Which diagnostic tool is used to retrieve trouble codes from a vehicle's onboard computer?

The OBD-II Scanner is specifically designed to interface with a vehicle's On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II) system, allowing technicians to retrieve trouble codes that indicate issues within various vehicle systems. The OBD-II system provides valuable insight into the health of the engine and other components by generating diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) whenever a fault is detected. Using an OBD-II Scanner enables technicians to read these codes, interpret them, and guide further diagnostic or repair actions.

This tool not only retrieves the trouble codes but often provides additional diagnostic information such as live data from the vehicle's sensors, thereby facilitating a more comprehensive diagnostic process. The ability to access the OBD-II system is crucial for modern vehicle maintenance and repair since most vehicles manufactured after 1996 are equipped with this technology.

Other tools, like a multi-meter, code reader, and oscilloscope, serve different purposes. A multi-meter is primarily used to measure voltage, current, and resistance, making it useful for electrical diagnosis but not specifically for retrieving trouble codes. A code reader, while also capable of reading codes, may not offer the same range of data and functionality as an OBD-II scanner. An oscilloscope is a sophisticated instrument for visualizing electrical