Best OBD Scanner for Subaru
In the early years, the only way a driver and a mechanic could discover the problem that their car was facing was by either listening closely to the noise that the engine is producing or taking apart different parts in an attempt to zero in on the exact issue of the car.
Today, this is no longer the case. Most of the vehicles on the road and in the market are designed with sophisticated software that requires onboard diagnostic tools to unravel. Onboard Diagnostics otherwise known as OBD scanners are a systemic system that makes use of onboard computers in cars.
These tools are quite necessary for self-diagnosis and reporting. Making use of either one of these scanners will allow you to find out exactly what issue your vehicle could be having, before taking a trip to the mechanic.
Every Subaru owner is well aware of how important it is to take some time to service their car and ensure that the engine system is running smoothly and effectively.
There are a number of instances whereby, even after the driver ensures that the vehicle is in tip-top shape and continues to carefully follow the manufacturer’s suggested service intervals, the dreaded check engine light still comes on.
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Needless to say, there is no driver who enjoys seeing the check engine light of their vehicle turned on. It obviously ruins the good feeling that they possessed when ensuring the proper maintenance of their car.
The good news is that Subaru drivers do not need to panic and speed all the way to the garage. Today, there are a number of scanning tools available in the market. These tools are quite efficient as they allow you to easily run the diagnostics on your own vehicle.
Subaru vehicles are equipped with a computer system that observes and keep track of a number of other subsystems that ensure that your vehicle is working. On-board diagnostic tools otherwise known as an OBD scanner enables you to examine your vehicle’s subsystems from the comfort of your own home.
These scanners perform a number of functions from examining and diagnosing a check engine light to finding out your fuel economy, an OBD scanner can handle so many different tasks for you.
OBD scanners are also compatible with Bluetooth devices, which makes it so much easier because you can now make use of your tablet and your smartphone when diagnosing your vehicle.
OBD Scanners are also equipped with a number of apps that communicate with a Bluetooth scanner that is connected with your vehicle’s computer. The scanner’s interface will be the one that you will toggle around with to read your vehicle’s diagnostics.
With an OBD scanner, you will not have to rely on your mechanic or your dealer to identify the problem that your Subaru is facing. With this diagnostic scanner, Subaru owners will be able to handle in-depth troubleshooting all on their own.
In this article, we have taken some time to compile a list of the best OBD scanners for your Subaru, The OBD scanners listed in this guide are able to scan through your Anti-lock brake system (ABS), your airbag system (SRS), your Engine Control System (ECU) and also your Automatic Transmission Control Unit (TCU).
If you are in the market searching for a scanner that can easily read the codes on your engine as well as erase the Check Engine Light, you do not have to spend a lot of money purchasing a diagnostic scanner. Any basic generic scanner will be able to handle the job for you.
In this guide, we highlight the major factors of the scanners listed as well as the advantages. This review will help you find out exactly what you should expect from your scanner even before you start to use it.
We have also gone through a number of factors that you should put into consideration when choosing the scanner that you want to buy. If you are out in the market browsing through a number of different scanners and different options this article should be able to guide you through the process.
Best OBD Scanner for Subaru
iCarsoft i903
The iCarsoft i903 features a bright-colored TFT screen that enables you to clearly read the issues that your car is presenting. It is equipped with diagnostic software that is one of a kind.
This software will ensure that it can pinpoint issues that are not usually stumbled upon by generic scanners. Issues such as a code fault that could be stored with the tire pressure monitoring system (TPM). The scanner will be used to quickly clear these codes.
This scanner also comes with all of the current updates that you will need to be able to optimally work with the system. This scanner weighs only 1.1lb, meaning it is very light in weight. It is also quite compact and can be handled easily. The scanning tool has a 1-year warranty that comes in handy if you encounter any kind of issues.
With this scanner, you can easily increase the efficiency of all your operations. The scanner works swiftly to diagnose your engine problems. The scanner also has an updated mechanism that allows it to effectively repair all of the issues presented.
