I watch a lot of car repair videos on YouTube and it's obvious that there are scan tools out there that will give you lots of information about what cars are doing, allow you to do component tests, ...

What’s an OBD-II (sometimes alternatively referred to as OBD-2, and other times in either form absent the interstitial hyphen) scanner? Answering that question first requires an understanding of what ...

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 ...

Modern vehicles are rolling computers, with systems managed by embedded hardware and software designed to talk to the manufacturers' diagnostic tools locally and wirelessly. While this complexity can ...

Once upon a time, you could diagnose the culprit of your Mazda MX-5 Miata's check engine light with a paperclip. We now use ...

<BrBefore you can alter the PCM program, you have to read it first using VCM Flash (please consult the HP Tuner's manual first and observe the warnings). First, plug the interface cable into the ...

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 ...

Whether you're an everyday driver or a pro technician, when your check engine light suddenly comes on the first step is to connect an OBD-II scanner. At Autoweek, we recommend everyone carry an OBD-II ...

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 ...

This article was updated in November 2024 with new products and information. Nothing can ruin a drive like seeing the "check engine" light on your dashboard. For many, the initial reaction might be to ...

This article was updated in November 2025 with new information. You know you’ve earned your DIY stripes when you can stay calm the moment something goes wrong. And with cars, that moment usually ...