As stated in the thread topic, I am contemplating buying an obd2/can reader. I just need a basic reader to retrieve codes and turn off the cel. However, the only feature that tempts me into spending 20 more bucks for the next most expensive model is the ability of the reader to connect to the internet to update its firmware. How important is this feature? I can't see it really mattering but would love to be told otherwise.
does ability to update matter for obd2 readers?
- Thread starter phaphaphooey
- Start date
- Status
JHZR2
Staff member
I'd think not. So long as it is able to talk on the can and other OBD II data busses, Id guess you will be set.
Unless there is a bonafide way to be forward compatible with OBD III or whatever it will be called, Id not worry.
Then again $20 isnt much...
Unless there is a bonafide way to be forward compatible with OBD III or whatever it will be called, Id not worry.
Then again $20 isnt much...
I doubt you will get any basic code reader to read the manufacturers specific codes. It will provide the code numbers but not the details.
Be specific with the model of code reader, so people can comment.
I bought a cable and software for an Auto Enginuity for my Palm Pilot for about $150 only to have them say Palm was no longer supporting certain features and they would no longer upgrade the Palm version of their software. This is when they mentioned free software upgrades for life on their website.
Be specific with the model of code reader, so people can comment.
I bought a cable and software for an Auto Enginuity for my Palm Pilot for about $150 only to have them say Palm was no longer supporting certain features and they would no longer upgrade the Palm version of their software. This is when they mentioned free software upgrades for life on their website.
Thank you all for the replies. I have basically decided on this Equus 3030 http://www.amazon.com/Equus-3030-Diagnos...2920216&sr=8-1. In the time that I have been stewing over the decision, the 3100 has gone up in price so that it is 30 dollars more http://www.amazon.com/Equus-3100-Innova-CanOBD2-Diagnostic/dp/B000EVWDAK. The only thing that seems nice about the 3100 is the freeze frame data, but for as little as I will be using it, it seems like an overkill.
As a background: have newer than 1996 cars so no need for an obd-1 reader. Also my family only has foreign cars for which, from my understanding, domestic readers cannot provide manufacturer specific codes. Furthermore, the definitions appearing on screen don't mean much to me since I will go and read about the code on the car's enthusiast forum anyhow.
So basically, now I ask does freeze frame data matter?
As a background: have newer than 1996 cars so no need for an obd-1 reader. Also my family only has foreign cars for which, from my understanding, domestic readers cannot provide manufacturer specific codes. Furthermore, the definitions appearing on screen don't mean much to me since I will go and read about the code on the car's enthusiast forum anyhow.
So basically, now I ask does freeze frame data matter?
My dad and I just bought a USB to OBDII reader/programmer for $60 on Kajiji. It's an ELM-327 and the software you install on your computer for $40 or so lets you just read the codes, but if you want to program and change things I think it's only like $90. To be honest with you I think the Elm-327 we bought was a knock-off but we used it recently with my Neon as a test and it works great, and you can see live data too...
Another one worth considering...
Another one worth considering...
I'm impressed and the 327 is just an interpreter, meaning it just converts the ODB-II protocols into something that the laptop can read it. The software does all the work, which is nice because it's easy to update and use custom software to do sick things like performance mods etc. Muhahaha
Not in my opinion for the home owner.
StevieC,
Some type of usb interfaced device would be ideal for use with my laptop, but I did not want to pay for a genuine 327, and from what I have gleaned from my research, people's luck with knock off 327 clones are hit or miss, with some reporting that it works perfectly and others claiming they could not get it to work at all. Can capability is also a must, but the software should handle that. Have you had any problems?
Some type of usb interfaced device would be ideal for use with my laptop, but I did not want to pay for a genuine 327, and from what I have gleaned from my research, people's luck with knock off 327 clones are hit or miss, with some reporting that it works perfectly and others claiming they could not get it to work at all. Can capability is also a must, but the software should handle that. Have you had any problems?
No problems... Loving this little box. Took it apart because I'm a geek and it's definitely a knock off. Works fine though, and the software can't tell the difference so I guess I'm home free with mine...
- Status
