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 ...

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 ...

Your car’s OBD-II system is like a built-in health monitor, storing trouble codes when something’s wrong. Learning to read these codes helps you decide whether to keep driving or head straight to a ...

On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) scanners, required in U.S. vehicles since 1996, have progressed from simple fault code readers to advanced systems capable of real-time data monitoring and, in some cases ...

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 ...

Onboard diagnostics (OBD) systems have been around since the 1980s and were developed to help limit harmful automotive exhaust emissions. Between 1988 and 1995, U.S.-built vehicles came with what's ...

The Standard's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Modern cars are great, except when they go wrong. The number of ...

Something we all dread seeing is the check engine light popping up on our dash. Instead of guessing what’s going on, OBD2 diagnostic scanners can look over your car’s systems and help you figure out ...

I was recently at a seminar going over some diagnostics for some of the problematic and reoccurring fault codes. The general discussion led us in an interesting direction about the nature of fault ...