The modern automobile contains many complex systems, and is designed to identify its own issues as they arise via on-board ...

The Actron PocketScan is a good entry-level OBD code reader for the driveway mechanic.Actron The primary purpose of the OBD-II connection is for emissions testing, but one of the first and most ...

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 ...

It is obvious—painfully so, to some—that vehicles have become considerably more dependent on electronics. We are all aware that performance gains on our new cars often aren't as easily obtainable as ...

If you've ever gone to a mechanic for a check engine light problem on your car, then chances are you've heard the technician say something about an OBD scanner. It's a handheld phone-like device that ...

For some time now, vehicles sold across the world have had the ability to self diagnose their problems. This capacity is referred to in the industry as on-board diagnostics, or OBD. On-board computers ...

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 ...

The check engine light is both a friend and foe. For those who take their cars to the shop for repairs, it’s a symbol of impending treachery and rising credit card bills. But to those who shoulder the ...

In 1976, Chrysler ushered in the computer engine management system era with their Electronic Lean Burn 400 4-bbl. This early computerized spark-advance control system was developed to make the engine ...

Everyone knows how imperative it is to service their vehicles to make sure they’re running smoothly and efficiently. But even if someone is following the manufacturer-suggested service intervals and ...