Look, you probably know what you are looking for when buying a new car or boosting your vehicle’s performance. But you may not always be sure what kind of tool is right for the job. When it comes to automotive repair, OBD2 readers can be used to find the right part. They remember the data, which is why they are common among mechanics and technicians.
We’ve all been there before, and many of us still find ourselves picking our next new set of car or truck parts. With Obd2 scanners magic, you can save money on car repairs. This article is about the best budget OBD2 scanner in 2022. We all know that cars are expensive. And even a simple checkout at the gas station costs more than some people make in a month.
Many of these problems can be fixed cheaply by replacing parts rather than paying for expensive repairs or replacement.
No one can trick you, but before you go car shopping, you should know what you are looking for, and the best OBD2 scanner is a great way to get that knowledge. Here we’ll take a look at the ten best options out there without blowing your bank account in the process.
What is an obd2 scanner?
On-Board Diagnostic scanners offer the most accurate data you can get on your vehicle. They are easy-to-use auto diagnostic scanners.
Most will beep or offer an alert when they detect a problem. This is a great tool to see what’s happening under the hood. When looking at the best budget obd2 scanner, you need to make sure that it works with all your vehicles. Some tools can work with multiple cars.
Best Budget obd2 Scanner you can buy in 2022
It’s frustrating to deal with cars issues. Even if you are mechanically inclined, not all of us have the tools or the time to work on your car or truck. Adding other small issues can quickly add up to significant money spent.
Let’s buy the Best Budget obd2 Scanner! Many are out there in the market, but you should pick when you need one. The following ten best budget obd2 scanner in 2022 reviews will show you each tool’s features, reasons to buy, and customer experience.
10. Innova 3020RS Code Scanner
Innova’s tools are high quality, precise, and give you access to a cloud database that has the most considerable amount of data in the world. With it, you can know your smog test before your state does it.
Key Features
- Enhanced functionality and features empower vehicle enthusiasts and home mechanics with immediate diagnosis and best fixes.
- Peak performance on the road with RepairSolutions2 on Apple App Store or Google Play for practical fixes to your automotive issues
- Up to date accurate information on your car important information and emission status
- 20 functions with dedicated hotkeys for easy understanding of the use.
Reasons to buy
- Easy to use
- Check engine lights
- Have ABS (Brake Codes)
- Shows emission status
- Reads and erase ABS Codes in 1996 and above vehicles
Customer Experience
It was got a 4.3 rating with over 1000+ customer reviews. The affordable pricing with key features and customer experience brings it to number tenth our best budget obd2 scanner in the 2022 list. Many customers have saved money with precise identification and quick repair recommendations.
9. LAUNCH CRP129X OBD2 Scanner
This is the launch 2022 all-in-one automotive scanner to efficiently complete your vehicle maintenance services. It has full OBD2 test modes with 4 system diagnoses and 5 special functions.
Key Features
- Full OBD2 diagnostic functions: Read and clear codes, freeze frame, live data, O2 diagnosis,
- Onboard system, and component diagnosis and access vehicle information.
- 4 System Diagnosis: ABS/ SRS/ Transmission Diagnosis
- Auto Vin Scan: To shorten diagnostic time and solve vehicles
- 5 service reset functions: Throttle body matching, SAS, OIL, EPB, and TPMS reset
- 9 languages and five years of service
- 6100 mAH long-lasting Battery
Reasons to buy
- Troubleshoot the dashboard warning lights
- Lifetime free one-click update
- Significantly save your time and money.
- 5 inches screen and Wi-Fi connectivity for efficient working
Customer Experience
It has got a 4.5 customer rating with over 900+ reviews. The feature of easy-to-use scanner makes it a great choice. With it, customers can easily diagnose the issues and change particular parts without any hit and trial risky approach. Touch screen makes it user-friendly and easy to navigate.
8. NEXPOW OBD2 Scanner Bluetooth 5.0 for Android & iPhone
The OBD2 scanner Bluetooth 5.0 is an Android, Windows, and iOS device-compatible cars doctor to troubleshoot any vehicle-related issues on the go. It supports almost all 1996 and later cars models.
