Hi.
Looking for suggestions for an OBD tool for the basic tool box to diagnose CEL codes, etc.
Thanks
Looking for suggestions for an OBD tool for the basic tool box to diagnose CEL codes, etc.
Thanks
OBD Tool
- Thread starter dawgn86
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I love my Innova. They make several models.
I love my ScanGauge (first generation). Many people here mention their ScanGuage II.
LOTS of people own Innovas too.
LOTS of people own Innovas too.
Harbor Freight, check for coupons and you will get big discounts.
https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive...-abs-63807.html
https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive...-abs-63807.html
I use Torque Pro and a BAFX adapter. Great for simple p codes and has datalogging features.
Torque pro works well for me also, for about 30$ total you cant go wrong, sometimes less. I ordered the Autel MaxiDiag Elite for a quickie OBD reader, and Im impressed. Will do oil resets on Porsche, BMW, MB etc, or show how to do it manually. If you want something a little better with way more functions, this blows the best harbor freight out of the water.
https://smile.amazon.com/Autel-MD802-Max...elite&psc=1
https://smile.amazon.com/Autel-MD802-Max...elite&psc=1
I use my scan gauge. It works well because it also had pids to through.
I have the older model of the Harbor freight scan tool I linked to.
It does CEL, ABS, SRS, transmission codes and my favorite feature, live data.
I think they had it listed for $179 a few years ago when I was in the market, and after coupons and discounts I think I paid like $80+tax.
It does CEL, ABS, SRS, transmission codes and my favorite feature, live data.
I think they had it listed for $179 a few years ago when I was in the market, and after coupons and discounts I think I paid like $80+tax.
Having experience with Bluetooth communication and embedded vehicle software, I've often toyed with the idea of creating my own app. Completely free that includes the services that TorquePro has (meaning I would offer the extra services you'd normally pay for, for free)
I find it silly to pay for things. The only thing I would offer that you could buy is disablings ads.
It's just a big project and I'd have to buy a lot of testing tools and be able to support cross platform (Android, Windows, and iOS) and also be able to dynamically figure out which OBD protocol the car is using. Currently there are 5 different protocols manufacturers are using: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/On-board_diagnostics
Edit: plus I don't know if there are any "blank" Bluetooth modules I can just buy from the market that support OBD2 that can be directly interfaced with. If there is one I would be more serious about this project. I don't know if the makers of the Bluetooth modules have some agreement with the other app makers
I find it silly to pay for things. The only thing I would offer that you could buy is disablings ads.
It's just a big project and I'd have to buy a lot of testing tools and be able to support cross platform (Android, Windows, and iOS) and also be able to dynamically figure out which OBD protocol the car is using. Currently there are 5 different protocols manufacturers are using: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/On-board_diagnostics
Edit: plus I don't know if there are any "blank" Bluetooth modules I can just buy from the market that support OBD2 that can be directly interfaced with. If there is one I would be more serious about this project. I don't know if the makers of the Bluetooth modules have some agreement with the other app makers
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Originally Posted By: Audios
Torque pro works well for me also, for about 30$ total you cant go wrong, sometimes less. I ordered the Autel MaxiDiag Elite for a quickie OBD reader, and Im impressed. Will do oil resets on Porsche, BMW, MB etc, or show how to do it manually. If you want something a little better with way more functions, this blows the best harbor freight out of the water.
https://smile.amazon.com/Autel-MD802-Max...elite&psc=1
There's a cheaper version called the Diaglink which is about $99 after clipping the coupon on Amazon. Only does one car brand though. Each additional brand is $10.
https://www.amazon.com/Autel-OBD2-Car-Code-Reader/dp/B075WQJQDH
Also depends on what car the OP has. If it's a Ford, I'd just get the BAFX and Forscan which is free software. Basically these days you want a code scanner that can do manufacturer specific codes, not just regular engine and emissions codes which is what a basic OBDII scanner does.
Also, has anyone played around with a Delphi DS150E? They're on aliexpress for around $32-$62 and they claim that it can read manufacturer specific codes.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2018-New...2858106439.html
Torque pro works well for me also, for about 30$ total you cant go wrong, sometimes less. I ordered the Autel MaxiDiag Elite for a quickie OBD reader, and Im impressed. Will do oil resets on Porsche, BMW, MB etc, or show how to do it manually. If you want something a little better with way more functions, this blows the best harbor freight out of the water.
https://smile.amazon.com/Autel-MD802-Max...elite&psc=1
There's a cheaper version called the Diaglink which is about $99 after clipping the coupon on Amazon. Only does one car brand though. Each additional brand is $10.
https://www.amazon.com/Autel-OBD2-Car-Code-Reader/dp/B075WQJQDH
Also depends on what car the OP has. If it's a Ford, I'd just get the BAFX and Forscan which is free software. Basically these days you want a code scanner that can do manufacturer specific codes, not just regular engine and emissions codes which is what a basic OBDII scanner does.
