"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Since the mandate of the OBD-II port in 1996, auto mechanics have accessed vital information about your ...

If you've ever gone to a mechanic for a check engine light problem on your car, then chances are you've heard the technician say something about an OBD scanner. It's a handheld phone-like device that ...

It happens at the worst time - stuck in traffic or a long road trip - when you see that check engine light flick on. Here's why it may keep returning.

Your vehicle has a problem if the check engine light (CEL) glows. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the computer help find the cause.

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. If you own a car built in 1996 or later for the U.S. market, the odds are overwhelming that it has an OBD port. You may have even noticed its ...

Throughout your vehicle’s lifetime, you will encounter a range of issues. For instance, your brake pads may become worn, your AC unit might start to produce an unpleasant smell, or your axle may break ...