That adventurous spirit driving a Subaru Outback doesn’t always extend to car repairs. While you bought your Outback for journeys, not for spending weekends under the hood, the dreaded check engine light can still appear. This dashboard warning signals that something isn’t right, whether it’s a minor sensor issue or a more significant problem. When that light illuminates, you have a choice: rely on expensive dealership diagnostics or take control with your own OBD2 scanner.
An OBD2 scanner is your key to unlocking the hidden language of your Subaru’s onboard computer. Since 1996, all vehicles in the U.S., including your Subaru Outback, have been equipped with the On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD2) system. This system constantly monitors various aspects of your vehicle’s performance, from engine temperature to exhaust emissions. When something goes amiss, it triggers a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) and often, that check engine light.
Investing in the right OBD2 scanner empowers you to read these DTCs and understand what’s causing the problem. Basic scanners will provide standardized codes, while more advanced options can access manufacturer-specific codes, offering a deeper dive into your Subaru Outback’s diagnostics. To help you choose, we’ve compiled a list of top OBD2 scanners, favored by the SubaruOutback.org community, to keep your adventures on track and your repair bills in check.
1. OBDLink MX+ – The SubaruOutback.org Community Favorite
OBDLink is a well-respected brand in the OBD2 scanner world, and the MX+ model stands out as a top recommendation from Subaru Outback owners. Its key advantage is a blazing-fast Bluetooth connection, providing real-time data from your Outback’s engine computer directly to your smartphone or tablet. The MX+ works seamlessly with both Apple iOS and Android devices, a crucial feature often missing in cheaper Bluetooth scanners that limit compatibility to Android.
Beyond compatibility, the OBDLink MX+ delivers comprehensive diagnostic capabilities. It reads both basic OBD2 codes and manufacturer-specific codes for Subaru, giving you a more detailed understanding of potential issues. OBDLink also provides a free, user-friendly app to display and interpret the data. For added peace of mind, the MX+ comes with a three-year warranty and is designed for safe, continuous connection to your vehicle’s OBD2 port.
2. ScanGauge II – More Than Just a Scanner for Your Outback
The ScanGauge II offers a unique proposition: it’s not just an OBD2 scanner; it’s also a customizable gauge display for your Subaru Outback. Compatible with all OBD2 vehicles (1996 and newer), including your Outback, the ScanGauge II performs all the essential diagnostic functions. It reads and clears both current and pending trouble codes, helping you address check engine light issues effectively.
What sets the ScanGauge II apart is its ability to function as an auxiliary gauge pod. Its compact screen can display a wealth of real-time vehicle data, including RPM, speed, intake air temperature, fuel pressure, and more. For fuel-conscious Outback owners, it can also show instantaneous fuel consumption, average MPG, and even calculate cost per mile. With customizable gauges, you can even monitor performance metrics like boost pressure, offering valuable insights into your Subaru’s operation beyond basic diagnostics.
3. Innova 5610 – Advanced Diagnostics for the Subaru DIYer
The Innova 5610 is designed for Subaru Outback owners who want to go beyond basic code reading. While it handles generic and manufacturer-specific trouble codes like other scanners on this list, the Innova 5610 offers more advanced features for in-depth diagnostics. Its large color screen clearly displays data and trouble codes, and it can also graph live data streams from your Subaru’s sensors. It boasts comprehensive scanning capabilities, reaching nearly every module in your Outback, including the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
The Innova 5610’s standout feature is its bidirectional control capability. This advanced functionality allows you to communicate with and control vehicle modules and sensors, similar to professional dealership tools. You can use it to disable modules for testing purposes or command components like the EGR valve to activate, aiding in pinpointing the root cause of complex issues. For the serious DIY mechanic tackling challenging Subaru repairs, the Innova 5610 provides powerful diagnostic control.
4. BlueDriver Pro – Smart OBD2 Diagnostics with Repair Guidance
The BlueDriver Pro is another highly recommended OBD2 scanner favored for its user-friendliness and smart features. Like all the scanners listed, it reads and clears standard OBD2 trouble codes on your Subaru Outback. It goes further by capturing freeze frame data, providing a snapshot of vehicle conditions when a code was triggered. It also displays live sensor data, allowing you to monitor your Subaru’s systems in real-time.
A particularly valuable feature of the BlueDriver Pro is its repair report function. For each trouble code, the BlueDriver app can generate a report detailing likely causes, common fixes reported by other vehicle owners, and other helpful diagnostic information. This guidance can significantly streamline the repair process, helping you identify the problem and find solutions more efficiently. Additionally, the BlueDriver Pro can check your Subaru’s emissions readiness, a useful feature for smog test preparation.
5. Autel AutoLink AL329 – Professional Features for the Subaru Owner
Autel is a recognized name in professional-grade diagnostic equipment, often seen in automotive repair shops and on mechanic YouTube channels. While Autel offers high-end diagnostic systems, the AutoLink AL329 provides a more accessible option for the DIY Subaru Outback owner. As a standalone handheld tool, the AL329 eliminates the need for Bluetooth pairing or smartphone apps, offering a straightforward plug-and-play experience.
The Autel AutoLink AL329 features a color screen with an easy-to-read interface. It retrieves both generic and manufacturer-specific codes, checks emissions readiness status, and displays freeze frame data. While it may not have all the advanced features of Autel’s professional lines, the AL329 covers the essential diagnostic functions needed to keep your Subaru Outback running smoothly, all at a budget-friendly price point.
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