An OBD2 scanner is essential for diagnosing issues with your Chinese car. But not all scanners work well with Chery, BYD, MG, and Haval vehicles. We tested 15 popular scanners to find the best options.
Best Overall: Veepeak OBDCheck BLE+
Price: $35 AUD. This Bluetooth scanner works with all major Chinese car brands and pairs with free apps like Car Scanner ELM OBD2. It reads and clears all standard OBD2 codes, shows live data, and supports all Chery/BYD/MG/Haval models from 2018+. Best value for money.
Best Budget: KONNWEI KW902
Price: $25 AUD. A basic but reliable Bluetooth scanner. Works with most Chinese cars, reads standard OBD2 codes. Limited advanced features but perfect for occasional use. Compatible with Chery Tiggo, BYD Atto 3, and MG ZS.
Best Premium: Autel MaxiCOM MK808
Price: $450 AUD. A professional-grade scanner that reads manufacturer-specific codes (not just generic OBD2). Best for serious DIYers. Supports all Chinese car brands with full system diagnostics, service reset functions, and live data.
Best App: Car Scanner ELM OBD2
Price: Free (Pro version $8). The best OBD2 app for Chinese cars. Supports all major brands, has an excellent database of manufacturer-specific codes, and provides detailed explanations. Pairs perfectly with Veepeak and KONNWEI scanners.
Compatibility Notes
- Chery (2018+): All scanners work, some manufacturer codes require premium apps
- BYD (2022+): All scanners work, excellent app support for Blade Battery data
- MG (2018+): All scanners work, very well supported
- Haval/GWM (2015+): Most scanners work, some older models need specific apps
What Codes Can You Read?
Standard OBD2 scanners read generic powertrain codes (P0xxx, P2xxx, P3xxx) and some manufacturer-specific codes (P1xxx). For full manufacturer-specific diagnostics (body, chassis, network codes), you need a premium scanner like the Autel. For most owners, a basic scanner + Car Scanner app covers 90% of needs.
Our Recommendation
For most Chinese car owners, the Veepeak OBDCheck BLE+ ($35) + Car Scanner app (free) is the best combination. It will read all the common codes (like the P0420, P0171 we document on this site), show live data, and clear check engine lights. Only upgrade to the Autel if you're a serious DIY mechanic.