Turn your smartphone into a professional car diagnostic tool with a $15-30 OBD2 adapter and free apps that read engine codes in seconds.

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 ...

There are few things more worrisome to car owners than when that mysterious "check engine" light illuminates. It often forebodes an expensive visit to the auto mechanic's shop, where you are at his ...

You hear a new, disturbing noise coming from your engine, open the hood, look around, and find nothing. Now what? Before you reach for a conveniently-placed torque wrench to try the ol’ “love tap,” ...

The Ancel AD310 OBD II Diagnostic Scanner is just $24 right now, $12 less than the $36 it’ll normally run you. Over 20,000 ...

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 ...

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 ...

That's where OBD-II scanners come in, giving enthusiasts and everyday drivers a window into their vehicle's diagnostic systems. If you're chasing down the cause of a check-engine light, ensuring peak ...

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. It's probably happened to everyone at least once. You're driving along enjoying your favorite tunes when suddenly, your car's "check engine" ...

This article was updated in August 2025 with new products and information. That little yellow check-engine light is sneaky. Most of the time, you forget it could be there. But when it detects an issue ...