The best OBD 2 scanners to take to The Dealer Auctions

I’m going to do a video on this, soon as my new scanner comes in from Amazon (never lend out your scanner to a friend!). Meanwhile, read thru this short article and get a better understanding about this essential tool. It will save you from unnecessary heartache and pocketache ($$$). Most Dealer auctions allow you access to the vehicles if you come early enough (before the vehicle is run thru the lane).

OBD 2 scanners can diagnose thousands of car problems and they should all work on all cars (foreign and domestic)  made since 1996. The best OBD2 scanners can turn off the check-engine light and, for example, distinguish a broken catalytic converter from a clogged EGR valve, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars or even thousands pf dollars…not to mention the time saved too.

There are two types of OBD 2 scanners: the handheld units that have a connection cable and screen as well as smaller units that plug into the car’s OBD port and connect to a phone or tablet via Bluetooth. The best OBD 2 scanners are small enough to fit in a glove box and were purchased from Amazon for less than $100.

There are dozens of very good scanners on the market, these is just a short list to get you going. I want you to see and get a feel for the features that you will want in a OBD scanner. No need to go over $100 or so for the extra bells and whistles.

The best OBD 2 scanners can be a lifesaver when your car’s “check engine” light comes on. That’s because these devices can tell you the cause of the problem — potentially saving you money and grief. No longer do you have to rely on a mechanic to diagnose car issues. And onboard diagnostic scanner (OBD 2) helps you figure out what’s wrong with the car and then have it fixed.

1. Ancel BD310

In my opinion, one of the best OBD 2 scanners for most people. Simple, efficient, work well.

Display/size: Color/2 inches | Size: 5.1 x 2.4 x 0.6-inches | Weight: 5.4 ounces | Bluetooth/Handheld: Yes/Yes | I/M Readiness test: Yes | Displays live data: Yes | Number of keys: 4 | Warranty: 3 years

Small and light device Designed as scanner and supplemental car display. Can work as handheld scanner or with a phone. Has a  rudimentary 4-key interface

The best OBD 2 scanner overall, Ancel’s BD310 is just as good as a handheld scanner with a screen as it is when connected to a phone or tablet via Bluetooth. It can also augment the car’s cockpit with a supplemental display.

 

2. Autel AutoLink AL539

This is a very smart choice for checking out hidden electrical issues older cars on the auction lane. This is a must have for  you guys that love BMWs, Audis, and Jaquars!  lol

Display/size: Color/2.8 inches | Size: 6.7 x 3.6 x 1.4 ounces | Weight: 10.6-ounces | Bluetooth/Handheld: Yes/No | I/M Readiness test: Yes | Displays live data: Yes | Number of keys: 8 | Warranty: 1 year

Electrical Multimeter Battery for electrical meter Includes stand. You wont be able to use OBD scanner and electrical meter at the same time.

Autel’s  AutoLink AL539 does something that most other OBD 2 scanners can’t: It can check electrical connections with a built-in multimeter to uncover pesky electrical problems. Unfortunately, the multimeter is a stand-alone function that doesn’t work when the AL539 is connected to the car as an OBD 2 scanner.

The  Autel AutoLink AL319 is truly the ultimate in ease and affordability, enabling users to verify repairs, road test, check State Emission Monitor Status and solve basic engine and driveability problems. It eliminates drive cycle guesswork by notifying the driver with color codes LEDs, audible tone and dynamic all-in-one I/M readiness status.

Works on most 1996 and newer vehicles (OBD II & CAN)-domestic and import

• Features the unique patented One-Click I/M Readiness Key for quick State Emissions readiness check and drive cycle verification
• Bright color coded LEDs and built in speaker provide both visual and audible indication for readiness verification
• Retrieves generic (P0, P2, P3, and U0), manufacturer specific (P1, P3, and U1) codes, and pending codes
• Easily determines the cause of the Malfunction Indicator Light( MIL)
• Turns off Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL), clears codes and resets monitors
• Displays DTC definitions on the TFT color screen
• Views freeze frame data
• Displays monitor and I/M readiness status (emissions)
• Reads live PCM datastream
• Retrieves vehicle information(VIN, CIN and CVN)
• Multilingual menu and DTC definitions- English, Spanish and French, etc
• Extremely easy to use and highly reliable
• Internet updateable

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