8 Best OBD2 Scanners for Honda/Acura in 2023 [Review & Comparison]

An appropriate OBD2 scanning tool can save you many trips to the mechanic for common vehicle problems you can fix yourself.

If you own a Honda vehicle brand, the best Honda scan tool is what you need.

These reviews and comparisons will help you make an appropriate decision.

The scanners reviewed in this article have advanced Honda diagnostic software and Honda ECU programming software.

With them, you can be in charge of your vehicle all the time.

The scanner and diagnostic tools give you the power to customize your car.

Keep reading for the best product recommendations.

Top 3 Honda/Acura OBD2 Scanners Comparison Chart

 *Notes: Excellent: 9-10; Good: 7-8; Fair: 5-6; Poor: 3-4; Very poor: 1-2

Top 3 OBD2 Scanners for Honda/Acura

OBD2 scanners for Honda are advanced tools that allow you to read codes and find fixes for vehicle problems that are only available to the mechanics. Depending on the scanner, you can access all OBD2 functions, advanced system functions, and service functions. These scanners help you to understand your vehicle’s performance with live data view and parameter monitoring.

These OBD2 scanners have Honda/Acura diagnostic software and ECU programming software that allows you to do any the following on your vehicle:

• Read and clear fault codes
• Live data streaming
• Freeze frame data
• Onboard monitor testing
• O2 monitor testing
• Read vehicle VIN, CID, and CVN
• I/M readiness testing
• Steering angle reset
• Injector coding
• ABS bleeding
• Throttle matching
• Battery matching
• Anti-theft matching
• Tire pressure reset
• IMMO services such as disabling lost keys and programming new ones
• Headlight matching
• Gearbox matching
• Active testing on various vehicle components

OBD2 scanners for Honda are the perfect tools you need for your vehicle. You can read fault codes, get their meaning, and find possible fixes using these tools. You will be able to handle most of the things you need by yourself without involving a mechanic.

Bluedriver

BlueDriver is an adapter that allows car owners to use their smartphones or iPhones to read and clear codes. The adapter is plugged into the vehicle’s OBD2 port and pairs with the Bluedriver mobile app through Bluetooth. You no longer need a professional scan tool when you choose the BlueDriver.

BlueDriver is capable of enhanced diagnostics on ABS, TPMS, airbag systems, climate control, and many others. This tool can help you determine the cause of the check engine light on your dashboard and suggest professional fixes. You will save time since it has a database of millions of repairs for different trouble codes on a wide range of vehicle models.

BlueDriver can help you perform the following:

• Read and clear engine codes  
• Give advanced results such as misfire counts for on-Board diagnostic system monitors.
• Check if the vehicle is ready for smog or emission test
• Generate a report for the diagnosed problem and suggests possible fixes
• View freeze frame data
• Capture and share live data.

However, BlueDriver can only reset oil light or TPMS, meaning it lacks some service functions that Honda scan tools of this category should have. It only supports advanced diagnostics on specific vehicle brands and is not compatible with OBD1 vehicles.

FOXWELL NT510 Elite

FOXWELL NT510 Elite was designed for many car brands and models including Honda/Acura. Despite the low cost of this scanner, it can perform system diagnosis and many other special service functions. It is also sleekly dinged with an intuitive user interface for ease of use.

The bi-directional capability of this tool puts it on another level. It allows you to temporarily activate or control vehicle systems and/or components to check the status. You can check electronic components, including switches, sensors, relays, and actuators. Additionally, you can re-calibrate, adapt or configure some vehicle components after making repairs or replacements.

With FOXWELL NT510 Elite, you can perform the following:

• Oil Service Light Reset
• Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Service
• Airbag (SRS) / Antilock Brake System (ABS) Service
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Reset/Programming
• Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) Calibration
• Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration
• Reads and clears codes and turns off MILs
• Requests and records live sensor data, displays freeze frame data

FOXWELL NT510 Elite is considered a complete Honda scan tool in this category, but it has some weaknesses. It cannot change the battery type but only for registering a new one. FOXWELL NT510 Elite does not support OBD1 vehicles.

ANCEL AD310

ANCEL AD310 OBD2 scan tool is designed for both beginners and professionals. It is an easy-to-use scanner for scanning and erasing trouble codes and error codes to find the root cause of system faults. 

The ANCEL AD310 is a mid-range diagnostic code reader that supports all OBD2 protocols, including ISO9141, KWP2000, J1850 PWM, J1850 VPW, and CAN. It works on most 1996 US-based vehicles and 2000 Asian and EU-based cars that use the listed protocols.