With this diagnostic tool, you can easily handle a number of services. Some of the services you can handle include scanning the engine as well as presenting the live data of your car.
This scanner enables you to scan through a number of different systems in your Subaru including the anti-brake system and the airbag system. The scanner easily detects the issue and rectifies them. Not only can this scanner read the system, but it can also rectify the issues presented.
This includes the engine codes. In addition, the scanner allows you to reset error codes and indications that could be false. This can be done without communicating with the dealer. This really allows users to save on the time they would use to service their vehicles.
The scanner can also handle complex and complicated issues that are present in your Subaru. This means that you can easily sort out your issues no matter how immense the problem is.
With this scanner, you also get the chance to update your computer. This means that your data will present itself in an improved and organized manner. If you ever need your car records and customer information, all of these documents can be easily accessed with the use of this scanner.
Pros
- This scanner is the most ideal to sort any issues that you may face with your engine and transmission
- The scanner is equipped with a number of updates
- It does not need any batteries.
Cons
- It does not have the most ideal screen
- It cannot diagnose the problem for a number of electrical parts in your engine.
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BlueDriver Bluetooth
The BlueDriver scanner is quite small and light in weight. This scanner is designed with an LED light that informs you when a connection is made. It is also designed with a wing on each side. This design gives your scanner an edgy and futuristic look.
Unlike many other scanners, this scanner does not have a screen. Once the scanner is connected to your vehicle it transports data to your smartphone. On top of the scanning tool, you will find a QR code. This QR code can be easily scanned by your smart device giving you additional information about your vehicle.
This OBD scanner works well without the need for a cable. Once the scanner has been connected to the engine of your Subaru, you can then pair it with any of your smart devices. Pairing your scanner only takes five seconds. The good thing about this scanner is that it is compatible with iOS and Android phones, tablets and also Windows laptops.
The BlueDriver Bluetooth has the capability to scan and clear all engine codes. It can scan through your airbag, transmission and ABS codes. This will allow you to find out if your car can pass an emission test. The scanner will also provide you with information on your capture freeze frame as well as sensor data and live engine.
The scanner can work well with Subaru vehicles that have been manufactured after 1996. The scanner has a database that contains information on more than 4 million vehicle fixes.
With this scanner, you will be able to access logging data in real-time. You will also be able to graph the parameters of your engine. You will be able to read all of these details on your smartphone.
The scanner also gives you a list of the factors that could have caused the problems that you are experiencing. In addition, the scanner gives you a number of options that you could make use of to fix your problem. All of this data is presented to you in the form of a report.
This is great as you can easily read and print all the information and also email the final report to the manufacturers, or your colleagues. Alternatively, you can save the information and view it at a later time. Just as soon as you plug in the scanner, you can read live data. The scanner’s gauge will also reveal digital and voltage readings.
Pros
- This scanner is very easy to use and handle
- The scanner works well with Apple and Android devices
- The scanner features a number of fixes
Cons
To use this scanner, you must own either a phone or a tablet.
This scanner does not have the most ideal Bluetooth connection
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Innova 3160g
The Innova 3160g scanning tool has a very sleek and stylish look. Its design allows users to comfortably hold it in their hands. The scanner is also designed with a nice casing that projects well from the screen.
This is great because even if the scanner was to accidentally fall, the screen would not crack or get damaged in any kind of way. The buttons on this scanner are neatly arranged. This is great as you can use both your hands to operate and handle the menu on the scanner.
The buttons that are on the scanner have a nice and unique shape. This shape allows you to find out exactly what button you are pressing without necessarily looking at your scanner. The scanner is also designed with a really nice screen. This screen is quite large allowing you to easily read all of the information that you will need.
To connect to your Subaru, your scanner uses a cable. This cable can be unattached from your device which is a great advantage as you can easily move around with your cable and also store it. With this scanner, you can make use of the Bluetooth connection to read all of the information and the data on your phone or your tablet.
With this scanning tool, you can read your trouble codes and also reset them. You can also reset the codes from your manufacturer including the supplement restraint system, the air braking systems, the oil, and the battery as well.
