Pelican Parts Forums - OBD Scan reader

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Recommend a decent, cheap ODB scan reader? Something simple.

HF sells a few models. The one that is usually near $100 is a great deal when it goes on sale. Or if you have a 25% off coupon which happens many holidays. Even at 20% off it's not bad. I have one and I didn't think it would ever read my Jag XJ 6 because the Jag forums all said I'd need special software like Porsche. Read all I needed to find a misfire due to bad coil. My neighbor has used it several times on his GM diesel PU truck. Pin points the problem every time.

Then there's the local FLAPS that will read it for free.

I bought one from Amazon for 35. Seems great. For very casual reads, seems to do the job.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G5EA74I/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Do you know how to work them fancy pants smartphone thingies ?

If so, you only need to spend $10. I have purchased several of these, and they work.
https://www.amazon.com/Veepeak-Bluetooth-Diagnostic-Automotive-Vehicles/dp/B011NSX27A/

Install Torque or OBD Fusion (paid) on your phone.

I have the smartphone 'torque' app and the plug in scanner. Once you get the hang of it they're awesome. The brand I bought was BASF I think and it works. I bought an ebay special for 6 bucks that didn't work so don't go too cheap. But I highly recommend them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LWJ (Post 10100417)

I bought one from Amazon for 35. Seems great. For very casual reads, seems to do the job.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G5EA74I/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Works on MOST 1996 US-Based, 2000 EU-Based and Asian cars, and newer OBD II & CAN domestic or import vehicles.

Do they mean 1996 or newer?

Quote:

Originally Posted by sugarwood (Post 10100419)

+1. That is what I used on my 997 and BMW 335. Reset all my CEL’s, and I am pretty sure oil change intervals. It went with the Porsche when I sold it and wil order another one now that I picked up the Boxster.

I recently bought the Bosch OBD 1050 reader. It plugs in and works with your phone via Bluetooth. I really like what it does. I leave it plugged in all the time and can read all kinds of details on the fly.

Kinda pricey though...

https://www.boschdiagnostics.com/diy/products/bosch-obd-1050-mobile-scan-diagnostics

Mobile Scan Diagnostics

Vehicle Diagnostics made easy with your smartphone

Mobile Scan™ provides do-it-yourselfers with access to their vehicle Diagnostics using their smartphone. Get the answers to the cause of the check engine light. Simply plug the adapter into your vehicle and, using your Android or Apple smartphone, read the definitions for the DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) that caused the check engine light to illuminate.

FREE APP INCLUDED
Save repair time and money. Perform a QuickCheck™ to diagnose and reset your check engine light, view emissions status, read code definitions and more.

HOW IT WORKS
1. Download free Bosch Mobile Scan™ app.
2. Plug Mobile Scan™ into vehicle port usually found underneath steering column.
3. Instantly connect your smartphone to your vehicle.

Mobile Scan™ APP FEATURES
• QuickCheck™ Summary of vehicle emissions, DTCs and code definitions
• AutoID™ Automatically identify most 2000 and newer vehicles
• TrueLink™ Guaranteed to link to all 1996 and newer vehicles
• Vehicle Activity Log History of vehicle tests and procedures
• MyGarage™ Manage vehicles for easy access QUICKCHECK™ FEATURES
• Read DTCs and code definitions.
• Erase DTCs and turn off the Check Engine light.
• I/M Monitors (Emissions Status).

POWERTRAIN ENHANCED DATA – INCLUDED with Base app
• Get access to Powertrain DTCs and definitions related to the check engine light for most 1996 and newer GM, Ford, Chrysler, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan and Toyota vehicles via the manufacturer specific diagnostic command.
• Manufacturer specific code definitions for GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Audi, BMW, Daewoo, Isuzu, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes Benz, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Saab, Subaru, Suzuki, Volkswagen, and Volvo.
• Freeze Frame data - Details the conditions of the vehicle at the time the DTC was set.
• View and Graph LIVE Data - View RPMs, coolant temperature, oxygen sensor readings and more for a faster diagnosis. Over 300 sensor and data items are available as supported by vehicle.
• Unlock CodeConnect® and access the most likely cause of the check engine light. Get manufacturer specific powertrain DTC fixes. (If CodeConnect ® is owned.)

CODECONNECT®
Unlock CodeConnect® to access the most likely cause of the check engine light and get manufacturer specific powertrain DTC fixes. First Vehicle INCLUDED with Base app, $39.99 for full database on all vehicles. Get the next step in diagnosing your vehicle with a comprehensive database of over 4.3 million verified fixes for the DTCs that cause the check engine and ABS warning lights to illuminate. These actual vehicle fixes have been reported and then verified by our team of ASE certified technicians.

ABS DTCs AND DEFINITIONS – Optional In-App Purchase (One vehicle $5.99 or all vehicles for $29.99)

• Get access to the ABS brake DTCs and definitions related to the ABS warning light for most 1996 and newer GM, Ford, Chrysler, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan and Toyota vehicles.
• Unlock CodeConnect ® ABS fixes and access the most likely cause of the ABS warning light (If CodeConnect ® is owned.)
• Enable manufacturer specific diagnostic command for Erase DTCs.

AIRBAG/SRS DTCs AND DEFINITIONS – Optional In-App Purchase (One vehicle $7.99 or all vehicles for $39.99)
• Get access to the airbag DTCs and definitions related to the airbag warning light for most 1996 and newer GM, Ford, Chrysler, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan and Toyota vehicles.
• Unlock CodeConnect ® airbag fixes and access the most likely cause of the airbag warning light (If CodeConnect ® is owned.)
• Enable manufacturer specific diagnostic command for Erase DTCs.

I bought an inexpensive one off Amazon for under $30. It works - Unless you you this constantly/ professionally, I would spend big money on it.

Go big or go small.

Something like the Bosch above, airbags, ABS, bus systems etc, or the $15 Autel on Amazon.

Anything in-between will leave you wishing you'd bought high end.

I would not go bluetooth. To many niggling issues that can stop comms when you really needs them. Get a device that plugs in and works every time, without a phone or a laptop.

Why not just go down to your FLAPS (like Autozone)? No charge to get the scan and a printout of the results.

I think you have an Iphone? I got this recently:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C3HAHCS/

And got this pre-smartphone:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001LHVOVK/

The former is the way to go with a free software. It does more than the latter. I.e. it reads codes on my ecodiesel RAM.

I installed "Auto Doctor" free.

G

I have one of those (Kobra) and it works well with the phone via built in wi-fi.