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Handheld Vs Pc Obdii Reader

HOUSTON_MADRIGAL

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HOUSTON_MADRIGAL Enthusiast

HOUSTON_MADRIGAL

Posted
Posted

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!!! :dunno:

Spurshot Senior Enthusiast

Spurshot

Posted
Posted

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 Enthusiast

kutu

Posted
Posted
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!!! :dunno:

 

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.

HOUSTON_MADRIGAL Enthusiast

HOUSTON_MADRIGAL

Posted
  • Author
Posted

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?

HOUSTON_MADRIGAL Enthusiast

HOUSTON_MADRIGAL

Posted
  • Author
Posted

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... :dunno:

 

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_ Senior Enthusiast

Matt_

Posted
Posted
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... :dunno:

 

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)?.......

HawkScot Enthusiast

HawkScot

Posted
Posted

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 Enthusiast

HOUSTON_MADRIGAL

Posted
  • Author
Posted

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...

 

:dunno:

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