Tip OBD Reader suggestions
- Thread starter winston
- Start date
OldAndCrazy
Pureblood Forever
Big question; do you want the $20 jobby from Amazon that just gives you codes or do you want the high end stuff (big $$$) that gives codes, explanations, etc?
explanations, etc
tech
Veteran Member
A "code reader" is only as good as the person interpreting the data. NO diagnostic tool is going to tell you exactly what is at fault.
For a simple example, P0171 system lean, bank one...could be a vacuum leak, low fuel pressure, an exhaust leak, faulty MAF sensor, coolant temperature sensor, bad oxygen sensor....well, you get the idea.
Even the high dollar units, while they may give some hints, are not the miracle workers some folks think they are.
For a simple example, P0171 system lean, bank one...could be a vacuum leak, low fuel pressure, an exhaust leak, faulty MAF sensor, coolant temperature sensor, bad oxygen sensor....well, you get the idea.
Even the high dollar units, while they may give some hints, are not the miracle workers some folks think they are.
My helper is a whiz-kid with one of these.
He gets his geek on while going down the road and watching all the PIDs (engine parameters) on his phone.
It really can narrow down problems if...IF you learn how to read the data.
A simple code reader will send you in the right direction for throwing parts at a problem. It won't give you insight into wiring problems or other crazy conditions.
AlfaMan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I use a OBD2 scanner daily in my work. I use a Bosch OBD 1350 unit. Reads codes, has full IM monitor capability, VIN verification, can reset the oil/maintenance and check engine lights on nearly everything I plug it into. It can also decipher those oddball BMW/Mini and Audi/VW numerical codes along with any other mfr. codes. Also good for real time graphing a vehicle. Pricey, around $ 350 or so. But dead stock reliable and worth the bucks if you use it every day.
I use a Bluetooth code reader from a company called OBDLink. It's actually capable of both reading and writing both the high speed and low speed side of the canbus system. I think I paid $40 for it a few years ago and the code reader app is free.
OBDLink MX+ OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner for iPhone, Android, and Windows https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07JFRFJG6/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_29NJ0D3M2XVQNNVVFMX9
Damn the price has gone up on them... That or I got lucky and found it on sale... I highly recommend it though, especially if you can find it cheaper
OBDLink MX+ OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner for iPhone, Android, and Windows https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07JFRFJG6/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_29NJ0D3M2XVQNNVVFMX9
Damn the price has gone up on them... That or I got lucky and found it on sale... I highly recommend it though, especially if you can find it cheaper
tech
Veteran Member
....and...if you have a late model Chrysler product with a Secure Gateway Module, you won't be able to access a bunch of stuff, simple things like relearning tpms sensors...resetting ecm codes....nope., Gotta go get an account from AutoAuth for $50/year and hope the scanner you have is compatible.