Os melhores leitores OBD2 em 2021

O Innova’s CarScan O Pro 5210 pode dizer mais sobre seu carro do que a concorrência, e é por isso que é nossa escolha favorita entre os melhores scanners OBD2.

A tela colorida de 2,8 polegadas do scanner Pro 5210 é brilhante e sua proporção estreita e longa significa que ele pode incluir muitos detalhes automotivos, de códigos de falha a dados ao vivo e uma verificação de pré-inspeção. Suas luzes LED brilham em vermelho para uma falha permanente, amarela para uma falha intermitente e verde para nenhum problema.

O CarScan Pro 5210 vai além de exibir os códigos de falha esperados com uma conexão Bluetooth a um telefone ou tablet e Innova’s Reparar o aplicativo gratuito Solutions2. O software explica os reparos e até as peças necessárias para consertar o carro.

Com uma interface de 9 teclas, o Pro 5210 é um dos melhores scanners OBD2 para navegar. Ele encontrou a falha que eu apresentei ao meu Audi AllRoad 2014 e desligou a luz de verificação do motor do carro.

No lado negativo, o CarScan Pro 5210 tem um cabo de 27 polegadas, que é curto, e suas dimensões gerais parecem volumosas, particularmente em comparação com o Ediag YA-201 menor e mais leve. Embora caro, o Innova CarScan Pro 5210 Pro 5210 é obrigatório para aqueles que querem saber o que há de errado com seus carros.

No topo entre os melhores scanners OBD2 em geral, O BD310 do Ancel é tão bom como um scanner portátil com uma tela quanto quando conectado a um telefone ou tablet via Bluetooth. Ele também pode aumentar a cabine do carro com uma exibição suplementar dos principais parâmetros do motor. Pense nisso como uma escolha com liberdade de digitalização.

Pequeno e leve, o BD310 mede 5,1 x 2,4 x 0,6 polegadas e pesa 5,4 onças, o que significa que pode viver no porta-luvas do seu carro. Seu display colorido de 2,0 polegadas baseado em ícones é um pouco acanhado, mas fácil de descobrir, independentemente de você querer um teste de prontidão de inspeção I/M ou detalhes de desempenho, como temperatura do líquido de arrefecimento, sincronização do motor e velocidade do motor. Eles podem ser mostrados como números ou gráficos.

Ele tem um cabo de 56 polegadas que o torna tão bom para ficar pendurado no capô em busca de um problema no motor quanto para monitorar o motor enquanto dirige. Por outro lado, a interface rudimentar de quatro teclas do BD310 pode tornar a navegação difícil. Há também um botão de modo na lateral para selecionar o Bluetooth e a operação do cabo.

Este scanner ODB conectou-se rapidamente ao meu Audi Allroad 2014 e exibiu um gráfico da rotação do motor junto com outros parâmetros. Mais tarde, ele descobriu minha falha introduzida e foi capaz de desligar a luz de verificação do motor do carro. O Ancel BD310 inclui uma garantia de três anos e pode fazer muito mais do que scanners de uso único.

O AutoLink AL539 de Autel é um dos melhores scanners OBD2 porque faz algo que mais outros scanners OBD2 não podem: Ele pode verificar as conexões elétricas com um bui Coloque o multímetro para descobrir curtos-circuitos elétricos incômodos ou cabos queimados. Observe que o multímetro é uma função autônoma que não funciona quando o AL539 está conectado ao carro como um scanner OBD.

O AL539 tem conectores para os cabos de teste incluídos no multímetro para fazer qualquer coisa de verificar a continuidade e a corrente para a tensão. A bateria de íon de lítio do dispositivo o alimenta para verificar os fusíveis, a tensão do alternador ou o medidor de gás.

O AL539 não só mostra dados ao vivo, como velocidade do motor, temperatura do líquido de arrefecimento e outros itens, mas também pode executar uma chave de prontidão de pré-inspeção abrangente. Ele mostra os resultados como três luzes para falhas: vermelho (falha permanente), amarelo (falha temporária) ou verde (sem falhas).

