This article was updated in November 2025 with new information. You know you’ve earned your DIY stripes when you can stay calm the moment something goes wrong. And with cars, that moment usually ...

Your check engine light can come on a host of reasons, ranging from a loose gas cap to a faulty engine component. If you see a light illuminated on your dashboard, you can use an OBD2 scanner to ...

When my check engine light came on recently, I decided to try the FIXD scanner to avoid an unnecessary mechanic visit. The device plugs into the OBD2 port and pairs with my phone via Bluetooth, giving ...

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. The OBD acronym stands for on-board diagnostics, a system built into modern vehicles that monitors the performance of the engine and other ...

We earn commissions from purchases you make using links in our articles. Learn more. If your car or truck’s check engine light is on, there’s a stumble when accelerating, or if the transmission just ...

“Helped me dx and solve a problem the first time I plugged it in.” Plugging a scanner into the OBD2 port under your steering wheel is one of the first steps a mechanic will take to diagnose customer ...

There it is. On your dashboard. Staring at you, mocking you, making you plot insurance fraud: your car’s check engine light. That little bugger has been on your dash for weeks now and you haven’t been ...

Seeing your vehicle's check-engine light come on can throw a wrench in your travel plans. It can also feel a little scary: Does it mean your ride is headed for the scrapyard? Or is there a simple fix?