Can You Leave Obd2 Plugged in While Driving? Get Answer

Just like the human body, every car has its health system. Unfortunately, in that system, sometimes some inconvenience happens. These issues need to be detected if you want to solve them.

And the solution here is an obd2 scanner (you already know). The plugin tool will save your vehicle from long-term effects, but can you leave obd2 plugged in while driving? Is it safe?

These are obviously primary concerns, but the answer is ‘Yes’. You can leave your obd2 scanner as long as you desire, and it’s safe. Moreover, there are some precautions you have to make to keep it secure, which we’ll discuss here with the steps of usage.

We’ll discuss it in depth in our guide, so read on until the end.

Can You Leave Obd2 Plugged in While Driving?

Yes, you can leave your obd2 scanner plugged in as long as you want. So, no matter where you’re going or how much time you drive your car, it won’t be an issue.

This scanner isn’t only advised to plug in; experts tell every owner to purchase it and connect it to their car. But, of course, the main advantage of all these is it won’t even drain your battery power so much. How awesome, right?

Then again, it’ll diagnose every little problem that’s going on with your four-wheeler. For example, if there's trouble with your engine, the scanner will detect it. Also, if there’s a complication with the battery, Bluetooth, or other car modules, the tool will find it out while the obd2 Scanner is connected.

So, of course, you can leave it while you’re driving, and it’ll only benefit you.

However, don’t leave it plugged if you’re away from your car for several days. It can make the battery drain.

How to Use The Obd2 Scanner?

If you want to diagnose your car’s health, the obd2 scanner is perfect to use. It’s super straightforward and easy.

Find Out the Diagnostic Connector

Every car manufactured after 1996 has a special DLC (Diagnostic Link Connector) inside it. You can find it on the left side of your dashboard under the steering column.

It’s also covered with a flap or the door in some cars. Next, you should find out the 16 pin connector to connect it with the obd2 port.

But if you can’t locate it, check out the owner manual. It’s definitely there.

Attach the Obd2 Scanner

Once you discover the cord, it’s time to connect it to your obd2.

Well, there are two types of obd2: cable one and Bluetooth one. If you own the Bluetooth type, insert the scanner directly into the carport. And if it’s the cable one, attach the end part of the scanner to the DLC.

Check the Instructions

Next up, you need to check the instructions based on the obd2 scanner very carefully. This part is essential as one wrong move can destroy your tool entirely.

You have to see if the scanner manual says whether the car should be turned ON or in an idle mood after attaching the connector to DLC. It’ll also help to communicate between the two ports.

You’ll get a message on the scanner right after the connection so wait for it to be confirmed.

Enter the Information

Now, you have to enter all the information about your car. Obd2 will generate everything and will make sure about your car’s recent health.

The scanner might also need the engine type or model of your car. All you have to do is type them correctly.

Go to the Scanner Menu

You need to access the obd2 scanner menu afterward. You will find active and pending codes indicating the engine light and emission control system failure.

Remember that every scanner is different. So some tools might show you only the problematic parts of your car in the scanner. On the other hand, some will show you exactly what you want to see.

Identify the OBD Codes

Well, this is the tricky part. If you understand what your scanner is telling you, you’ll get the messed-up part of your vehicle. The tool will show you letters as DTC codes such as,

1. P (Powertrain): If you see P on your screen it means your vehicle has a problem with the ignition, fuel system, engine, transmission, and emissions.

2. B (Body): This hints that your car has issues with seatbelts, airbags and power steering.

3. C (Chassis): indicates a problem with the anti-lock braking system, axles, and brake fluid.

4. U (Undefined): If you see this, it means that your car needs to be taken to the repair shop!

Solve the Complications

Last but not least, your obd2 scanner will indeed show you all the issues your car is dealing with. But it won’t tell you how to fix the problems. You need to know DIY hacks, or else some professional can help you.

Can You Start A Car with OBD2?

You can start your car with obd2 for sure. There’s no harm in this. Even you can keep driving with obd2 plugged in, which is, on the flip side.

It’ll let you know if your favorite car is alright or if it should be taken for treatment (repair shop).

Does The Car Need to be running to Use a Code Reader?

No, you don’t have to run your car to use the code reader of obd2. All you need is to turn on the ignition and it’ll drag a little amount of battery. After that, all the code like p0128 will come to your scanner’s display. You will get updated by looking at the screen.

Does Obd2 Drain Battery?

Obd2 doesn’t drain the battery (in an excessive way), and you can be sure about this. It takes a tiny amount of power, and then it’s good to go.

However, the situation depends on your car battery system. If it’s powerful, your scanner will work well too!

Will Obd2 Work If the Car Won’t Start?

So, an obd2 scanner with key programming generally works when the ignition of your car is turned on. However, it needs a little battery power which will only happen if you start your car.

What Can You Detect with Obd2?

You can pretty much detect every possible issue going on in your vehicle with obd2. For example, it shows the issues with the engine, airbags, seatbelts, fuel system, emissions, transmission, axles, brake system, power steering, and ignition.

Conclusion

Then, what do you think right now? Can you leave obd2 plugged in while driving? We’re sure you got your answer which definitely lessened your many concerns. Just buy a good and powerful scanner that can actually scan the codes of your car perfectly.

A proper tool can be of best use, and we hope you get that.

Just try to keep your obd2 tool unplugged if you’re planning not to drive your car for a long time. It can destroy the machine.

Good luck!