• All newer North American cars are equipped with OBD-II.yellow car, a honda japanese sport car model image by alma_sacra from Fotolia.com
  
  Most cars produced post-1996 are equipped with the OBD-II system. This stands for On-Board Diagnostics. When something is wrong with a car, it will generate an error code through the OBD-II system. These computer signals can tell the mechanic working on the car what the problem is. However, specialized equipment is required to read the error signals.
  
  

Computer to Vehicle Connections

• The first way to scan a vehicle's error codes is to use a scanner in the form of a cable that connects your vehicle to your computer. These products will come with software that you install in your computer, and should connect via a standard USB connection, such as the Autotap Express.
  
  Connect the cable to the diagnostic port in your vehicle. The software should then be able to display any error codes, so you can diagnose your vehicle's problem.
  
  

Standalone Scanners

• There are also hand-held scanning tools that plug into your car's computer. These come in varying degrees of complexity. Some of these tools retail for less than $100. You just plug the tool in and receive the error code, although you may then have to search the Internet to find out what the code indicates is wrong with your vehicle.
  
  

Different Scanning Codes

• Whether you are using a scan link cable or a standalone scanning unit, you need to be aware of the different types of codes that are used. Some scanners can read all of these codes, while others may only be able to read certain types. Find out what type of OBD-II codes your vehicle uses before you purchase a scanner.