Yes, OBD2 scanners can help diagnose a wide range of vehicle issues beyond engine problems. While the check engine light is the most commonly known indicator, modern OBD2 diagnostic tools can access multiple vehicle systems, providing comprehensive diagnostic capabilities across your entire vehicle.
Systems Diagnosable with OBD2 Technology
Transmission System
OBD2 scanners can read transmission-related codes and monitor critical data such as transmission fluid temperature and gear ratios. As noted in search result12, “For automatic transmissions, use the OBD2 scanner to monitor the transmission fluid temperature and gear ratios. Abnormal readings can suggest problems with the transmission or its control systems.” This capability allows you to identify transmission issues before they become severe failures.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Modern scanners can diagnose ABS problems efficiently. According to search result3, “OBD2 ABS is an important scanner tool used for reading and clearing codes related to the anti-lock braking system in vehicles.” These scanners can read specific ABS codes (typically starting with C) that won’t trigger the traditional check engine light but will illuminate the ABS warning light.
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
Advanced OBD2 scanners can diagnose airbag and safety restraint system issues. The Foxwell NT604 Elite, mentioned in search result6, specifically highlights its capability to diagnose SRS systems, allowing technicians to identify problems with airbag sensors, seat belt pretensioners, and other safety components.
Body Control Systems
According to the diagnostic trouble code categories listed in search result5, OBD2 can diagnose “B” codes, which relate to “Body (includes air conditioning and airbag)” systems. This means problems with your comfort features, power windows, climate control, and other body electronics can be diagnosed using appropriate OBD2 equipment.
Network and Communication Systems
Modern vehicles rely heavily on internal communication networks. OBD2 scanners can diagnose “U” codes relating to “Network (wiring bus)” issues5. These diagnostics help identify communication failures between various control modules in the vehicle.
OBD2 Code Categories
The OBD2 system uses a standardized format for diagnostic trouble codes that clearly indicates which vehicle system has an issue:
- P – Powertrain (engine, transmission and ignition)
- C – Chassis (includes ABS and brake fluid)
- B – Body (includes air conditioning and airbag)
- U – Network (wiring bus)5
Basic Code Readers vs. Advanced Scan Tools
It’s important to understand the distinction between basic code readers and advanced scan tools:
- Basic Code Readers ($20-$50): Primarily read and clear engine-related fault codes
- Advanced Scan Tools ($100-$1,000+): Provide comprehensive diagnostics across multiple vehicle systems16
As Car and Driver notes in their 2025 scanner reviews, “For those just looking for a no-frills code reader, the Motopower MP69033 is a great choice. It simply reads and displays codes quickly” while more advanced models like the Foxwell NT604 Elite can diagnose “Engine, Transmission, ABS, and SRS” systems6.
When No Codes Are Present
Interestingly, OBD2 scanners can still be valuable diagnostic tools even when no trouble codes are stored. As noted in search result11, “many other tests can be done to find the root cause of the issue” including analyzing live data streams to identify parameters that fall outside normal ranges, which might indicate developing problems before they trigger a diagnostic code.
Conclusion
Modern OBD2 technology has evolved far beyond simple engine diagnostics. With the right scanner, you can diagnose issues across virtually all electronic systems in your vehicle, from transmission problems to ABS faults, airbag issues, and even network communication failures. While basic code readers offer limited functionality focused on engine codes, advanced scan tools provide comprehensive vehicle diagnostics that can save significant time and money in the troubleshooting process.