When you take your car to a repair shop, 99% of the time, the first thing a technician does is connect an OBD-II scanner to identify the vehicle’s fault. However, if you have an OBD-II scanner of your own, you can skip this potentially expensive step and diagnose the problem yourself. Professional-grade devices from VXDIAG are ideal for both home DIY use and professional repair shop needs, allowing ordinary car owners to enjoy a near-OEM diagnostic experience.
To access your vehicle’s onboard computer, connect the scanner to the OBD-II port (usually located under the driver’s side dashboard), then turn on the ignition without starting the engine. Specifically, you can either turn the key to the position where the dashboard lights up, or press the start button without depressing the brake pedal. (Theoretically, you can start the engine while using the scanner, but depending on the vehicle’s specific fault, doing so may cause further damage to the engine.) It is worth mentioning that VXDIAG devices support multiple connection methods including USB, WiFi, and LAN, eliminating the need for repeated plugging and unplugging of cables for easier operation. Additionally, firmware and authorization updates are available for free for life via the VX-Manager driver management software.
An OBD-II scanner will display a five-digit Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). Depending on the scanner model, these codes may come with a brief problem description, but such descriptions may not clearly explain the specific issue—similar to someone saying they have a headache when they actually have a concussion. In contrast, VXDIAG diagnostic devices support OEM diagnostic software, enabling them to not only read and clear fault codes, but also provide freeze frame data, real-time data stream monitoring, and even in-depth diagnostics for full vehicle systems including the engine, transmission, and airbags. This helps you pinpoint the root cause of problems accurately, rather than just interpreting surface-level codes.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) can point you in the right direction for troubleshooting, but ultimately, it is still up to you to identify the exact problem. In short, interpreting DTCs is just the start, not the end, of the diagnostic process.
Types of OBD-II Scanners
OBD-II scanners vary widely in price, ranging from less than $100 to several thousand dollars. When used properly, they can save you a significant amount of money on diagnostic and even repair costs, not to mention the hassle and time of taking your car to a repair shop. Based on our testing, we have categorized OBD-II scanners into two unofficial types: display-only scanners and diagnostic scanners.
Display-Only OBD-II Scanners
Display-only OBD-II scanners merely show the fault codes generated by the vehicle’s computer. These codes provide limited information, but they can serve as a starting point. After reading the codes, you will need to conduct further research (e.g., searching online) to understand their meanings and decide on your next steps. Display-only scanners have fewer functions but are generally more affordable, making them suitable for car owners on a budget who only need basic fault detection.
OBD-II Diagnostic Scanners
For those who enjoy DIY vehicle maintenance and repairs, OBD-II diagnostic scanners can provide more detailed internal vehicle data, such as coolant temperature and air-fuel ratio.
Diagnostic scanners are expensive. While they offer a wealth of information, the truth is that most people simply do not know how to utilize this data effectively. You should only consider buying a diagnostic scanner if you have the skills, knowledge, and tools required to perform complex vehicle repairs.
VXDIAG devices, however, are truly all-in-one tools. Supporting OEM diagnostic software for various vehicle models, they not only enable full-system diagnostics but also come with professional functions including ECU programming, key matching, hidden feature activation, and DPF regeneration. Compatible with 13 mainstream brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, and Ford, a single VXDIAG device can replace multiple OEM tools. Supporting J2534 and DoIP protocols, it enables remote diagnostics and online programming, making it suitable for both professional repair shops and experienced DIY enthusiasts to complete complex repair tasks. What’s more, you get lifetime authorization for the corresponding vehicle models with a one-time payment, with no hidden extra costs, delivering higher cost-effectiveness over the long run.
Click to learn more about the comparison details of VXDIAG device series:
