OBD2 scan tools are for sale to use by vehicle owner and are available in a wide range of price overall performance. Professional mechanics normally have access to more sophisticated readers. No matter the type of code reader you will find the way it really is used is pretty much the same.
To begin with you will generally need a cable to hook up with a scanner or a PC with OBD2 software. Most scanners are universal for the reason that they will read the most common codes, however, many of them may possibly work with certain vehicles so be sure that the scanner you have is compatible with your automobile.
Always make sure that the vehicle's engine is powered down before connecting people.
Locate the OBD2 system connection plug. If your vehicle is compliant with OBD2 protocols it'll have a female 16-pin connection plug typically near the center console around the driver's side. Different vehicles might have different locations like underneath the steering wheel, behind the ashtray, between your front seats or underneath the driver's seat. A fast check online should allow you to find the location for your particular vehicle whether it isn't readily noticeable.
Check the vehicle's connector plug to ensure all the necessary pins exist. Most importantly that the #4 and #5 pin for grounding as well as the #16 pin for that battery power supply.
Connect your OBD2 scan tool to the vehicle's computer. Your cable with the 16-pin plug at one end should connect to the female port on your own vehicle. Then connect the alternative end of your cable to your scanner.
An alternative choice to a hand-held scanner would be to connect to a personal computer that has OBD2 software attached to it. You will need a cable using the 16-pin connector on a single end having a USB connector alternatively to hook up to your PC. Bluetooth connectors are also available for this application.
When you're connected it might take a short interval of your time for the reader to initialize. Your scanner will look at the vehicle's computer to find out what protocol is necessary and the result in the connection. The scanner will see the malfunction code saved in your vehicle's computer and display it on the watch's screen.
To interpret the code you may have to consult the service manual to your vehicle although some scanners will give you information for basic codes. Some scanner manufacturers provide access to programs that may interpret the code and supply repair procedures depending on that code.
