For Honda owners, having the right diagnostic tool can mean the difference between an expensive trip to the mechanic and a simple DIY fix. Modern OBD2 scanners offer incredible insight into your vehicle’s health, from basic check engine light reading to advanced system resets specific to your model. This guide focuses on the best scanners tailored for Honda and Acura vehicles, helping you choose the perfect balance of power, simplicity, and value for your home garage.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer looking to perform advanced maintenance or a casual driver who just wants to understand why a warning light is on, there’s a scanner here for you. We’ve tested and compiled a list of eight top-rated tools, from dedicated Honda-specific devices to versatile universal readers, to help you confidently maintain your vehicle.
The Best Honda OBD2 Scanners for Home Mechanics
- FOXWELL NT510 Elite fit for Honda Acura OBD2 Scanner
- BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool for iPhone & Android
- Autel MaxiAP AP200 OBD2 Scanner Bluetooth Wireless OBDII Auto Diagnostic Tool
- FOXWELL NT710 Diagnostic Tool fit for Honda/Acura OBD2 Scanner
- ANCEL AD310 Classic Enhanced Universal OBD II Scanner Car Engine Fault Code Reader
- Autel Professional OBD2 Scanner AL319 Code Reader
- FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 Scanner Professional Mechanic OBDII Diagnostic Scan Tool
- Innova 3160g CarScan Pro 2 OBD2 Scanner with ABS SRS & Oil Reset
FOXWELL NT510 Elite fit for Honda Acura OBD2 Scanner
The FOXWELL NT510 Elite is a specialized tool designed exclusively for Honda and Acura vehicles, making it a powerful and cost-effective choice for owners of these brands. It provides full-system diagnostics for the engine, ABS, airbag (SRS), transmission, and more, offering a level of insight typically reserved for professional shops. Its auto VIN reading quickly identifies your specific model to ensure accurate functionality.
Where this scanner truly stands out is its support for essential reset and relearn procedures. It can perform a crankshaft sensor relearn, which is critical after certain repairs to ensure optimal engine performance. It also handles oil light resets, electronic parking brake (EPB) service, ABS bleeding, and throttle position sensor (TPS) relearns. For the Honda/Acura DIYer looking to tackle maintenance beyond basic code reading, the NT510 Elite is an exceptional value.
BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool
The BlueDriver is a professional-grade scanner that connects via Bluetooth to your smartphone or tablet, turning it into a powerful diagnostic display. It reads and clears codes from the check engine light, ABS, airbag (SRS), and TPMS systems on virtually any vehicle made after 1996, offering tremendous versatility if you own multiple car brands.
Its major advantage is the companion app, which provides detailed repair reports. These reports include possible causes for a fault code and verified fixes, helping you understand what a code means and how to address it. You can also view live data streams and create custom graphs while driving to monitor your vehicle’s health in real time. With no subscription fees, it’s a one-time purchase for professional-level diagnostics.
Autel MaxiAP AP200 OBD2 Scanner Bluetooth Wireless OBDII Auto Diagnostic Tool
The Autel MaxiAP AP200 is a highly flexible wireless scanner that uses your phone’s screen and processing power. It offers a wide range of functionality for its category, including full-system diagnostics and a growing list of special reset functions. It works with most OBD2-compliant vehicles from 1996 onward.
This tool is notable for its 19 popular maintenance service functions, such as oil service reset, steering angle sensor (SAS) calibration, battery registration, and DPF regeneration. You purchase access to specific vehicle makes as needed, which can be more economical than an all-in-one tool if you only work on one or two brands. For Honda owners who also want capability for other family vehicles, the AP200’s modular approach is very appealing.
FOXWELL NT710 Diagnostic Tool fit for Honda/Acura OBD2 Scanner
The FOXWELL NT710 is a step up from the NT510, offering enhanced hardware and the same deep specialization for Honda and Acura models. It is designed to deliver high-end tablet scanner functionality at a fraction of the cost, and includes free lifetime updates, which represents significant long-term savings.
This unit performs OE-level full-system diagnostics and includes all the popular reset and relearn functions like crankshaft relearn, ABS bleeding, EPB reset, and throttle adaptation. Its robust construction and clear screen make it easy to use in the garage. If you want a dedicated, professional-grade Honda/Acura tool with the best ongoing support and no recurring fees, the NT710 is a top-tier choice for serious home mechanics.
ANCEL AD310 Classic Enhanced Universal OBD II Scanner
The ANCEL AD310 is a straightforward, reliable, and highly popular code reader focused on the engine and emission systems. It’s a classic plug-and-play device with its own screen, requiring no phone or battery. It’s built with a sturdy, compact design and a thick cable that can withstand the rigors of garage use.
This scanner excels at its core tasks: reading and clearing check engine lights, viewing live data, checking readiness monitors, and accessing freeze frame data. It is compatible with all OBD2 vehicles from 1996 onwards. For Honda owners who primarily need a simple tool to identify why the check engine light is on and to turn it off after a repair, the AD310 offers exceptional ease of use and durability at an accessible price point.
Autel Professional OBD2 Scanner AL319 Code Reader
The Autel AL319 is an enhanced basic scanner that provides a bit more data than the simplest code readers. It handles all standard OBD2 functions like reading/clearing codes, displaying live data streams, and showing freeze frame information captured when a fault occurs. Its interface is designed for simplicity, making it suitable for users with no prior mechanical knowledge.
