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Using an Autel or any other OBD2 scanner is fairly straightforward. As long as your vehicle was made after 1996, it should have an OBD2 port. This port, which has a 16-pin connector, is usually on the left side of the driver’s seat below the steering column.
OBD 2 Port on a RAM 2500 Diesel. Located to the left of your hood release.
Once you find the port, plug the scan tool into the connector. If your scanner is a Bluetooth model, you can also plug it directly into the port.
Check your instructions to see if the vehicle needs to be on or in idle mode after connecting.
Once your scanner is communicating with your vehicle, you may need to enter the VIN or any other information that the scanner requests.
Next, go to the code menu screen to look for active and pending diagnostic trouble codes.
Once you’ve viewed the DTC (diagnostic trouble code), you’ll need to interpret them. Each code begins with a letter followed by four numbers. Write down the code so you can search for the meaning online.
If you can fix the problem, your check engine light should go off automatically after you drive. If it doesn’t, you can use the scanner to reset it.
What is an OBD2 Scanner?
Modern vehicles have an average of 30 to 50 electronic control modules, making them far more complex than older vehicles. If your vehicle was made after 1996, it has an OBD2 port.
In most cases, this is an essential tool to help DIY mechanics diagnose and repair their vehicles.
An OBD2 scanner is a handheld computer that communicates with your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system. OBD stands for onboard diagnostic system, and the 2 indicates the second-generation version of the technology.
How Does an OBD2 Scanner Work?
The control modules mentioned above monitor sensor readings and other information. As these values are recorded, anything that falls out of a normal range for an extended time triggers a fault code.
The fault code then usually triggers a warning light. That’s where the OBD2 scanner comes in. A check engine light obviously doesn’t give you any specific information about what has gone wrong.
The OBD2 scanner displays the active fault codes, which you can interpret using various methods. The numbers and letters of the code all mean something, but it’s often easier to simply search for the code online.
Do I Need an OBD2 Scanner?
If you’re a DIY mechanic with a modern vehicle, an OBD2 scanner is indispensable. Check engine lights often come on for seemingly no reason, and using a scanner can quickly help you determine the problem.
If you need to pass an emissions test, the OBD2 scanner can also show related faults that might prevent you from passing. They are also relatively inexpensive, making them an essential tool for working on any modern vehicle.
OBD2 Scanner FAQ
Q: How do you use an OBD2 scanner?
A: The process of using an OBD2 scanner is generally the same. Always follow your scanner’s specific instructions, but typically, you plug it into the OBD2 port, turn the vehicle to “On,” and follow any instructions on the screen.
Q: Should the vehicle be running to use the scanner?
A: In most cases, you can read any codes from the ignition “On” position without actually turning the engine on.
Q: How do I read the OBD2 scanner?
A: The codes are displayed with one letter and four numbers. The easiest way to find out what your specific code means is to search for it online.
Q: Should an OBD2 scanner be connected when the engine is running?
A: This isn’t recommended, as you may have to turn the ignition off and on again to get the test to work.
If you’re a DIY mechanic, you can rely on ProSource Diesel for the tools you need to get back on the road. Autel is one of the top manufacturers of diagnostic tools and we carry a few models of the company’s professional-grade OBD2 scanners.
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