The top end of the technology ladder is held by a scan tool. This car diagnostic tool plugs into the OBD-II port (“OBD” is an acronym for on-board diagnostics, and the “II” designates the second ...

If you own a car built after 1996, it comes equipped with a second-generation onboard diagnostic (OBD or OBDII) system. These systems work together with the vehicle's primary computer or powertrain ...

Code readers are diagnostic tools that every car owner should consider owning. Having one of these is as important as carrying a spare tire or a fire extinguisher in the trunk. Back in the day, before ...

Cars are more than just oil and steel. Modern models have incorporated electronics and computer chips to help manage and optimize their mechanical components. That means maintaining your car's ...

In the past, car diagnostic tools were prohibitively expensive. Prior to 1996, an independent technician could expect to pay thousands of dollars for a tool that was compatible with only a single ...

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. So your engine light is on. It could be nothing. Or it ...

In the last Diagnostics episode, we outlined the vital information provided by compression and leakdown testing and illustrated how to use these most important tools. These tests reveal the internal ...