OBD Scan Tools - Automotive Diagnostics

OBD - what is OBD? In the early seventies, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) introduced a new policy that mandated the use of on board diagnostics (OBD) for vehicles driven in the USA. Similar requirements were also introduced by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). This led to the development of new technologies that allowed mechanics and service technicians to monitor almost all aspects of vehicle performance on instruments hooked up to data ports on cars. OBD II replaced OBD I in the mid-nineties with more sophisticated monitoring systems and OBD III is on the horizon.

Known in the trade as a 'scan tool', at first these OBD systems were expensive and generally cost effective only for dealers and mechanics that were using them everyday.

The newest generation of OBD scan tools has arrived, providing the ability to view the data can be fed to your local desktop PC or laptop via the serial port. You can order your own complete OBD scan tool solution, for under $60 - see below ...

When your MIL lamp (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) stays on after you start your vehicle (also known as 'Check Engine' light) and you get a 'service engine' message, this is the tool you need. With these tools, you can reset the light and fetch the DTC's (Data Trouble Codes) from your car to help get a head start on understanding what the problem might be.