Best OBD2 Scanner for Honda & Acura Cars

Are you on a quest for the best OBD2 scanner for Honda vehicles? This article looks at some of the best OBD2 scanners for Honda and Acura vehicles. If you own an auto repair shop that specializes in Honda vehicles or are an avid DIYer, this article is for you.

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When choosing a scanner to diagnose Honda vehicles you should look for a scanner that can read and clear codes from all modules including the airbag control unit, transmission control unit, traction control unit, etc. Honda vehicles typically have over 30 different control units and you should be able to read and clear codes from all of them.

1. YOUCANIC Full System Scanner

We tested a lot of scanners trying to find the best scanner to use in our garage. What we found is that:

• Many scanner manufacturers make scanners that require a yearly subscription.
• Can diagnose one make but doesn’t work on all different car makes. You will have to pay more to cover other vehicle makes.
• Can’t diagnose all vehicle systems. May only diagnose the engine, airbag, transmission, and ABS problems. That’s only 4 systems. Modern cars can have up to 40+ systems.
• Don’t support bi-direction support for sensor testing and activation.

If you wanted a scanner that can do all these, you have to spend thousands of dollars and most likely pay a yearly subscription.

So we decided to launch the YOUCANIC full system scanner that works on all makes and models.

The YOUCANIC full system scanner:

• Works on all makes.
• Can read and clear codes from all vehicle control units.
• View live data from any sensor.
• Bi-direction support to activate and test sensors and motors.
• Reset functions depending on model

If that is not enough, keep in mind that the YOUCANIC scanner does not require a yearly subscription as other professional-level tools do. We believe that the YOUCANIC scanner offers the best OBD2 for the money for auto mechanics and DIYers.

Don’t want to buy a scanner? We still want to help you fix your vehicle in an economical way. We created a scanner rental program that allows you to use the scanner for a few days on as many cars as you like.

We have a ton of how-to video showing you how to troubleshoot car problems. Once you get the codes, the YOUCANIC technicians can help you with any questions you may have.

2. Foxwell NT510 Multi-System Scan Tool

Foxwell NT510 for Honda can read, clear, and display live sensor data from all the modules on Honda and Accura vehicles. You can read codes, see descriptions, and clear fault codes from any module, including engine, transmission, ABS, airbag, etc.

When purchasing a Foxwell NT510, ensure you are ordering the Honda version. Otherwise, you will only be able to diagnose the check engine light. You can get this scanner with car brands such as BMW, Chrysler, Fiat, Hyundai, Toyota, and VW.

Foxwell NT510 scanner provides multi-system diagnostics for Honda/Accura cars. This is a great scanner for Honda Accord, Civic, etc. The main drawback is that it does not offer a bi-directional function, which means you won’t test any sensors.

It will only work on 1996 and newer Honda and Acura vehicles.

Highlights

• Coverage: All system coverage (Engine, Transmission, ABS, Airbag, etc.)
• Show live sensor data in text and graph format.
• Actuate sensors, run system tests, and program control modules.
• Can perform coding and programming of control modules.
• Works on GM Car, Trucks, and SUVs from 1996 to the present.
• Can reset oil reminder and Service Lights.
• Multiple Language Support

3. Autel All System Scanner

The Autel Maxisys is the perfect choice to diagnose Honda and Acura cars. It provides capabilities similar to the OEM Honda scan tool, including a bi-directional function. It is ideal for Honda experts. If you would like a scanner that can perform in-depth diagnostics with similar capabilities to the dealer scanner, the Autel Maxisys is your choice. A less expensive alternative is the Autel Maxicom, which covers all systems but does not provide a bi-directional function.

This diagnostic scanner works on over 50 makes, including Toyota, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, VW, Hyundai, and more.

4. OEM Scanner – Honda HDS

If a Honda dealership diagnosed your car, you probably heard the term HDS scanner.  HDS stands for Honda Diagnostic System. It is a laptop-based scanner used at Honda dealers to diagnose and troubleshoot car problems.

To use HDS, you will need a Modular Vehicle Communications Interface (MVCI), which allows the dealer to flash, program, and calibrate any control unit on Honda and Acura cars. The HDS can scan Honda and Acura cars only. It is compatible with Hondas back in the early 1990s.

You can view the Service Bulletin published by Honda if you want to check vehicle coverage. Honda IDS diagnostic scanner gives complete access to all the systems on Honda/Acura vehicles, including the immobilizer system.

Honda HDS / MVCI requires calibration files for flashing control units. The beautiful thing about the Honda scanner is that the files are downloaded into the MVCI device and don’t need internet access if you must carry out a re-flashing procedure.1

What is Honda GNA600?

The GNA600 is a vehicle interface device that can scan the systems in Honda and Acura vehicles. The GNA600 serves similar functions provided by Honda Interface Module (HIM) but provides additional capabilities such as program mileage, smart keys, reset airbag, etc.

The Honda Diagnostic Software (HDS) with Modular Vehicle Communications Interface (MVCI) requires a software license that costs over $1,000 per year, making it unsuitable for Honda and Acura car owners. Therefore, here are the top alternatives for those who still like to perform some in-depth troubleshooting.

Best OBD2 Scanner for Honda

If you are looking for an affordable Honda scanner that will tell you why the check engine light is on, then the YOUCANIC full system scanner is a great product at a competitive price. It works on Honda vehicles and all other makes. It supports OBD-II, Honda, and Acura protocols, whose coverage includes dynamical, body, chassis, ABS, SRS, anti-theft, and more. In addition, it offers bidirectional support.

YOUCANIC full system scanner is a great choice for home mechanics, Honda enthusiasts, and most DIYers. You need a scanner that can read, clear, and view sensor data from all the systems.

YOUCANIC full system scanner offers similar functionality to the OEM Honda Scanner and Snap-On Solus. Not only is the YOUCANIC scanner one of the best OBD2 scanners for Honda but we also have an extensive video library that shows you how to troubleshoot car problems.

We hope you find the 5 Best OBD2 Scanner for Honda / Acura guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Honda/Acura.