home mechanics what obd2 reader

[steveo3002]

for the first time we own a modern ish car that has the obd2 socket (ford focus)

i plan to maintain /repair it myself when possible and assume i will need a scanner doo dah sooner or later

whats the best sort to look for home use?

 

[the snooper]

you can get laptop based from ebay like this one 16.99 they do much more then your basic code reader

 

[rkde]

I quite like the android app called torque and the bluetooth dongle off ebay for a few quid. I have a much better system but for simple ease and working every time I can't fault it

 

[Justme]

See if there are any vehicle specific ones for your car.

I too use a cheap bluetooth one with Torque pro. I use this for simple code reading & resetting.

However I also have a manufacture specific one that allows me to do much more but can be a pain to use.

 

[hooblah]

Torque pro ftw.

 

[the snooper]

don't forget though these simple readers wont be able to interact with abs and alike

 

[HughF]

Fordiag will see you good. Or a vcm2 clone from eBay China will do more, much much more, but will have a steeper learning curve. Remember, obd2 compliance was mandatory in the USA from 96, not in Europe till much, much, much later. Just cos it looks like an obd2 socket, don't expect it to be compliant.

I have both fordiag and ids, each have their uses. The scope on fordiag is better, nicer and easier to setup. I use it mainly for reading and clearing codes and use ids for service functions (I run a mk6 and a mk7 transit. You can't own and run a mk7 without access to ids)

 

[I'm getting on a bit]

Fordiag will see you good. Or a vcm2 clone from eBay China will do more, much much more, but will have a steeper learning curve. Remember, obd2 compliance was mandatory in the USA from 96, not in Europe till much, much, much later. Just cos it looks like an obd2 socket, don't expect it to be compliant.

I have both fordiag and ids, each have their uses. The scope on fordiag is better, nicer and easier to setup. I use it mainly for reading and clearing codes and use ids for service functions (I run a mk6 and a mk7 transit. You can't own and run a mk7 without access to ids)

What about the Autel ds708 and Foxwell gt80 can you shed any light on those

 

[HughF]

Nope...

 

[the snooper]

What about the Autel ds708 and Foxwell gt80 can you shed any light on those

No one is going to shell out over a grand to.use for home diagnostics it's a waste of money

 

[rich r]

For most home diagnostics purposes (reading fault codes and clearing them) on UK cars and you've got a laptop, even an old one from a car boot sale - the £5 ELM327 based USB or Bluetooth modules do the job perfectly well. In terms of software, Torque is very good (if you have an Android phone), otherwise there are loads of free or trial Windows and Linux programs that can do all the graphing and recording you need. If you want to read anything other than powertrain (ie Pxxxx engine/gearbox) codes, then you'll need something costing more than £5.

 

[Mr Fro]

I got one of these earlier in the year to diagnose a problem with the wife's Lotus: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00L8FDVCU?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00

Works fine.

 

[J.F]

I have this one which I have found to be well worth the money as it has manufacture and model specific mode which will allow you to read and clear PCM, ABS, SRS and transmission (although that function is mainly for auto's) as well as any generic fault codes. For some makes and models it has some bi directional functions e.g. it's able to test the ABS system as well as read and reset codes. I bought a genuine one as there are a lot of cheap copies online which can't be updated.

http://www.launchtech.co.uk/enthusiast-diagnostics/launch-crp129-creader-professional

Also this website will help with modern car diagnostics and how to use ANY fault code reader.

https://www.youtube.com/user/mattshadetree/playlists

 

[steveo3002]

to those using torque pro..what adaptor did you get?

i got a £4 ebay jobbie and it wont talk to the phone app

 

[pondy]

I got one of these earlier in the year to diagnose a problem with the wife's Lotus: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00L8FDVCU?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00

Works fine.

Same one I have, I'm happy with it

 

[Kayos]

I got given a cheap Bluetooth one, probably all of £3 worth

Free version of Torque on my work phone and it read and cleared fault codes, as well as letting me read various sensor values