OBD II/PC interface recommendations

[Okrazie1]

I just bought a laptop as a early Christmas present to myself, and I would like to get the software to hook-up the computer to my Explorer (and the Ranger, too) to monitor and troubleshoot the OBD II system. Does anybody have experience with this type of setup, and what are the pros and cons of the different types of software?

 

[BradE.]

www.obd-2.com is the best bang for the buck for this type of software. It also offers Ford Enhanced features and free upgrades. I have one and love it.

 

[IgotTwo]

I have the same.... it is great.
The guy also gets back to you promptly with support questions.

My expereince:
When driving around in "the flight recorder mode," I use my toshiba laptop. If it is sunny outside, I have a hard time seeing the screen...so I had to make a sun visor.

I also plop my laptop on the passenger seat.
It didn't take me long to realize I needed a level surface and at least a little extra surface area

I got a piece of thin plywood with a piece of wood at one end to "level" it on the passenger seat....and made room for a mouse (track ball works better for me) You can make it as pretty as you want.
Who wants to agrue with the thing while your are driving around?

You also may wants to ask the guys (and gals) on the the site, if others want to buy one.....I think the guy who sells em is open to group discounts.


"Spring" for the tricom plug, so you can use it on any car

... Question to anyone ?
I think the software does not support or monitor something related to Ford O2 sensors systems which I have on my 97 X?
Can anyone help or enlighten me on that one?

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

I check out the website and it looks pretty neat...
A few Questions:
-Does it display all Ford codes for a 98 5.0 ?
-How good is the real time logging? Is it helpful diagnosing problems?

-Is it better to get this tool for my laptop, or just buy a Code Reader?

-Where did you get yours from, how good is the guy to deal with?

Thanks,
-Aaron

 

[IgotTwo]

In order ( I hope):
-5.0 - I'm quite sure...email him. He is very good responding to sales and support questions.

Real time log – great!- start the car, hit the record button, drive around, then play it back at your leisure (in front of TV? …whatever?) View and/or graph component parameters. Those that pass and fail are indicated.

Helpful? - I thought so. I've used it on my 97 X and other cars. It was invaluable. Keep in mind, ODBII is not "absolute" and the codes are not always the "end all answer". With "no starts" it can be useless. The process can require interpreting and additional reading to get at the problem ... I know I'm still going up the learning curve. I think you will learn to appreciate THOSE who really know ODBII.
My O2 question below may be a limitation with the software ...but it also may be limitation with others. Don't know. Ford does have many propriety codes. I know some additional codes are being released as a result of a recent court case. Pxxxx seems to keep abreast with updates and on top of them.

-Laptop? good question... I thought updates (for Fords and others cars) would be easier load to keep current. Do you get any updates with non PC based code readers? Don't know.

Personally, I know my way around computers.
I also had a few old laptops lying around. It's "DOS" based, so it will run on any laptop - even if they’re “old as dirt” e.g.- runs on WIN3X.. The laptop batteries should be good, if you want to go through a driving cycle.
If the laptop breaks...load the software to another. You can get an old laptop, often for nothing or at a PC show for $100.

I put all my "stuff" right on the HD - DB of Ford codes, articles, reference stuff as well as the CD Ford Repair Manuals. You can "port" the program and logs to a desktop, like any other PC file…no hassle… no interface programs or special adapters to lose.
Laptop sounded good to me.

just my thoughts

 

[Robert]

IgotTwo - You almost hit it with the proprietary functions. Actually, what happened is Ford didn't follow the standard protocol though '98 with regards to O2 tests. They are not available in the Generic OBD-II modes, only the enhanced OBD-II mode. My AutoXray scanner uses the Generic OBD-II mode to run its O2 test mode. It doens't work on my '97 nor my co-worker's '98. I can view my O2 sensor and fuel trims only in enhanced mode. In Generic mode, all I get is 0.000V for the sensors and -100% for all the fuel trims. I have seen the same problem on other scanners as well on mine. It is more of a Ford issue than a scanner issue.

 

[IgotTwo]

I freely admit I'm going up learning curve.
I usually post stuff and wait for everyone to tell me how wrong they think I am...haha

Thanks, you filled in the lot of blanks I had will my understanding on the O2s.

 

[BradE.]

The Ford O2 problem is pretty much limited to DIY'er scan tools. I have used the OTC 4000 Enhanced, and the Snap-On MT2500 (Both Professional Scan Tools) and they read Ford O2's just fine.

 

[IgotTwo]

not to be a pest...
But obviously we have here....someone in the "know"

I could not rationalize spending big bucks on a scan tool, but just out of curiosity:
At a very high level - What did I "miss out on" with my "Joe Homeowner" scanner vs a professional jobber?

I've been running solo with this thing, and sometimes it is hard to get answers to the little things. I'm sure you MUST know.... it can often run you in circles "I got the code...case closed" I think not! Keep digging GRRRRR!

My mother keeps telling me I should play golf......Naaaa!

Got any thoughts or observations?

 

[BradE.]

Professional scanners have Bi-Directional controls, meaning you can control the system from the scan tool for purposes of testing. DIY'er tools don't do this. Most run on a VIN based program that provides much more information over the "generic" set up. Typically these models also display ALL enhanced information, it's usually around 135-155 different things depending on the car maker. This includes real time info for Transmissions and other systems DIY'er units can't read.

Also units like the Snap-On 2500 and OTC read ALL codes, not just powertrain. DIY'er units only read powertrain codes, ie check engine light only. If it's anything else your pretty much screwed with a DIY'er unit. Professional units read powertrain, transmission, ABS, Air Bag and Suspension codes. Basically professional units can read any code, DIY'er units can't.

Professional units typically have some type of TSB's and reference material. For example Snap-On has "Fast Trac" and OTC has "Pathfinder" These programs have typical problems and fixes already loaded into the software. They also display any TSB relating to the problem you are trying to fix.

Overall the professional units are much much better than a DIY'er unit. But like you said they are really expensive and out of the price range of most home mechanics.

 

[Robert]

Since the professional scanners cost about as much as my Explorer is worth, I think I would rather just buy a second Explorer to use as parts when a part on mine fails

 

[IgotTwo]

A great explaination! I appreciate the time you took!

Definitely a top candiate for "Most Useful Thread"
(or comment within a thread? ...I'm sure there are some rules that must be followed)

Thanks again