The Daily Tech TipSmarter Tech. A Brighter You. ⌨ Home
Automotive Tech
Automotive Tech

Read a check-engine code with your phone

By Adam Neely
Quick answer: Every new US-market passenger vehicle sold since the 1996 model year uses the OBD-II standard. Plug a low-cost Bluetooth scanner into the port—usually under…

Every new US-market passenger vehicle sold since the 1996 model year uses the OBD-II standard. Plug a low-cost Bluetooth scanner into the port—usually under the dash—and a compatible phone app can show the diagnostic trouble code before you book a repair.

Open on the homepage

Ask AI about this tip

Send this tip to your favorite AI assistant for a plain-language walkthrough, follow-up questions, or help applying it to your device.

Was this helpful?