Best GM OBD2 Scanners Reviews 2023 – Buyer’s Guide

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There are many different GM OBD2 scanners on the market, but not all are created equally. Some may have more features than others, and some may be easier to use. This blog post will give you information about essentials when purchasing a GM scan tool to make an informed decision!

We've compiled a list of the top 10 GM scan tools available in 2021 and reviewed them below. Read on to determine whether one has the features you require and how they compare to the competition.

Comparison of the Best GM OBD2 Scanners

IMAGE PRODUCT
  • Full OBDII modes for all system
  • 40% faster than the previous models
  • Bi-directional testing
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  • Affordable
  • Access codes for engine and anti-lock brakes
  • Easy to use design
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  • No need for any diagnostic gear
  • LED-lit connectors
  • Larger screen
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The newest version of the compact Kobra OBD2 scanner

PROS

  • Full OBD2 modes for all system diagnosis
  • Foxwell models 40% faster than previous ones
  • Allows for bi-directional testing
  • Compact and rugged design

CONS

  • Bit pricey
  • Some service functions are unavailable

What Recent Buyers Report

The recent buyer mentioned that it is a great device and easy to use. The other buyer likes this because of the affordable price. They also want this scanner because it is compatible with Android and iOS devices.

Why It Stands Out To Us

This device stands out to us as it supports an easy-to-use OBD2 app and car code reader. The FIXD car scanner and OBD app instantly translate 7000+ engine fault codes into plain English on your phone. It also supports a wireless Bluetooth connection. 

Even inexperienced can use the FIXD OBD2 scanner app to determine what the check engine light means, how severe it is, and possible fixes. With this OBD2 scanner, you may walk into the repair shop confidently with the accurate info you need to save on car repair.

Who Will Use This Most

People who want to know how their check engine light works will be beneficial with this device. It's easy to use and works with any car, model year, or brand, so even a first-time user can use this device correctly.

INNOVA 3123 OBD1 Code Reader

PROS

  • Affordable
  • Access codes for engine and anti-lock brakes
  • Simple design
  • Comes with a booklet explaining code definition

CONS

  • Not compatible with vehicles made after 1995
  • Reads codes only

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers like this device because it is easy to use. They also praise its great value. One user said that this scanner works well with all makes of vehicles.

Why It Stands Out To Us

The user can safely access the onboard computer to read ECM and ABS codes. It also works on most General Motors domestic cars and trucks from 1982 to 1995. We also like it because of the easy setup. 

Simply connect to your vehicle's computer self-test connector, and voila! It will also not harm the vehicle's computer system. In addition to that, it includes instructions in English, French, and Spanish.

Who Will Use This Most

With features like retrieving info from all modules, including engine, ABS brakes, airbag, transmission control module (TCM), It will be an excellent tool for mechanics and car enthusiasts.

iCarsoft i900 OBD2 Diagnostic Tool

PROS

  • Full OBD2 modes and diagnostics
  • Lightweight
  • Read ABS, SRS, and transmission codes
  • Lifetime free updates

CONS

  • Non-OBD2 functions unavailable for all model years
  • Insubstantial casing

What Recent Buyers Report

"This product is great and amazing," the recent buyer quoted. The other buyer is very pleased with that OBD scanner and stated that it is the best OBD the buyer had purchased.

Why It Stands Out To Us

The iCarsoft i900 can do it all-reads and clears trouble codes for GM on full systems such as engine, transmission, ABS and airbag, etc. It also supports OBD II/EOBD's ten modes of operation. 

It also supports full ECU diagnosis test modes, including CANbus, ISO9141, KWP2000, J1850, etc. It also has a lifetime free update via USB 2.0 and a one-year warranty supporting multi-language.

Who Will use This Most

This best OBD2 scanner is for everyone and anyone who owns a GM vehicle and wants to get in-depth information about its performance. This scan tool will give detailed diagnostic reports on everything that is going wrong with your car or truck, which can help you make better decisions when it comes to repairs.

BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII

PROS

  • Repair reports feature
  • Shows error codes
  • Conduct smog checks
  • Enhanced codes, including airbag, ABS, and transmission

CONS

  • Incompatible with other diagnostic apps
  • Need to pay some functions

What Recent Buyers Report

This product is great, according to one of the recent buyers. The other buyers like how easy to use this device. They also mentioned that this device provides a solid performance.

Why It Stands Out To Us

This OBD scanner provides more codes to understand the problem with your vehicle. With an updated modern scan tool, you scan deeper to read, understand, and clear more codes. You may also access information usually only available to professional mechanics on their most expensive scan tools.

