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On-Board Diagnostics (OBD)
On-Board Diagnostics, or OBD, in an automotive context, is a generic term referring to a vehicle's self-diagnostic and reporting capability. OBD systems give the vehicle owner or a repair technician access to state of health information for various vehicle sub-systems. The amount of diagnostic information available via OBD has varied widely since the introduction in the early 1980's of on-board vehicle computers, which made OBD possible. Early instances of OBD would simply illuminate a malfunction indicator light, or MIL, if a problem were detected—but would not provide any information as to the nature of the problem. Modern OBD implementations use a standardized fast digital communications port to provide myriad realtime data in addition to a standardized series of diagnostic trouble codes, or DTCs, which allow one to rapidly identify and remedy malfunctions within the vehicle.
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Onboard Diagnostics Cadillac
Up until recently the on-board diagnostic system could be interfaced via the instrument panel. This is a problem I am having when the temperature is low, upon startup. Turn up your speakers.
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The New Standard
What can we expect in the near future..
Starting in 2008, a new standard called "CAN" will become mandatory for all vehicles, and some auto manufacturers are already producing CAN-compliant vehicles. OBD II code readers may or may not work with CAN vehicles - check the product detail page to check if the scanner works with OBD II, CAN, or both. Some scanners also work with the older OBD-I standard (for some vehicles from the mid-'80s thru 1995) or other manufacturer-specific formats.Three manufacturers currently in the popular automotive handheld readers/scanners are Actron, AutoXray, and Equus. Each has a number of models ranging from simple and inexpensive devices to deluxe, complex units. Every device will read codes from OBD-II autos and reset the "check engine" light; advanced models feature more informative screens, battery power to store codes after the unit is unplugged, and broader compatibility with earlier OBD-I vehicles or new CAN vehicles. "Code Readers" pull codes from the car's on-board computers, while "Scanners" also monitor vehicle data from a vehicle's sensors in realtime.
Where to shop
- Diagnostic & Test Tools @ Discount-Auto-Parts
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Favorites
Favorites in Automotive Code Readers / Scanners at Amazon.com
Equus 3130 Innova Diagnostic Code Scanner with Live, Record and Playback Data Capability for OBDII Vehicles
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Amazon Price: $135.64 (as of 07/12/2009) 
List Price: $346.80
Usually ships in 24 hours
Autel MaxiScan MS300 CAN OBD-II Code Reader
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Amazon Price: $39.99 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $39.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
Equus 3140 Innova Diagnostic Code Scanner for OBDI and OBDII Vehicles
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Amazon Price: $214.44 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $477.51
Usually ships in 24 hours
Actron CP9175 AutoScanner Diagnostic Code Scanner with Freeze Frame Data for OBDII Vehicles
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Amazon Price: $98.20 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $258.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
Actron CP9410 PocketScan Plus Diagnostic Code Reader for OBDII Vehicles
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Amazon Price: $55.44 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $136.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
DIY Resource Links
- DIY Auto Repair Help - Car Maintenance, Troubleshooting, How To Tutorials
- You can do your own auto repairs by following out easy step-by-step do-it-yourself tutorials which show you how to diagnose, troubleshoot, repair, fix, modify and maintain your car or truck. We cover troubleshooting, regular maintenance, tune ups, brakes, transmission problems, electrical, OBD...
- DIY Auto Repair | Auto-Facts.org
- The Diy auto repair page provides free car and truck repair information. Master mechanic offers helpful tips for do it yourself auto repair mechanics.
- Mitchell 1, eAutoRepair.net - Do-it-Yourself Automotive Repair Information.
- eAutoRepair.net is an online "DIY" product from Mitchell 1.
