If you're a personal user, knowing how to read and interpret OBD codes is a trick that's well worth having up your sleeve for those times when the Check Engine light in your car suddenly comes on ...

The second character identifies whether the fault code is a generic code or a manufacturer specific code. A generic code is the same on all OBD-II equipped vehicles no matter the manufacturer.

An OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics II) scanner can provide information about the status and health of various vehicular systems.

The primary purpose of the OBD-II connection is for emissions testing, but one of the first and most widespread applications available to consumers is the scan tool or code reader.

When your check engine light comes on, it can be tough to figure out why. Since the mid-'90s, though, most cars are made with OBD ports that make things easier.

Discover what an OBD2 scanner is and how to use it to diagnose and fix car problems before they escalate into major repairs.

Did your vehicle's check-engine light just pop on? An OBD-II scanner can provide some direction. We tested a handful to find ...

OBD-II is the standard diagnostics port in cars, and it's been that way for years. When did it replace OBD-I in motorcycles? Which one does your bike have?

Did your vehicle's check-engine light just pop on? An OBD-II scanner can point you in the right direction—and potentially save you a bundle.