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 ...

From spotting a loose gas cap to revealing complex engine issues, OBD-II has revolutionized how we understand and maintain our cars. With the right scanner, you can read trouble codes, monitor live ...

From its smog-fighting beginnings to today’s real-time data streaming, OBD-II has transformed car diagnostics for drivers, mechanics, and manufacturers alike. It standardized ports and codes, making ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Since the mandate of the OBD-II port in 1996, auto mechanics have accessed vital information about your vehicle by tapping into ...

OBD-II diagnostic device BlueDriver interprets engine error codes to suggest what might need fixing, and lets you know if your car is ready for a smog check. Wayne ...

This article was updated in November 2025 with new information. You know you’ve earned your DIY stripes when you can stay calm the moment something goes wrong. And with cars, that moment usually ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Modern cars are technological marvels, and understanding what’s happening under the hood has never been more important—or more ...