Best OBD 2 code reader/scanner ?

[webcat]

Trying to get different peoples opinions on the best OBD 2 code reader/scanner .
What do you like the best and why ?

Ok , i'll start out , i've only used the ELM 327 , it works pretty good , its used with a laptop but i thought that the display of the software that came with it ( scantool.net) looked kinda kiddish or cartoonish , i think you can download different software for it though.
I think Proscan software will work with it but i never got to try before i accidently kicked my Elm327 and it quit working!

[Mr_Bowtie]

I had a ScanGaugeII before & for the money its hard to beat. I think it was about $160 & gives you 4 gauge readouts while your driving too.

http://www.scangauge.com/

[jeff's93astro]

not trying to steal the thread but what about scanner/reader for the OBD I you can hook to a computer

[Astroplane]

It really depends how much you are going to use it and to what extent.
The best? Tech II. Pros: Factory Tool with extensive diagnostic and bi-directional control capability. Cons, $$$$.
The best overall AND now affordable scanner for OBD I/II? MT2500 or MTG2500. Pros: The scanners and accessories are available on the online auction site on a daily basis. Can do most engine, trans, air bag, and abs diagnostics you would need for an M/L body. Enhanced data parameters.
Cons: Discontinued recently.
If I was going to spend 150-200 on a code reader for my vehicle, I would rather take advantage of a buyer's market and get a solid tool for daily use. Yes, I have kicked my 2500 and it is still working fine. If you just want a quick way to grab a code, then any of the offerings would do. For that, I would buy one that is one piece, not hooked up to a laptop.

[ihatemybike]

I've been using a ScanGaugeII for over a year. Reads my codes and saves me gas money by letting me see how my driving habits effect fuel consumption.

[webcat]

I might get a scanguage II but it would be kinda nice to have something that gives you all the info on the screen at the same time , kinda like Datamaster but be able to read codes too

[astro355]

not trying to steal the thread but what about scanner/reader for the OBD I you can hook to a computer

Here's a link you might be interested in.

http://www.tunercat.com/

[webcat]

not trying to steal the thread but what about scanner/reader for the OBD I you can hook to a computer

i think you can use that Datamaster for a 1993 (does'nt read codes though ) i know it works for the OBD 1.5

[steve.troxell]

I hear golink for the iPhone iPod touch and iPad is very nice. I just ordered the cable for it the other day. I'll report back with my findings

[Phantom]

not trying to steal the thread but what about scanner/reader for the OBD I you can hook to a computer

For OBD 1 all you need is a cable to connect your car to a laptop , OBD2 is when the protocol changed and a interface is needed

[Phantom]

Just a couple months ago I did a lengthy bit of research on this and for the DIY''er I found this to be the best deal going,

http://www.obd2allinone.com/ it uses the ELM327 , it and only one other uses the ELM chip from Canada ,I 'll have to look to see who the other is ,, others like scantool use the china made ELM clone and is more prone to breakage and failure , all of the ones that are about $60 use the clone chip

http://www.aldlcable.com/ this is for OBD 1 cables


most scanners will read codes and some will use various graphic software programs , the ELM 327 is the only cost effective option for the home use , a whole bunch a software is compatible with them . actually nearly every scanner for use with laptop is ELM . ELM 327 is the latest , If you want to change or mod the pcm you have to use a Tuner Tool , like EFI Live , HP Tuner , Tuner Cat . all those are proprietary in that you have to use their interface module to use their Tuner software, but they are good products, I actually called around 10 companies and talked with the tech dept about their product and some companies did not have a tech dept , or they only use an email only tech with no way of real time chat . Some of the companies that had a good product and service tech dept were quite expensive and were not capable of doing much more than the ELM product . Auto Enginuity really seemed cool , but it has no capability to do tuning and their stuff is expensive as well as no software but their own will work with it , The product I give the link for has very knowledgeable techs that will talk at length , they were more impressive on the knowledge on many other brands as well and they have an abundance info and links and a bunch of free software for OBD 1 , as ell as links to demo obd2 , their product has a ABS plastic case that is stronger and more durable than competition, for about $100 it is a very capable scanner with the compatibility with All protocols in use and will be compatible with the new GM GDS software that has been implemented in 2010

[astroturf]

I hear golink for the iPhone iPod touch and iPad is very nice. I just ordered the cable for it the other day. I'll report back with my findings

That is so gonna rock Steve...

Looking forward to what you find.

Thanks, Jim

[Phantom]

I hear golink for the iPhone iPod touch and iPad is very nice. I just ordered the cable for it the other day. I'll report back with my findings

Sounds convenient , be interesting if this device is capable of utilizing all of the available professional computer diagnostic tools , for ABS , transmission diags and all other sensors

[astroturf]

Phantom,

I would indebted to you for your research and opinion of that device for me. Just a common Shade Tree Mechanic.

