Many car owners who perform their own basic vehicle maintenance rely on OBD2 scanners to diagnose issues. If you’re using an older Cen-Tech scan tool, perhaps purchased from Harbor Freight years ago, you might be wondering, “Can you update my Cen-Tech OBD2 scanner for newer model cars?” This is a crucial question, especially if you’re planning to use the scanner on a newer vehicle.
The Cen-Tech brand, once available at Harbor Freight, offered affordable scan tools that met basic diagnostic needs. A key selling point for many was the potential for software updates. However, with Harbor Freight no longer carrying Cen-Tech scan tools, official updates are unlikely to be available. While some speculate that Autel, a known manufacturer of diagnostic tools, might be related to Cen-Tech scanners, attempts to use Autel update software for Cen-Tech devices have generally been unsuccessful.
So, what does this mean for using your existing Cen-Tech OBD2 scanner on newer cars? OBD2 standards are designed to be relatively universal and backward compatible. A scan tool with software updated to 2016, as in the original scenario, will likely still perform basic functions on a 2019 car and even newer models. You’ll likely be able to read common diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), check engine lights, and access basic engine and emissions data.
However, the limitations of an outdated scanner become apparent when considering advanced features in newer vehicles. Modern cars often incorporate increasingly complex electronic systems and proprietary diagnostic codes beyond the basic OBD2 standards. An older Cen-Tech scanner may not be able to access these vehicle-specific systems, read manufacturer-specific codes, or perform advanced functions like module programming or bi-directional control that are increasingly common in newer cars.
Ultimately, while your Cen-Tech OBD2 scanner might still be useful for basic diagnostics on newer cars, especially for reading generic OBD2 codes, it won’t benefit from updates to support the advanced systems and expanded diagnostic capabilities found in more recent models. If you need comprehensive diagnostics, especially for newer vehicles with sophisticated electronics, you may need to consider investing in a more modern, updateable scan tool.
