Most DIY enthusiasts and auto mechanics are familiar with Autel scanners. And for those new to car maintenance? Understanding OBD on your car is important! To choose an OBD1 or OBD2 scanner for your vehicle, check out this guide!
OBD, on-board diagnostics, is a term that refers to a vehicle's ability to self-diagnose, record and report. Through the OBD system, standard digital communication ports are used to obtain real-time data as well as diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), providing fast and reliable diagnostic reports.
If you want to know which OBD interface your car has, there are two easy ways to find out.
The first way is to check the label under the hood. Under the hood, there is usually a label that tells you the type of OBD your vehicle has.
The second method is based on the year the car was built. If your car is an American car produced after 1996, a diesel car produced in Europe after 2001, a gasoline car produced in Europe after 2003, or an Australian car produced after 2006, OBD2 is generally used. Please note that this rule does not necessarily apply to all makes/models of vehicles.
Autel provides some OBD1/OB2 scanners that can be used in OBD1 vehicles, and you can also purchase an adapter cable from OBD1 12 Pins to OBD2 16 Pins.
However, the standard communication protocol for OBD2 vehicles is more complex. Regardless of whether an OBD2 scanner is used for OBD1 vehicles or an OBD1 scanner is used for OBD2 vehicles, the diagnostic functions and service functions of the scanner may be affected.
Choose a scanner that can diagnose OBD1 vehicles, or choose the appropriate connector to adapt!
The Autel MaxiLink ML619/ML629 and MaxiDiag MD806 Pro are affordable options that offer OBD2 diagnostic capabilities but also support some OBD1 protocols.
The MaxiLink ML619/ML629 is a multifunctional scanner that supports both OBD1 and OBD2 systems. It can read and clear codes, view live data, and perform a variety of diagnostic functions on a variety of vehicles.
For OBD1 compatibility, it includes specific adapters or cables for certain vehicle brands. These adapters allow the ML619/ML629 to communicate with OBD1 systems from supported brands such as General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, and Toyota.
Autel MD806 Pro needs to be used with the appropriate adapter or cable to provide diagnostic services for OBD1 vehicles. It provides a wide range of diagnostic capabilities, including reading and clearing codes, streaming real-time data, and performing special functions.
For professional mechanics or car enthusiasts, professional scanners will bring more advanced diagnostic capabilities. Autel MS906S Pro and MK808TS are better professional OBD1/OBD2 diagnostic scanners.
Aute scanner MS906 Pro supports OBD1 & OBD2 compliant vehicles, covering 150+brands, and 10,000+ Vehicles.
Autel Maxisys Elite and Autel MaxiCOM MK808TS are currently sold out. In addition, Autel Maxisys MS906, Autel Maxisys MS908, and Autel MaxiPro MP808 can also be used with OBD1 adapter cables to diagnose and scan OBD1 vehicles.
