That's why it's handy to know how to use a code reader for self-diagnosis. This lets you spot issues early, keeping your vehicle in good shape.

5. If you have a basic OBD2 scanner, you may only see a code, such as P0171 or P0456, and nothing else on the display. In this case, you will need to do some research to find out what the code means.

The Actron PocketScan Code Reader works fine for very basic OBD-II scanning and is extremely easy to use, but its code-reading limitations make it useful for diagnosing only simple engine problems.

Imagine quickly diagnosing why your car's check engine light is on. A scan tool, also known as a trouble code reader, can ...