For those who have any understanding of On-Board-Diagnostics or OBD2 you no doubt know it is a system that monitors your vehicle's performance and will let the driver are conscious of any problems using the 'Check Engine' light on the dashboard. All car, light truck and SUV manufacturers have already been mandated to have this system installed in their vehicles since 1996. When issues with the vehicle's systems occur the on-board computer generates a code to allow the driver diagnose the problem. This code can be read by connecting and professional automotive diagnostic software for the vehicle's computer.



OBD2 scan tools are around for use by vehicle owner and come in a wide range of price and performance. Professional mechanics normally have access to more sophisticated readers. No matter the type of code reader there is a way it really is used is in fact the same.

To begin with you will generally require a cable to hook up with a scanner or even a PC with OBD2 software. Most scanners are universal in that they will browse the most common codes, however, many of them may only work with certain vehicles so make sure that the scanner you have is compatible with your automobile.
Always make sure that the vehicle's engine is turned off before connecting people.
Locate the OBD2 system connection plug. If the vehicle is compliant with OBD2 protocols it's going to have a female 16-pin connection plug typically close to the center console on the driver's side. Different vehicles may have different locations like under the steering wheel, behind the ashtray, between your front seats or underneath the driver's seat. A quick check online should allow you to find the place for your particular vehicle if it isn't readily noticeable.
Check the vehicle's connector plug to make sure that all the necessary pins exist. Most importantly that the #4 and #5 pin for grounding and also the #16 pin for your battery power supply.
Connect your OBD2 scan tool to the vehicle's computer. Your cable using the 16-pin plug at one end should hook up to the female port in your vehicle. Then connect the contrary end of one's cable for your scanner.
An alternative to a hand-held scanner is to connect to your personal computer that has OBD2 software placed on it. You may need a cable with the 16-pin connector on one end with a USB connector on the other half to hook up with your PC. Bluetooth connectors are also available for this application.
When you're connected it may take a short interval of energy for the reader to initialize. Your scanner will look at the vehicle's computer to determine which protocol is necessary and the result in the connection. The scanner will browse the malfunction code kept in your vehicle's computer and display it on the screen.
To interpret the code you might need to consult the service manual for your vehicle although some scanners provides information for basic codes. Some scanner manufacturers also provide access to programs which will interpret the code and offer repair procedures depending on that code.