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 ...

After all, that’s precisely what the shop will do—so why not arm yourself with the same info? These days, there’s a huge range of scanners available, from basic plug-ins to high-tech Bluetooth models ...

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 ...

Seeing your vehicle's check-engine light come on can throw a wrench in your travel plans. It can also feel a little scary: Does it mean your ride is headed for the scrapyard? Or is there a simple fix?

Today’s vehicles may be festooned with exotic tech, but one of the most useful features is also one of the most underrated: the humble OBD-II port (On-Board Diagnostics). Hidden away under a plastic ...

How we test OBD-II scanners Most OBD-II scanners on the market draw power from the vehicle’s onboard OBD-II socket, which means the only way to properly test them is to plug them into a car and get ...

That's where OBD-II scanners come in, giving enthusiasts and everyday drivers a window into their vehicle's diagnostic systems. If you're chasing down the cause of a check-engine light, ensuring peak ...

Rich Hein is a veteran technology journalist with more than two decades covering developer, consumer and enterprise topics. Rich's career has been dedicated to service journalism, connecting readers ...

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