Learn What Your Engine Dashboard Light Means With This $20 OBD Scanner

What do you do when the “Check Engine” light comes on in your car? Many people simply ignore this; after all, this sensor is famous for lighting up for no reason. On the other hand, it could indicate a real problem, so you should probably go to the nearest auto parts store and use the OBD scanner. Sounds like a hassle, right? Well, why not buy one for yourself, like this one Motopower’s $17 Pick? While you’re clicking, get one for your dad, too—after all, it makes a great Father’s Day gift. And, you know, Father’s Day is This Sunday.

Amazon

Learn what those pesky dashboard lights mean with this easy-to-use scanner, compatible with almost all vehicles made after 1996. Don’t forget to use the promo code MP69033J to maximize your discount.

$17 on Amazon

What is an OBD scanner?

OBD stands for “on-board diagnostics”. It connects to your car’s computer system and can read its internal codes to diagnose mechanical and electronic problems. It could be something as simple as you not tightening the gas cap properly (which generates a code) or something as complicated as your engine thermostat failing. In other words, it’s an important and useful tool, and buying one for yourself—or dad—keeps you in the driver’s seat (heh) when it comes to knowing what repairs your car might need.

Why should you have one?

It pays to have an OBD scanner – sometimes literally. Everyone has heard stories of unscrupulous mechanics, so it’s important to know what kind of problem you’re dealing with before taking your car in for repair.

And that really a transmission problem or did the rodents just chew through an important cable in your engine? (True story.)

The main thing to remember is that you don’t need to be a gearhead to understand what the OBD scanner tells you. The scanner also supports six languages, including German, Dutch and Spanish.

It’s a great value overall, but don’t just take our word for it – see what other users have to say. With over 28,000 perfect reviews, it’s doing something right. Furthermore, more than 9,000 people purchased this OBD scanner last month.

“I bought this to save a time-consuming trip to my mechanic to find out why my check engine light was on when my car was running fine. Turns out it was just the gas cap. I took the cap off and it wasn’t dirty or damaged in any way. not at all, so I just gave it a few more clicks when turning it on to put it back on. Then I cleared the code and it still hasn’t come back.” a driver said. “This device is very convenient to own. Super easy to use. No batteries required. Just plug it into the port that is normally under the steering wheel area on the left. and then turn the ignition key forward to make the device works. Communicate with your car. There is no need to start the engine.”

“Worth every penny” said another user. “I bought this to help resolve an ‘engine code’ on my 2016 Chrysler Town & Country van. It showed a ‘low voltage’ message and I was able to purchase and install a new battery, thus saving myself a trip to my mechanic.”

Another driver with series of problems with shared cars“I have the infamous recurring P420 code for a catalytic converter error. It causes the check engine light to come on every couple of months, but I know it’s no big deal. I use this device to make sure it’s that code , because I want to know if the check engine light is indicating a new, more serious problem. Then I clear the code to turn off the check engine light.

If fans had anything negative to say, it’s that this might be a little difficult to learn. “It’s a little tricky to figure out at first, but once you do it’s pretty straightforward. I would recommend this unit for basic code reading.”

Amazon

Over 28,000 5-star reviews should give you the confidence to invest in this useful diagnostic accessory.

$17 on Amazon

The revisions cited above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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