Would like to purchase a inexpensive (under $200)OBD scanner to obtain air bag codes for accident investigations. Will the scanners sold at Auto Zone or Advance Auto be able to pull air bag codes as well as engine codes?

 

I'm not sure if air bags are covered by the OBD II specification, but if they are the Actron CP9035 code scanner which lists for $199 is advertised as being able to read all generic OBD II codes, including chassis codes.

My advice, stop by a parts store that carries the code scanner you are interested in, ask to look at the manual that comes with it and then review the list of codes shown in the manual, the ones the scanner can read. If the codes you are interested in are there, buy the scanner. If not...

Don't forget that code scanners get their power from the OBD II connector, so if the vehicle no longer has a battery or it was damaged in the accident the code scanner won't work.

Hope this helps.