Keep your GM vehicle in tip-top shape with the best OBD2 scanners for General Motors.
Since 1996, these devices have helped car owners across the spectrum inspect and maintain their vehicles, and the technology continues to improve every day.
We’ve tested various brands in the market and chose the 5 top General Motors OBD2 scanners based on ease of use, performance, and value for money.
Take a look at the best OBD2 scanners for General Motors and check out what you can do with the right diagnostic tool.
Comparison Chart
IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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TOP PICK! |
1. VXDIAG VCX Nano GDS2 and Tech2Win
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VIEW ON AMAZON |
BUDGET PICK! |
2. iCarsoft i900 General Motors
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VIEW ON AMAZON |
3. TOAD
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CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
4. Innova 3160g
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VIEW ON AMAZON | |
5. OTC (3111PRO)
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VIEW ON AMAZON |
Our Recommendations for General Motors
1. VXDIAG VCX Nano GDS2 and Tech2Win
When looking at the best OBD2 scanners, you’ll find a couple of different varieties. There are code readers that come with a handheld device, and there are items like this one, that connect to a computer to help you get more from the software.
There are pros and cons to each option, but we like what this scanner has to offer, especially for GM vehicles.
GM Specific Software
One thing about OBD2 scanners is that they are usually meant as a generic tool for a wide range of makes and models. While that can be helpful if you have one of the top brands, it also means that you’ll have a bunch of codes that you don’t need.
What we like about this model is that it’s designed specifically for GM. This means that you don’t have to worry about compatibility issues or not having the right codes for your car.
Also see : check engine codes - The ultimate guide on Diagnostic Trouble Code
Freeze Frame Data
Although the primary purpose of these scanners is to tell you what’s wrong with the engine, sometimes they can also give you a glimpse at the overall performance of your vehicle.
In this case, freeze frame data can provide a snapshot of what’s happening, which can help you diagnose the overall health of your car. While it’s not the same as real-time scanning, it’s better than nothing.
- WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
- Pros/cons overview
The software on this scanner is high-quality, and we appreciate that it’s designed for GM cars specifically. Also, we like that you can connect it to any PC.
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2. TOAD
Image Credit : TOAD
When it comes to software-based scanners, nothing really compares to TOAD. The name stands for Total Onboard Auto Diagnostics, and you’ll see that this unit lives up to its title.
Total Vehicle Compatibility
Although this is a “generic” scanner, meaning that it comes with codes for a variety of makes and models, you’ll be impressed by the fact that you’ll have access to everything that GM offers. Since the software is updated all the time, you’ll never be out of date or have the wrong codes.
Recommended: Best OBD2 Software - Editor's Picks For Serious Diagnosing
ECU Tuning and Performance Enhancing
What sets TOAD apart from other scanners is that you can be more proactive about your diagnostics. By connecting to your car’s onboard computer, you can both monitor and improve its overall performance. Most other scanners do not have this capability.
- WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
- Pros/cons overview
If you’re serious about keeping your GM vehicle in excellent shape, then TOAD will ensure that you can do that. It’s a professional-grade system that will never become obsolete. Also, we appreciate that it comes with repair manuals and online forums.
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3. iCarsoft i900 General Motors
As we mentioned, you can find scanners that are either handheld code readers or software-based options. This unit from iCarsoft is the former, which makes it both convenient and easy to use.
Compact Handheld Model
The best thing about having a small, lightweight code reader is that you can keep it in your vehicle. Since you don’t have to rely on a laptop to scan your car, it’s much easier to manage your diagnostic capabilities.
Code Reading and Live Data Streaming
With basic scanners, you can simply look up vehicle codes and reset the dash lights. Fortunately, with this system, you can also monitor your car’s health and performance in real-time, which gives you valuable insight into how well it’s operating at any given time.
- WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
- Pros/cons overview
As far as handheld readers go, this one is highly portable and convenient. While it’s not as powerful as some other models out there, it’s more than capable for most GM owners.
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4. Innova 3160g
If you like the idea of having a handheld OBD2 scanner, then Innova is one of the better brands you can buy. This model is one of their top devices, meaning that you can do a lot more than you might think.
Read and Clear All Vehicle Codes
As we mentioned, many newer scanners allow you to check additional systems beyond the engine. Thus, if you want to monitor things like airbags, brakes, and tire pressure, this unit will enable you to do so. Keeping an eye on your car’s health has never been easier.
Large 3.5” LCD Screen
Compared to other handheld devices, this one has a much larger and easier to read screen. Navigating through the menus is simple and efficient, and you can see what the codes mean much more easily.
- WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
- Pros/cons overview
This is an all-in-one handheld scanner, meaning that you shouldn’t need any other diagnostic tools for your GM vehicle. Also, it has some bonus features that make it easier to use, like LED-lighted connectors to help you see what you’re doing.
5. OTC (3111PRO)
Our final OBD2 scanner is another handheld model, although this one is designed to provide some additional features that will help you maintain your car more efficiently. Let’s see what it has to offer.
Live Data Playback and Recording
One of the most valuable features of any OBD2 scanner is the ability to monitor your car’s health in real-time. Seeing how the engine and other systems are performing while the vehicle is running can help you diagnose issues long before they show up as dashboard lights.
Location Descriptions
With most code readers, you’ll get a short description of the problem. With this one, however, it will tell you where the issue is located so that you can pinpoint it faster. Rather than having to look up the component’s position in the engine, you’ll see it on screen immediately.
- WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
- Pros/cons overview
The simplicity and diagnostic power offered by this scanner are incredible, and it will help you make the most out of your purchase. We really like the location directions, as well as the size and capability of the screen.
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We regret to inform you that this product is currently unavailable. However, the good news is that there is a newer version of this product that has almost similar features. This newer model - the OTC 3209 trilingual OBD II/EOBD - is a specialized version of 3111PRO that supports additional features. The OTC 3209 model is best for people who need to work on cars of various types such as European, Asian, and American cars because it supports these three language types while the 3111PRO model only supports one language or type of car. Do check it out!
Why Do I Need a GM Scanner?
You need a gm scanner because it can save you money compared to the hassle and expense of taking your car to a repair shop.
FINAL VERDICT
Overall, when trying to pick out the best OBD2 scanner for GM vehicles, we like models that are built for this particular brand. While generic devices can work well, it’s better to get a model-specific scanner so that you can be sure that you’ll have access to all of the right codes.
So, with that in mind, we highly recommend the VXDIAG VCX Nano GDS2 and Tech2Win. Although we’d prefer if it had a code reader device, the fact that you can plug it into a computer or tablet offers a broader range of performance options.
If you prefer something a bit more comprehensive, then TOAD is going to be your best option. This software is the total OBD2 scanning package, and we love that it’s packed full of diagnostic and repair features.
Also, since it’s professional grade, you won’t have to go to the mechanic whenever a dash light comes on.