That dreaded check engine light—it’s every Subaru owner’s least favorite dashboard icon. Instead of immediately scheduling a costly visit to the mechanic, you can take control and diagnose the issue yourself. How? With a Subaru Obd2 scanner. Since 1996, every vehicle in the United States, including your Subaru, has been equipped with an On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD2) system. This sophisticated network monitors everything from your engine’s temperature to the efficiency of your catalytic converter, relaying crucial data to your car’s computer.
An OBD2 scanner is your key to unlocking this data. It plugs into your Subaru’s OBD2 port—usually located under the dashboard—and allows you to read Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) that trigger that pesky check engine light. While basic scanners can provide standardized codes, the best Subaru OBD2 scanners go further, accessing manufacturer-specific codes and offering in-depth insights into your vehicle’s health. Investing in the right scanner can save you time, money, and the frustration of automotive mysteries.
To help you choose the best tool for your needs, we’ve consulted the SubaruOutback.org community and compiled a list of top-recommended OBD2 scanners perfect for your Subaru.
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1. OBDLink MX+: The SubaruOutback.org Community Favorite
OBDLink is a well-regarded brand in the OBD2 scanner world, and the MX+ model stands out as a community favorite. This Bluetooth-enabled scanner is praised for its rapid data transmission, providing real-time live data from your Subaru’s engine control unit (ECU) directly to your smartphone or tablet. The OBDLink MX+ is compatible with both Apple iOS and Android devices, a significant advantage over many budget Bluetooth scanners that are limited to Android.
Beyond basic OBD2 functions, the MX+ reads both generic and manufacturer-specific codes, giving you a more comprehensive understanding of Subaru-specific issues. Its robust three-year warranty and safe-to-leave-plugged-in design further solidify its appeal as a reliable Subaru OBD2 solution.
2. ScanGauge II: More Than Just a Subaru OBD2 Scanner – It’s a Gauge Pod Too
The ScanGauge II offers a unique dual functionality. It serves as a capable Subaru OBD2 scanner, reading and clearing both active and pending trouble codes, but it also transforms into an auxiliary gauge pod for your Subaru. Compatible with all OBD2 vehicles (1996 and newer), the ScanGauge II displays a wealth of real-time vehicle data on its compact backlit screen.
Monitor essential parameters like RPM, speed, intake air temperature, fuel pressure, and even fuel economy. For Subaru enthusiasts who enjoy performance metrics, the ScanGauge II can display boost pressure and other vehicle-specific gauges. It’s a valuable tool for both diagnostics and performance monitoring, making it a versatile addition to any Subaru owner’s toolkit.
3. Innova 5610: Advanced Subaru OBD2 Diagnostics for the DIY Mechanic
The Innova 5610 steps up the diagnostic game, offering more advanced features for the serious DIY Subaru mechanic. While it handles basic and manufacturer-specific trouble codes like other scanners on this list, the Innova 5610 distinguishes itself with bidirectional control capabilities. This professional-grade feature allows you to command modules and sensors, such as the EGR valve, to open and close for functional testing – functionality typically found in dealership-level tools.
Its large color screen provides clear data visualization and graphing, making it easier to analyze your Subaru’s sensor readings. The Innova 5610 can scan virtually every module in your Subaru, including tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). For Subaru owners who want deeper diagnostic control, the Innova 5610 is a powerful and valuable Subaru OBD2 tool.
4. BlueDriver Pro: Subaru OBD2 Scanner with Intelligent Repair Reports
The BlueDriver Pro is another highly recommended Bluetooth Subaru OBD2 scanner, lauded for its user-friendly app and intelligent features. It reads and clears all standard OBD2 codes and provides freeze frame data, capturing the sensor readings at the exact moment a trouble code was triggered. Live data streaming allows you to monitor your Subaru’s sensors in real-time.
A standout feature of the BlueDriver Pro is its repair report functionality. For each trouble code, the app generates a report detailing likely causes, common fixes reported by other vehicle owners, and other helpful information to guide your diagnosis and repair process. The BlueDriver Pro also helps with emissions testing by indicating your Subaru’s readiness status, eliminating guesswork after clearing codes.
5. Autel AutoLink AL329: Reliable and Affordable Subaru OBD2 Diagnostics
Autel is a respected name in professional automotive diagnostic equipment, often seen in workshops and garages. While they produce high-end diagnostic systems, the Autel AutoLink AL329 offers a more accessible and budget-friendly Subaru OBD2 option for DIYers. This standalone tool is ideal for those who prefer a direct, no-frills approach without relying on smartphone apps or Bluetooth connections.
The AL329 features a color screen for easy code reading and displays generic and manufacturer-specific codes, emissions readiness status, and freeze frame data. While it may lack some of the advanced features of higher-priced scanners, the Autel AutoLink AL329 provides reliable and essential diagnostic capabilities to help you troubleshoot your Subaru’s check engine light at an affordable price point.
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