Handheld Vs Pc Obdii Reader

HOUSTON_MADRIGAL · July 9, 2009

Does anybody have any experience in Computer OBD reader? I want to buy one, but I don't know for which one decide, PC based or stand alone reader? and what do I need to look for? protocol, etc.Any help will be greatly appreciate

Thanks!!!

Spurshot · July 9, 2009

I've only looked into buying the EFI Live Flash Scan. It's a very sophisitcated program/tool and has the capability of programming the ECM and TCM if you want to get into tuning. That portion is an added cost. The Flash Scan V2 is $400 without the tuning capability.

Justin at BlackBear is a dealer for EFI Live and you could probably get him to tell you about the capabilities of the Flash Scan if you send him an email or call him.

kutu · July 9, 2009

Does anybody have any experience in Computer OBD reader? I want to buy one, but I don't know for which one decide, PC based or stand alone reader? and what do I need to look for? protocol, etc.Any help will be greatly appreciate
Thanks!!!

You might try "googling" ElmScan and ScanTool. There is a lot of info available to help you make a decision. I have had an ElmScan and the s/w from "www.myscantool.com" for a while now and it seems to work well for me on various vehicles.

WilliamBos · July 10, 2009

My Next one will be the Matco Quick Scan Pro MD9001N. I had a Actron CP175, but want more features, and not looking to tune.

http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/toolcata...ge=5?

HOUSTON_MADRIGAL · July 10, 2009

Thanks for all your replies, basically what I was looking for, it was just an OBD code reader, for in case that I need it, start diagnosing by my self and not going to AutoZone each time that I think that my problem get fixed. I just fix a problem with my truck showing P0449, and it took me like 3 or 4 times going back and forward to AutoZone, and that make me feel committed with them to buy auto parts just there.

I read about the EFI Live Flash Scan and is really impressive, all the functionality, maybe I will need to wait a little bit more to have enough budget and go for it, and not a cheap reader.

How hard is to do tuning for a beginner?

Matt_ · July 10, 2009

I have the Actron CP9180 ... it has a lot of features and is affordable, im very pleased with it (And i have a lot of experience coming from a Snap-On Modus)

If I was buying a new scanner today, it would be a tough choice between the Actron CP9180 and the Equus 3160 (http://www.levineautoparts.com/equus3160.html)

HOUSTON_MADRIGAL · July 10, 2009

Looks like the Equus / INNOVA 3160 is more complete... and not bad price...

By the way, have anybody try those cheap chinese usb scanner listed at e-bay for $28? sounds to good to be true... should I give it an oportunity? is just $28...

Read diagnostic trouble codes, both generic and manufacturer-specific, and display their meaning (over 3000 generic code definitions in the database)

Clear trouble codes and turn off the MIL ("Check Engine" light)

Display current sensor data, including:

Engine RPM;

Calculated Load Value;

Coolant Temperature;

Fuel System Status;

Vehicle Speed;

Short Term Fuel Trim;

Long Term Fuel Trim;

Intake Manifold Pressure;

Timing Advance;

Intake Air Temperature;

Air Flow Rate;

Absolute Throttle Position;

Oxygen sensor voltages/associated short term fuel trims;

Fuel System status;

Fuel Pressure;

Many others...

Matt_ · July 10, 2009

Looks like the Equus / INNOVA 3160 is more complete... and not bad price...
By the way, have anybody try those cheap chinese usb scanner listed at e-bay for $28? sounds to good to be true... should I give it an oportunity? is just $28...

If you rephrase that question to be "Would you plug in a cheap chinese electrical device into your OBDII port which is a DIRECT link to your vehicle computer?" My answer would be an emphatic NO!!!

Is $28 worth seeing if it'll read codes? That depends... is $28 worth taking the chance that it may fry your PCM (or ECM & TCM)?.......

HOUSTON_MADRIGAL · July 10, 2009

You are right!!! Thanks for open my eyes...

HawkScot · July 10, 2009

I bought computer based since I have a laptop. There are many out there, but I like the one from http://www.obd-2.com/ and it works well. If I had the money at the time, I would have gotten the USB version for TRICAN for $240, but I had already spent money on another cheap one and just needed to finish my project. Since I did not have the $240, I got the serial version of the one for my 1998 Yukon. I was replacing the intake gaskets and wanted to make sure the distributor was correct when I put it back together. Many show timing advance but the base setting for the distributor is called cam offset (or something similar). Great support and information.

HOUSTON_MADRIGAL · July 10, 2009

Thank you Hawkeye, it really looks impressive... more functions that I really know... but looks like it will be a great toy!!! I'm seriously thinking in the TRICAN...