Key Features
- Powerful car diagnostic tool compliant with full OBD II/EOBD specifications.
- It gives many wireless connection modes and supports various OBD2 apps.
- Simply read, erase and display code description problems.
- Latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology to access many sensors within your vehicle’s engine management system.
- It works across a broader range of protocols.
Reasons to Buy
- Easy to install without any tools
- Easy to connect with Bluetooth
- Compatible with iOS and android
- Monitors real-time condition of your car
Customer Experience
It has a 4.5 out of 5-star rating with over 700+ global user reviews. The device is easily connected with the vehicle, and the customer support is extremely responsive. It helps you identify the cause of car warning signals problems quickly and easily.
7. V311 Automotive CG OBDII Scanner
V311 Auto scanner is a great tool to diagnose car and truck problems. It’s been updated with the latest OBD2 code and is among the cheapest available online. The tool provides enhanced functionality with handy size, competitive cost, and quickly scan & read vehicle problems for you!
Key Features
- Reads the latest generic codes for all vehicle makes & models manufactured after 1996.
- Read and erase diagnostic trouble codes, Generic & manufacturer specific DTCs
- Retrieves VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to display vehicle information
- Works on all OBD II compliant vehicles after 2001.
- It covers five different languages.
- You might view it as an engine mechanic, the Data Analyst revealed to you by a 2.8-inch LED screen.
- The Handhold OBD2 Code Reader is now only available in orange.
- The package includes a Foseal handhold OBD Scanner, a long cable, and an accompanying manual. The device comes with 18 months of quality insurance.
Reasons to buy
- It is the cheapest price in the market.
- Works on most vehicle models and systems
- Reads error codes, displays troubleshooting chart, and drive cycle data
- Supports multiple languages.
Customer Experience
It has got a 4.6-star rating with over 75+ customer reviews. The tool is straightforward in usage and gets quick results. It is applicable for owners of all vehicles, from passenger cars to light commercial vehicles, trucks, and more.
6. CGSULIT New SC204 Mini OBDII Diagnostic Tool
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A mini OBD2 scanner is a diagnostic tool specially designed to make your vehicle maintenance easier and more efficient. It can quickly identify the issues and supply a fixed recommendation. The powerful multifunction scanner has got 3000+ detailed definition DTC libraries.
Key Features
- Multifunction Scanner: Full OBDII Mode; It is not only a scanner but also a diagnostic tool
- Scan tool with 3000+DTCs and work efficiently.
- Quickly find vehicle problems with the check engine light.
- With the small size, it can fit anywhere.
- Comprehensive vehicles coverage: it reads codes from all 1996 and later vehicles
- Read vehicle information with the VIN.
Reasons to buy
- It is one of the best prices in the market.
- Supports a wide range of features for efficient working
- Auto Code Reader allows you to read the DTCs and display related information.
- Use it for the smog test anytime in 10 languages.
- Live data to read and erase codes with mini size.
Customer Experience
It has got a 4.5-star rating with over 80+ customer reviews. The tool is easy to use without any need for professional maintenance. It helps engineers in resolving the issues in a very effective way. It has smart code understanding technology and excellent functionality at an affordable price.
5. ANCEL AD310 Classic Enhanced Universal OBD2 Scanner
We have got the best seller with a classic design with fast scanning and ease of use. It supports the most popular vehicles after 1996, and it supports both the basic OBDII functions and enhanced ABS, SRS, Transmission, and Body systems.
Key Features
- Reads and clears generic and manufacturer-specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
- Easily find the engine check the light cause.
- Directly takes power from the car, so there is no need for separate batteries.
Reasons to buy
- It is a best seller in the market with high customers.
- It is the most popular and cost-efficient in the market.
- The latest update makes it one of the best OBD2 scanners.
- Compatible with all vehicle models after 1996.