The tool has the following features and functions:

• Built-in OBD-II DTC lookup library
• Display the error code and its meaning
• Large easy-to-read backlit LCD screen
• Reads and erases diagnostic trouble codes, both generic and manufacturer-specific, for the check engine light.
• Reads live data stream
• Views freeze frame data
• EVAP leak test
• Retrieves vehicle information

What I don’t like about ANCEL AD310 is that it does not have any reset functionality, making it just an OBD2 code reader. ANCEL AD310 covers a wide range of vehicles, but it has a compatibility issue and is not compatible with OBD1. You should check if your vehicle brand and model are fully supported before purchase. Also, the user manual is challenging to read. It could have been made better.

Below comes the comparison chart of the 3 scanners.

Top 3 Professional Diagnostic Scan Tools for Honda/Acura

This category consists of professional auto diagnostic tools recommended for auto technicians. However, you can also buy them for the home mechanic. These tools can perform extensive vehicle diagnosis on all systems and fix problems. They also have varied service functions, making them complete for any use.

With Honda professional diagnostic tools, you can perform the following:

• Full OBD2 functions
• Oil reset
• EPB diagnosis
• TPMS diagnosis
• Diesel particulate filter diagnosis
• Fuel injector reset
• Steering angle sensor reset
• IMMO services
• Battery management and new battery registration
• ABS and SRS diagnosis
• Bidirectional testing
• Ktuner Flash V2 can perform ECU programming

Top 3 Honda Professional Diagnostic Scan Tools Comparison Chart

 *Notes: Excellent: 9-10; Good: 7-8; Fair: 5-6; Poor: 3-4; Very poor: 1-23

Launch CRP429C

The Launch CRP429C scanner gives you the best value for your money. It is built for both performance and affordability. The tool offers a range of functions that both beginners and experienced auto technicians need. With Launch CRP429C, you can view live data streams for engine, ABS, SRS, and transmission. Additionally, you can read, record, replay, and print data for the diagnosed system.

Launch CRP429C tool is also equipped with 11 special service functions, which include the following:

• Oil reset
• SAS reset
• EPB reset
• TPMS reset
• battery maintenance
• ABS bleeding
• Electronic throttle position reset
• DPF regeneration
• Injector coding
• IMMO services
• Gear learning

Apart from the 11 reset and diagnostic functions, the Launch CRP429C scanner supports all 10 OBD2 modes for reading and clearing codes. You can use it to perform the I/M readiness test, read live data stream, O2 sensor test, on-Board monitor test, read VIN, CID, and CVN, among other OBD2 functions.

However, Launch CRP429C does not support advanced functions, such as relearning, coding, and programming, which professional mechanics might require. It also comes with loose connector cables, meaning connections should be carefully made. The last drawback is that this Honda scan tool is slow with data streaming.

Ktuner V1.2

Ktuner V1.2 is an OBD2 ECU programmer for Honda Civic, Accord, CR-V, Acura, and other Honda models. It comes as a single hardware unit paired with one user license for the KTuner software. Once locked to your car’s ECU, you can reprogram it or restore factory settings with ease.

Ktuner V1.2 can be used for data logging and flashing the ECU using the OBD2 port. The tool is connected to a computer through a USM cable for real-time viewing. You can also use the TunerView Android application on your smartphone to enjoy the following features and functions:

• Wireless connectivity from any supported Android device
• Real-time data display
• Multiple display layouts, race, graphical, text only
• Configurable gauge items, lights, and text data points
• Recording, playback, and graphing of real-time data (CSV formatted files)
• Recording of GPS position for track mapping
• Recording of video with live gauge overlays

Both Ktuner V1.2 and Ktuner V2 are complete Honda scan and programming tools for professional technicians and advanced DIYers. However, they are expensive. If you choose Ktuner V1.2, you will need a laptop to tune the vehicle parameters.

Ktuner V2

The Ktuner V2 is an upgraded version of the Ktuner V1.2. There may not be much difference between the two tools regarding the functionality, but many users prefer the Ktuner V2. It comes with additional features that bring it to the limelight.

The Ktuner V2 package consists of one KTunerFlash V2 hardware unit paired with a single-user license for the KTuner software. The unit has the following features and functions:

• 5″ Touch Screen Display – eliminating the need for a computer and/or smartphone.
• Real-Time data display with multiple layouts.
• Easy to navigate menu system for settings
• Store multiple tunes, including factory.
• On-Board Logging, record data logs without the need for a laptop
• 5 Programmable LEDs (RGB) for shift lights, warnings, etc.