Apesar de seus amortecedores de borracha macia, o AL539 é bastante compacto e leve em 6,7 x 3,6 x 1,4 polegadas e 10,6 onças. Ele tem uma perna extraível exclusiva para que o dispositivo possa ficar por conta própria, bem como um cabo generoso de 58 polegadas. Seu display colorido de 2,8 polegadas brilhante tem ícones para as principais funções e uma interface de oito teclas fácil de seguir.

O AL539 encontrou a falha que eu introduzi no meu Audi Allroad 2014 e foi capaz de virar desligue a luz do motor de verificação do carro. Com garantia de um ano, o AL539 é um scanner de dupla finalidade que pode encontrar mais do que falhas OBD.

Pequeno e barato, o scanner ThinkOBD 100 de 5,6 onças é perfeito para um diagnóstico rápido isto é, reparos na estrada e execução de um teste de pré-inspeção. No entanto, ele carece de profundidade para explicar problemas automotivos mais profundos.

O ThinkOBD 100 pode desaparecer em um porta-luvas e inclui um cabo USB para atualizar seu firmware. Por outro lado, a tela de 1,8 polegadas do scanner é uma polegada menor do que muitos concorrentes e parece apertada.

Sua tela inicial de quatro quadrantes é simples, com entradas para Diagnose, Lookup, Setup e Help, mas os quatro círculos amarelos acima não fazem nada. Isso deixa o teclado rudimentar de quatro botões como a única maneira de interagir com o scanner.

Além de exibir os códigos de falha atuais, o ThinkOBD 100 mostra dados do carro ao vivo, como avanço da ignição e velocidade do motor, mas espalha os dados por 38 páginas. Depois que apresentei uma falha em meu Audi AllRoad 2014, este scanner OBD2 diagnosticou o problema e eu fui capaz de desligar a luz de verificação do motor. Infelizmente, tive que digitar manualmente o código na seção Lookup para encontrar seu significado.

O dispositivo não ofereceu nenhuma explicação ou opções de reparo, tornando-o o segundo melhor para scanners portáteis mais avançados (e caros), como o Innova CarScan Pro 5210.

One of the easiest OBD2 scanners to install, us e and remove, Jethax’s OBD2 Scanner stands alone with a built-in LED flashlight to illuminate the car’s diagnostic port. Its ribbed sides make it a snap to pull out.

The 1.8 x 1.7 x 0.8-inch unit is slightly bigger than Autel’s MaxiAP AP200 but at only 0.7-ounces, it’s significantly lighter. It has a single LED but it was always red.

The Jethax scanner uses Bluetooth 4.0 to connect to an iPhone, iPad or Android phone but lacks its own app. The QR code on the unit’s box points to several free diagnostic apps, including Torque Lite, which I used with my Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus phone.

After plugging the Jethax OBD2 Scanner into my Audi AllRoad’s OBD port and connecting the scanner to my phone, the app started showing live data. In addition to a series of automotive gauges and fault codes, the system can run acceleration tests.

The Jethax has a 28-foot Bluetooth range, which was on a par with other Bluetooth scanners. It found my introduced fault and turned off the check engine light.

Don’t let its size or $35 price tag fool you. Jethax’s OBD2 Scanner not only tells what’s going on inside your car but lights the way to plug it in.

With many of the abilities of a professional OBD scanner, Topdon’s ArtiLink 500 does a lot for its $59 price tag.

B ig and bulky, the ArtiLink 500 weighs 10.2 ounces and its 54-inch cable has a lighted connector at the end that helps with plugging the scanner in. The scanner can be updated using its included USB cable.

The ArtiLink 500’s bright 2.8-inch color screen shows fault codes, a pre-inspection readiness report and definitions of what its fault codes mean. The 8-key interface is efficient and lets you pick from the major categories. This OBD2 scanner shows live car data, can graph it and lets you print it.

ArtiLink 500’s OBD database has many of the manufacturer specific codes that widens its scope compared to those that only use only generic codes. After I introduced a problem with my 2014 Audi AllRoad, the scanner showed the fault and zeroed in on the problem. I was able to turn off the check engine light but the scanner stopped short of providing repair advice that the CarScan Pro 5210 does.

