Best OBD 2 Code Scanner? Are All The Same? Let's Find Out!

Oh no. There's no greater anxiety than recently purchasing a tool and then Project Farm does a video on them...

One thing to keep in mind about all of these products is that they all work on what is known as Mode $06 (Mode 6) on the OBDII protocol. As such, they will only display OBDII mode 6 codes, which are generic codes that are not manufacturer specific. This is what is pulled during a vehicle emission inspection. The better ones will display most trans codes (actually they all should) as these are a part of the generic OBDII codes. There may be manufacturer specific codes which may not display in mode 6. A full scan tool with manufacturer support will allow you not only to see the manufacturer specific codes, but also trouble codes in other modules throughout the car (radio, BCM, etc). There are these available on Amazon starting around $3-400. A good suggestion for a future video would be comparing features of these kinds of scan tools.

I don’t need 80% of the stuff you review but I watch every vid

I bought the Foxwell NT301 using your link to Amazon. I appreciate your work. Thank you very much. I've bought other things as well. When shopping I see if you have covered the product. I choose things based on what I learn from you.

Yes on the BT scanners

The fact that almost 90% of new cars and trucks have a screen and they can't display that data is a disgrace to the entire auto industry.

Wow I just got my first check engine light and you posted this 2 days ago! It feels like every time I'm in the market for something, you pop up to save the day.

The clear and efficient way that you talk through how you're using the tool (and why) is so valuable. I purchased a code scanner a couple weeks before this video was released but I still got a lot of value out of the video. I had assumed that the freeze frame feature on my scanner was just some kind of screenshot feature in the scan tool, but as you went through the test it immediately became clear to me what the freeze frame feature actually is and how it could be useful to me. I'm guessing that it's not an accident that your videos are such effective teaching material as well as purchasing information. It's an impressive feat of writing, performing, and editing to get as much teaching in as you do without making it feel like you're trying to teach anything. Thanks for the work that you're doing.

Add me to the list of people wanting to see another video of more expensive scanners and blue tooth scanners as well. Great content as usual and been waiting for this particular video for a while now.

Finally someone tested cheap scanners side-by-side. One request: check if "time since codes were last erased" feature is available. It is a good "smell check" when buying a used car.

I've been wanting a video comparing OBD2 scanners, glad you're the one to make it, you're an absolute legend!

I would love to see a video comparing borescope inspection cameras. Klein, Milwaukee, vevor, depstech, Ames instruments, kobalt, Ridgid, triplet are some brand suggestions that seem popular. Some test suggestions: - cable flexibility, stiff and holds position or more flexible - Image quality (how close do you need to be for clear image, how wide of an angle is the image, image quality in dark areas, etc.) - battery life - cable durability - cable diameter and ability to enter different sized holes that it may commonly be used in (automotive/spark plugs, plumbing/drains, holes in drywall)

A few years ago, based on a Scotty Kilmer video, I bought a Blue Driver Bluetooth scanner. Cost about $100. I’ve used it for at least five years and it has never let me down. It not only pulls CEL codes, but Pending codes as well. Best $100 I’ve ever spent.

I would definitely like to see the next price tier up from these. As a DIY guy I wouldn't mind spending a little bit more if it helps avoid a trip to a mechanic for diagnostics. Thanks for all you do, I am always thankful for your scientific approach in testing these and your videos have guided my purchases several times, on everything from strong trimmer line to cordless vacuum cleaners!

Thank you for this video. ive been searching for a good, but affordable scanner for a while. an unbiased opinion is what i needed. i used your link and purchased the foxwell 301. Thank you for your product reviews, it really influences my purchases!

What I like in an OBD reader is the ability to manually test individual solenoids and such. Awesome video thank you

I have a VERY expensive Snap-On scanner for when I have to do complicated diagnostics. However it takes so long to boot up and connect that I also have one of these small scanners for when I just need to pull a quick code (Pretty sure it's a Foxwell). These cheap scanners definitely have their place, even in a shop. Thanks for testing them. BTW, this is the ONLY channel I support financially. That's how awesome this channel is.

Just got off a 13 and a half hour shift. Nothing has brought me as much joy today than seeing that project farm posted a new video.

Thanks. These are really handy tools. I like that your DOE included the number of button strikes to navigate the menus.

Perfect timing, First issue with my Toyota with 200k + miles and need to get a scanner. Bought several things based on your testing and reviews. Keep it up!!!