A division of Snap-on, Mitchell 1 has been the leading publisher of repair information to professional mechanics for 90 years. Now YOU can access and print the same Diagnostic, Repair, Technical Service Bulletins, Recalls and Maintenance information from your computer at www.eAutoRepair.net
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Actron
Actron CP9180 AutoScanner Plus Diagnostic Code Scanner with Live, Record and Playback Data Capability and O2 Monitor Test for OBDII Vehicles
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Amazon Price: $133.28 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $282.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
Actron CP9125 PocketScan Code Reader
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Amazon Price: $64.97 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $135.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
Actron CP9410 PocketScan Plus Diagnostic Code Reader for OBDII Vehicles
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $55.44 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $136.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
Actron CP9145 AutoScanner Diagnostic Code Scanner with Live, Record and Playback Data Capability for OBDII Vehicles
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Amazon Price: $108.61 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $476.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
Actron CP9150 AutoScanner Diagnostic Code Scanner Kit (Includes CP9145 Base Scanner, OBDI & OBDII Cables with Hard Case)
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Amazon Price: $172.84 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $582.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
Equus
Equus 3030 Innova Diagnostic Code Reader for OBDII Vehicles
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Amazon Price: $59.99 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $128.06
Usually ships in 24 hours
Equus 3130 Innova Diagnostic Code Scanner with Live, Record and Playback Data Capability for OBDII Vehicles
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $135.64 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $346.80
Usually ships in 24 hours
Equus 3140 Innova Diagnostic Code Scanner for OBDI and OBDII Vehicles
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $214.44 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $477.51
Usually ships in 24 hours
Equus 3100 Innova CanOBD2 Diagnostic Tool
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Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $192.09
Usually ships in 24 hours
Equus 3145 Ford Digital Code Reader
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Amazon Price: $24.99 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $42.01
Usually ships in 24 hours
AutoXray
AutoXray EZ-Read 2000 Advanced Code Reader
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Amazon Price: $79.99 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $199.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
AutoXray EZ-Read 1000 Code Reader
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Amazon Price: $49.99 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $159.99
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
AutoXray EZ-Read 1000 OBD II Code Reader W/UPDATE CD!
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Amazon Price: $29.95 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price:
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
'Autoxray C.A.N. Automotive Code Reader - Code Scout
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Amazon Price: $157.99 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price:
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
AutoXray (AXR4000) EZ-SCAN 4000 Code Reader
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Amazon Price: $164.63 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $445.99
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Auctions on eBay
Automotive Code Readers / Scanners on eBay
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Recommended Reading
How To Use Automotive Diagnostic Scanners (Motorbooks Workshop)
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Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 07/12/2009)
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Automotive Diagnostic Fault Codes Manual (Haynes Techbooks)
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Chilton 2006 General Motors Diagnostic Service Manual (Chilton General Motors Diagnostic Service Manual)
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Amazon Price: $52.10 (as of 07/12/2009)
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OneAutoBox Recommends
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byAutomotive Code Readers / Scanners on the Blogs
- Car Code Reader » Actron CP9185 Elite AutoScanner Diagnostic Code ...
- July 8, 2009 ? 4:20 am Car Code Reader has listed some of the best car diagnostic scanners on the market with some incredible discounts. Due to our high volume, Amazon.com has passed on huge discounts to our customers. ... The CP9185 Elite Autoscanner from Actron, a leading manufacturer of automotive diagnostic tools, has the upgrades customers asked for. This feature packed unit offers DIYers and technicians the ability to read enhanced codes, graph engine data, ...
- Actron Obd Ii Trilingual Auto Scanner Cp9175
- OBD II Trilingual AutoScanner easily retrieves diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and code definitions from your vehicle's computer. actron cp9175, automotive diagnostic scanner, obd ii code reader, obd ii scanners, This item: Actron ...
- Equus Products: Equus 3140 Innova Diagnostic Code Scanner for OBDI ...
- Product Details. Amazon Sales Rank: #184 in Automotive; Color: Taiwan; Brand: Equus; Model: 3140; Dimensions: 10.25" h x 3.00" w x 15.00" l, 6.00 pounds ... I've been working on cars a while now and I've used a few of these type of code readers/scanners (Snap-on and Mac) and I've found that this one does almost everything you would expect a pro model to do and a price that can't be beat. Shows everything you really need to know, the screen is very large and easy to ...
- Equus Products: Equus 3130 Innova Diagnostic Code Scanner with ...
- But even if you're a veteran to scanners and auto repair, you'll be impressed with the new functionality that Equus has added to the 3130. This device not only scans your vehicle, it also allows you to freeze-frame live timing and ...
See it on Video
Automotive Code Readers / Scanners in the News
- Leuze electronics announce barcodes and 2D codes can now be read ...
- Can you read two things at once Leuze electronic LSIS120 Barcode and 2D code reader can. Leuze electronics 40mm wide by 32mm high rugged IP67 rated LSIS 120 ...
- Leuze electronic's BCL500 Helps Reduce Unread Barcodes.
- The high-end 500 series of 1D code readers BCL5xxi comprises seventy two variants including line scanner or oscillating mirrors with interface options ...
- Continental gets lean with Xterprise
- The personnel who receive the shipments have traditionally used barcode scanners to check the incoming supplies against the shipping orders in the company's ...
- Microscan's barcode scanner employs sweeping laser
- You can use the industrial scanner for track, trace, and control applications in almost any automated manufacturing environment, including automotive ...
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