That trusty 2015 Subaru Outback is built for adventure, but even the most reliable vehicles can sometimes throw a check engine light. Seeing that illuminated icon on your dashboard can be unsettling, signaling anything from a loose gas cap to a more complex engine issue. When that light pops on, you have a choice: head to the dealership and pay for diagnostic labor, or take control and diagnose the problem yourself with an OBD2 scanner.
Since 1996, every car sold in the U.S., including your 2015 Subaru Outback, has been equipped with an On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD2) system. This system constantly monitors your vehicle’s performance, from the engine’s vital signs to emissions controls. An OBD2 scanner is your key to unlocking this hidden data network. It plugs into your Outback’s OBD2 port, typically located under the dashboard, and reads Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) that pinpoint potential problems. While basic scanners read standardized codes, the best OBD2 scanners for a 2015 Subaru Outback can delve deeper, accessing manufacturer-specific codes for a more comprehensive diagnosis.
To help you choose the right tool, we’ve consulted the SubaruOutback.org community and compiled a list of highly recommended OBD2 scanners that are perfect for your 2015 Subaru Outback. These scanners range in features and price, ensuring there’s an option for every DIY enthusiast, from the beginner to the seasoned mechanic.
1. OBDLink MX+: The SubaruOutback.org Community Favorite
The OBDLink brand is a favorite among Subaru Outback owners, and the MX+ model stands out for its performance and versatility. This Bluetooth OBD2 scanner boasts a fast Bluetooth connection, providing real-time live data from your 2015 Subaru Outback’s engine computer. It works seamlessly with both Apple iOS and Android devices via a free OBDLink app, a crucial feature as many budget Bluetooth scanners are limited to Android.
Beyond compatibility, the OBDLink MX+ reads both basic OBD2 codes and manufacturer-specific codes for Subaru, giving you a more detailed understanding of any issues. It’s also safe to leave plugged into your OBD2 port and comes with a reassuring three-year warranty. If you’re looking for a reliable and fast Bluetooth scanner for your 2015 Subaru Outback, the OBDLink MX+ is a top choice.
2. ScanGauge II: More Than Just a Scanner for Your Subaru Outback
The ScanGauge II offers a unique blend of diagnostic capability and real-time vehicle monitoring, making it a valuable tool for any 2015 Subaru Outback owner. Like other scanners, it reads and clears both active and pending trouble codes on OBD2-compliant vehicles (1996 and newer). However, the ScanGauge II goes further by functioning as an auxiliary gauge display in your Outback.
Its compact, backlit screen can display a wealth of information, including RPM, speed, intake air temperature, fuel pressure, ignition timing, and coolant temperature. For fuel-conscious Outback drivers, it can also show instantaneous and average fuel economy, and even calculate cost per mile. With available vehicle-specific gauges, you can even monitor parameters like boost pressure, adding a performance-oriented dimension to this versatile OBD2 scanner for your 2015 Subaru Outback.
3. Innova 5610: Advanced Diagnostics for the 2015 Subaru Outback DIYer
The Innova 5610 is designed for the more advanced DIY mechanic working on their 2015 Subaru Outback. It covers the basics, reading generic and manufacturer-specific trouble codes, but it also offers features that elevate it above entry-level scanners. The large color screen makes viewing data and codes easy, and it can display live data streams in graph format for easier analysis of your Subaru’s systems.
This scanner can access almost every module in your Outback, including tire pressure monitoring systems. Its standout feature is bidirectional control, allowing you to command modules and sensors – a capability usually found in professional-grade tools. For example, you can use it to activate or deactivate components like the EGR valve to test their functionality during diagnosis, making the Innova 5610 a powerful OBD2 scanner for in-depth troubleshooting on your 2015 Subaru Outback.
4. BlueDriver Pro: Smart OBD2 Diagnostics for Your 2015 Subaru Outback
The BlueDriver Pro is another highly recommended OBD2 scan tool, praised for its ease of use and comprehensive features. Like all scanners on this list, it reads and clears standard OBD2 trouble codes on your 2015 Subaru Outback. It also captures freeze frame data, providing a snapshot of vehicle conditions when a code was triggered, and displays live sensor data.
A particularly useful feature for Subaru Outback owners is its smog check readiness test, indicating whether your vehicle is ready for emissions testing. Resetting codes can make your car fail a smog test until internal tests are complete, and BlueDriver Pro eliminates the guesswork. Furthermore, it provides repair reports for each trouble code, offering likely causes, owner-reported fixes, and other helpful information to guide your repair process on your 2015 Subaru Outback.
5. Autel AutoLink AL329: Professional Diagnostics at a DIY Price for your Subaru Outback
Autel is a well-known name in professional-grade diagnostic equipment, often seen in garages and repair shops. While they offer high-end systems like the MaxiSys, they also provide more affordable options like the AutoLink AL329, perfect for the DIY mechanic who wants reliable diagnostics for their 2015 Subaru Outback without breaking the bank.
The AL329 is a standalone tool, eliminating the need for smartphones or apps. It features a color screen and user-friendly interface, retrieving both generic and manufacturer-specific codes, displaying emissions readiness status, and showing freeze frame data. While it may not have all the advanced features of Autel’s professional systems, the AL329 provides essential diagnostic capabilities at an accessible price, making it a great entry-level OBD2 scanner for your 2015 Subaru Outback.
Having an OBD2 scanner is an invaluable tool for any 2015 Subaru Outback owner. It empowers you to understand your vehicle’s health, diagnose issues quickly, and potentially save money on repair costs. Whether you choose a basic code reader or a more advanced scanner with features like live data and bidirectional control, investing in an OBD2 scanner is a smart decision for maintaining your Subaru Outback and keeping it ready for your next adventure.
