OBD scanner recommendations/warnings?
 

My Cruze TD (save the hate) runs well and gets really good fuel economy but has an appetite for exhaust sensors of which there are 3 (I think). My old buddy the CEL is back and I often do not get home before shops close and am thus tired of wondering until I can get to a shop to figure out the issue. Any recommendations for an OBDII code scanning tool?SmileWavy

For just basic engine OBD stuff you can find one at Harbor Freight for $35. I have a nicer Autel reader that will do all of the more advanced ECUs including ABS, SRS, transmission, etc, I think it was about $200. Most cheaper units are engine only. I also have an OBD dongle that I use with the iPhone OBD Fusion app that gives me full custom OBD for Ford (extra cost) and real time dashboards, I use it when I tow to monitor temperatures.

I'm using the Durametric tool. It's pricy but it's come in handy for resetting codes. For example, when I installed my aftermarket stereo, after I was done I had a check engine light. Looked it up and the code was for PSM Steering needed to be re-calibrated (have no idea how that connects to the stereo but with the can-bus system in these cars, who knows). I was able to quickly reset with the Durametric.

Go all in and get an ABS, airbag, and bus scanner, or go bare bones and get this:

https://www.amazon.com/Autel-MaxiScan-MS300-Diagnostic-Vehicles/dp/B001LHVOVK/ref=sr_1_18?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1530134111&sr =1-18&keywords=autel+scanner


I have both, the Autel is very handy.

The Torque app for your phone, and obd bluetooth dongle work well.. the dongle is around $20 with shipping.. can do custom gauges , rudimentary power calcs if you really know the specs of your car..

I also have a Scangauge which works quite well..

As well as a Durametric and Autologic which are more brand specific and much more expensive than the two I first mentioned..

Actually, my wife is on a "gas is just going up in price so outr next car has to be a hybrid!!!" but when the time comes to buy we are going to take a look at a Cruze TD (if I can get her past the diesel stigma)

We drove past a KIA and I pried her out of the car to look at a Nero (hybrid), pretty nice car.

I use a Bosch Mobile Scan that connects to my smart phone via bluetooth. You can view and record real time data with it. I recorded data on a downstream 02 sensor and showed it to a guy at a shop who replied "How did you do that?" When I showed him the setup he said "damn, I just spent $800 to do that!"

Make sure your driving is primarily HWY if you're considering a TD. They don't seem to like idling or stop and go much (at all). Mine is Gen1. Gen2 has been out for about a year. Cruzetalk.com is full of discussion and experiences that may or may not be well reasoned.

Got a cheapo from Amazon. It's great. I saw that the wireless ones needed apps and some needed android only. Seemed complicated. I like simple.

Torque app is Android only. And Durametric is Porsche only.

I have used AutoEnginuity software since their company opened. The biggest issue is that it has to be installed on a laptop which I have and you can pick what you want to monitor and either or both watch it or stream it to a file and play back the recordings later. Their latest version works on LAN type cars like my Chevy HHR and you can see even the "brain" is doing with it's inputs and such. O2 sensors should last a very ling time unless the engine is hot rodded but then my 914/6 vintage race car had one on each side of the collector and they lasted for 6 years and many, many races w/o replacement!

Check this out: 2012 1.4L Cruze 2LT pulling P015B O2 sensor code.

Thanks for the recommendation. Oddly the cure for this soot fouling issue is to hot rod the TD.

Italian tune up?