It provides real fixes and gets unlimited vehicle-specific repair reports generated from our database of millions of fixes verified by professional automotive technicians. This OBD scanner has all the capabilities of an expensive scan tool, including extended vehicle coverage, live data, etc. 

It combines the power and convenience of your smartphone or tablet. It may work with no cords, no subscriptions, and regular free updates.

Who Will Use This Most

Whether you're a pro or beginner, this scan tool is an excellent choice for DIYers. Anyone can use it, and it doesn't require any previous knowledge about cars to use!

Innova 3160

PROS

  • No need for any diagnostic gear
  • LED-lit connectors
  • Larger and easier-to-see screen
  • Easy to understand codes

CONS

  • Bit glitchy
  • Expensive

What Recent Buyers Report

The recent buyers of this scan tool are delighted as they all said it is great and easy to use. One of the buyers likes the warning lights of this device that others don't have.

Why It Stands out To Us

If you're interested in purchasing a handheld OBD2 scanner, Innova is one of the better brands available. This model is one of their best, so you can do a lot more with it than you might expect. As previously indicated, many newer scanners allow you to examine systems other than the engine.

As a result, if you want to keep track of things like airbags, brakes, and tire pressure, this gadget can help. It's never been easier to keep track of your car's health. This device features a considerably larger and easier-to-see screen than other mobile devices. The menus are easy to navigate and understand, and the codes are a lot easier to understand.

Who Will use This Most

If you're in the auto repair business, this is a must-have for any customer. After all, it's not just good to help with home mechanics but can come in handy if you work at a garage or make money off car repairs done there!

LAUNCH CRP129X OBD2

PROS

  • Touch screen
  • Easy to use buttons
  • Non- slip handle design
  • Wide range compatibility

CONS

  • Pricey
  • Cord too short

What Recent Buyers Report

Every house needs this, according to a recent buyer. Most of the recent buyers stated that this scanner is a great buy and easy to use.

Why It Stands Out To Us

The Launch CRP129X reads and clears OBDII codes, transmission, anti-lock brakes, and airbag codes. It can also test and monitor your battery voltage, which helps troubleshoot electrical problems. You can also do smog testing, oxygen sensor tests and see live or freeze frame data because it supports all 10 OBDII modes.

The Launch CRP129X includes the five most popular reset functions: oil light, EPB, SRS, throttle body, and TPMS. It's also capable of ABS bleeding.  That's all the servicing functions a home mechanic requires, and it'll even work for professional mechanics.

Overall, we found the Launch CRP129X to be user-friendly. There are fewer compatibility worries because the onboard Wi-Fi eliminates connecting it to a computer for updates. The color touchscreen is easy to see and manage, and all reports may be sent to other devices via email. This isn't the cheapest GM scanner on the market, but it's still a great deal for the money.

Who Will Use This Most

For individuals who require complete diagnostic and reset functions, the Launch CRP129X is the ideal GM diagnostic tool. While it is more expensive than the other scan tools on the list, the functionality outweighs the cost.

FOXWELL NT301 OBDII Scanner

PROS

  • Affordable
  • Live data graphs and logs
  • Free upgrades
  • I/M readiness and O2 sensor options

CONS

  • Cant read codes from the transmission, airbags, and brakes
  • Windows devices need to update

What Recent Buyers Report

One of the recent buyers said that this scanner tool would inform you if your car requires any service or new part. The buyer also noted that this device would help you to diagnose it before getting the service. 

Why It Stands out To Us

Here's another Foxwell option that's a little less expensive. The Foxwell NT301 has a similar interface to the NT510 Elite. However, it has fewer features and costs less than half as much. All codes, including pending and manufacturer-specific codes, are read by the Foxwell NT301. 

It also displays live data streams in text and graphical representations, as well as freeze frame data. You can also use it to examine onboard monitoring and execute an I/M readiness test.

Who Will Use This Most

The Foxwell NT301 is ideal for light-duty trucks, passenger cars, and motorcycles. DIYers can use it to identify problems with their car or truck before taking it in for service.

BAFX Products Bluetooth OBDII Code Reader

PROS

  • Affordable
  • Read codes and freeze frame data shown
  • Performs smog inspections
  • Bluetooth onboard for easy, hands-free operation

CONS

  • iOS devices not supported
  • Need third-party app to work

What Recent Buyers Report

The top recent buyer stated that this device was a great alternative to expensive monitors. "This was easily paired to my truck and worked very accurately. Well worth what I paid. One of the buyers quoted.

