Best OBD2 Scanner for Mazda
Looking for the best OBD2 scanner for Mazda? This article provides some of the best OBD-II (OBD2) scanners for Mazda cars.
Choosing a good Mazda diagnostic scanner can be a challenge. A good Mazda scanner is not just for diagnosing the check engine light.
You need a Mazda OBD2 scanner to troubleshoot other systems, such as ABS, SRS/Airbag, automatic transmission, and ECU.
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. Launch Creader
Details
- Can read and clear Transmission, Engine, ABS, and SRS Airbag Codes.
- Read and Clear DTC.
- Stream Sensor Data
- Works on 1996 vehicles with OBDII or CAN system.
- View freeze frame data.
- Upgrade via the internet.
3. Autel Maxi Line
MaxiDAS DS708 is inexpensive compared to the OEM scanner and other scanners that provide in-depth troubleshooting, programming, sensor activation, and immobilizer testing MaxiDAS708 is a steal.
Details
- Full vehicle coverage for all systems in most cars.
- ECU programming and live data stream.
- Reads and Clears Fault Codes in most vehicles since 1996.
- It can record, graph, and playback live OBD2 data.
- It can carry control unit adaptations and initialization.
- Can code and set up new modules.
- Access the immobilizer system and code new keys.
- Activate sensors and perform testing.
This is one of the best scanners to add to your toolbox for those who own a repair shop. If you need it to troubleshoot your cars, it is an excellent choice if you can afford one. It makes sense that most Mazda owners may not want to spend hundreds of dollars on a diagnostic scanner; therefore, check out our other recommendations below.
4. iCarsoft CR Plus
iCarsoft CR Plus is a diagnostic scan tool that will work on Mazda and 40+ other vehicles. It can perform the basic Check Engine Light read and reset and scan the ECU, Transmission, SRS/Airbag, and ABS systems.
We have used the iCarsoft scanners multiple times to diagnose cars and are quite impressed with this scanner’s capabilities. It can access almost all the systems in your Mazda and read and clear fault codes.
Using the scanner is easy; you will need to know the year make, your car’s model, and the chassis. The iCarsoft can display current and stored fault codes and clear them. The only thing we didn’t like is that, at times, it may show error codes that are not vehicle specific, and you can not find any information on the code that is showing. You can ignore those kinds of fault codes.
Details
- Can scan ABS, SRS, TCU, ECU, and most systems on your Mazda.
- Can reset the Oil Service Reminder
- Can reset the Brake Pad Reminder function
- Can reset the steering angle sensor (SAS). Calibrate a new SAS.
- Compatible with Mazda and most Asian, European, and Domestic vehicles.
- Display emission readiness status.
- Read/Erase Fault Codes
- Stream live PCM data.
- Supports CAN and OBDII vehicles.
5. Autel AutoLink MD802
The AutoLink MD802 is a popular scanner because it has many dealer-level functions that you won’t find in other scanners in this price range. It can read and clear codes from domestic and import vehicles made after 1996. It can scan the ABS, SRS, TCU, and ECU, plus it can perform diagnostics of multiple systems in your Mazda, including body, chassis, communication modules, and powertrain. It has a broad vehicle coverage with support for over 50 car models. It features an auto-scan mode plus an option to erase all fault codes with a button push.
Details
- Scan, read, and erase codes from Powertrain, Chassis, Information, and Body modules.
- Compatible with Asian, Domestic, and European vehicles.
- Streams live sensor data.
- Reset Oil Maintenance Reminder.
- Diagnose Electronic Parking Brake.
- Turn off SRS, Check Engine, ABS, and airbag warning lights.
- Troubleshoot Mazda automatic transmission problems.
6. Mazda IDS OEM Dealer Scanner
Mazda dealers use a scanner known as the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS). IDS is the software part; it requires a laptop and the VCM II hardware so that you can connect it to your Mazda vehicle. A similar setup is used on Ford cars. Operating the IDS scanner requires a yearly license that costs several hundred dollars. You can read more about Mazda IDS software and subscription cost here.
While Mazda IDS provides full control to all systems on Mazda vehicles, it is not as simple to use, and it requires training plus a yearly subscription, which makes it unreasonable for Mazda owners to purchase.
What’s the best OBD2 scanner for Mazda?
The dealer’s Mazda IDS is, without a doubt, the best OBD2 scanner for Mazda but that is way too expensive for most repair shops and owners.
If you work on cars regularly or have an auto repair shop, you may want to invest in a scanner such as the YOUCANIC full system scanner. For most owners, it pays for itself the first couple of times you use it.
We hope you find the Top 5 – Best OBD2 Scanner for Mazda guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Mazda.
