If your car is EOBD compliant, the on-board computer will communicate with our tools using one of the following protocols: ISO, KWP2000 (ISO) , PWM, VPW or CAN.

We stock a range of tools including single protocol tools (e.g. ISO only or PWM only), and multi-protocol tools covering the ISO, KWP, PWM, VPW and the newer CAN protocol.

The EOBD compliant car will tend to be a 2001+ petrol vehicle or a 2004+ diesel sold in the UK (or the EU). Some earlier vehicles are compliant - mainly Ford models. Some earlier vehicles have the appropriate diagnostic socket, but are not compliant. Most pre-2001 cars built by European and Asian manufacturers tend NOT to be compliant. Our tools will also work with OBD2 compliant models (USA import cars manufactured from 1996 on, e.g. the Lincoln Town Car will communicate using the PWM or CAN language).

Please find below a list of vehicle manufacturers along with the protocol used with their models. The list is by no means exhaustive, and we strive to update it as often as we can. This list does not cover grey imports.

If you are still unsure which protocol your vehicle uses after reading below, checking the pins used in your 16-pin diagnostic socket will help. Click here for more information.

Most European and Asian manufacturers.
2001+ Petrol Models & 2004+ Diesels.
For example:
Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Citroen, Fiat, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar (X300 and XK series), Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Rover, Saab, Seat, Skoda, Smart, Subaru, Toyota, Vauxhall, Volkswagen (VW), Volvo...

Please note: some 2003+ models might be using the CAN protocol.

Ford models to 2003 with the EEC-V engine management system (and Ford-based Jaguars, e.g. S-Type). This includes:
All 2001 - 2003 Ford Petrol models.
Some late 2003 Diesel models.
Most Ford Petrol models from 1997 to 2003 (we have had limited success with Escort and Scorpio, but see below).
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN for a list of pre-2001 Ford models that we have tested.

Please note: many 2003+ models will be using the CAN protocol.

Many Chrysler models e.g. PT Cruiser.
Some Isuzu models e.g. Isuzu Trooper.
Some Vauxhall Frontera 3L models (with same engine as Isuzu Trooper).
[ 2001+ Petrol Models and 2004+ Diesels for all of the above]

Please note: some 2003+ models might be using the CAN protocol.

Many 2003+ cars are using the CAN protocol. This will be mandatory on all vehicles from 2008. For more information click here.

Here are some of the 2003+ models that we have found to be using the CAN protocol:

Many Ford models including Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, Ka, Mondeo models.
Mazda 3, 6, RX-8.
Porsche Cayenne.
SAAB 9-3.
Vauxhall Astra, Vectra.

Cougar 1998 on
Escort 1.3 1994 on, only with Engine Code: J4B
Escort 1.6 16V 1994 on, only with Engine Code: L1K
Escort 1.8 1994 on, only with Engine Code: RKC
Explorer 4.0 1996 on, only with Engine Code: E
Fiesta 1.25 1995 on, Engine Code: DHA/DHB/DHC/DHD
Fiesta 1.3 1995 on, Engine Code: J4C/J4J/J4L/JJA/JJC/JJE
Fiesta 1.4 1995 on, Engine Code: FHA/FHE
Focus from 1998 (petrol only)
Galaxy 2.0 1995 on
Galaxy 2.3 1996 on
Ka from 1996 (petrol only)
Mondeo 1.6 1996 on, only with Engine Code: L1J
Mondeo 1.8 1996 on, only with Engine Code: RKB
Mondeo 2.0 1996 on, only with Engine Code: NGA
Mondeo 2.5 1996 on, only with Engine Code: SEA
Puma from 1997 (petrol only)
Scorpio from 1994 (petrol only) - excluding 2.9L non-24V with engine code: BRG
Transit 2.0 Petrol 1994 on, Engine Code: NSF/NSG
Transit 2.3 Petrol 2000 on, Engine Code: E5FA

Please note that we cannot guarantee compatibility of pre-2001 vehicles as these were manufactured before the European legislation was enforced. Remember that many 2003+ Ford models will be using the CAN protocol (check your pins if unsure - click here).