At $59, the Topdon ArtiLink 500 provides many of the abilities of a scanner costing much more but is on the big and heavy side.

Easy to use, the ThinkDriver Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner ironically is a slow starter. It not only requires an account, an email verification and hardware activation but you’ll need to update the app and firmware. The first time you use it, figure on spending 20 minutes before you get any automotive data.

It’s worth the wait because the ThinkDriver app is more thorough than its competitors. Its dark interface shows all the data needed, including fault codes, live car data, a pre-inspection I/M readiness test and a comprehensive Health Report. It’s one of the rare apps that can reset the maintenance light on your car for things like changing the oil or replacing the EGR valve.

The ThinkDriver Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner’s soft grips make it easy to install and remove and it connected quickly with my iPad Pro and had a 30-foot range; there’s also an Android app. It quickly found my introduced fault and allowed me to turn off the Check Engine light.

Unlike those that supply free software, the ThinkDriver app expires after a year and costs $15 a year for one car after that. Still, at $70, the ThinkDriver Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner is worth it for those who prefer to change their own oil.

Its large color screen, range of tasks, lifetime warranty and ease of use make the SeekOne SK860 a winner and one of the best OBD2 scanners around.

The price for this is a handheld scanner that at 7.8 x 3.8 x 1.2 inches and 11.2 ounces can feel bulky and heavy. Its soft rubber bumpers and rugged design mean you don’t have to baby the SK860, and it comes with a 58-inch cord and bright, 2.8-inch color display.

Its eight-button navigation scheme and icon-based interface are easier to use than budget scanners. The SK850 has a one-button I/M preinspection readiness key along with a green (no-fault codes), yellow (intermittent problems) and red (permanent-problem codes) LED scheme.

It examined the battery and showed live data, like engine speed, oxygen sensor readings and coolant temperature, then found my introduced fault and turned off the check engine light.

The SK860 does much more than typical handheld scanners and comes with a padded case, but its lifetime warranty makes it stand out from the crowd.

With a rugged design, easy-to-use interf ace and lifetime software updates, Launch’s CR529 comes close to being a professional OBD scanner at a bargain price. On the downside, at 10.5 ounces and 6.5 x 3.8 x 1.2-inches, it’s bigger and heavier than Innova’s CarScan Pro 5210 and can be a lot to hold during repairs.

Solidly built, the CR529’s ribbed case can protect it if dropped. Its 2.8-inch color screen shows everything from engine misfires and oxygen sensor status to live automotive data and fault codes. Anything can be printed via its USB port but the CR529’s explanations of the problems it finds pale compared to the in-depth repair details of Innova’s 5210. 

The scanner’s eight-key format has a dedicated pre-inspection readiness test key, and the scanner’s LEDs light up red for a permanent fault, yellow for an intermittent fault and green for a clean sweep.

The Launch’s CR529’s 43-inch cable quickly connected to my Audi AllRoad, picked up my added fault and let me turn off the check engine light. Unfortunately, it took upwards of 15 seconds for the scanner to respond at times.

The CR-529’s 2-year warranty is combined with lifetime software updates. At less than $50, it’s priced like a DIY unit but has the abilities of a professional scanner.

The Nexpeak NX501 may be big and heavy, but it goes beyond the expected car checks with a long 5-foot OBD cable and lifetime software updates.

With soft rubber bumpers, the NX501 is ruggedly built and comfortable to use. Its three LEDs for the I/M preinspection test show green for no faults, yellow for a temporary problem or red to show a permanent fault.

In addition to examinations of the battery and oxygen sensor, the NX501 interprets generic and many manufacturer-specific fault codes. The device quickly noticed the introduced fault on my car and turned off the car’s check engine light.

At 2.8 inches, the NX501’s display is bright with colorful icons for different features, and it can show everything from engine speed to coolant temperature along with colorful fever graphs. The tool’s eight-key navigation makes it easy to move between scanning tasks. With its padded case, lifetime software upgrades and one of the longest OBD cables, the NX501 is one of the best OBD2 scanners for the money.

