laptop based obdII scanner

[cantspell]

hi there, i'm tired of having the CEL on, and FORD is an ass when it comes to scanning it, as they either charge a ton, or want to fix it themselves.

I'm considering either www.obd-2.com or the $39 dollar one that just reads generic codes and you have to look up in the manual.

 

[wpurple]

I like my

www.autotap.com

a bit pricey but it is awesome

 

[Nick26]

Originally posted by cantspell
hi there, i'm tired of having the CEL on, and FORD is an ass when it comes to scanning it, as they either charge a ton, or want to fix it themselves.

I'm considering either www.obd-2.com or the $39 dollar one that just reads generic codes and you have to look up in the manual.

I was thinking about getting one of those... is it $39 for just the cable and the software is free(there are a few opensource ones)? also i think they have ones that include Ford specific features that you might want to look into.

 

[cantspell]

the $39 dollar one, is only a device with a plug that give you a number, and a booklet that tells you what's generically wrong with it, like lower 02 sensor. It doens't stream, doens't use a PC or anyting else.

 

[Jefe]

I have the hardware/software from www.obd-2.com and it works great. I have found it very usefull quite a few different times. I now run it on my onboard CarPC and it is very

 

[cantspell]

i'm actully really interested the obd-2 diagnostic thing, can one do any adjustments on it though?

 

[Jefe]

Originally posted by cantspell
i'm actully really interested the obd-2 diagnostic thing, can one do any adjustments on it though?

adjustments? what do you mean?

 

[cantspell]

adjustments as in changing the shift points, or ratehr shift firmness (I know the B&M can do this), the spark advance, etc. Sort of what the apten does?

 

[Jefe]

Originally posted by cantspell
adjustments as in changing the shift points, or ratehr shift firmness (I know the B&M can do this), the spark advance, etc. Sort of what the apten does?

No, the software is only a diagnostic / monitoring utility.

You can actually download the software from that site to see what all it does.

 

[stubborn1]

Curious,

Can you retrieve ABS codes with the equipment from www.obd-2.com ? I'm interested in picking up the software and the cable.

 

[Jefe]

Originally posted by stubborn1
Curious,

Can you retrieve ABS codes with the equipment from www.obd-2.com ? I'm interested in picking up the software and the cable.

If the ABS module sends a code to the PCM, then yes. I know that I can read the codes from my PCM and see that i'm missing 2 ABS sensors
I'm not sure if the ABS module has separate diagnostics though

 

[Stic-o]

I belive ...

The more $$$ ones will read ABS codes. Mine is a cheapo from kragen ($100) and is handheld and only does the Check engine light. I don't think any do the air bag light though. Mine as paid for it self a few times already. and the best is will work on any car after '96