Best OBDII Code Readers

• Retrieves generic and manufacturer specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC), includes definitions lookup software on CD and displays DTC definitions on screen
• Features an easy-to-read backlit LCD screen, multilingual menu and DTC definitions and standard 16-pin OBD-II connector; no additional cables are needed
• Retrieves VIN (Vehicle Identification No) on 2002 and newer vehicles that support Mode 9; powered by cars electrical system, so no batteries required
• Supports the CAN (Controller Area Network) protols and all other current OBD-II protocols
• Works with all OBD-II compliant U.S., European and Asian vehicles (OBD-II is standard on all cars sold in U.S. post-1996)

The MaxiScan MS300 CAN OBD-II Code Reader provides auto enthusiasts and do-it-yourselfers with an easy, portable and economic way to check Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and their definitions for OBD-II compliant vehicles. OBD-II is the second generation of onboard diagnostics and has been a mandatory requirement for all vehicles sold in the US since 1996, both domestic and imports. The MS300 supports all current OBD-II protocols--communications between your car's components and systems--including the newly released Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol. The included CD containing 7,000 DTC definitions allows you to troubleshoot a wide variety of generic, manufacturer-specific and pending trouble codes, and drawing power from your car's own electrical system the unit does not require batteries or an AC adapter. Simply plug it in via its standard 16-pin OBD-II connector at the first sign of trouble and start diagnosing, regardless of your post-1996 car's make or model.


Complete Features:

• Works with all 1996 and later OBD-II compliant US, European and Asian vehicles
• Reads and clears generic and manufacturer specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and turns off check engine light
• Supports multiple trouble code requests: generic codes, pending codes and manufacturer specific codes
• Supports CAN (Controller Area Network) and all other current OBD-II protocols
• Reviews the emission readiness status of OBD monitors
• Determines the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) status
• Retrieves VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on 2002 and newer vehicles that support Mode 9
• Utilizes standard 16-pin OBD-II connector meaning no additional connectors or cables are necessary
• Includes CD software with over 7000 DTC definitions
• No batteries required: Unit is powered via detachable OBD-II cable
• Retrieves vehicle information (VIN, CIN and CVN)
• Display: Backlit LCD, 2-line, 8 characters
• Dimensions: length 113 mm/44", width 74 mm/29", height 21mm/083"
• Weight: 027Kg/050lb

Amazon Customer Reviews

Works great, 
January 30, 2010
5 Stars

Works great, and you cant beat the price! Tried it in an 03 BMW and an 06 Chrysler 300.


Great Little scanner for the price..., 
January 9, 2010
5 Stars

I saw this a few weeks ago for 29.95$ so i couldn't pass this up for that price,so i bought one and what a great investment that was.I just tried it out on my Kia Rio 2006 and it works great it does what it says.
I am from Canada and this is very useful here because to bring it in to a garage here to check the codes they will charge you between 50-100$.Those in the U.S like my brother are lucky u just bring it to any AutoZone and they will check it for free!I probably wouldn't have payed 100$+ for a scanner but for a mere 30$ everybody should get one of these.


Simple yet effective., 
November 21, 2009
5 Stars

This code reader doesn't come with many special features, but it does cover the basics. It can read OBD-II codes (in my case, clarifying a problem that would randomly turn on the dreaded "Check Engine Light"), erase them, check if your car has problems that will cause it to fail an emissions test, and read the VIN number.

Of course, none of the codes or one-sentence descriptions will tell you much about which parts are affected, but that information is easy enough to find online. Just knowing the code led me to several forums and sites where others knew about the part in question, and I was able to find the part on an auction site for hundreds less than mechanics would charge.

I was worried that such a cheap unit would be out of date somehow, but the manual and code lists are from May 2009 (pretty recent) and the unit worked exactly as promised (on my 2004 Civic).


Works perfectly, 
September 2, 2009
5 Stars

I needed a code reader because I left my gas cap a little loose after a fill up, and the check engine light came on. My wife had recently had the same issue and had to spend some time getting the code reset on her car. Got the reader, plugged it in, read the code to confirm my suspicions, then cleared the code and my check engine light was out. I now carry it with my emergency gear in the back of the car in case of trouble on a trip. It would be nice to be able to quickly diagnose a check engine light condition and decide if I need to get to a repair shop, or I can continue on and not worry about being stranded because I left the gas cap a little loose. I would recommend this product for anyone who wants to know quickly and inexpensively what that check engine light REALLY means. Easy to use right out of the box.