Customer Experience
It has got a 4.6-star rating with over 28000+ customer reviews. The scanner is easy to use, and the customers easily use it. The best-seller gets the job perfectly done and comes at the most affordable pricing.
4. Kungfuren Universal Car OBD2 Scanner
If you want a product at an affordable price and easy to use, this scanner is one of the best-selling products in the market. It has a classic design which is especially suitable for professionals looking for a convenient working and easy-to-install.
Key Features
- Works on Almost All Cars, Trucks, Vans, and SUVs.
- Live data to read and erase codes accurately in 6 different languages.
- Gives the confirmed diagnostic report for your vehicle
- Easy to read and use. You can save time while finding car problems with your car identification number.
- Multifunction automotive diagnostic scanner
Reasons to buy
- Affordable pricing
- Good customer experience
- Practical and multi functions
- Compact and portable
- Accurate and easy to read
- Supports 6 languages with a built-in DTC lookup library.
Customer Experience
It has got a 4.6-star rating with over 1200+ customer reviews. The device is very easy to use, and the customers are rapidly giving positive feedback on the product quality. It is easy to install and affordable to use. It saves your time by quickly identifying the problems.
3. BAFX Products Wireless Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner & Fault Code Reader
This is one of the most popular products with high customers. It is an innovative OBD-II Scanner that works seamlessly and readily displays real-time vehicle data to provide accurate analysis on the go.
Key Features
- Wireless diagnosis for android users
- Quickly find out the cause of engine light when it goes on.
- Compatible with all brands of vehicles
- Friendly customer support
- Simple to use with live data
- 2 years hassle-free warranty
Reasons to buy
- It is a cost-efficient product.
- Easy to install anywhere
- Supports multiple languages.
- Compatible with all car brands and models.
Customer Experience
It has got a 4.4-star rating with over 30,900+ customer reviews. The scanner is easy to install, and the customers quickly use it. It is compatible with all car brands and models. They can easily get the work done with just a click.
2. FOXWELL NT301 Professional Mechanic OBD2 Scanner
Featuring vehicle CEL doctor, this scanner is one of the best in the market. It is compatible with most vehicles worldwide. The advanced technology can identify any issues with the engine and display live data.
Key Features
- Cel Doctor to read your check engine light
- EASILY read and erase the code without any hassle
- Live data graphing and clogging to find any suspicious data trends.
- No battery is required as it charges directly from your vehicle.
- It has got the best price tag in the market and affordable pricing.
- It has got a built-in DTC library for error code lookup.
- Read/Erase and I/M readiness hotkeys make it easy to use the car computer reader right out of the package.
Reasons to buy
- No registration or update
- Recommended by Mechanic Scotty Kilmer on YouTube
- Unique patented design
- Arranged keypad
- Full OBD Service Modes
- Optional carrying case
Customer Experience
It has got a 4.5-star rating with more than 18400+ customer reviews. The product is easy to use, and the customers can quickly identify the issues with the engine. It has got a unique design which makes it very easy to use. It is one of the most popular products with a good customer rating.
1. Autel AutoLink AL319 OBD2 Scanner, CAN Scan Tool
The Autel AutoLink AL319 is the best in the market. It is a professional OBD2 scanner that delivers accurate and speedy readings. With an enhanced, easy-to-read LCD, the scanner can be used in almost all conditions.
The Autel AutoLink AL319 is the best in the market. It is a professional OBD2 scanner that delivers accurate and speedy readings. With an enhanced, easy-to-read LCD, the scanner can be used in almost all conditions.
Key Features
- Erase and repair errors of your car in just minutes
- Quickly find out the check engine light cause.
- Built-in DTC library to easily find out any error codes.
- Read and clear all kinds of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
- User-friendly design and high-quality services
- Compatible with 7 languages to provide high-quality services
Reasons to buy
- Compatible with almost all vehicles
- 12 months warranty with lifetime free updates
- User-friendly design
- Best for end users and drivers
- Cost-efficient
Customer Experience
It has got a 4.6-star rating with over 17000+ customer reviews. The scanner comes at very affordable pricing, and the customers are quickly using it. The design and quality services of the scanner make it one of the best-selling OBD2 scanners.
