Diagnostics & electrical
OBD2 scanner
Read the check-engine code yourself before anyone quotes you a repair.
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Where to buy
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Why you need it
- Every car since 1996 has the same port under the dash. A scanner tells you which sensor or system tripped the light.
- Lets you clear a code after a fix and confirm it stays off.
- Better units show live data, so you can watch coolant temperature, fuel trims or misfire counts while the engine runs.
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What to look for
- A code reader with a built-in screen is simplest; a Bluetooth dongle plus a phone app is cheaper and shows more.
- Live data and freeze-frame are worth paying for.
- ABS, airbag and transmission codes usually need a mid-range scanner; basic readers only see engine codes.
- Oil-life and service-reset functions save a trip to the dealer on some makes.
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Goes with
Diagnostics & electrical
Battery charger / maintainer
Keeps a stored car, boat or second vehicle ready to start, and rescues a battery that sat flat.
Diagnostics & electrical
Lithium jump starter
A battery pack the size of a paperback that starts a dead car without a second vehicle.
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