Why It Stands Out To Us

The Bafx Products OBDII Diagnostic Car Scanner is the cheapest GM OBDII scanner on the market. While its capabilities are restricted compared to other solutions, it is cost-effective for vehicle owners to figure out what's generating that annoying check engine light.

The first thing you'll notice about the Bafx OBDII code reader is that it lacks a screen similar to the BlueDriver above. Instead, it uses Bluetooth to communicate with Android or Windows devices. It does not come with an app, unlike BlueDriver. To utilize this adapter, you'll need to find and download your third-party program.

The Bafx Products code reader also supports a few more OBDII operations in addition to code reading. To ensure that you pass your emissions test, you can retrieve freeze frame data and run a smog check.

Who Will use This Most

The BAFX is best suited for those who want to use a Bluetooth device and don't mind finding their own app. It is also an excellent choice for those who need additional OBDII capabilities that the BlueDriver lacks, such as smog checks and freeze frame data retrieval.

Foxwell NT201

PROS

  • Easy to use
  • Live data
  • Read codes fast
  • Less expensive

CONS

  • Not a full-feature scanner
  • Unable to cancel error codes

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers report that the Foxwell NT201 is easy to use, even for those who have never worked on their own car. The recent buyers also like this because it's easy to understand.

Why It Stands Out To Us

This scanner stands out to us as it can read and erase fault codes, retrieve I/M readiness and freeze frame data. It may also show live data in text and graph format. In addition to that, it supports advanced onboard monitoring where you can use the car scanner to diagnose the misfire.

This automobile code reader also has a built-in speaker and a 2. 4' TFT colorful LCD screen, with visual and audible indications for readiness verification. We also like the unique dust-resistant surface that makes this auto scanner tool stronger and more durable.

Who Will Use This Most

The Foxwell NT201 is best suited for car owners that are less knowledgeable about cars because this device is straightforward to use and provides accurate results.

Autel MaxiDiag MD808 Pro

PROS

  • Compact design
  • Lightweight
  • Extensive vehicle coverage
  • Intuitive user interface

CONS

  • Need to update first before use
  • Slows down when viewing graphs

What Recent Buyers Report

The recent top buyer was delighted because it helped to repair the truck, and shut off the check engine light. The other buyer liked the simplicity of this scanner and recommended it to anyone.

Why It Stands Out To Us

What we like best about this professional diagnostic scan tool is that it can perform both basic and advanced functions. In addition to this device, it has the ability to reset the oil and maintenance service light, steering angle sensor. 

It also has diesel particulate filter regeneration, battery maintenance services, and electronic parking brake maintenance services are among the functions available. In terms of the appearance, what we like about this is the rectangular shape, which some users may prefer.

Its hard plastic case is surrounded by a thick rubber grip, which adds another layer of impact protection. 

Who Will Use This Most

The Autel MaxiDiag MD808 Pro is a perfect scanner for mechanics, technicians, and car dealerships that need to diagnose small numbers of vehicles at once.

GM OBD2 Scanner FAQ

1. Is it possible to use an OBD2 scanner while the car is running?

Always turn on the ignition or start the car according to the manual's instructions. Failure to do so may result in the scanning software becoming corrupted. It's also critical that you travel with the manual for the specific scanner model you're using.

2. Can an OBD2 scanner harm an ECU?

Aside from a few "killer commands," the ECU could have been electrically destroyed. The OBDII-Interface can implement a variety of data buses with varying voltage levels. If the bus lines are connected to +12V, something may be destroyed.

3. How long does it take to perform diagnostics on a vehicle?

A standard diagnostic test can take between an hour and an hour and a half to complete. Of course, more complicated issues requiring additional diagnosis and where components must be removed for access or testing can take up to 2-3 hours, depending on the severity of the issue or multiple underlying issues.

4. What are the benefits of utilizing an OBD scanner to diagnose an engine problem?

When the driver obtains the same information on the dashboard and reads it with the OBD-ll scanner, they may quickly pinpoint the source of the problem and determine whether or not it is within their power to resolve. When the issues are minimal, consumers can DIY and save a lot of money.

5. What is one of a scan tool's primary functions?

Vehicle data and trouble codes are saved in the vehicle computer networks using scan tools. These codes and data point the technician to the area of concern or the potential for a problem.

Conclusion

The best GM OBD2 scanner for you may not be the most expensive. Just like our best overall FIXD™ Obd2 Scan Tool. It's not the highest price tag in the market but can provide all you need to determine the problem with your GM vehicle. We hope this article has provided you with a good idea of what to look for in an OBD2 scan tool!