyBienvenue]

Mitsubishi Outlander - they need to be reprogrammed every season

[@bradengiacobazzi5289]

will obd scanners work with the car running (idling)?

[@mcubillo1]

Yes

[@jordanb2769]

Braden Giacobazzi idleing, running, or just ignition on. some apps have speed gauges.

[@juliadennehy]

+Braden Giacobazzi My question exactly - thanks. If you have a code that takes more than one drive cycle to post, you know when the monitors are no longer incomplete, and you can go for inspection, as long as you don't turn the car off. The codes will be in a "pending" state, and won't flip on the SES light until you leave the inspection station. Thanks again... going for my 20 mile drive of highway/city, than while the car is running, going to check for sure if all the monitors are up.

[@johnsomerset1510]

@@juliadennehy You can't get through an MOT test without turning the engine on and off a few times!

[@alanwilliams4620]

Anyone have a link to the OBD II iphone 5 cable? Anyone have a link to the app?

[@believein1]

Great video!!

[@MsZXSpectrum]

Hard to read the scanner display because it is held almost horizontally!

[@2vettesRon]

in your mind, what's a good brand scan tool?