discussion ODB II tool

[Solace]

Anyone have one that pulls the extra info? Trying to diagnose airbag light flickering and the ones on amazon are garbage. Most only pull generic info and not extended information that "usually" requires a subscription these days. Some do not.

 

[CMetaphor]

I've been using a generic Bluetooth obd2 scanner with the android app Torque for years, but am unsure if it's only a "partial" reader. I have been looking at this one, as the reviews are solid, but have no experience with it:
Obdlink MX+

 

[ipaine]

Like CMetaphor I have been using a bluetooth scanner too. Used Torque in the past as well. Just recently used a different one, and it was either Car Scanner ELM OBD2 or Odb Mary. One worked great without paying and one would not work for just a simple code without paying/trail. Just can't remember which is which. But the one that did work allowed me to read the code and clear the check engine light on the vehicle I was checking.

I also have Carista, along with their bluetooth odb adapter, but that is only good for certain vehicles such as my VW. Plus with it you can go in and change settings that are not available through the standard settings. But it is a paid app.

 

[MacJunky]

I use an Obdlink MX+ it is worth it compared to the cheap adapters in my opinion.
With Chryslers and other vehicles under that umbrella AlfaOBD (windows/android) is very useful, and for Fords I use Forscan(iOS/android w/ bluetooth, Windows w/ USB)

I don't know what programs GM or other brands use because I do not really encounter them.

Torque is neat and can be a fast way to pull most codes, but kinda generic, and tends to shut my truck off. I still keep it around though.

 

[Izerous]

I think the one I have is a Millennium 50, it isn't handy right now to double check.

https://www.amazon.ca/Millennium-Function-Scanner-Graphing-301050341/dp/B08GLQVGRK

I had in part picked it up thinking it would show me transmission temperature for towing the trailer but the truck doesn't appear to report that information.

 

[Shadowmeph]

best ones are the ones for specific models . I have one for my old ford ranger and another one for my lexus but Ialso have the proper plugin and toyota techstream software ware thats install on one of my laptops for my lexus that can do what ever the dealers can do settings turn things off and on plus make a new key using a blank key the software is expensice

 

[Bond007]

An actual dedicated reader will do it all, but cost big $. The phone based ones are generally only limited by the software...basically forcing paid versions for more detailed info. You would have to look into the specific brand of reader and associated app to see how much it will cost to get the reading you are after.

I bought a Veepeak BLE+ for $40 on amazon a few years ago and it works great. I have no idea if there has been many changes since then to the readers themselves.

For the app, I am using OBD Fusion on an iphone. I beleive I paid around $10 for the app, but I know the really detailed readouts are still locked behind more expensive add-ons in the app.

 

[djbrad]

An actual dedicated reader will do it all, but cost big $. The phone based ones are generally only limited by the software...basically forcing paid versions for more detailed info. You would have to look into the specific brand of reader and associated app to see how much it will cost to get the reading you are after.

I bought a Veepeak BLE+ for $40 on amazon a few years ago and it works great. I have no idea if there has been many changes since then to the readers themselves.

For the app, I am using OBD Fusion on an iphone. I beleive I paid around $10 for the app, but I know the really detailed readouts are still locked behind more expensive add-ons in the app.

I second Bond007, doing the exact same thing. Good enough to see “should I bring it to the garage soon” or “bah, false alarm”