Navigating the world of car diagnostics can be tricky, especially when dealing with Japanese vehicles. You might have heard about different OBD2 standards across the globe, like OBD2, JOBD2, and EOBD2. This user’s experience highlights the challenge: “Hey man, so I’ve heard that OBD2 is different across countries. The three main types I’ve seen is the OBD2, JOBD2, and EOBD2 types. Therefore, JDM ECU’s take JOBD2 compatible scanners.” This raises a crucial question for owners of Japanese cars looking to diagnose issues themselves: what is the best scan tool to use?
One suggestion points towards a JOBD2 compatible scanner, like the ANCEL JP700 Automotive JOBD Code Reader, especially for JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) ECUs. This type of tool is designed to work with the specific OBD2 variations found in Japanese vehicles.
However, the user’s journey doesn’t end there. They further detail their troubleshooting process: “To start with I’ve ordered a OSCBD model OS601 Scan tool that says it works with OBDII using ISO 9141. This is a three or four wire hookup and supposedly works on the 16 PIN OBDII in my 97 Prelude.” This illustrates a common approach – starting with a more generic OBD2 scanner. The mention of ISO 9141 is also relevant, as it is one of the communication protocols used in OBD2 systems.
Despite trying a standard OBD2 scanner, and even facing difficulties with professional mechanics using ” $$$$ scan tools”, the user still couldn’t read the ECU in their 97 Prelude. This situation emphasizes the potential complexities of diagnosing Japanese cars and the importance of choosing a scan tool that is truly compatible. The user’s experience serves as a valuable lesson for anyone seeking the Best Scan Tool For Japanese Cars: compatibility can be more nuanced than simply having an OBD2 port. Further investigation and potentially specialized tools might be necessary to effectively diagnose certain Japanese vehicles.
