Automotive DIY Diagnostic Software

Hook up an OBD II port to your vehicle to read the computer codes.

If your car is experiencing mechanical or electrical problems, then you may need to use an OBD II scanner to help diagnose what is wrong with your vehicle. All vehicles manufactured since 1995 utilize an OBD II port for scanning any issues that are picked up by the computer and are indicated by the check engine light on the dashboard. If you do not already have an OBD II port, you will need an OBD I translator to connect to the OBD I port.

Things You'll Need

• OBD II scanner
• OBD I translator

Instructions

1. Make sure that the OBD II scanner is appropriate for your car. There are three different communications protocols used by OBD II that are specific to different manufacturers. Find out if a scanner is correct for your vehicle by consulting the manufacturer of your scanner.

2. Look for your OBD II port. Typically, the OBD II port is located within reach of the driver's seat and is located near the fusebox or the underside of the dashboard. The OBD II port does not require any special tools to uncover it.

3. Plug in your OBD II scanner to your car and turn on the OBD II scanner.

4. Turn your ignition key to the accessories position. The OBD II scanner may take a few minutes to read the code from the computer.

5. Use your computer to look up your code if your scanner does not give you the translation for the code. Use websites such as OBD-Codes.com to look up the code or codes for your vehicle.

6. Fix the problems on your car. Remember that just because the OBD II scanner said that a problem is wrong with a sensor, for example, the problem may be with the electrical system leading to your sensor rather than the sensor itself. You may replace some of the components related to the problem. However, if the problem persists, the car's computer will turn on the check engine light. It may take up to 20 to 30 miles of driving for the check engine light to turn back on.

Tips & Warnings

• Your specific OBD II scanner may have specific instructions that include more steps for accessing and reading the trouble codes from your vehicle. Be sure to follow the specific instructions for your model.

References

• OBD II: Does My Car Have OBD-II?
• OBD Codes: OBD-II Trouble Codes
• OBD II Background

Resources

• OBD II
• OBD II Hand Held QuikCode User's Manual