OBD Code scanner recommendation so far

[ErnieD]

Pulled the trigger on the Foxwell 630Plus and returning it.
I liked the idea of being able to update codes from the internet. In reality it is difficult to sync and each model year/car type can have 3-10 files to download. The Foxwell website says to refer to Amazon for Tech Support and Amazon refers to Foxwell.

I tried to initiate a file download with a Win7 and a Win11 machine and could not insure a file transfer could go through. The instructions were in too small print and the GUI was not intuitive.

I guess I flunked the IQ test.

News at 11.

 

[kcm.MN]

I bought the BlueDriver reader. Actually, you buy the OBDII dongle, then get the phone app for free with free updates. We have HORRIBLE internet out here, and older vehicles that cannot utilize BlueDriver to its potential, but I've been truly impressed with it so far. I've had mine almost a year.

 

[jimg.allentown]

Only a suggestion...

I personally prefer the stand alone tools. I don't really want to be tied to a phone for too many things. Generally, stand alone tools have more and better capabilities than phone accessories. Live data, access to air bag, ABS, and transmission codes, and in some cases, flashing the processor.

I don't really know what to advise you because I would personally buy a professional level scanner. What you buy depends more on your personal needs and skill level.

I was told long ago that one day we would just hook up to a computer and it would tell you what part to replace. That day has not come. Probably won't in my lifetime either. So far, car computers still cannot diagnose a wire rubbed through on a bracket, a plugged EGR passage, or the cause of a rich or lean code.

 

[Hobo,NC]

(quoted from post at 04:55:10 03/02/22) Only a suggestion...

So far, car computers still cannot diagnose a wire rubbed through on a bracket, a plugged EGR passage, or the cause of a rich or lean code.

Actually they do a good job of that you will need to dig deeper into the particulars code to find the criteria to set the code.

At one time Fords with po401 sold more EGR valves than any other code I would wager 99% of the time not one thing was wrong with the valve. You had to read the criteria are BTDT to know it was a flow code and not the egr fought.

I worked on a car last week I thought it was fixed a new code came up p412 WTF I banged my head again the wall for a bit when I read the criteria for setting the code it was a circuit code. I had pulled the relay while testing the A.I.R. system when I repaired it and put it all back together I put the replay in the wrong socket : (

po412

Circuit/System Description
The secondary air injection system aids in the reduction of hydrocarbon emissions during a cold start. The electric air pump forces fresh air into the exhaust stream in order to accelerate the catalyst operation. Ignition voltage is supplied directly to the secondary air injection pump relay and secondary air solenoid valve relay. The engine control module (ECM) controls the relays by grounding the control circuit with a solid state device called a driver.

The ECM monitors the control circuits for open, short to ground, or short to voltage conditions.

Circuit/System Verification
P0412
Ignition ON
Verify a click is heard or felt from the KR25 Secondary Air Injection Pump Relay and the KR26 Secondary Air Injection Solenoid Valve Relay when commanding the Secondary Air Injection System between Inactive and Active with a scan tool.

Boom the issue was not there when I started it is now I went back to the relay center and found my mistake.



The bad very few have that info and its not free...

 

[Geo-TH,In]

Years ago I had a 1995 GMC truck that the #6 spark plug was misfiring. Auto zone would scan ECM for free and reset the ECM. They stopped resetting ECM. Told me to pull the fuse to ECM and it will reset itself.
I just told you all I know about scanners..nothing...

 

[Bret4207]

(quoted from post at 19:55:10 03/01/22) Only a suggestion...

I personally prefer the stand alone tools. I don't really want to be tied to a phone for too many things. Generally, stand alone tools have more and better capabilities than phone accessories. Live data, access to air bag, ABS, and transmission codes, and in some cases, flashing the processor.

I don't really know what to advise you because I would personally buy a professional level scanner. What you buy depends more on your personal needs and skill level.
[b:ac8d39b323]
I was told long ago that one day we would just hook up to a computer and it would tell you what part to replace. That day has not come. Probably won't in my lifetime either. So far, car computers still cannot diagnose a wire rubbed through on a bracket, a plugged EGR passage, or the cause of a rich or lean code[/b:ac8d39b323].

Man, we need a "Like" button here! Solid observation!

 

[Michael Soldan]

I have two Innova OBD readers. I am satisfied with what they do , give me codes. I don't know how complicated you want an OBD reader to be or to do. On GM products you can reset your computer by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes , then when you connect the battery the computer will reset. I can do that with my v6 Mustang as well. Innova is a good name in OBD readers

 

[jimg.allentown]

Any of the computers used in cars can be reset by disconnecting the power unless they have a battery backup. The down side of that is that it also erases all of the stored data in buffers called monitors.

As you drive, the ECM stores information about many of the emission systems on your car. These monitors verify that the emission systems are working properly. Once enough data is stored, the monitors come into a 'ready' state. When you reset the ECM, all of that data has to be gathered and stored all over again.

There are dangers associated with driving with the 'check engine' light on. If you have a hard fault that makes the light stay on even after a reset, it can hide any new faults that come up. Worst case results are a burned out catalytic converter that will cost a lot of money to replace.

 

[the tractor vet]

Ah the scan tools , Man you have to really dig deep into the information and the reviews others have given on them . Then some of the ones sold on Amazon are not supported in the U S market . Last year when our 2013 Dodge REVENGER went down AGAIN and my close friend had retired as service manager at the one local goat store and the repair for the same problem came back two months out of warranty i was NOT going to spend 2700 and Change on the same problem and yes i could replace the parts that failed again , BUT i could not program them . So i would still have to pay 6 hours for this plus the parts . But to be sure i needed a new scan tool as my OLD Snap on Solus is a WEEEE bit out of date . So do i pay to update and OLD scan tool our do i buy something new . And to get the level i am looking for we are not talking chump change and at the time if i did pull the trigger in a month or so that scan tool would be obsolete and need and up grade . So after a lot of looking reading up on the different scan tools and the cost i said screw it i am getting to old to be crawling around on this new junk and went and found a sucker dealer that would give me what i wanted for the REVENGER that has been a thorn in my side since i bought it and got the vary last 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude LUX out there within 250 miles and for the next ten years if i make it that long it is the dealers problem . Got it the last week of Sept and we are plum running the wheels off it . We now have 2700 miles on it .

 

[Hobo,NC]

Your snapper tool has a Global OBD-II function.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynKJwW8BsF4

On you new goat you can use Global, to go deeper with a updated tool yo have to buy a subscription from the goat factory to get past the gate way.

Google

chrysler gateway bypass

 

[fred kobs]

Have you looked at Launch products? Does all I have needed it to and was only a short $300 if i remember correctly. Update-able via USB. Pretty durable also. Mine is the premium crp 123. There are a couple models above it. I spent hours researching before getting this one. It is NOT a Snap-ON but neither is the cost...

 

[freak]

If you're a serious mechanic you'll need a bidirectional unit. No two ways about it. If you just want codes then a sub $200 unit will do.

 

[wore out]

Using your phone, enter the code followed by the car name and year into GOOGLE.

Works with even a $15 scan tool, a six-year-old could do it.

 

[Aaron SEIA]

Get a BAFX OBD adapter and download the Torque Pro app. $30 and you are good to go.
AaronSEIA

 

[Ozlander]

(quoted from post at 07:14:07 03/05/22) Get a BAFX OBD adapter and download the Torque Pro app. $30 and you are good to go.
AaronSEIA

Yep.

 

[Hobo,NC]

Global info tips.

Global tips