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 ...

OBD-II diagnostic device BlueDriver interprets engine error codes to suggest what might need fixing, and lets you know if your car is ready for a smog check. Wayne ...

Ever since OBDII vehicles became the norm, anyone interested in repairing them must have a scan tool at hand. Some people refer to those devices as scan tools, diagnostic machines, or OBD dongles. In ...

We earn commissions from purchases you make using links in our articles. Learn more. If your car or truck’s check engine light is on, there’s a stumble when accelerating, or if the transmission just ...

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 ...

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 ...

Plugging a scanner into the OBD2 port under your steering wheel is one of the first steps a mechanic will take to diagnose customer complaints. By running a detailed scan, the tech can uncover any ...

Modern vehicle diagnostics now range from basic OBD2 code readers to advanced scan tools and specialized software like FORScan, enabling both DIYers and professionals to pinpoint issues faster and ...