3 best car diagnostic code readers

Car diagnostic code readers are essential tools in the realm of automotive diagnostics. They fall under the category of Diagnostic Test Measurement Tools, which are crucial for identifying and troubleshooting issues in a vehicle's engine and other systems.

These code readers are designed to interface with a car's onboard computer system, which constantly monitors various components and sensors. When a problem is detected, the system generates a fault code, and this is where a diagnostic code reader comes into play.

Users can connect the code reader to the vehicle's OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) port, usually located under the dashboard. Once connected, the code reader can retrieve and display the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the vehicle's computer. These codes provide specific information about the nature of the problem, allowing mechanics or car owners to pinpoint issues accurately.

Modern code readers often come with user-friendly interfaces, making it easier for non-professionals to understand and interpret the diagnostic information. Some advanced models may even provide additional features such as live data streaming, graphing, and the ability to reset certain error codes after issues have been addressed.

When choosing a car diagnostic code reader, it's important to consider compatibility with the vehicle's make and model, as well as the range of features offered.Reading reviews and seeking recommendations can help in selecting a reliable and effective diagnostic tool for automotive troubleshooting.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best car diagnostic code readers on the market
  

ANCEL AD310 Classic Enhanced Universal OBD II Scanner Car Engine Fault Code Reader CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool-Black

Based on 18 reviews Check latest price
  • Classic design, fast scan and clear trouble codes, even a beginner can use this unit to read the error code, find out what the problem is and perhaps fix it. Save money and time.
  • Works on MOST 1996 US-Based, 2000 EU-Based and Asian cars, and newer OBD II & CAN domestic or import vehicles. Supports English, German, French, Spanish, Finnish, Dutch, Russian and Portuguese.
  • Easily determines the cause of the check engine light. I/M monitor readiness test, turn off the MIL (check engine light) as well as view freeze frame data. Read hard (memory) / pending (intermittent) and historic codes and show definitions.
  • The AD310 scanner is well built with a large LCD display (128 x 64 pixel) that has white backlight and contrast adjustment, indicates test results directly. No need any Batteries or Charger, gets the power directly from the OBDII Data Link Connector in your vehicle.
  • It's equipped with a 2. 5 feet long cable and made of a very thick flexible insulator. There are 4 buttons on AD310. The Up and Down button for scrolling the menu, the Enter and Exit button allow for navigation back and entering menu.

Product features

Key Features
Code Definition

AUTOPHIX OBD2 Scanner Enhanced OM126P Vehicle Code Reader Auto Diagnostic Check Engine Light for All OBDII Car After 1996[Upgrade Version]

AUTOPHIX

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price
  • ➤【CHECKING CAR ENGINE TOOL】 The OM126P Enhanced OBDII scanner can read and erase the trouble codes that can cause emission problems in your vehicle in seconds, turn off the MIL (check your car engine) and reset the monitor, build a DTC lookup library you can find the related code definitions to help you determine if your car needs repair, to save you time and money, and dramatically improve your car lifespan / performance.
  • ➤【EASY TO OPERATE】The OM126P car diagnostic tool equiped with 2. 4" TFT 262K true color LCD display screen to indicates the test results , with the silicone keypad you can easy to access the each menu options, the I/M Readiness hot key can check the state emissions readiness and drive cycle verification,Also, a wealth of car information is retrieved to find out all about your car without hassle for recording, car tracking, buying matched parts etc.
  • ➤【WIDE RANGE DIAGNOSE】 Work on all after 1996 and newer vehicles models in the USA(OBD II&CAN) or other imported vehicles. Quickly read and erase the DTC on all OBD II protocols vehicles: CAN, J1850 PWM, J1850 VPW, ISO9141 and KWP2000 and support for 10 languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Italian, Finnish, Portuguese, Polish, Dutch, which make it easy to use for people from different countries .
  • ➤【POWERFUL FEATURES】 Built-in 14 special functions in 1 car reader, read and erase stored emission related codes, pending codes, and show code definitions, data steam, freeze frame, on-board monitoring, and show the vehicle information,I/M reading,review the recorded DTC,review & print report. Support O2 sensor and EVAP system test, let you initiate a leak test for the vehicle’s EVAP system, identify trouble shooting related to fuel efficiency and vehicle emissions.
  • ➤【WORRY-FREE SERVICE】 Plug & Play, no battery or charger required;OM126P OBDII diagnostic scan tool supports a lifetime free software updating and Review & Print diagnostic reports from the Auto fix ,via connect to a computer via USB (for Windows 7/8/10 ONLY), and we offer one year warranty , if you cannot comfirm its compatility, please feel free to consult us.

Product features

Why is OM126P so popular among customers? What are the special functions about it?

1. I/M Reading is to test Misfire/Fuel system/Comprehensive component.

2. On-Board Monitor Test can be utilized to read and results of on-board diagnostic monitoring, testing for specific components/syestems.

3. EVAP System Test let you initiate a leak of test for the vehicle’s EVAP system.

4. O2 Sensor Test allows retrieval and viewing of O2 sensor monitor test result for the most recently performed test from the vehicle’s on-board computer.

5. Review the recorded DTC, read hard (memory) / pending (intermittent) and historic codes and show definitions.

6. View stream data and freeze Frame, see the live data by graph or chart.

7. Review & Print can save or print the diagnostic report as need.

8. Vehicle Info will display the information such as VIN(Vehicle Identification Number), CID(Calibration ID) and CVN(Calibration Verification Number).

9.2.4’’ colorful LCD screen OBD Scanner,perform the full engine diagnosis and data for your car.