How to choose the best OBD scanner for you

If you’re looking for insights into how your vehicle is working or what’s wrong under the hood, there’s no better way than to plug in one of the best OBD2 scanners and read the results.

After all, it’s how your car dealer or repair shop would figure out what’s wrong with your car when you drive (or are towed) in. Why shouldn’t you have the same information?

The best OBD scanners provide the right mix of size, weight and the ability to read your car’s fault codes and live data. The most important criteria are:

• Easy setup. If it takes forever to set up the scanner, you probably won’t use it to diagnose a problem early.
• Faults and explanations. The best OBD2 scanners not only tell you the faults your car has but also can explain the meaning so you can either fix it yourself or tell a mechanic.
• I/M Readiness check. A good scanner will run the major engine and emissions tests to see if you’ll pass your state’s inspection.
• Accuracy. A scanner is worthless if its results aren’t accurate, because the only thing worse than no information is incorrect information.
• Size and weight. If the scanner is heavy and bulky, chances are it’ll stay in your toolbox and not in the car to help you on the road.
• Live data. By tapping into the car’s engine speed, timing and other parameters, the right scanner can h elp track down an intermittent problem.
• Graphs. Numbers are good, but a visual representation of it is much better, particularly if you’re comparing before and after.
• Warranty. You expect your car to last at least eight or 10 years, so why shouldn’t your OBD2 scanner? That said, the best offer a lifetime warranty that should outlast your ride.

There’s a gas tank full of criteria used to determine which OBD scanner is the best one for you. The most important is whether you want one that connects with your phone or tablet’s screen over Bluetooth or a handheld unit with its own display and cable.

Next, think about longevity and get one that includes lifetime warranty or software updates so the scanner will stay current with changing automotive tech.

Then, how about screen size for a handheld scanner? Get the biggest, brightest and easiest display to read that is icon based for easy changes. If you’re clumsy, look at rugged scanners with rubber bumpers to absorb the shock of being dropped.

Look for extras that are included on some models, like an electrical multimeter, the ability to read a manufacturer’s proprietary codes or export documents as Acrobat PDF files.

Finally, the price for these sophisticated devices is right on par with professional-level scanners that are available for under $100. That’s barely an hour’s labor for a qualified mechanic, making it a win-win purchase.

How we test OBD2 scanners

To test the best OBD2 scanners, I used my 2014 Audi Allroad vehicle while it was in the garage or on the road over a period of several weeks. After connecting each scanner to my car’s OBD2 port, I made sure they could report the car’s VIN code.

For the wireless scanners, I connected to my Apple iPad Pro, Microsoft Surface or Samsung Galaxy S9+ phone via a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection. The handheld scanners only needed to be plugged into the OBD2 port, which provides power.

Next, I measured the cord’s length on the handheld scanners and the wireless range on the others. With the car running, I monitored the engine and other vital systems, and then disconnected the engine’s oil temperature sensor.

Finally, I checked the details provided by the scanner, fixed the problem, turned off the check engine light and erased the error code.

Then I hit the road to see if the scanner could display operating data such as engine speed, timing and coolant temperature. I paid attention to whether the device reported the data as numbers, graphs or auto-style gauges.

Regardless of which OBD2 scanner you use, you’ll need to crack its code. All fault codes have four numbers and a letter prefix:

• Powertrain (P)
• Body (B)
• Chassis (C)
• Undefined (U)

Of the roughly 5,000 diagnostic fault codes available, some are generic and apply to all cars, like air temperature and throttle position. For these, the numeric section starts with a 0. Others are specific to individual carmakers and represent either a special piece of hardware or a more in-depth analysis of the problem. These start with a 1.

For instance, if you get a P0098 code, chances are there’s something wrong with the engine’s intake air temperature sensor. By contrast, a Ford that displays a P1112 specialty fault code means that the intake air temperature sensor is reporting values intermittently and should be replaced.