You are also given access to view and export freeze frame data and live data. You can connect to a number of other apps by using the Bluetooth function. This scanner can only work on Subaru vehicles that have been manufactured from 1996 and the years later.
The system presents its data in English, French and also Spanish. The scanner also has a repair solutions software. This software will allow you to discover the cause of the issue that you are facing and then it will provide you with a number of different solutions that will guide you when fixing whatever problem your engine could be facing.
The software on this scanner will also enable you to find out where the issue is stemming from and what parts of your engine system will have to be replaced.
Pros
- The scanner features a very ideal and cool display
- The scanner is easy to use
- It has a large variety of features and functions
Cons
- It connects well with all Subaru models; however, it cannot connect well with a number of other cars in the market.
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Toad Pro
Total Car Diagnostics Scanner otherwise known as the TOAD scanner provides you with a full OBD & ECU Auto Diagnostics feature. This scanner is equipped with shiny software that guarantees that it will offer you ECU programming. This scanner is not only compatible with Subaru cars but also other vehicles of different makes and models.
The TOAD Pro scanner is connected to your vehicle engine by using a cable that should be connected to your computer. This scanner is different from all the other mentioned handheld scanners in this review. The scanner also has a very easy to use the software.
The TOAD pro can carry out a health check on your vehicle. This health check will easily diagnose ordinary problems, optimize fuel efficiency, tune and edit ECU valves, fix problems, build custom dashboards and it can also perform a comprehensive CO2 emissions readout test.
With this tool, you can stream data in real-time. The data presented will notify you if a scanner is performing outside optimal parameters. The warning lights of your vehicle can also be reset using this scanner.
The device is also equipped with 17 software systems that make sure that you are always updated. The manufacturers provide consumers with system updates that could last a lifetime and serve all programs.
A great advantage of this scanner is that it is very easy to install software into the system. It also enables users to diagnose error codes and it can also optimize fuel efficiency. TOAD is one of the most ideal diagnostic software in the market. It will perform perfectly on your Subaru.
The scanner also comes inclusive with free guides and repair manuals that can also be purchased online and it has a one-year warranty that could come in really handy in case you face any kind of issue with your scanning tool.
Pros
- The scanner enables you to stream data in real-time
- It can reset the warning lights on your car
- The scanner lets you know if your system is operating outside optimal parameters
Cons
- This scanner costs a lot more than other generic OBD scanners
- It may prove to be a little bit more complicated for those who are not into a lot of code scanning and reading
- The USB cord that is provided is very short
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Actron CP9690
This scanner has a very small and nice design making it easy to hold the tool in your hand. The device is equipped with a screen that reveals all your data in different colors. It is a very durable scanning tool and it is covered with a hard-plastic casing that comes in handy absorbing any hard impact.
The scanner is also covered with a soft rubber grip on the sides. The soft rubber grip allows you to firmly hold the tool preventing it from accidentally sliding off your hand. The screen is large and clear, allowing users to view the displayed details and data.
A great advantage of this scanner is that it can be used on Subaru models that have OBD 1 and OBD 2 connections. It comes together with a number of cables that are required to connect the device to any of these car models. As soon as the cable is connected to the engine, it charges your scanner.
With this scanning tool, you can easily reset the oil light for your car as well as the battery light. You can also read the Supplement Restraint System (SRS) code as well as the Antilock Braking System (ABS) codes. The scanner also enables you to read and display your freeze frame data, engine and transmission codes, your I/M monitors and pending codes. The data is presented to you through monitor systems and graphs.
As the vehicle is been scanned the data is given to users in real-time. The data can also be scanned and saved. If you would like you can send the information to your mechanic, the dealership or you can save it in your records and if you ever need to, you can refer to the results and analyze the information later.
Pros
- It is designed with a good and clear screen
- It is very easy to use this scanner
- This scanner functions quite well
Cons
This scanner costs a lot of money, yet it only provides all of the basic functions of an OBD scanner.
