A scanner is needed to retrieve engine fault codes because modern vehicles are equipped with an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system. This system monitors various components and systems within the vehicle and can detect issues or malfunctions. When a fault is detected, the system generates a specific code to indicate the nature of the problem.
While it’s not necessary for every car owner to have an OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) scanner, owning one can be very beneficial.
OBD-II stands for On-Board Diagnostics II. It is a standardized system used in vehicles to monitor and report on the performance of various components and systems.
To check for OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) codes, you’ll need an OBD-II scanner or code reader.