Thanks, Jim

[Phantom]

Ok Jim , may take a few days , this item seems rather new so it has not been around long enough for much info to be available . For me a cell phone screen size is just to small to really consider it to be a comprehensive tool , can it diagnose at least 14 of the most common protocols or just a few ? does it work with OBD 1 ?. I think it would be ideal for a handy carry around code reader , maybe more depending on the detail of the scanner portion of the app. and good for those times when there is an intermittent problem that suddenly shows up , it can be scanned right then without having to shut the engine down and hopefully get fresh data at the moment rather having to wait to go somewhere to get a diag. But considering the cost of the cable being the same as a the well established interface with the ability that can do every protocol available and also do OBD 1 I don't see any advantage , but just a convenience factor that it is in the phone that you will carry in your pocket anyway. Hope you understand since I do not have an iphone and have no current plans to get one that I won't put in as much time in research as I would for something that I would plan on getting. ma ybe someday when cell phones processors and memory capacities are much better I will consider it , but now I have 2 laptops that have a screen a little larger than 15 in. dual core proc , 280 gig hard drive and 2 gig of memory ,I find them to be of better use as I can set it on the passenger seat ans secure it so it does not move and watch it as I drive and keep both hands on the wheel .
Not that it matters , but since you at one time were able to get 24 MPG fully loaded and as important as you say MPG is to you it comes as a surprise that you have not taken your van to someone and had a scan diagnosis to find out why your engine is running so rich that it has caused your exhaust pipe to become black inside and cause you to lose 6 MPG going down to 18 MPG average . It could be something as simple as a coolant temp sensor going bad and telling the pcm that the engine is cold (causing a richer fuel mixture( when it is not cold but fully warmed up. The amount of excess gas you have gone through could have paid for the diag.

[hardlecure]

The only software I've used for ODB is TTS Datamaster. It has probably everything that one would ever need to display. I think on page one someone has a picture of it. It's a great piece of software but since I've never used anything else I have no basis for comparison.

[astroturf]

Ok Jim , may take a few days , this item seems rather new so it has not been around long enough for much info to be available . For me a cell phone screen size is just to small to really consider it to be a comprehensive tool , can it diagnose at least 14 of the most common protocols or just a few ? does it work with OBD 1 ?. I think it would be ideal for a handy carry around code reader , maybe more depending on the detail of the scanner portion of the app. and good for those times when there is an intermittent problem that suddenly shows up , it can be scanned right then without having to shut the engine down and hopefully get fresh data at the moment rather having to wait to go somewhere to get a diag. But considering the cost of the cable being the same as a the well established interface with the ability that can do every protocol available and also do OBD 1 I don't see any advantage , but just a convenience factor that it is in the phone that you will carry in your pocket anyway. Hope you understand since I do not have an iphone and have no current plans to get one that I won't put in as much time in research as I would for something that I would plan on getting. ma ybe someday when cell phones processors and memory capacities are much better I will consider it , but now I have 2 laptops that have a screen a little larger than 15 in. dual core proc , 280 gig hard drive and 2 gig of memory ,I find them to be of better use as I can set it on the passenger seat ans secure it so it does not move and watch it as I drive and keep both hands on the wheel .
Not that it matters , but since you at one time were able to get 24 MPG fully loaded and as important as you say MPG is to you it comes as a surprise that you have not taken your van to someone and had a scan diagnosis to find out why your engine is running so rich that it has caused your exhaust pipe to become black inside and cause you to lose 6 MPG going down to 18 MPG average . It could be something as simple as a coolant temp sensor going bad and telling the pcm that the engine is cold (causing a richer fuel mixture( when it is not cold but fully warmed up. The amount of excess gas you have gone through could have paid for the diag.

As I have said earlier, I would be indebted to you for your opinion/research.

But, Don't push it. You forgot to mention that after my stellar 24 MPG, I received a dismal 15 MPG.

I am extending a hand here, I would like to think you could do the same.

I am still at a lifetime average of 18 MPG over 51,685 miles. Not to shabby for less than two years of ownership.

Respectfully awaiting your opinion of this new device technology.

Jim

[Phantom]

I wasn't trying to get a dig on you , just noticing that your van is capable of 24 MPG , it could do it before it can do it again , if the cause is found to what made it go down, and something is causing a fuel mixture problem, once resolved mpg should rise back up , though it may take some time to clean up the carbon residue in the system .

[astroturf]

I wasn't trying to get a dig on you , just noticing that your van is capable of 24 MPG , it could do it before it can do it again , if the cause is found to what made it go down, and something is causing a fuel mixture problem, once resolved mpg should rise back up , though it may take some time to clean up the carbon residue in the system .

I apologize...

It has certainly been such a hot topic (mpg).

My recent best was on a trip to CT from VA and back. Link here:

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=3299&p=92067&hilit=20.7+MPG#p92057

But on a daily average, my drives are stop and go, stop and go.

I am happy with the 18 mpg average... But if I can bump it up, why not.

Thanking you for your time and understanding, Jim

[Phantom]

I have not found much info on the go link , mostly the sites I find are copies of the same article in popular mechanics , Mostly people say how easy it is to use , seems to be enough protocols to work with most newer vehicles , but nothing that is really tech info , a few people are reluctant to go with it because they say the software is not all that great and Apple is supposed to release an upgrade in the future , I did find some other items that work with the i phone , they look cool , they are wireless , and the software looks cool, and speaks of a dyno application there are 2 products both look interesting both are wireless

http://www.ot-2.com/

http://www.innovatemotorsports.com/

http://astore.amazon.com/.blackfridaysa ... B0037X1QLO

http://www.plxkiwi.com/kiwiwifi/software