Anybody know anything about OBD2 ELM scanners?

[Malchi]

Ok, I am looking to purchase an OBDII scanner and was looking on ebay and there are a lot of options. Also looked at scantool.net.

I guess the main question I have is... if I buy one of the cheapo ELM based scanners for about $30 on ebay, will it be compatible with the good scantool software? Or, am I just stuck with the free software? And, does that matter?

I am not an expert technician who can understand all the different parameters the OBDII system can throw at you (If I were I wouldn't have to ask these questions, lol ). But, I am a person who likes to be prepared for every eventuality, and therefore would kinda like to have all that accessible if I need it (as if I ever will)

Anyways, bottom line is this. Can someone give me some pointers on getting a good PC based system that will not cost me a small fortune?

 

[Malchi]

Anybody?

 

[fosgate]

I recently bought one after doing alot of research. I had a check engine light that pops on in the summer months and I wanted to not just clear the check engine but see what is causing it. I looked at scanners in the $30 to $70 range first and then $100-150 and got the same stuff. Pulls codes tells you some basic info but does not get into all area like ABS, 4x4, Powertrain or codes specific to your vehicle year make and model. Alot of reviews spoke poorly of of reliability and support. I finally found everything I wanted from one manufacturer that is stateside that has an online support and public forum where users can help other users. I found Scantool.net and looked at their stuff and wound up buying the ScanXL Pro Software+ Ford Enhancement Pack + ELM USB/Blue Tooth option+Case for just under $400. Yeah, seems like alot until you pay a shop $200+ a pop to hook it up to their computer. I've used it twice now, once on my sisters Mercury Van and once on mine. Pulled up several codes and live diagnostics that allow you to check your vehicle on a regular basis and make sure everything is OK. Granted you don't need to spend $400, I just opted for all the bells since I wanted to be able to look at everything with the convenience of being able to indirectly connecting. I feel it has already paid for itself and any further use is simply saving us a much larger bill.
Check it out.

http://www.scantool.net/

 

[jrford]

i agree with fosgate, pretty much the same. . .

For ODBII codes AZ will read them for free which is what you get with the $30 scanner. . .BUT they can't read the Ford Enhanced codes which are ABS, 4x4, ETAC, Parking sensors etc. Those handhelds run about $1000, but you can buy software for a laptop for a lot cheaper that will do the same thing. I bought something similar but for about $230 from Bowser Electronics (google it), Software, scanner and cables with Ford Enhanced support and installed in on a 8 year old laptop and it works great. It also does some real time charting too.

 

[Hartman]

I just picked up this scanner for $56 shipped. I thought that was a great price for live data and freeze frame, etc.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001LHW9YG/ref=oss_product

 

[jrford]

looks nice

this is the bomb, what the dealers use. . . .
HICKOK NGS XL FORD MASTER KIT

http://www.amazon.com/HICKOK-NGS-FO..._2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1284732266&sr=1-2

"Programmable module installation, module configuration and PATS key programming"

 

[Hartman]

I just don't see a reason for the average person to have a scanner that reads more than OBD codes and displays live data. Getting data from the scanner and doing some internet research is all you really need, especially if you're only troubleshooting one vehicle.

 

[Malchi]

I just don't see a reason for the average person to have a scanner that reads more than OBD codes and displays live data. Getting data from the scanner and doing some internet research is all you really need, especially if you're only troubleshooting one vehicle.

Yeah, but I ain't average. Eccentric is what normal people call me.

Seriously, you're probably right. I just like to have it all there in case I might need it one day. Hate to be left completely in the dark, ya know.

 

[jrford]

I just don't see a reason for the average person to have a scanner that reads more than OBD codes and displays live data.

If you only needed standard codes, yes, i would agree. But the only codes i've had to read are Non-Standard, which most likley is a dealer visit +$100, so two trips and half pay for themselves.

ABS system: First one Dealer 37,000 mi $100 (Rear ABS sensor), Second time Midas who also could read ABS codes for $45 (Master Cyl Switch). By this time i invested in the software and saved another $45 when the caliper dropped and was caught by the ABS wire. I could have guessed but it was really nice to find a code for RF ABS sensor fault. . .Parking sensors (non-standard), the used bumper i mounted had on sensor out, found the right one with the software. I've yet to post a Std OBDII code. . .

 

[sabasigh]

So if I bought the ELM USB adapter for like $50 and used the Free OBDwiz software...could I read live data such as RPMs, Fuel Pressure, Air/Fuel Ratio, Exhaust temps, etc, etc, etc?

Can I reprogram the PCM with like changes for larger tires?

Thanks

*Edit...ok looking at the http://www.scantool.net/obdwiz/ page, looks like it can poll some of those PIDs? All I would need is that ELM5 Connector?

 

[jrford]

yea from the looks ElmScan 5 Compact would work.
You will get the basic stuff yes.
No on Reprogram. . .this stuff will only monitor. HICKOK NGS XL FORD MASTER KIT will allow you to change tire sizes; reprogram PATSII keys, Re-Flash the PCM; everything for $3k, pocket change . . .lol. But a shop might find it useful, and i'm surprised you can even buy it.

 

[fosgate]

I would think that any reputable dealership would reprogram your tire size with their hand held for little next to nothing if not free.

 

[Hartman]

I would think that any reputable dealership would reprogram your tire size with their hand held for little next to nothing if not free.

These are things you don't hear when making a trip to the dealer.

 

[Malchi]

These are things you don't hear when making a trip to the dealer.

Ah, too true.

 

[budwich]

I have had both a hand held code reader and also a usb elm interface. The code reader was handy because it was small and quick to use BUT it only read codes for about $100 at the time. Newer recent units are now out that will also give freeze data for about the same price. The elm interface was cheap ($30) and the freeware gives some freeze data plus monitors some live stuff. Of course, there various packages that will do more for more $$. With the minis that are out there along with some packages, you can do alot with the elm stuff both in terms of portability and diag capabilities. Further, my old reader was not able to read the new CAN stuff while the elm was. I sold the code reader and now just fire up the mini and elm reader whenever I am looking for those "wascally pwoblems".

 

[Malchi]

Ok, grabbed a $20 Bluetooth ELM scanner from Taiwan off ebay. Seems to work pretty good so far, using the free software from scantool.net, as well as a Windows Mobile app.

Now, I have a 2001 Windstar that has the ABS and Brake lights on. I hooked my scanner up and checked DTCs, nothing. Is there a way to pull ABS codes as well as DTCs? Do I need to purchase the Ford add on from scantool.net? Or, am I hoping too much?

 

[budwich]

well there are a lot of manufacturer specific codes and such. You are likely having to find some sort of "add-on". I haven't search but you should probably try that... you might get lucky and find some "Free trial" stuff that might give you some "one shot" stuff to give you an idea of its capabilities. Maybe someone else has found some stuff. Having said that, "subtending systems" are usually quite "unique" and the required "development software" is unlikely to be "just sitting there".