The GaragePro Car Scanner Code Reader Review & Buyer’s Guide

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The GaragePro Car Scanner Code Reader is a professional car diagnostics tool that does more than the usual reading and clearing codes for your vehicle. It connects to the OBD port in your car to scan and clear MIL, SRS light, ABS light, EPS light, airbag codes, power steering codes, body module codes, transmission fault codes, and other fault-related lights. Enter your text here...

Garage Pro app

PROS

  • Reads and clears MIL, SRS light, ABS light, EPS light, and BCM codes
  • Performs injector and immobilizer coding for specific cars
  • Four paid options to choose from
  • Advanced data-keeping and retrieval
  • Special functions like ABS brake bleeding, service oil reset, etc.

CONS

  • Works on Bluetooth only
  • Needs a separate OBD2 Bluetooth adapter

Features and Benefits

Compatible with Most Cars and Motorcycles

a car and a motorcycle traveling on a city road

The GaragePro Car scanner is compatible with most cars, including GM/Vauxhall/Opel, Skoda, Kia, Mazda, Lexus, Ford, Chrysler, Peugeot, Maruti Suzuki, Honda, Daewoo, Renault, Mitsubishi, Land Rover, Mahindra, Tata, Nissan, Hyundai, Citroen, Toyota, Seat, Dodge, Jeep, Pontiac, Subaru, BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Audi, Jaguar, and other European, US, and Far East cars.

It is also compatible with an ELM327 Bluetooth car scanning tool with a genuine chip. It won't work with clones, so it is best to buy within the app if you don't have a Bluetooth dongle to communicate with your app. This OBD2 scanner also recommends the CaRPM scan tool, Carista OBD2, BAFX, Veepeak, Nexas, and ELM327 mini-interface Bluetooth.

You can use motorcycles to conduct scans for DTCs, live data streaming, and access freeze frame data.

Reads and Clears MIL, SRS light, ABS light, EPS light, etc.

a car dashboard showing various warning lights

The GaragePro car scanning tool is an excellent choice if you want to do an OBD scan on the go so that you can clean your fault-related lights. Since its launch date, the app has had several updates, so it has an updated fault code library that you can access within the app.

Reads Freeze Frame Data

A freeze frame data plays an essential role in detecting and diagnosing problems. The GaragePro mobile car code reader is like a crime scene investigator for your vehicle that lets you gather important information about what was happening when the ECU recorded faults.

Click the camera icon on your scanner to access the freeze frame data, compare the previous and new reports, so you know where and when the latest DTC happened. Check online resources to understand the freeze frame data on your scanner. 

Live Graphing of PIDS

Aside from the freeze frame data, you can also record and retrieve live graphs of your parameter IDs. The app dashboard usually has separate buttons to view these data. However, some apps also allow you to customize your dashboard to see your live data at a glance.

It gathers information on powertrain codes, engine fault codes, airbag codes, among others.

Performs a Readiness Check

A mechanic conducting an emissions test

Before you go to a state emissions test, it is best to perform it on your own to determine your car’s readiness. If you skip this self-test, you may end up struggling with DMV's list of repairs to do, plus another emissions test before you can renew your registration. Read more about Code P0401 and see how serious is failing your emissions and smog test.

Mobile App

GaragePro app UI

You can download the free Android app from Google PlayStore. You need at least Android 4.1 on your phone to use the app. The free version of the app displays codes and can export data or make freeze frames to read more closely. Subscriptions offer new functions such as clearing fault codes, DPF regeneration with code descriptions, service resetting, and access to libraries of fault codes with ASE-certified fixes.

The paid version comes in three options - Lite, Standard, Advanced, and Business.

The mobile app will access your mobile ID, WiFi information, GPS location, connect with paired Bluetooth devices, write and read to external storage. If you bought it through Amazon, you’d also receive messages via Amazon device and Google Cloud Messaging.

It also keeps your mobile device from sleeping or screen dimming when the app is open through the PowerManager WakeLocks feature.

Reads Electric Power Steering (EPS) Codes

a BMW steering wheel

Aside from the standard powertrain codes, GaragePro also reads electric power steering (EPS) codes. The steering angle sensor sends information to the EPS system and thus controls the power-assisted steering.

Common causes of EPS codes include faulty battery and alternator or have recently jump-started your car or disconnected the battery.

Reads Body Control Module (BCM) Codes

The BCM integrates manufacturing and troubleshooting controls and the security system on your vehicle. If the control module gets damaged, it may cause stopping of the electronic components, errors in the security system, cluster warning. 

Injector Coding

GaragePro OBD2 Scanner also offers injector coding for Datsun, Hyundai, Kia, Chevrolet, Renault, Nissan, Mahindra, Dacia, and other brands and older Mahindra and Maruti Suzuki cars.

If you change a fuel injector, coding helps your car's ECU that a new fuel injector needs calibration so the vehicle can run at its optimum state.

Key and Immobilizer Programming

Another coding offered by GaragePro is key and immobilizer programming for Suzuki, Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Kia. The immobilizer reads a signal from the chip embedded in the plastic head of your key. As a result, inserting the wrong key into the ignition will enable the immobilizer, and your car won't start.

The downside of this, though, is when you lose your keyfob. You can contact your car dealership for a replacement or ask an independent locksmith to work on a high-security key. The key and immobilizer programming helps update the code on your car to recognize the key inserted into the ignition.

Other Manufacturer-Specific Features

  • Resets AC module control and actuation on BMW cars
  • Fuel density reset, learning value reset, switch the battery for Toyota
  • Throttle reset for Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, GM cars
  • ABS brake bleeding for Hyundai, Kia, and other cars
  • Perform service and oil reset for Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat & Porsche

VIN Check

Vehicle information sheet

No need to input your vehicle's identification number since GaragePro will immediately read it and store this information in its data storage memory. 

Exportable and Downloadable Data

You can export or download your data through Excel format for more accessible analysis and diagnostics. It also generates a PDF report for easier recordkeeping.

GaragePro Car Scanner FAQ

What languages does GaragePro Car Scanner support?

GaragePro comes in English, Hindi, Russian, Turkish, and Arabic versions.

Does GaragePro come with a lifetime warranty?

It does not mention it, but if you buy a Bluetooth dongle to communicate with your GaragePro app, you can get a 1-year replacement warranty.

Does GaragePro have free updates?

Yes. You can also get a free upgrade from a Standard to Advanced subscription. If you're already in the Premium and Lifetime subscription, you can also get a free upgrade to a Business subscription to enjoy more special functions for your car scanning tool.

Which cars should you use the GaragePro?

GaragePro, as a professional car diagnostics tool, is compatible with most US, European, Far East, and Asian-made cars. However, specific cars benefit most from using the GaragePro OBD2 scanner because it carries special functions and actuation for Ford, Toyota, Tata, Mahindra, Suzuki, Chevrolet, Volvo, MG, Isuzu, BYD, Opel, Jaguar, Cadillac, and Saturn.

Conclusion

The GaragePro Car Scanner Code Reader is a must-have for any car owner. It's not just your average code reader - it can scan engine codes, ABS codes, airbag codes, power steering codes, and body module codes to help you diagnose problems with your vehicle. 

If you're interested in finding out more about this device or how it works before purchasing one of these scanners for yourself, be sure to read the rest of our review!