Quick answer
Your car has a standard OBD2 port if it is:
- USA / Canada: any petrol or diesel car from 1996 onwards
- Europe: petrol cars from 2001, diesel cars from 2004 onwards
- Australia: petrol from 2006, diesel from 2007 onwards
If your car matches, every scanner in our store will plug in and read engine fault codes.
Where is the OBD2 port?
In over 90% of cars it's under the dashboard on the driver's side, within about 60 cm of the steering wheel – often just above the pedals or behind a small flap. Some models hide it behind the ashtray, inside the centre console, or under the passenger-side dash. It's a 16-pin trapezoid connector.
What codes can a scanner read?
- P codes (powertrain): engine and transmission – the classics like P0420 (catalytic converter efficiency), P0171 (system too lean), P0300 (random misfire)
- B codes (body): airbags, seatbelts, interior electronics – needs a scanner with body-module access
- C codes (chassis): ABS, traction control – needs chassis-module access
- U codes (network): communication faults between control units
Basic scanners handle P codes; advanced multi-system scanners read all four. Every product page lists exactly which systems the tool reads.
Brand notes
BMW, Mercedes, Audi/VW: standard OBD2 works for engine codes; brand-specific systems (e.g. VW long coding) need enhanced scanners. Toyota, Honda, Ford, GM, Hyundai/Kia: excellent standard OBD2 support across the board. Teslas and other EVs: no classic OBD2 engine codes – EV diagnostics are a different system.
Still unsure?
Check the FAQ or ask us with your make, model and year – we'll confirm compatibility before you buy.