For anyone who likes to get under the hood of their car, a Car Fault Reader has moved from a ‘nice to have’ to an absolute essential. In today’s vehicles, understanding those engine fault codes is key to diagnosing problems and getting them fixed quickly and efficiently.
Are car fault readers a worthwhile investment? Absolutely. They offer the quickest route to understanding what’s wrong with your vehicle. Without a car fault reader, you’re looking at a trip to a garage just to identify the issue – and with labor costs at independent garages averaging around $60-$75 per hour, that’s a cost most of us would rather avoid. By pairing a car fault reader with a comprehensive online resource like Haynes AutoFix, you gain the power to diagnose and fix many common car problems and electrical issues yourself, right at home, using standard tools.
The market offers a wide array of car fault readers, yet their core function remains the same. Many of these devices are surprisingly affordable, often costing less than a single diagnostic visit to a garage. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best car fault reader for your needs? We’ve tested a selection, with prices ranging from budget-friendly to professional-grade, to help you decide.
Understanding the Car Fault Reader
Traditionally, a car fault reader, also known as an OBD scanner, was a dedicated handheld computer designed to interface with your car’s electronic control unit (ECU). Its primary job is to interpret and display fault codes, among other diagnostic data. You can find basic car fault readers for as little as $20, while professional models with advanced features can cost hundreds. Regardless of price, a competent car fault reader should, at a minimum:
- Establish communication with your vehicle’s system.
- Read and display diagnostic fault codes.
- Allow you to clear or reset fault codes.
It’s important to note that while most basic car fault readers can handle these core tasks, they typically won’t reset service lights or manage systems like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), SRS (Supplemental Restraint System), or oil life monitors. For these more in-depth procedures, resources like Haynes AutoFix offer step-by-step guidance to complement your car fault reader.
Discover Haynes AutoFix for Your Car Today
How Car Fault Readers Access Vehicle Data
The technology behind car fault readers relies on On-Board Diagnostics, or OBD. This system is accessed through a standardized port, often described as resembling an old-style SCART connector. Since January 1, 2001, all gasoline passenger cars sold in Europe have been equipped with OBD ports, with diesel models following suit in 2004. This 16-pin connector is known as OBD2 in most parts of the world and EOBD (European On-Board Diagnostics) in Europe.
This OBD port not only provides a communication channel but also supplies power to the car fault reader. This eliminates the need for separate power sources like batteries or external power cables for the scanner itself.
