HOW TO USE OBD2 SCANNER | DIAGNOSE, READ AND DELETE CODES [COMPLETE GUIDE]

Sometimes also referred to as OBD port, it is generally located under the steering wheel. In some cars, it can also be found under the glove box. 

OBD-II port is a 16-pin D shaped socket which sometimes also looks like a VGA port. If you are having trouble locating the data link connector, here are few things you can try. 

1. Look carefully under the dash on both driver and passenger side. 
2. Check the owners manual to look for the DLC
3. You can search on Google, Just type your car’s make and model along with the year. E.g. – Jaguar F-pace 2017 OBD Port

CONNECT THE SCANNER

Line up the OBD dongle to the DLC and connect it. While doing so make sure the ignition is on. There are three lights on most of the dongles- 

• Red – This is for Power. 
• Blue – When you pair it with your phone (Blinks)
• Green – It will blink during the scanning. Indicates the data transfer. 

Now Moving on to the phone. 

1. Open the Settings and go to Bluetooth settings. 
2. Search for available devices 
3. Select your scanner and press Connect 
4. When asked for the PIN you can enter “0000” or “1234”
5. Your phone is now paired with your OBD dongle. 

FINDING AN ANDROID APP 

There are hundreds of OBD Scanning apps available on the app store. Some of them are good at scanning standard (but limited) OBD PIDs, some are good for hobbyists and some allow you to read all kinds of codes in your car. 

It depends on your preference and what are you trying to accomplish with the OBD scanner. If you want an app that lets you read all the codes irrespective of whether they are generic or SAE mandated, then check out GaragePro. You can read and remove all types of fault codes from all systems, and also read each code’s description in the app.

If you have downloaded the app, here’s how to use the app-

1. Open the GaragePro Android App.
2. Sign up using your email and proceed 
3. Now it will ask you for the activation code. If you have bought our hardware, enter the code you received with the hardware. If you are using your own OBD dongle, click on “Proceed without code”.
4. Tap on the Bluetooth icon on the top right corner and select “CaRPM” and click on confirm

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SCAN!

Like we said, there are different apps for different things you can do with the OBD scanner. You can perform different types of scans using an OBD scanner. You can do a full scan, module wise scan, basic check engine light scan or read the live data as well. It all depends on the problem you are trying to rectify. If there is a warning light on the dashboard, a full scan is the way to go. 

Again, if you are using the GaragePro app, then here’s how to use the app to read different kinds of data. If you are using any other app, feel free to go to the next section.

Full Scan– In the full scan, the app will scan each and every module of your vehicle and provide you with data accordingly. Engine should be running in order to get the best results. 

You can read the error codes from Engine, ABS, SRS, Airbag, EPS, BCM and other modules. Any problem from any of the modules will show up in the app and you can read the detailed description of the error code, its causes, and possible remedies. 

Check Engine Light Scan – This is a basic scan. When you get a check engine warning light on the dashboard, you can run the engine scan to determine the issue. This type of scan is available in almost every OBD app. 

Live Scan – Live scan is another type of scan which you can use to identify the issue. Sometimes your car may not be working as it should and you are not able to see any warning lights on the dashboard. So, read the live parameters, and make sure they are in range.

Mode $ 06 – Mode $06 is defined by SAE On-Board Diagnostics Standards and reports on the functioning of various emission control systems and sensors. Normally, this data falls in unfamiliar territories for most technicians, however, this data is an instrumental tool to detect emerging problems like engine misfires. It can be used to –

1. Upcoming DTCs
2. Runnability issues
3. Verify if repairs done have actually solved the problem

Mode $06 collects data from various continuous and non-continuous monitors like Exhaust Gas Sensor Monitor, Catalyst Monitor, Misfire Cylinder Monitor, etc. and helps to narrow down to the troubling part, hence eliminating a lot of guesswork.

Smog Check – A car’s emission readiness is checked through OBD scanners in many developed countries. There are various monitors that store a car’s emission check readiness and whether there are any faults that could fail the car in an emissions check. This is quite a useful thing to have, since each emissions check is paid for by the car owner, and if you have to go there again, it’s an added cost for you.

DIAGNOSING THE CODE

Now you have connected the OBD connected to the DLC in your car. Your phone is also connected to the OBD dongle and you have found the right app for your car.

Different apps will give you data in different ways, and each will have its own depth in terms of what data you can see about a fault code. An example of how GaragePro shows you a fault code. 

Error Code – P0183 ( Fuel temperature is high than expected range)

UNDERSTANDING THE CODES