10.Pull engine related Generic and Manufacture specific, and pending trouble codes.

11.Reads and displays live sensor readings in text or graphs forms, supports unique 4 parameters compare in real time.

12.The OM126P's diagnostic speed is 2-3 times faster than other obd2 scanner with newest optimization algorithm in industry

13.Supports 10 languages and wide compatible all 12V Vehicles from 1996 and newer.

View Data Stream

Supports all data stream for compression ignition vehicles, there are 3 types of data: View all item, Select item and View graphic items. Let you view all data stream items and the live waveform of all selected items.

Steady Performance CPU

With best advanced STM-32 main chip set, The AUTOPHIX OM126P car code reader has a high speed and steady performance, which could fast read within 2-3 seconds, and quickly determind the problem of the car engine, check the engine light and show the live data.

Colorful LCD Display

The OM126P OBDII scanner has a .2.4 TFT 262K true color, 320*240 QVAG LCD display which indicates test results more Clearly and vivid,features with user-friendly UI design. The menu function is clear and there are six menu function options to choose from.

Data Review

OM126P OBD2 code reader can help you review the recorded DTC, which can review DTC, delete DTC data and delete all DTC data. Storing diagnostic data report for review and print, bulit in a lookup library to search for the definitions of DTCs stored in the DTC library and for code breaker information.

OM126P Enhanced Professional Automotive OBD2 Scanner

  1. Identifies the Powertrain information and shows current data available to the scan tool.
  2. Displays Freeze Frame Data; Used to clear DTCs and Freeze Frame Data.
  3. Display the type of powertrain or emission related DTCs stored by a 4 digit code identifying the faults.
  4. Request Oxygen Sensor Monitoring Test Results.
  5. Non-continuously Monitored Systems test results.
  6. Request for DTCs (pending) from Continuously Monitored Systems after a single driving cycle has been performed to determine if repair has fixed problem.
  7. This special Control Mode requests control of the on-board system, test, or component bi-directionally (where applicable).

AUTOPHIX 3210 Bluetooth OBD2 Enhanced Car Diagnostic Scanner for iPhone, iPad & Android, Fault Code Reader Plus Battery Tester Exclusive App for Quality-Newest Generation

AUTOPHIX

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • · 【Powerful Check Engine Light Diagnostics】Can read and diagnose your check engine light, understand the severity of the issue, and clear fault codes in a blink of an eye. More functions compared to other simple scanner like I/M Readiness, Battery Health Check, Freeze frame, O2 sensor test, On-Board Monitoring, Evap system test, Performance Test, Data Stream, and Diagnostic reports, Handy google search button, Built-in OBD II Fault code look-up library.
  • 【Necessary Battery Tester】Have you ever noticed many other scanner tools without battery tester functionality, which costs you extra or more, However, AUTOPHIX 3210 can Check the health of your battery and voltage with a tap on your phone screen, so it is in great condition when you need it the most on a freezing winter day without opening the bonnet.
  • 【 Key Point】Don't just read vehicle malfunction codes and give you code definitions, but more importantly informs you what the possible problems are with your vehicle, even if you know absolutely nothing about cars. We are here to help you know the car troubles and clear the error code for saving money, so the understandable fault code definition is important for you.
  • 【 Works on your car and your Language】A necessary wireless/Bluetooth car diagnostic tool/fault code reader for today’s car owners, downloadable on both iPhone iOS, Ipad and Android and supporting major vehicle brands and models 1996 or newer. Works in English, German, Spanish, Finnish, French, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese and Chinese.
  • 【Autophix --Repairing and Solution Consultant for your Car】Proudly designed in the USA by Professional Engineers. Tested in 50+ local car dealers in the United States before Mass production. Autophix only does car scanning. We are professional for your cars.

User questions & answers

Question: Can this be shipped to the US? All the addresses i put in wont work
Answer: Is your Amazon site in Canada? Change your store your shopping at to US . :)
Question: Connected but no response while engine running
Answer: The engine is not to be running.
Question: Does this device tell the miles of the vehicle
Answer: Sorry, the major function of this scanner is detecting engine system. It will not show miles of the vehicle.
Question: i work with 2011 and newer f-350s and f-550s, will this show me ABS and wheel speed sensor data as well
Answer: Hi, friend, thanks for your inquiry! The main function of this scanner is reading and clearing fault codes for engine codes. It will not show the ABS and wheel speed sensor data. So sorry for that we cannot provide useful information for you. If you have any questions, please contact us. Have a good day.

Product features

What does Autophix 3210 obd2 bluetooth scanner do?

Read codes&Erase codes : Quickly read the error code in 3 seconds and clear pending error code, help you save time and money to fix it yourself if possible.

Built-in OBD II Fault code look-up library : Instead of just giving you a cryptic description of what a trouble code means, we offer a lot more information on trouble codes

Evap system test: Prevent gasoline vapor evaporated from the fuel tank of the car from being discharged into the atmosphere

Data stream :Display various vehicle real-time parameters

O2 sensor test : Detect the oxygen content in the mixture.

Real Time Battery Voltage :Show the real-time voltage changes to monitor your battery health.

Live Data : Show each data source as a Graph, Gauge, or Digital Display ; Customize the colors ; Resize and place in any arrangement.

Important Vehicle Information : Vehicle specifications.

Freeze Frame : Get a snapshot of the vehicle when a Freeze Frame Code was stored.

I/M Readiness/Smog check : Determine if your vehicle is ready for an smog test.

Mode 6 : Advanced test results (like misfire counts) for On-Board Diagnostic System Monitors.

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