So, the above is the best OBD2 scanners that you can buy for your vehicle. I hope this list will help you choose a good product.
How to use the obd2 scanner?
Once you have an obd2 scanner, now it’s time to use it on your car. Don’t worry; we’ve got a guide to help with the basics. On-Board Diagnostic scanners work by connecting to your car’s computer system.
This allows them to read and record data about your vehicle’s systems. Mechanics and technicians use most OBD2 scanners to diagnose and repair problems with their vehicles.
Step-by-step guide to using your OBD2 scanner
Some people get frustrated when they cannot use their OBD2 scanner. But these scanners are simple to use. So don’t worry about the process and follow this guide.
- Connect the device to your car: Connect the OBD2 scanner to your car’s data line. This is often located under the dashboard or inside the glove compartment. You can also check the owner’s manual to find out where it is. Select the correct adapter for your car and then hook it up using the instructions provided. Some scanners have multiple functions, so you may need to switch them off before using the adapter correctly.
- Switch on your vehicle: Make sure that the engine is running, and everything is on. The scanner cannot get accurate measurements if there is no power.
- Obd2 Scanner Code reading: Once connected, your car will beep a few times, and then the scanner will begin to work. If you have a problem with your engine, it may take a few minutes before the scanner provides results. During this time, your car will beep every few seconds. This is normal and should not have any effect on your vehicle.
- Launch the tool to Scan your vehicle: Launch the program and connect your vehicle to the scanner. To scan your vehicle, you need to switch the scanner on and press its corresponding icon. Then, use the OBD2 scanner to tell you what is going on with your car.
- Check your results in the OBD2 scanner’s menu: Look at the measurements and see what’s wrong with your car. Using the best budget obd2 scanner, you will see many useful results.
- Repair your car: If the result matches the diagnosis, you can buy a new part to fix it. Most OBD2 scanners can replace a damaged part with a cheap one, which may not be a problem. You just must change the parts that are affected by this.
- Exit the tool: Take care of any remaining issues with your car and disconnect the scanner. You can also close the program if you don’t need it anymore.
- Upgrade your vehicle with the new parts: Buy an original part for your car and replace them. It’s a better approach to test the new parts so that you can check the accuracy of your OBD2 scanner.
- Use the scanner again: If you notice that your car needs some maintenance or repair, then use the OBD2 scanner again. For example, you can use it to check your engine performance or look for potential problems soon.
Is it safe to use an obd2 scanner?
Most of the time, OBD2 scanners are completely safe to use. Of course, you don’t want to poke around your car’s computer system unless you know what you’re doing. Paying attention to the instructions is one of the easiest ways to use this tool safely. If you follow the instructions, you can be sure that nothing terrible will happen. But there are some things you should know before you use this tool.
You should always be careful when you are dealing with car repairs. Some repairs can cause serious damage to your vehicle, especially if you do it incorrectly. So, after diagnosing the problem, get it repaired by a professional.
Some scanners are not compatible with all cars. Before you buy, read the features and reviews. And make sure the obd2 scanner works with the vehicle you want to scan. Of course, there is no need to get a new tool if it does not work with your car.
Some warnings need to be taken seriously. For example, if the scanner is still working, it could be damaged. And you should also take care of any tools you can use for illegal purposes.
Before you start a repair, disconnect your car from all sources of power. This will avoid any confusion in power lines.
Do not connect multiple devices to your vehicle. This can confuse the car and cause additional problems. You should always check the instructions to see if this is possible.
How to read the obd2 scanner?
Another matter needs to be considered. You will have to find how to read the results from the OBD2 scanner. Since it is not a traditional mechanical device, you don’t want to break it while reading the results. So, you need to pay attention and follow the instructions.
Here is a short guide to reading your OBD2 scanner’s results.
- Light up your car’s dashboard: First, turn on your lights to make it easier to read the results from the OBD2 scanner.