Also, has anyone played around with a Delphi DS150E? They're on aliexpress for around $32-$62 and they claim that it can read manufacturer specific codes.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2018-New...2858106439.html
Best budget reader is a OBDLink MX on Amazon for $70-$99
Originally Posted By: michaelluscher
Best budget reader is a OBDLink MX on Amazon for $70-$99
Yeah, but that just does regular OBDII codes, won't do manufacturer specific codes. These days you're better off with a code reader that can do manufacturer specific codes, that way you can also get transmission error codes, SRS, ABS etc. A regular scanner won't do those.
Best budget reader is a OBDLink MX on Amazon for $70-$99
Yeah, but that just does regular OBDII codes, won't do manufacturer specific codes. These days you're better off with a code reader that can do manufacturer specific codes, that way you can also get transmission error codes, SRS, ABS etc. A regular scanner won't do those.
Originally Posted By: Wolf359
Originally Posted By: michaelluscher
Best budget reader is a OBDLink MX on Amazon for $70-$99
Yeah, but that just does regular OBDII codes, won't do manufacturer specific codes. These days you're better off with a code reader that can do manufacturer specific codes, that way you can also get transmission error codes, SRS, ABS etc. A regular scanner won't do those.
This is not a reader, it’s a communication interface. You can get some manufacturer and auxiliary (trans, abs, airbag) using software for some brands. Of course, you need more capable interfaces (manufacturer specific like VCDS from ROSStech, or multibrand like Delphi DS150E) to do modules/key programming/service reset for some brands.
Originally Posted By: michaelluscher
Best budget reader is a OBDLink MX on Amazon for $70-$99
Yeah, but that just does regular OBDII codes, won't do manufacturer specific codes. These days you're better off with a code reader that can do manufacturer specific codes, that way you can also get transmission error codes, SRS, ABS etc. A regular scanner won't do those.
This is not a reader, it’s a communication interface. You can get some manufacturer and auxiliary (trans, abs, airbag) using software for some brands. Of course, you need more capable interfaces (manufacturer specific like VCDS from ROSStech, or multibrand like Delphi DS150E) to do modules/key programming/service reset for some brands.
Originally Posted By: Wolf359
Also, has anyone played around with a Delphi DS150E? They're on aliexpress for around $32-$62 and they claim that it can read manufacturer specific codes.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2018-New...2858106439.html
These are chinese replicas, delivered with badly cracked software. The authentic one costs 4 digits, plus addons for brands/programming, etc. These chinese clones, once working, provides functionnalities like it should. I do not recommend these to anyone.
Also, has anyone played around with a Delphi DS150E? They're on aliexpress for around $32-$62 and they claim that it can read manufacturer specific codes.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2018-New...2858106439.html
These are chinese replicas, delivered with badly cracked software. The authentic one costs 4 digits, plus addons for brands/programming, etc. These chinese clones, once working, provides functionnalities like it should. I do not recommend these to anyone.
$100 or less....
Now you are talking! You have lot of choices and it will come down to which specific features that you can NOT live without. At that price point you should be able to get a decent code reader / scanner with Mode $6 data ability along with graphing of parameters. Usually, Autel is the benchmark against all other manufacturers try to beat. American based company such as Innova usually charges more for the same features as Chinese based companies do but they are all built in China anyway.
I will start with Amazon and look up Autel and what else shows up as similar.
If you need fancier e.g. manufacturer specific support, bi-directional ability etc, then you will be paying more but you can find bargain if all of your vehicles are from same manufacturer e.g. all Honda/Acura family or all Toyota/Lexus family etc.
This all assumes that you already have Android/Torque/Cheal_ELM_BT thingy and want to upgrade to a standalone wired unit. If you don't, then start with that and then you will know what you want in your next unit.
I will start with Amazon and look up Autel and what else shows up as similar.
If you need fancier e.g. manufacturer specific support, bi-directional ability etc, then you will be paying more but you can find bargain if all of your vehicles are from same manufacturer e.g. all Honda/Acura family or all Toyota/Lexus family etc.
This all assumes that you already have Android/Torque/Cheal_ELM_BT thingy and want to upgrade to a standalone wired unit. If you don't, then start with that and then you will know what you want in your next unit.
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