To access the information from the ECU (Electronic-Control-Unit), one needs a computer and software to plug the port and gain access. Step 3: Launch OBD2 software, and click “Connect”. Step 1: Connect ELM327 to your car’s OBD port. With the data, a technician can determine the car’s problems and see if maintenance is required. Most automobiles you on the road today all have an on-board diagnostics, or an OBD2 port which provides access to all the data from the engine control unit (ECU). Today’s cars can collect information navigating the best route available, to adjusting the fluids in the car to fit the driving condition, to lastly, detecting errors in the engine. With the technological advancement, automobiles are becoming increasingly smarter. However, as we have advanced in all aspects, cars now are equipped with the most technological items that one can think of, from air conditioner, to navigation, to even autopilot. What started off a form of transportation to solely move people from point A to point B has not turn into a luxurious, fast option to transport people from A to B.īefore the technological boom, cars were plain and simple and easy to fix. And purchase one that suits your unique car needs.Īlso for reasons of saving your reading-time, we’ve kept all reviews, in bullet points.īrief intro guide about Scanners / Code readers / General diagnostic tools:Īutomotive engineering has come a long way since Karl Benz developed the first petrol or gasoline power automobile in 1885.

We advise to visit their website, get a sense of trustworthiness. For this very reason, we approve PC-only.Īnd having used and tested various car software for over 10 years - we present 7 worthy OBD2 diagnostic software packages… What consumers don’t know is, most popular smartphone OBD2 applications have stripped-down functionality. While OBD mobile apps came only recently. Frankly, we’re not fond of Android/iOS apps because (1) many get abandoned due to competition of new on-board-diagnostics apps, and (2) they’re not built by car companies, but mostly freelancers.įor instance, OBD-II related software for PC has been around since early 1990’s. Meaning we won’t focus on mobile apps, but on laptop software. Because both are independently convincing.Īlthough our years of vehicle workshop experience easily identifies a “me-too” check-engine-light reader – from OBD-2 software approved by savvy automotive technicians. Each company mentioned below has a long track record of OBD2 expertise.įor example, a standard car driver will neglect subtle, yet important differences in two OBD reader kits.

Because competing automotive scan tools have saturated the market for sake of profit, this trend has shifted focus away from features.įor this reason, we’ve felt compelled to bring light to established innovators of diagnostics solutions. Purpose of this article is to save you time researching reliable professional OBD software for your PC/laptop/mobile.

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