- Press the “scan” button: You should go to the first screen, where you will see a list of possible problems. Each one is represented by a flashing symbol corresponding to your vehicle’s make and model.
- Select the problem: Find the flashing symbol and press it to select your problem. While doing this, your car will beep to confirm your selection.
- Check your readings: Press the button to see some basic information about your issue. You will see a short description of the problem and the possible causes.
- Display details about each problem: Read the results from your OBD2 scanner and see what the problem is. Most scanners will display a list of potential problems and what you can do to fix them.
- Read your OBD2 scanner’s manual: When you are familiar with your OBD2 scanner, you should read the manual. It will tell you what you need to know to get the most out of it.
- Use your OBD2 scanner correctly: Sometimes, the results can be confusing. Make sure that you are using your OBD2 scanner correctly before taking any action.
- Press “next” to see more problems: Continue until you have checked everything on your screen. You may want to try more devices instead of reading every problem from your scanner. Sometimes, it is easier to use a device compatible with two different vehicles.
- Exit the scanner: When you are done, press “next” until you exit the scanner. If you want to use it again, you can launch it and press “scan.”
- Disconnect your scanner: When you are done using your OBD2 scanner, turn off the engine and disconnect the scanner. This will avoid additional problems while you are using it.
How to clear obd2 codes without a scanner?
You should know several ways to clear OBD II codes without a scanner, although it depends on the specific model.
Here is a short guide to clearing your OBD II codes without using a scanner:
- Clear the CEL with the OBD II Powertrain Control Module (PCM): The PCM is a device that receives information from the engine, transmission, and other systems. The PCM stores this data in the memory and monitors it with standard OBD II codes. These codes work in conjunction with an SRS light. When you check the status of your SRS light and get a flashing CEL, you need to clear it.
- Check your battery voltage: If you are still getting CELs, then the battery is weak. To check the voltage, go to your car’s computer and look at the memory by using a multimeter.
- Check your fuel pressure: If you have a weak battery, it will affect the pressure on your fuel pump. When the fuel pressure gets too low, you may get CELs and C0D codes.
- Look for the problem with the engine: If you want to go further, you should check your car’s battery, fuel pump, and other components. The engine may be a problem if it is not working properly.
- Check your air filter: If you have dirt in your air filter, it will affect the engine’s performance. You need to clean it with a genuine product. Then, the CEL and C0D codes will be removed.
- Check the spark: The spark can be weak if it is not working properly. You should go to your car’s computer and check the voltage of all connectors. But if your car has more than one engine, you need to check the components that control each engine to find a solution.
What factors matter when buying an OBD2 Scanner?
Now it’s time to choose the best OBD2 scanner on the market. When you select a scanner for your vehicle, consider many conditions. These include the following:
- Equipment and availability: The equipment used to read OBD II codes is different depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Some work better than others. You should consider the range of accessories and the specific software used.
- Compatibility: The scanner should be compatible with your car and its make and model. To make sure this is done, you can contact your vehicle’s manufacturer before buying it.
- Features: There are a variety of scanners. Each one has its own set of features and capabilities. When you choose what you need, make sure that it is possible to get the results.
- Price: You should also consider the price of your scanner. Be careful not to choose a device that is too expensive. Even if it meets your requirements, it can be better to spend less money on another device that meets your needs better than a costly scanner.
- Easy use and functionality: You should think about how easy it is to use the scanner. Try to focus on the user’s manual and which functions are easy to use. You should also look at what you can do with a scanner.
- Coverage: You have several options when it comes to an OBD2 scanner. Some are designed to work with more than one vehicle. This means that you can get a scanner to work on more than one vehicle.
Takeaway
You can use many different scanners to read your vehicle’s OBD2 codes. Some are more expensive than others. However, some are more affordable and will meet your requirements.
If you buy one and are not satisfied, you can find one that works better for your needs. Our curated 10 Best Budget obd2 Scanner in 2022 list can help you find the perfect one.