Innova Diagnostic Tools

One of the most exciting improvements in the automobile industry was the addition of on-board diagnostics (OBD) on vehicles, or in more basic terms, the computer that activates the vehicle's ''CHECK ENGINE'' light. OBD I was designed to monitor manufacturer-specific systems on vehicles built from 1981 to 1995. Then came the development of OBD II, which is on all 1996 and newer vehicles sold in the U.S. Like its predecessor, OBD II was adopted as part of a government mandate to lower vehicle emissions. But what makes OBD II unique is its universal application for all late model cars and trucks - domestic and import. This sophisticated program in the vehicle's main computer system is designed to detect failures in a range of systems, and can be accessed through a universal OBD II port, which is usually found under the dash. For all OBD systems, if a problem is found, the computer turns on the ''CHECK ENGINE light'' to warn the driver, and sets a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) to identify where the problem occurred. A special diagnostic tool, such as a code reader, is required to retrieve these codes, which DIYers and installers alike use as a starting point for repairs.

Step 1. Plug-it-in

Step 2. Push link

Step 3. See it all