This of course depends on the scan tool that you select. The big advantage of having a standardized interface for diagnosis is that now we can utilize the same OBD2 scan tool (aka, OBD2 scanner) for all car brands. It was then introduced to the European Union and mandated for all gasoline vehicles produced from 2001 onwards and diesel vehicles produced from 2004 onwards. All automotive manufacturers were then required to adhere to the OBD2 standard. However, later in 1996 the OBD2 vehicle system was created. For instance, General Motors developed the ALDL standard which can also be found in Opel vehicles in Germany. Thus, every vehicle manufacturer soon started developing its own standards and protocols. OBD1 was the initial standard, but it was not regularized. The vehicle had to remain compliant at all times. At that point in time, passing an emissions test was not enough. However, by 1988, the California Air Pollution Authority introduced the OBD system as a way of monitoring and controlling automobile emissions to ensure cleaner air. Initially, Volkswagen’s system did not have diagnosis components or an emissions monitoring system - it simply was not a major concern at the time. However, as time passed by this system became much more advanced. Originally, the scan tool device used back then was only used for simple diagnosis in workshops.

This connector was be coupled to a computer system controlled by a punched card system. Have fun! The (Awesome) History of the Car Scannerĭiagnostic tools for cars date further back in automotive history as early as 1965, when the Volkswagen Group began equipping its vehicles with a central socket. We will also discuss what happens during the readout and which auto-readout device makes sense for you. There are various diagnostic tools available, and we would like to take a look at them with you today and help you make a choice on what’s best.

Additionally, you can also get an overall score of your car’s health depending on how many error codes are present and how severe they are. For example, you can see if the error codes in your car must be solved immediately or are not as critical. There are some OBD2 scanners that let you access even more information about your car’s health. So, if your car’s check engine light turns on you can instantly find out if these are old or new error codes. This allows you to read and clear error codes from your car’s error memory and know the health state of your car. With a car scanner tool, also called OBD2 scanner or diagnostic scanner, you can access your car’s computer system.

Best car scanner 2021