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If your check engine light is on, a small OBD2 code reader is what you need, and they have gotten really cheap.
The Topdon TD309 is a handheld OBD2 scanner for 1996-and-newer cars. OBD is mainly for emissions issues, like an oxygen sensor, bad gas cap or mass airflow meter, plus problems such as cylinder misfires. I plugged it into my GMC Terrain to show how it works. The TD309 is no longer listed, so the button goes to Topdon’s current handheld code reader.
- Simple two-button operation
- Backlit screen is easy to read
- Small, light and inexpensive
- Great for checking a used car before you buy
- Basic reader focused on emissions-related codes
▶ Watch the full review on YouTube
What an OBD2 reader tells you
OBD is primarily for emissions issues, so codes often point to things like an oxygen sensor, a bad gas cap or a mass airflow meter. It also catches problems where the car just runs poorly, like cylinder misfires.
If you work on your own car, especially an older one, this is the tool for diagnosing trouble codes.
Build
It is light blue plastic with an Enter button and a scroll button, a fairly big LCD, a wrist strap on the back and about a 2-foot cable with the OBD port.
Testing it in my GMC Terrain
I plugged it in and the blue plastic lit up with the LCD backlight before the car was even on. I turned the key to accessory, hit Enter, and it scanned.
The menu offers Read Codes, Erase Codes, Freeze Frame, Vehicle Info and Exit. Read Codes said no codes were stored, which I expected because I did not have a check engine light. It did its job.
About the buy link
The TD309 I reviewed is no longer listed on Amazon, so the button goes to the TOPDON AL400, a current Topdon handheld OBD2 code reader. It is a different model, so check the listing for its features.
Why it is great for used-car shopping
I have been thinking about buying a used car, and a reader like this is something to take along on the inspection. Plug it in and make sure there are no pending codes.
If a seller just cleared the codes on a bad transmission or a misfire, pending codes could tip you off and save you a ton of money. And these readers are really inexpensive now.
FAQ
What cars does it work with?
The TD309 is for 1996 and newer cars with an OBD2 port.
Can it clear a check engine light?
The menu includes Erase Codes along with Read Codes, Freeze Frame and Vehicle Info.
Why bring one when buying a used car?
It can show pending codes even if the seller recently cleared the stored ones.
Is this an affiliate link?
Yes. The buttons are #ad affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It costs you nothing extra.
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