OBD 2 tool

Richard Casto · **Posted:** Wed Sep 26, 2007 12:41 pm

Odyssey CEL is on.

CEL issues so far have been infrequent enough that I usually just go to Autozone (I think they check codes for free if I remember correctly), but each time I do this, I wonder if I should just buy an OBD 2 tool/scanner.

Problem is, I have no idea what works well. You see a wide range of prices for these (even Harbor Freight offers a few different models) and I just don't know what I should be looking for. Has anyone researched these? Is it worth getting one for occasional use (once or twice a year)? What should I get? Is there benefit to getting one that connects to a laptop?

Vincent Keene · **Posted:** Wed Sep 26, 2007 1:12 pm

This is the one I have. Actually this is the updated one which Keith Strassel has. I'm very happy with it so far.

SCAN GAUGE II

Patrice Bousquet · **Posted:** Wed Sep 26, 2007 1:19 pm

This is the one i bought last winter when Kathy Honda had a CEL.
I used it a few time since that time and it's useful. I bought it at Walmart.
I think it was $96.

http://www.iequus.com/news/news.php?id=13

clinehall · **Posted:** Wed Sep 26, 2007 1:47 pm

Stupid question, will this work on all makes?

Dustin Fredrickson · **Posted:** Wed Sep 26, 2007 1:50 pm

I recently picked up the Actron CP9135 from PepBoys - on sale for ~$50. They've got the 9125 on sale for $40 now, but I think it's a REAL basic model that provides little to no info. While I haven't used the one I just bought, this is the same model I rented from AZ earlier this year that worked well well on my Suby - provides some text info on the CEL, and let's you view the status of the emmissions sensors - handy to make sure your emmissions sensors are all the "ready" state before hitting the inspection station.

Richard Casto · **Posted:** Wed Sep 26, 2007 2:03 pm

What I am curious is if the cheaper models will show the description of the code. For example, will is say....

"P0100"

..or..

"P0100 - Mass Air Flow (MAF) Circuit Malfunction"

HF apparently has theirs on sale right now as well. It seems that my time is becomming more and more valuable and I may rather just spend the time dropping by HF on the way home vs. the hassle of going to Autozone, waiting until they are not busy and then having a guy read it for free. I just can't tell the difference between the $40 and the $70 models.

Richard Casto · **Posted:** Wed Sep 26, 2007 2:06 pm

And I should have said that I am realizing that he PDA/laptop versions appear to be mostly so you can either capture data or see more detailed info such as the actual narrow band O2 sensor data (as a graph). While I would like to have one of those, I don't really need that functionality today and don't want to spend $100-200 for something like that right now.

So I should be asking...

Which cheap one should I get. And does anyone have any experience with the HF models?

PhilFausz · **Posted:** Wed Sep 26, 2007 2:12 pm

I bit the bullet and bought software that works with my laptop, it's called AutoEnginuity. Do a search on the web for details. I've had it for about a year now and I'm very happy with it. It will pull and reset ODBII codes for all makes, but for specific manufacturer related info, you have to buy additional software modules.

The reason I went this route is for the live feedback. For instance, I learned that both of my 02 sensors are within 90% of their maximum life, so I know I'll be replacing them in the next year or so.

The base ODBII software cost is either $200 or $250. I purchased modules for Toyota, BMW, and Ford. At this point, not going to the shop has paid for the base module.

FYI, all ODBII scanners *should* work with all 97 (some 96) and newer cars. Check out ODBII.com, they have many scanners and quite a bit of info there.

Phil

BriceJohnson · **Joined:** Thu Apr 13, 2006 7:33 am **Posts:** 2230

I also have the autoengenuity software, and love it. I also bought the mazda specific sensor package, although that has proven to be pretty useless (its neat to be able to see what my tire pressure monitors see, but hardly USEFUL). Haven't actually had any CEL's to deal with though, so I can't say its paid for itself, but I keep tossing around the idea of using it as a sort of ghetto data logger for autocross. . .

Dustin Fredrickson · **Posted:** Wed Sep 26, 2007 5:18 pm

Richard Casto wrote:

And I should have said that I am realizing that he PDA/laptop versions appear to be mostly so you can either capture data or see more detailed info such as the actual narrow band O2 sensor data (as a graph). While I would like to have one of those, I don't really need that functionality today and don't want to spend $100-200 for something like that right now.

So I should be asking...

Which cheap one should I get. And does anyone have any experience with the HF models?

Richard, this was exactly my situation. From what I saw, the cheap ones (Actron 9125 included) only show the code - no info. The next step up, like the 9135 I bought, shows the additional detail you mention, as well as provides some additional useful features per my post above.

Richard Casto · **Posted:** Wed Sep 26, 2007 6:35 pm

Thanks everyone for your info. I stopped by HF on the way home and picked up this one...

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=94217

I wanted something that gave just a bit more info that just the code and with this being 50% off I couldn't pass it up. It was not listed at that price at the store, but luckly I had a print out from their website and apparently that is what you need to do to price match their own website.

It supports "CAN", does freeze frame (shows operating conditions at time it generated the fault), saves codes for review later, provided description of the code and a few other things. It actually seems pretty slick.

Turns out it was a fault with the Evap Control System which if I remember correctly can be caused by gas caps that are loose. It had generated the code twice. I tightened the cap, erased the codes and we will see what happens.

Graham Jagger · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 12:53 am **Posts:** 1718

Good deal Richard! And it interfaces with CAN so you can even connect it to your P-cars :wink:

The US car makers are being dragged into standardizing on CAN since Europe and Asia are using that. 1 standard, what a concept!

clinehall · **Posted:** Thu Sep 27, 2007 10:10 am

Just ordered the one from Harbor Freight (of course we do not have one here in East Egypt). Thanks for testing it out!

Ryan Holton · **Posted:** Thu Sep 27, 2007 10:30 am

clinehall wrote:

Just ordered the one from Harbor Freight (of course we do not have one here in East Egypt). Thanks for testing it out!

Dude you need to get out more.

Harbor Freight in Winterville FOOL!!!

Its right beside the Harley Store doofus. Less than 5 miles from your office

You're welcome!

clinehall · **Posted:** Thu Sep 27, 2007 11:16 am

Dammit ! I was thinking Northern Tools! I am working too Hard! Did you call me a Fool?, I am going to take you over to that Renn List forum and Bitch Slap your rice loving arse :evil:

THSCC Forums

OBD 2 tool

Who is online