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OBD Scan reader
Recommend a decent, cheap ODB scan reader? Something simple.
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1989 3.2 Carrera coupe; 1988 Westy Vanagon, Zetec; 1986 E28 M30; 1994 W124; 2004 S211 What? Uh . . . “he” and “him”? |
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Long Beach CA, the sewer by the sea.
Posts: 37,764
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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. |
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https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071FSNL73/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B071FSNL73&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=1713835751726239774&pf_rd_r=KSMCDR7AW2DARH7GNH9A&pd_rd_wg=dbKjb&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&pd_rd_w=hGuh7&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pd_rd_r=b4998410-82f8-11e8-aa7b-1331fb4ea84e
If a $40 unit will do the job, the convenience of skipping a trip to NAPA/FLAPS/Oreilly is worth it.
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1989 3.2 Carrera coupe; 1988 Westy Vanagon, Zetec; 1986 E28 M30; 1994 W124; 2004 S211 What? Uh . . . “he” and “him”? |
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Lake Oswego, OR
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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 |
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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.
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1986 Bosch Icon Wipers coupe. Last edited by sugarwood; 07-08-2018 at 04:52 PM.. |
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Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: dfw tx
Posts: 3,957
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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.
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72 914 2056: 74 9146 2.2: 76 914 2.0 |
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I see you
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: NJ
Posts: 29,917
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Quote:
Do they mean 1996 or newer?
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Si non potes inimicum tuum vincere, habeas eum amicum and ride a big blue trike. "'Bipartisan' usually means that a larger-than-usual deception is being carried out." |
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: VA
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Quote:
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Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
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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. Last edited by A930Rocket; 07-08-2018 at 06:57 PM.. |
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Misunderstood User
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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.
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Jim 1983 944n/a 2003 Mercedes CLK 500 - totaled. Sanwiched on the Kennedy Expressway |
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: North of You
Posts: 9,160
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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.
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"A machine you build yourself is a vote for a different way of life. There are things you have to earn with your hands." |
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Make Bruins Great Again
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Why not just go down to your FLAPS (like Autozone)? No charge to get the scan and a printout of the results.
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-------------------------------------- Joe See Porsche run. Run, Porsche, Run: `87 911 Carrera |
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Now in 993 land ...
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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 |
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I have one of those (Kobra) and it works well with the phone via built in wi-fi.
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Brent The X15 was the only aircraft I flew where I was glad the engine quit. - Milt Thompson. "Don't get so caught up in your right to dissent that you forget your obligation to contribute." Mrs. James to her son Chappie. |
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