Can one type of vehicle diagnostic tool be used to diagnose all types of cars?
from 1996 and up cars, short answer, yes but limited, you can get a generic scan tool and depending upon the scan tool, you can read basic “check engine” light codes, however airbag, abs, transmission, and body electronic codes you may or may not be able to read. you can go from basic to extreme on the scan tools depending upon how much money you want to spend, i get a inexpensive actron scan tool, and research the code for that specific car..
