You can interface your laptop with your OBDii and use it to monitor engine performance and to diagnose engine issues. Using a laptop instead of a handheld programmer is a benefit if you own a garage and you need to keep records of your diagnosis for your customers. It is also a benefit of you want to keep records of your personal vehicle. For example, if you have a performance engine in your car, you can maintain records of engine performance after each modification.
Download the necessary software for your scanner from the website or install the software from the disc supplied with the new scanner.
Connect the scanner to the USB port on your laptop. Most new scanners use USB2.0 technology. Plug the other end of the cable into the OBDii port on your car.
Launch the OBDii program on your computer and then turn your car to the “auxiliary” position. Depending on what you want to accomplish with your OBDii software, you might be prompted by the computer to turn the engine completely on.
