The world of car diagnostics has changed a lot over the last 50 years. Back in the '70s and earlier, a mechanic's most valuable diagnostic tools were usually their eyes and ears. You could figure out ...

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 ...

Diagnosing automotive problems used to be much more challenging. A mechanic had to use all of their skills to pinpoint mechanical or electrical issues. Nowadays, you can diagnose many problems ...

In 2026, the gap between professional diagnostics and DIY capability has narrowed significantly, thanks to a new generation of Bluetooth OBD2 scanners and smartphone apps that cost less than a tank of ...

Modern OBD-II scanners let everyday drivers access their car’s diagnostic trouble codes, live data, and system health without a mechanic’s visit. From budget-friendly Bluetooth adapters to pro-grade ...

If you've been involved in automotive repair for a while, you probably know that modern vehicles use onboard diagnostic (OBD) systems to help notify us when there's a problem. The OBD system works ...

If you own a car built after 1996, it comes equipped with a second-generation onboard diagnostic (OBD or OBDII) system. These systems work together with the vehicle's primary computer or powertrain ...

If there's one thing I've learned tinkering on cars since before I could drive one, it's that being more informed saves sleepless nights and stacks of cash. No one should have to spend a $130 ...

A Bluetooth code reader connected to a vehicle. - Maddox/Harbor Freight It's never a good time when one or more dashboard lights decide to turn on. While some dashboard lights are more common and ...