This tool supports multiple languages and works on any OBD2-compliant vehicle. It’s a self-contained unit that draws power directly from your car’s diagnostic port. If you want a no-fuss, screen-based scanner that goes beyond just code reading to offer live data for better diagnosis of intermittent issues, the AL319 is a strong and reliable option.
FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 Scanner Professional Mechanic OBDII Diagnostic Scan Tool
The FOXWELL NT301 is a professional-grade standalone scanner known for its robust construction and accurate diagnostics. It focuses primarily on the engine system but does so with a high level of detail, offering live data graphing, component activation tests, and enhanced OBD2 functions. Its intuitive menu structure makes navigation simple.
This tool is built for frequent use and provides reliable code reading and clearing, along with valuable diagnostic data like freeze frame and readiness status. For the Honda DIYer who wants a durable, screen-based tool that provides deeper engine data than a basic reader but doesn’t require brand-specific resets, the NT301 is a proven and popular workhorse.
Innova 3160g CarScan Pro 2 OBD2 Scanner with ABS SRS & Oil Reset
The Innova 3160g CarScan Pro 2 is a versatile handheld unit that bridges the gap between basic code readers and advanced scanners. It provides diagnostics for the engine, ABS, and SRS (airbag) systems, which covers the majority of common warning lights. A key feature is its ability to perform oil service light resets on many vehicles.
This scanner offers repair guidance through its “Fix Finder” feature, which connects to a database to suggest possible causes and solutions. It has a large, color screen that displays live data and definitions of trouble codes in clear language. For Honda owners who want a capable all-in-one tool for the three most common system warnings and basic maintenance resets, the Innova 3160g is a comprehensive solution.
How to Choose the Best Honda OBD2 Scanner for Home Use
After testing a bunch of these tools on my own Hondas, I can tell you that not all OBD2 scanners are created equal, especially when you’re looking for one to use at home. The best Honda OBD2 scanner for you depends on what you want to do and how deep you want to go. Let me break down the key things I look for.
First, consider compatibility. While all OBD2 scanners can read basic engine codes from your 1996 or newer Honda, you might want more. If you own a newer model or want to check systems beyond the engine (like ABS, airbags, or transmission), you need a scanner that can access Honda-specific modules. Look for tools that mention “enhanced diagnostics” or manufacturer-specific coverage for Honda/Acura. This was a major differentiator in my tests.
Next, think about functionality. Basic code readers are cheap and can tell you the “check engine” light code. But a true diagnostic tool can do more: it can show you live data streams (like sensor readings while the engine runs), perform active tests (like cycling a radiator fan), and reset maintenance lights. For home use, I find live data is incredibly useful for diagnosing intermittent issues that a simple code won’t reveal.
The interface and software matter a lot. A clear, backlit screen is helpful. Some tools connect to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, using an app that often has a better display and more features. I’ve tested both dedicated handheld units and app-based models, and the best choice often comes down to personal preference. Do you want a standalone tool, or are you comfortable using your phone?
Finally, there’s build quality and support. You want a device that feels sturdy, not like a toy. Good customer support and regular, free software updates are crucial, as cars are constantly evolving. A tool that can’t update is a tool that will become obsolete. When I tested the 8 best Honda OBD2 scanners for home use, update policies were a key factor in my final rankings. Start by deciding which of these factors is most important for your garage, and you’ll narrow down the options fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a basic OBD2 scanner work on my Honda?
Yes, but with a big caveat. Any standard OBD2 scanner will read and clear generic powertrain codes (the “check engine” light) on any Honda from 1996 or newer. That’s the law. However, it won’t access Honda-specific codes or other systems like the transmission, ABS, or airbag modules. For that, you need a more advanced scanner with enhanced Honda diagnostics.
What’s the difference between a code reader and a diagnostic scanner?
This is a common point of confusion. A basic code reader is like a dictionary—it just gives you the code number and a basic definition. A diagnostic scanner is like a full workshop manual. It reads codes, shows live sensor data, lets you perform system tests, and provides much more detailed information to actually pinpoint the problem. For serious home use, a diagnostic scanner is the way to go.
Can I reset the maintenance minder on my Honda with these tools?
Many of the more capable scanners can reset the Honda Maintenance Minder system. This is a specific function, so you need to check the features list before you buy. Basic code readers typically cannot do this. When I evaluated the 8 best Honda OBD2 scanners for home use, the ability to reset the maintenance light was a feature I specifically tested for.
Are Bluetooth OBD2 adapters and apps reliable?
They can be excellent, but quality varies wildly. A cheap, no-name Bluetooth dongle paired with a free app might read codes, but the data can be slow, inaccurate, or lack features. I recommend using well-known, professional-grade apps (like those from scanner manufacturers) with a quality adapter. They offer much more stable connections and reliable data, making them a powerful and cost-effective option.
Do I need a different scanner for my older ’90s Honda?
Possibly. If your Honda is from 1995 or earlier, it likely uses an OBD1 system, not OBD2. You would need an OBD1-specific scanner or a special adapter to connect a modern tool. Some advanced OBD2 scanners come with optional OBD1 adapter cables for older vehicles, so that’s something to look for if you have a classic in the garage.