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Factors That You Must Consider Before Purchasing an OBD Scanner for Your Subaru
Choosing the most ideal OBD scanner is necessary as it is important that your Subaru regularly goes through diagnosis and checks to ensure that it functions well for a very long time.
That is why some of the best scanners in the market are durable and future-proof allowing them to last for a number of years. Many of these scanners can easily be updated on the website of the manufacturer.
Today’s market is saturated with different types and brands of OBD scanners. Browsing the market for the most ideal OBD scanner for your Subaru can prove to be a confusing task. The vast amount of OBD scanners in the market can actually confuse you.
That is why in this section we have listed the information that will guide you as you look for an OBD scanner for your Subaru. This list has been compiled by putting together the necessary features and factors that should be considered when choosing your OBD scanner.
The ease of use
This is one of the main factors that must be put into consideration, and it is easy to understand why. A number of drivers can diagnose their vehicles by reading simple codes and making use of scanning materials that are easy to use.
That is why users are encouraged to settle on a scanner that features nice and simple buttons and easy to read programmable controls.
Clients should also be able to look for the easiest way they can deal with the codes on their vehicles. Scanners offer you a number of great designs that you should be able to choose from.
The older your Subaru is the more you will have to run a series of diagnostic tests to confirm the condition of your vehicle. A scanner that is simple and easy to handle will allow you to easily deal with various problems that may surface.
The connections that your scanner needs
There are a number of different scanners in the market and some of them can be connected to your engine with the use of a cord; while others are wireless and can connect without any cord.
Your scanner must connect to your vehicle’s system than ensuring that data and other information is sent to your smartphone or your computer.
A number of new scanners in the market are equipped with Bluetooth connectivity. This allows customers to set and manage their standards when it comes to transferring this data using Bluetooth.
This works well when the information presented is interpreted with an app that the users can choose from. A large number of scanners can work well with the high number of mobile apps that are on offer.
The compatibility of your scanner
Some OBD scanners are compatible with your smartphone. There are a number of scanners that can work well with both Android and iOS platforms. Most scanners in the market today can work well on most vehicles.
Before purchasing your scanner, consumers are advised to take a look at the list of factors and features that modern scan tools come with. This list will give you a better point of view on the possibility of your scanner working with your vehicle. A scanner that supports Bluetooth connectivity, as well as wireless data transfer, is quite ideal.
It is also important to select a scanner according to your personal preference. There are a couple of drivers that like to use scanners that are designed with in-built screens. This is great as you can easily read the data presented on your screen instead of using your smartphone or your tablet. This eases the scanning and the diagnosis process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is an OBD scanner safe to use on my Subaru?
Using an OBD scanner to read and diagnose your car system is very safe. The diagnostic tool can only read codes and delete them. They do not play any part in intervening on how your vehicle will actually work. The scanners can only indicate to the driver what the issue is as well as advise on possible solutions for the problem.
I only plan to use my scanner occasionally. Is purchasing an OBD scanner still worth it?
Many drivers profit a lot in purchasing an OBD scanner. Even if they only use the scanner on just a few occasions. As we all know taking your Subaru to the mechanics for a simple diagnostic test can actually cost a lot of money. Owning a scanner allows you to save a lot of money, time and energy. Other OBD scanners are quite versatile and can be used on a number of different cars. That means it comes in handy even if purchased amongst family members or friends.
Where should the scanner be plugged in?
The OBD port is found inside the vehicle. The position of this port varies according to the manufacturing company. The owner manual guides the driver in finding out the exact position of the port allowing you to easily connect the scanner to your vehicle.
Conclusion
Some of the best OBD scanners for Subaru vehicles are designed to provide you with an immediate response to the numerous warning lights on the dashboard. They indicate the problem caused and that is why they come in quite handy.
The market is filled with so many inspired options that you can choose from. In our opinion, the Innova 3160g is the best option for Subaru owners. It is equipped with a large number of effective features and functions and it is also has a very nice and cool interface. Additionally, it is very easy to use which is a great advantage.
