Having a good OBDII scan tool when troubleshooting a Chevy or GM vehicle is a nice thing to have.
An OBDII scan tool can point to the problem a car or truck is having.
Being able to communicate with the onboard computer (ECM/PCM) will give invaluable data as to what the problem is.
What Is a Chevy OBDII Error Code?
When the onboard computer (ECM) detects an error with the engine or drive-train, it turns on the engine light, which is also a numerical code.
The code will be a number that points to the malfunction that has happened.
For example, a P0013 error code would point to an Exhaust Camshaft Position Open on Bank 1.
In this example, the Camshaft Position sensor may have failed or has a wiring problem.
How To Read or Erase a Chevy OBDII Code
- Plug in an OBDII Scan Tool to the OBDII Port
- Turn on the OBDII Scan Tool
- Select Read or Erase
If you have never used an OBDII scan tool before, they are easy to set up and use.
All Chevrolet cars and trucks have an OBDII port to plug into under the driver-side dashboard.
A scan tool simply plugs into the port and is ready to read and erase codes.
Many units have more features, such as live data or freeze-frame.
Below are some of our favorite picks for Chevy OBDII scan tools.
As always, be sure to read reviews on Amazon, here, or elsewhere to be sure a unit is a right pick for you.
*This site contains affiliate links for which a commission earned.
Our Picks for Best Chevy OBDII Scan Tools
- LAUNCH Touch PRO
- FOXWELL NT301
- Autel MaxiLink ML619
- LAUNCH CRP123
- INNOVA 6100P
Launch makes many OBDII scan tools from low-cost budget units to high-end professional models.
The Touch PRO is one such unit that is a mid-range scanner.
I have used one many times on a variety of Chevy cars and trucks, all with good results.
It works very well in finding engine error codes with an easy-to-use menu system.
More high-end expensive models will have more features, but for basic reading and clearing codes, the Touch Pro is a good unit.
The FOXWELL NT301 is a low-cost, basic OBDII scan tool that will read and clear Chevy codes easily.
It will also work on almost any other vehicle, from foreign to domestic, making it a good all-around unit.
It does have some extended features beyond the basic OBD codes, such as an emission monitor.
If you are looking for a good all-around budget unit, the FOXWELL NT301 is worth a look.
The Autel MaxiLink ML619 is a great OBDII scanner for reading and clearing Chevy error codes.
This includes ABS and SRS, with most many scanners unable to read these extended codes.
ABS is the anti-lock braking with most tools unable to read these codes.
SRS is the transmission OBD code and also requires a good scan tool to read.
The Autel MaxiLink ML619 is a good unit that can read not only the basic engine errors but also extended errors.
The LAUNCH CRP123 is another great scan tool with many options and features.
It has a nice display and a lot of nice built-in features such as showing data streams.
The unit has wide compatibility with many vehicles, including Chevy.
It is built differently compared to many other stand-alone scan tools and looks more like a handheld video game.
There is a lot to like about the Launch CRP123, with it having no problem reading and clearing Chevy errors.
The INNOVA 6100P is a very good all-around OBDII scan tool that works on almost any vehicle, foreign and domestic.
It works great with Chevy cars and trucks and has many features standard OBDII scan tools don’t have.
Extra features include reading ABS and SRS errors which most scanners are unable to read.
It can also clear the ABS (Anti-Lock Brakes) and SRS (Air-Bag error codes.
Summary
There are many good OBDII scan tools for a Chevrolet car or truck with those above our favorite units.
Most any unit will be able to read and clear basic Chevy error codes.
Some units will have more features which would likely be better for a professional.
For a part time backyard mechanic a low-cost basic unit will likely be best.
Do you have a favorite Chevy or GM OBDII scan tool? Let us know in the comment below.