OBD2 & Diagnostics

Buying an OBD2 scanner means diagnosing your car yourself instead of guessing: the check engine light is on, and the scanner tells you exactly which fault is behind it within a minute — even before you make an appointment at the garage. At Strex, you will find diagnostic tools for home use: an OBD2 scanner with a Dutch menu for fault codes, and a digital multimeter for electrical measurements on the battery, fuses, and wiring.

What can an OBD2 scanner read?

Every petrol car from 2001 onwards and diesel from 2004 onwards has an OBD2 port — usually under the steering wheel — to which the scanner connects directly. Scanning shows which fault code is causing the check engine light to come on: from a loose fuel cap to a faulty sensor. Just as importantly: after the repair, you can clear the code yourself and the light will go out. This way, you know what you are dealing with before visiting the garage — and you can recognize the difference between "can wait until the service" and "get it checked now".

Why add a multimeter?

The scanner reads what the onboard computer registers; the multimeter measures what is actually happening electrically. If the car starts slowly, a voltage measurement on the battery will tell you in ten seconds whether the problem is the battery itself (resting voltage too low) or the alternator (voltage too low while the engine is running). Testing fuses, locating a broken bulb, checking the trailer plug — the multimeter is the go-to tool for everything beyond the onboard computer. Together, the two cover almost every home diagnosis.

What should you look for when choosing?

• ✔ Dutch menu — fault codes are cryptic enough; the explanation shouldn't be
• ✔ Compatibility — OBD2 is standard on petrol cars from 2001 and diesel from 2004
• ✔ Clear codes — turn off the check engine light yourself after a repair
• ✔ AC/DC measurements — a multimeter for both car and home in one
• ✔ Warranty — 2 years standard at Strex

One warning: clearing is not repairing

The temptation is great: clear the code, light goes off, problem "solved". But a fault code is a symptom — if you clear it without addressing the cause, it will return, and in the case of a serious fault, you may cause damage while driving. The correct sequence: read, look up the code, assess the cause (fix it yourself or garage), repair, and *then* clear it. Those who work this way save on unnecessary garage visits without masking risks. If the fault is related to a weak battery — the most common winter complaint — a battery charger or trickle charger keeps it charged, and for acute starting problems, there is a jump starter in the trunk. You can find more tools for the road under car & mobility.

Frequently asked questions

Does an OBD2 scanner work on every car?

On almost every one: OBD2 is mandatory on petrol cars from 2001 and diesels from 2004 in Europe. The port is usually located under the steering wheel or near the fuse box. Older cars sometimes use brand-specific plugs — check the year of manufacture if you have a classic car.

Can I turn off the check engine light myself?

Yes: after scanning, you clear the fault code with the scanner and the light goes out. The sequence is important — first understand and fix the cause, then clear. If the same code returns, the fault has not been resolved and deserves serious attention.

Do I need technical knowledge for an OBD2 scanner?

No. Connect to the port, ignition on, scan — the scanner displays the fault code with a description in Dutch. The code gives you direction: sometimes the solution is simple (fuel cap, sensor), sometimes it means having an informed conversation at the garage instead of handing over a blank check.

What can I measure with a multimeter on my car?

The three classics: resting voltage of the battery (healthy is around 12.6V), charging voltage with the engine running (around 14V — otherwise check the alternator), and continuity of fuses and wiring. This allows you to find most electrical issues without replacing parts on a hunch.

Check out the OBD2 scanner and multimeter from Strex — and know exactly what is wrong with your car before someone else tells you.

Want to know more? Read our article "Which OBD2 scanner suits my car?".