What ODB2 reader are you using for EX ? which one should I get from ebay

[G-96XLT]

Now that I have two Exes , a 1996 and 2000 I would like to pickup a ODB2 reader from ebay. Can you guys recommend one , or one not to get ? The local stores in Toronto have them for $149 + ,, but ebay has them for $39 and up.. seeing that I'm a home mechanic with only two cars I can live with the cheapo but I don't want to get one that isn't good with the explorer .. suggestions anyone ?

thx
G96

 

[G-96XLT]

also what about just the usb/serial adapters that go to your laptop ? hey its $14.99 but only seems to be advertised for audi/vw

 

[96eb96]

Now that I have two Exes , a 1996 and 2000 I would like to pickup a ODB2 reader from ebay. Can you guys recommend one , or one not to get ? The local stores in Toronto have them for $149 + ,, but ebay has them for $39 and up.. seeing that I'm a home mechanic with only two cars I can live with the cheapo but I don't want to get one that isn't good with the explorer .. suggestions anyone ?

thx
G96

What exactly do you expect out of your tool? If you just want a code reader, any PWM OBD-2 capable reader will do. However, a code without live data is pretty much useless unless you want to guess and replace parts.

The best one for the money is from http://obd-2.com/. Sometimes they are available on ebay too. It is $142 for a pwm + iso(for ABS). I don't have an interest in that business but I truly believe it is worth the price.

This tool is amazing and will let you read ABS codes, airbag, and GEM codes. One use alone will justify the cost since those features are found on dealer tools. Also the graphing and capture capabilities are amazing. It can read almost 1000 Ford specific codes like BARO and Transmission Temp. You can watch graphs of O2 sensors in action. There is a bit of a learning curve but you can tackle almost any OBD-2 problem with that software.

 

[G-96XLT]

thanks, that web site is poor for info. I guess this is the software then and I just buy a ODB - Serial or ODB - USB cable.. how do you get it , when I click order it takes me to silly page.

 

[G-96XLT]

this one looks good

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/UPDA...001QQitemZ110209600145QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

 

[96eb96]

thanks, that web site is poor for info. I guess this is the software then and I just buy a ODB - Serial or ODB - USB cable.. how do you get it , when I click order it takes me to silly page.

The guy is an engineer and the site is very no- nonsense. This tool is not a toy.
He is closed for the holiday and is not taking orders until Jan 2. He is selling you hardware (a cable/adapter) and a vehicle browser for your computer. He also updates his software about once a month. You want to order the PWM+ISO combo for your car, so you can read ABS. You can contact him directly for more info.

This product may take a bit of time to master, but it is very powerful.

The link you gave me on ebay is not bad for a $70 scan tool with live data. Generic OBD-II gives about 15 datastream parameters. It is good for most DIY work. However, I doubt that device could read the BARO pid to diagnose a bad MAF, or about 800 other Ford specific items(which honestly you may never need but when you do you will be glad you could). Of course the handheld will not touch ABS or GEM codes.

My philosophy is that the tool will be used very rarely, but when you do need it you want as much info and power as possible. Otherwise, you will be going to a shop.

If you want portability and no computer, go with the ebay handheld. It is friendly and easy to use. If you want to use a laptop, go for the obd-2.com solution. It is very powerful, but there is a learning curve. Both have 30 day money back policies.

 

[reserved50]

the cheap stuff will just get a you a generic code, pretty much useless. The more expensive ones will get you trans codes etc and live data like O2 function, engine rpm, coolant temp, intake air temp, throttle position angle. If your overdrive light flashes a trans code or ABS light comes on your off the shelf unit wont read that.

For example if it gave you a code saying your TPS sensor is below range you can look at the live data stream and if its at 0volts etc and actually see what the computer is looking at.

The ebay unit looks like a midline unit, like it was said before, what codes you specifically want to look at.