Despite having the screen, you can still use your smartphone and laptop to extend the functions of the Ktuner V2. With an Android app, you can unlock the unit for resale and diagnose any Honda/Acura vehicles.

Ktuner V2 comes complete with an LCD screen, but with additional cost. Also, they are designed to specifically work on Honda vehicle models only. They should be more versatile with wider vehicle coverage. 

Below comes the comparison chart of the 3 scanners.

Vehicle coverage

Ktuner V1.2 and Ktuner V2 support J2534 OBD Interface for Honda and Acura vehicles. If you need something more versatile, you can opt for Launch CRP429C because of the vehicle coverage. You can scan and diagnose systems on different vehicles, as shown in the chart below:

Top 2 Honda OBD1 scanners

Scanners in this category are compatible with both OBD1 and OBD2 vehicles. They allow you to diagnose OBD1 vehicles manufactured between 1981 and 1996. With them, you can read and clear ECU trouble codes, read TPMS, ABS, and SRS, scan all system networks, among other functions. 

These OBD1 scanners are advanced tools for mechanics and advanced DIYers. Additionally, they have all OBD2 functions and advanced diagnostic and service functions that you will need to service your vehicle. 

Innova 3170RS

Innova’s 3170RS OBD2 allows you to maintain high safety standards on the road by finding faults and fixing them on time. Your vehicle can keep high performance if you use this tool to troubleshoot and fix problems.

The Innova’s 3170RS OBD2 empowers home mechanics with professional features that allow them to perform advanced system diagnostics for engine, powertrain, ABS, and SRS modules. Additionally, the tool can be used for special service functions such as:

• Electronic Parking Brake Retract / ABS Brake Bleeding
• TPMS Read
• Battery Test and Battery Reset
• Read Hybrid Battery Cell Voltage
• Emissions/Smog Check
• TPMS/Tire Pressure
• Oil Light Reset, Oil Level check, and Oil Life check

Transmission temperature check

Innova 3170RS as an extended vehicle coverage from 1981 – 1995. OBD1 adapters for Ford, GM, Chrysler, Toyota, and Honda. It can be used on any foreign or domestic 1996 or newer OBD2 car, light truck, SUV, or hybrid.

INNOVA 3170RS is the best in this category because it has a wealth of features. However, it has no coding and programming functions that makes it unideal for professional mechanics.

Innova 3120RS

The Innova 3120RS boasts OBD1 and OBD2 compatibility, making it have exceptional vehicle coverage that spans over 40 years. The tool performs comprehensive ABS and SRS diagnosis, including many special service functions. Innova 3120RS is the favorite among DIYers or home mechanics because of its features and ease of use.

With Innova 3120RS, you can view live data about your vehicle, such as RPM, oil temperature, and many others. Use it to check the battery health status and charging system condition to know the next course of action. Innova 3120RS also supports all 10 OBD2 functions and other reset functions.

Innova 3120RS is a mid-range tool packed with features that give you the best value for your money. It can perform almost all functions possible with advanced auto scanners and diagnostic tools used by professional mechanics.

The INNOVA 3120RS does not support the most advanced diagnostic and service functions that mechanics and advanced DIYers require. Additionally, it does not display live data graphs. These limitations make it the second-best scan tool in this category. 

Below comes the comparison chart of the scanners.

Top 2 Honda OBD1 scanners comparison chart

*Notes: Excellent: 9-10; Good: 7-8; Fair: 5-6; Poor: 3-4; Very poor: 1-2

Protocols and vehicle coverage

INNOVA 3120RS and INNOVA 3170RS support OBD1 and all five OBD2 protocols:

• SAE J1850 PWM.
• ISO 9141-2.
• ISO 1430-4 KWP.
• SAE J1850 VPW.
• ISO 15765-4 CAN

These scan tools support all OBD2 vehicles from 1996 and other OBD1 cars, covering GMs, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge, Honda, etc. Other specific models are as listed in the table below:

Final Thoughts

Our review of the best Honda OBD1 and OBD2 scanners was to guide you on choosing the most appropriate tool according to your budget and the intended use. From the insights, you can now make a knowledge-based busing decision. Get the best product on the market and reduce the number of trips you make to the mechanic.

The OBD2 scanners are both time-saving and cost-effective, and the following are the most recommended products:

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