Have your owner’s manual handy. Place your vehicle in “park,” or “neutral” for a manual transmission. Firmly set the parking brake. Download and install the manufacturer’s code reader app to your ...

The top end of the technology ladder is held by a scan tool. This car diagnostic tool plugs into the OBD-II port (“OBD” is an acronym for on-board diagnostics, and the “II” designates the second ...

The second iteration of on-board diagnostics, OBD II, has been required tech on all new cars sold in the U.S. since 1996. That means that anyone who uses or works on cars less than three decades old ...

We've compiled a list of some of the best OBD2 diagnostic scanners describing their features, specifications, compatibility, and benefits. The automotive industry has a huge variety of OBD2 scanners ...

Cars are more than just oil and steel. Modern models have incorporated electronics and computer chips to help manage and optimize their mechanical components. That means maintaining your car's ...

When my check engine light came on recently, I decided to try the FIXD scanner to avoid an unnecessary mechanic visit. The device plugs into the OBD2 port and pairs with my phone via Bluetooth, giving ...

You hear a new, disturbing noise coming from your engine, open the hood, look around, and find nothing. Now what? Before you reach for a conveniently-placed torque wrench to try the ol’ “love tap,” ...

Before I figured out how to work on cars, onboard computer systems scared me. I’ve had no formal training, after all, so the idea of a car’s complex electricals and countless sensors made DIY work ...

Having a car (or truck or minivan or crossover) means electronic issues popping up every now and then. Here’s how to avoid the heavy costs. If you’re relying on a service center to assess the ...

The Standard's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Modern cars are great, except when they go wrong. The number of ...