Like almost everything new today, your car has a computer, and if it’s 1996 or newer, it has an OBDII port which stands for onboard diagnostics second-generation, that allows for error codes to be easily read.
A good OBDII code scanner can read and clear error codes, which is invaluable to troubleshooting a car or truck with mechanical issues.
The main thing most look at is how the engine is running, which can be done by scanning the onboard computer codes.
When you get a check engine light, it can make you feel like, what does that mean?
A great way to access these codes is with the Actron CP9125 PocketScan. It is really easy to use and can plug into any OBDII port on a car or truck 1996 or newer.
After being plugged into the OBD2 port the Pocket-scan will automatically give the codes when they are found, which can then be looked up from the book or online.
For example, a P0102 code is a fualty MAF Sensor which is mass airflow.
For this problem, we pulled the mass airflow sensor and swapped in a new one fixing the problem.
As you can see, using a scan tool makes things easier than troubleshooting from nothing and give you an idea of what is wrong and where to start.
Something that is also commonly done is simply Google the code and your vehicle model and year and read through the forums to get an idea of what others have done to solve the problem.
There will be times when a problem is too complex to fix for the average DIY backyard mechanic, but for the easy fixes such as the O2 sensor, the Pocket-Scan can be a nice money saver.
The Actron CP9125 PocketScan Code Reader really is a nice inexpensive, easy way to read your codes and give you some knowledge on whether to repair it yourself or take it to the shop.
*This site contains affiliate links for which a commission earned.
Read More Reviews Here On Amazon
Actron CP9125 C PocketScan Code Reader for 1996 and Newer Vehicles
thank you Brian my now i can scan my VW Polo 2002 1.4 L ATM. from the last time when i carry it to mechanic here
where i live in Aruba the there was an issue whit the throttle body need to replace but the mechanic here was soo busy to go a head to order one so what he did is leave the old one whit an defect in the CPU sensor from the throttle body whit that effect it lets the RPM IDLE BAD so now i can read the codes to find out that more trouble it have (well gee i Guest here dont have professional mechanic ) thank you once again.
Will the actron cp9125 connect to and work with a 2000 Toyota Camry? Will it identify problem codes and clear codes on my car?