The world of car diagnostics has changed a lot over the last 50 years. Back in the '70s and earlier, a mechanic's most valuable diagnostic tools were usually their eyes and ears. You could figure out ...

Before I figured out how to work on cars, onboard computer systems scared me. I’ve had no formal training, after all, so the idea of a car’s complex electricals and countless sensors made DIY work ...

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. The OBD acronym stands for on-board diagnostics, a system built into modern vehicles that monitors the performance of the engine and other ...

️ Editor's note: This product category requires new testing about once a year. We'll update this article with the most recent information when it's available. Modern cars are technological marvels, ...

What is OBD-II: A standardized system in all cars since 1996 that monitors engine, transmission, and emissions, storing trouble codes when something’s off. Why it matters: Reading codes with a scanner ...

Diagnosing automotive problems used to be much more challenging. A mechanic had to use all of their skills to pinpoint mechanical or electrical issues. Nowadays, you can diagnose many problems ...

In 2026, the gap between professional diagnostics and DIY capability has narrowed significantly, thanks to a new generation of Bluetooth OBD2 scanners and smartphone apps that cost less than a tank of ...

View post: Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Golf Ball Hail & 60 MPH Gusts Hammer Highways from Oklahoma to Alabama Autoblog may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and ...

If you've been involved in automotive repair for a while, you probably know that modern vehicles use onboard diagnostic (OBD) systems to help notify us when there's a problem. The OBD system works ...

If you own a car built after 1996, it comes equipped with a second-generation onboard diagnostic (OBD or OBDII) system. These systems work together with the vehicle's primary computer or powertrain ...

We've all been there—that pesky check engine light pops up on your dashboard. Instantly, thoughts of expensive mechanic bills, weeks of it being repaired in the garage, and inconveniences galore flash ...

A Bluetooth code reader connected to a vehicle. - Maddox/Harbor Freight It's never a good time when one or more dashboard lights decide to turn on. While some dashboard lights are more common and ...