OdbII reader
- Thread starter az_max
- Start date
The 1st Gen Scan Gauges were pretty poor quality. I have one, but I don't use it. My bluetooth OBDII/Torque is a far more usable device - looking up codes is much easier, not to mention has far more parameters.
The Scan Gauge II is different. I posted about it a little while back; examining how it was put together. It's incredibly sensible, and very well designed. The quality is quite high, indeed.
It's no replacement for my Faultmate MSV II, and my fancy conventional OBD-II computer is a bit more capable, but that's not the point of it. It's always there, and it's quick to use. I find myself defaulting to the little bugger every time I want to check something out, because it's so quick and easy.
Using it as a second set of gauges is certainly convenient, as well. I really think it has a place in every vehicle used for any more than puttering around town.
Cheers,
Kennith
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005NLQAHS?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00
I have this one, works fine.
I have this one, works fine.
While not a bluetooth, etc., this one does read OBDII codes as well as SRS (airbag) and ABS codes for nearly all makes/models. $130
I have it and love it.
http://www.amazon.com/Autel-AL619-O...d=1439210390&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=altell+619
I have it and love it.
http://www.amazon.com/Autel-AL619-O...d=1439210390&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=altell+619
I've got one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/INNOVA-3160-Diagnostic-Scan-Vehicles/dp/B001QIUGVI/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1439352914&sr=1-1&keywords=innova+scanner
Three of these:
http://www.autozone.com/test-scan-and-specialty-tools/scangauge/linear-logic-scangaugeii-with-trip-data-computer-real-time-display-of-operating-conditions-and-scan-tool/914192_0_0/
And one of these:
http://www.blackbox-solutions.com/downloads/Help/index.html?faultmateextreme.htm
I do not have any scanning device for my phone.
The Scanguage II units get the most workouts. One is hidden in the Jag, another is slicked into the center stack of the DII, and I keep one more for cars I buy and sell, as well as other uses.
There are precisely 601,098 different variations of that Innova unit, all under different brands. It's cool, and all, but the balance of buttons to features just isn't right. It's a pain in the ass, but it's a good backup, and is well packaged for travel and quick deployment.
I think that Autolink might be a more sensible arrangement than the Innova that I have.
Cheers,
Kennith
They look similar (the AutoLink and the Innova), but at about half the cost for the Autel. Of course the Autel is Chinese, and customer service is a bit weak (they are Chinese), but I know that the ABS/SRS work for BMW, Land Rover, GM, VW and Toyota (the info on Amazon for the Innova just says US and Toyota). Not bad for $130.
Of course it lives in a cubby in my truck and it isn't for constant/live use (although it will display live data); that's where the Scangage would shine (but no ABS/SRS).
It all comes down to what you want it for, right? the SG is for everyday engine monitoring (and OBDII codes); the Autel/Innova for diagnose/repair of engine/ABS/SRS; the Faultmate is for everything else (ECU/BCU).
Of course it lives in a cubby in my truck and it isn't for constant/live use (although it will display live data); that's where the Scangage would shine (but no ABS/SRS).
It all comes down to what you want it for, right? the SG is for everyday engine monitoring (and OBDII codes); the Autel/Innova for diagnose/repair of engine/ABS/SRS; the Faultmate is for everything else (ECU/BCU).
That's it. Accumulating them over time allows one to conveniently handle various jobs.
It's rather like the Power Probe III. It will do almost anything you'd ever need to do, very quickly, and with amazing simplicity and capability. It's pretty much the greatest non-OBD diagnostic tool ever devised.
That doesn't mean you won't keep a multi-meter aside just in case, though. It only means the meter will gather dust until that one event occurs in which it's required, and you'll be damned glad you had it. You could probably get by with the Power Probe, but in this imaginary event the meter is quicker.
It's no longer about being sure to calculate what you want in 3/8" in drive and what you want in 1/2". Modern vehicles need their own balance of tools. One just won't handle everything in a convenient, sensible manner.
Cheers,
Kennith
I have to disagree about the power probe. I think it was designed to let smoke out of wires and modules. Quickly though, I will give you that.
Got the reader today. It's 'v2.1', doesn't work
Back to amazon it goes...
Which one, exactly, did you buy?
I want to ensure I buy the correct one.
Sorry to revive this...
Just to get this strait, I can buy a dongle and download an app that will both let me read faults and keep an eye on my coolant temp?
Anyone have a iPhone setup the reccomend? I see a lot that are android only.
Just to get this strait, I can buy a dongle and download an app that will both let me read faults and keep an eye on my coolant temp?
Anyone have a iPhone setup the reccomend? I see a lot that are android only.
Correct. You'll need to get a wifi single for iOS. There's a hundred obd2 apps out there of which there's probably not a huge difference. I use OBDCarDoctor only because it's free and don't need to log any data
Thanks man
So if I use it with wifi, I won't be able to use 4g correct? So driving with it while playing pandor ? My main concern is watching my coolant temps throughout the time I'm in the vehicle. I would like my phone to be used for other stuff during that time as well.
So if I use it with wifi, I won't be able to use 4g correct? So driving with it while playing pandor ? My main concern is watching my coolant temps throughout the time I'm in the vehicle. I would like my phone to be used for other stuff during that time as well.
I just got a PLX Kiwi 3 that works with Android and iPhone, and works while playing Spotify from the iPhone too. I downloaded Torque Pro to my Android work phone and OBD Fusion to my iPhone and it works fine with both. I prefer OBD Fusion, but haven't spent much time configuring Torque, just comparing as installed.