My dad runs a small auto repair shop. Recommendations on a pro level obd2 code scanner? (lemmy.ca)

submitted 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) by rabber@lemmy.ca to c/cars@lemmy.world

3 comments fedilink hide all child comments

He mostly fixes domestic trucks but gets japanese cars sometimes too. He rarely takes jobs on euro cars.

Can you recommend a "professional" grade code scanner?

I want to buy this for him for xmas so hoping to not break my wallet too much here.

Any thoughts on the scanners on aliexpress etc? Not opposed to chinese stuff, just needs to be simple enough for an older guy to use and be up to date for most common newer vehicles.

He is pretty comfortable with using his android phone - could we get same functionality and save a bunch of money buying something that works with a smartphone instead of a tablet style scanner?

Canada here, btw, if that detail means anything.

top 3 comments

sorted by: hot top controversial new old

[-] SendMePhotos@lemmy.world 1 points 1 month ago

I don't have one but maybe something like this? https://www.amazon.com/ZIMISI-OBD2-Scanner-Reader-Diagnostic/dp/B0F8GNKMND/146-2924363-2054114?psc=1

Also here's a website (dated 2023) that suggests some of the better ones. Back in the day I remember torque pro being the go-to for obd2 and phone. Seems they don't make the old one anymore.

https://www.obdadvisor.com/best-obd2-app/

[-] lka1988@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

Torque Pro is still around.

These days, I use an OBDLink MX+ dongle paired with OBDLink's app, which is a whitelabel version of OBD Fusion, but with free access to vehicle-specific PIDs (as long as you're using the dongle).

[-] thejoker954@lemmy.world 1 points 1 month ago

Bluedriver is pretty good.

Most of the cheap stuff is gonna be missing real info.

You'll just get a generic code that could be be a dozen different things - and that doesn't have the ability to read manufacturer specific codes at all.

this post was submitted on 18 Nov 2025

10 points (100.0% liked)

Cars - For Car Enthusiasts

5085 readers

30 users here now

About Community

c/Cars is the largest automotive enthusiast community on Lemmy and the fediverse. We're your central hub for vehicle-related discussion, industry news, reviews, projects, DIY guides, advice, stories, and more.

Rules

Stay respectful to the community, hold civil discussions, even when others hold opinions that may differ from yours.

This is not an NSFW community, and any such content will not be tolerated.

Policy, not politics! Policy discussions revolve around the concept; political discussions revolve around the individual, party, association, etc. We only allow POLICY discussions and political discussions should go to c/politics.

Must be related to cars, anything that does not have connection to cars will be considered spam/irrelevant and is subject to removal.

founded 2 years ago

MODERATORS

BallShapedMan@lemmy.world

RightHandOfIkaros@lemmy.world