Can I leave my OBD2 plugged in all the time?

It's completely safe to leave an OBD2 scanner tool plugged in while driving. In fact, it's important to have your car running while you diagnose an engine code to avoid damaging the scanning software.
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Does OBD cable drain battery?

No. Everything in the car is powered "straight from the battery" when the alternator isn't running. The alternator is charging the battery at the same rate as everything else is discharging it, plus some more charge to top up the battery if it isn't already 100% charged.
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Is OBD2 port always on?

So yes, the OBD port's power pin (battery positive 16): MUST be unswitched (always connected to battery power)
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Is it safe to drive with OBD2?

The plug for a OBD2 scanner is completely safe while driving. Running your car while you investigate an engine code is crucial to preventing it from destroying your scanning software.
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CAN OBD scanners damage your car?

That's not to say you shouldn't approach this with caution, as you can still do some lasting damage, for example, setting the ignition timing so far advanced that it causes detonation, which can destroy the engine. Stick to graphical apps and the retail OBD readers are very safe.
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Is It Bad to Leave Your Laptop Plugged in All the Time?



Should car be running when using code reader?

In order to connect and read codes, your engine does not need to run, but the ignition must be in the 'Running' position, so that the engine controller is fully powered. There are typically four positions for ignition in a vehicle: Off, On, Off and On.
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Do I need to start car for OBD2?

Always turn the ignition on or have the car running according to the instructions in the manual. Failure to do this might corrupt the scanning software. It's also very important that you drive around with the manual for the specific scanner model that you're using.
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What can OBD2 tell you?

Auto technicians and owners use an OBD-II scanner device to understand the data the system gathers. It can provide data about your car's air temperature, coolant, crankshaft and camshaft, position, road speed, and throttle as well as engine RPM.
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Does using OBD void warranty?

1. Does using the OBD void the dealer warranty? Legally yes you do void the warranty but in most of europe and US it appears they can only void the part you have touched, for example if you re configured your radio they still have to sort out engine problems.
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Is it worth buying a car diagnostic tool?

OBD2 Scanners Aren't Just For Mechanics

Thanks in part to the world wide web, and the almost unlimited amount of information available, OBD2 scanners make it possible for almost anyone to diagnose their vehicle's problems within minutes. Thanks to this, they're an essential tool for any car owner.
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Does the OBD port have power when the car is off?

The connector will always have power on these two pins regardless of the key position, and when you plug a device into the port it will have power and may come on by itself (many scanners do this). However, this is only power and you won't be able to communicate with the car.
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What is the difference between OBD and OBD2?

OBD is the abbreviation for on-board diagnostics. OBD2 refers to the second generation of the onboard diagnostic system. OBD or onboard diagnostics is the system in a car that controls and monitors all the important control devices, offering data access with the appropriate hardware and software.
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Can I leave BlueDriver plugged in?

Can you leave BlueDriver plugged in? You can leave the BlueDriver plugged in as you drive, and the device even features a live data mode that allows you to monitor specific systems (depending on your vehicle). Some users have complained the data refresh rate for this feature is somewhat slow, however.
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Does Scangauge drain battery?

So, if the draw is 15mA (Scangauge) + 15mA (ECM) = 30mA, for a month, then that's 20 Amp hours, which might be 20% of the total battery capacity. Not insignificant.
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Is there more than one OBD?

Easy answer: One at a time

The OBD-II port can't be split or have a hub like USB. It's just not designed for that sort of thing. The OBD-II system was originally designed for mechanics to connect to a car's computer, and nothing else.
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Will driving with check engine light void warranty?

No matter how often a scan tool is used, your warranty will never be violated because they do not harm engine parameters. Its read is based solely on how existing PCM codes have been set. It is impossible to void your warranty due to the lack of changes in this case.
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Does obd11 void warranty Audi?

As far as I am aware, no. A tune though will void your warranty. If a unit that you coded fails, and needs to be replaced, they will deny warranty coverage.
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Does OBD2 show Vin?

The VIN is stored within the OBD-II system. This is what the dongle is reading. If the PCM was ever replaced, the VIN may not have been stored correctly in the new (to the car) PCM.
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Are OBD scanners accurate?

Fortunately, they're universal, so any OBD2 scanner will work for a vehicle manufactured after 1996. However, it's fair to wonder if they all adhere to the same standard of accuracy. The answer is yes – these devices are all accurate. If a code is present, they'll pick it up and relay it back.
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Will an OBD2 scanner Read transmission codes?

Not all OBD2 scanners can read transmission fault codes. The reality is basic OBD2 scan tools can only scan and read engine fault codes. If the check engine light is triggered by a problem with the transmission, you'll need to plug in a different scan tool to read the trouble code.
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What does OBD2 stand for?

OBD II is an acronym for On-Board Diagnostic II, the second generation of on-board self-diagnostic equipment requirements for light- and medium-duty California vehicles.
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What does DTC mean on a code reader?

A DTC, short for Diagnostic Trouble Code, is a code used to diagnose malfunctions in a vehicle or heavy equipment. While the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)—also known as the check engine light—simply alerts drivers that there is an issue, a DTC identifies what and where the issue is.
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Does OBD2 work on diesel?

As of the 2007 model year, all diesel-powered vehicles rated at less than 14,000-pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) must now meet OBDII requirements for monitoring the performance of their emission control systems.
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How do I reset my check engine light without a scanner?

How to Reset a Check Engine Light Without a Scanner. To reset a check engine light without a scanner, disconnect the negative battery cable and wait a few moments. This will reset the diagnostic system in your vehicle, and if the underlying issue has indeed been resolved, the light should go off immediately.
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