DB9 - OBD II Code Reader
Discussion
Gentlemen,
another question from a recent DB9 Volante (2007 MY) happy owner to DIYer DB9 owners.
Thanks to the courtesy of another PH member, now I got a DB9 OBDII Manual (more than 300 pages!).
Recently, I noted that here in Luxembourg an OBD II code reader is available at a very reasonable price, or alternatively, software is apparently available for reading codes on a PC by connecting it with an appropriate USB cable (even cheaper).
Now, can anybody give me more details or address me where I can find more information for a effective exploitation of the OBD manual?
Thanks for attention.
another question from a recent DB9 Volante (2007 MY) happy owner to DIYer DB9 owners.
Thanks to the courtesy of another PH member, now I got a DB9 OBDII Manual (more than 300 pages!).
Recently, I noted that here in Luxembourg an OBD II code reader is available at a very reasonable price, or alternatively, software is apparently available for reading codes on a PC by connecting it with an appropriate USB cable (even cheaper).
Now, can anybody give me more details or address me where I can find more information for a effective exploitation of the OBD manual?
Thanks for attention.
Why not use a cheap (Euro 20-40) bluetooth OBD2 adapter and a smartphone to connect wirelessly? On Android there is the great Torque app, on iPhone there are other ones, all a few euro, which make it possible to:
- read error codes and reset them if needed
- read and show many interesting "inside" parameters
- show custom made displays (eg oil temp, air intake temp, coolant temp, etc)
- make accurate acceleration measurement (e.g. 0-100 km/h, 0-60 mph, etc)
- etc
Google on "bluetooth obd2" and "torque android" and you will find many info.
It works on my DBS, so I am sure it will work on a DB9 too.
- read error codes and reset them if needed
- read and show many interesting "inside" parameters
- show custom made displays (eg oil temp, air intake temp, coolant temp, etc)
- make accurate acceleration measurement (e.g. 0-100 km/h, 0-60 mph, etc)
- etc
Google on "bluetooth obd2" and "torque android" and you will find many info.
It works on my DBS, so I am sure it will work on a DB9 too.
The DB9 OBDII manual is excellent. One of the best I've seen.
When you connect your generic OBD2 reader to the car any fault codes that are defined by the OBD2 protocol will be displayed and you can look up the meaning of them in your manual.
However, the manual makes a lot of reference to WDS datalogger which is a bit of Ford kit that allows a much more in-depth interrogation of the ECU (engine, not emotion
) which allows further diagnostics and fault resolution.
Some datalogging is possible with the ODB2 protocol without needing proprietary datalogging equipment - things like MAF, lambda correction, etc. The basics. This is already a very useful diagnostic tool. Just make sure that the ODB2 equipment you get can do live datalogging - I think most of the PC based ones will.
If you want to get more involved, then you should look at procuring the Ford WDS stuff.
However, at some point AM stopped using the Ford diagnostics stuff and use their own proprietary (I believe) diagnostics kit called, rather unimaginatively, AMDS.
I think if your DB9 is 2007 then you will fall under the Ford stuff, but I'm not sure.
My 2009 Vantage however need the AMDS stuff, and I would really, really like to get hold of it. Rarer than rocking horse excrement, though, unfortunately.
When you connect your generic OBD2 reader to the car any fault codes that are defined by the OBD2 protocol will be displayed and you can look up the meaning of them in your manual.
However, the manual makes a lot of reference to WDS datalogger which is a bit of Ford kit that allows a much more in-depth interrogation of the ECU (engine, not emotion
) which allows further diagnostics and fault resolution. Some datalogging is possible with the ODB2 protocol without needing proprietary datalogging equipment - things like MAF, lambda correction, etc. The basics. This is already a very useful diagnostic tool. Just make sure that the ODB2 equipment you get can do live datalogging - I think most of the PC based ones will.
If you want to get more involved, then you should look at procuring the Ford WDS stuff.
However, at some point AM stopped using the Ford diagnostics stuff and use their own proprietary (I believe) diagnostics kit called, rather unimaginatively, AMDS.
I think if your DB9 is 2007 then you will fall under the Ford stuff, but I'm not sure.
My 2009 Vantage however need the AMDS stuff, and I would really, really like to get hold of it. Rarer than rocking horse excrement, though, unfortunately.
Indeed is good live datalogging key, and with the manual, you will understand the meaning of the codes
As written, this is also possible with the Smartphone version. Besides on the AM, I also use it on my Audi. I have also the PC based VAGCom which of course is much more extensive in explaining the (specific VAG) codes, and it makes it possible to SET parameters, not only READ them. Don't know if this is possible with the Ford/AMDS/WDS software too? With the mobile OBD2 readers it is not (resetting error codes is however possible)
As written, this is also possible with the Smartphone version. Besides on the AM, I also use it on my Audi. I have also the PC based VAGCom which of course is much more extensive in explaining the (specific VAG) codes, and it makes it possible to SET parameters, not only READ them. Don't know if this is possible with the Ford/AMDS/WDS software too? With the mobile OBD2 readers it is not (resetting error codes is however possible)
Edited by AWV12 on Sunday 20th May 16:27
Edited by AWV12 on Sunday 20th May 16:28
Yes, AMDS is like VCDS (vagcom) which I also have. VCDS enables you to do all the diagnostics and settings (and even more) than the dealer diagnostics gear (eg. VAS 5051).
I believe that WDS is the same, allowing you to read more information and change settings, but I'm not sure from which year the Vantage and DB9 switched to AMDS.
I believe that WDS is the same, allowing you to read more information and change settings, but I'm not sure from which year the Vantage and DB9 switched to AMDS.
BingoBob said:
Yes, AMDS is like VCDS (vagcom) which I also have. VCDS enables you to do all the diagnostics and settings (and even more) than the dealer diagnostics gear (eg. VAS 5051).
I believe that WDS is the same, allowing you to read more information and change settings, but I'm not sure from which year the Vantage and DB9 switched to AMDS.
I have a WDS to work on my DB9 and DB7,AM switched to the AMDS in 2006,the last CD supporting the WDS was CD13 released in june 06.It allows you dealer level diagnostic like setting the powerfold mirrors,changing the language etc....I believe that WDS is the same, allowing you to read more information and change settings, but I'm not sure from which year the Vantage and DB9 switched to AMDS.
My OBD-2 code reader actually creates a wi-fi network that I connect to using my iPhone (instead of Bluetooth as others do). I can then use an app on the phone that will give me access to diagnostic codes, display up to 3 gauges or 16 textual parameters, do 0-60 times, measure and plot HP/torque, etc. You could also connect multiple wi-fi devices to play networked games, for instance (but no Internet). It also has the ability to hook up real, physical gauges to the device, if your into that sort of thing.
BTW: Would be nice to get a hold of a copy of AMDS. Any idea how?
BTW: Would be nice to get a hold of a copy of AMDS. Any idea how?
If you find out, please let me know.
You could always buy it, but I bet that the price is prohibitive.
http://www.spxtools-shop.com/jlr/product_info.php?...
I also came across a weird site claiming to offer it. If you search google for amds diagnostics, you may well come across a .pn domain mentioning it.
You could always buy it, but I bet that the price is prohibitive.
http://www.spxtools-shop.com/jlr/product_info.php?...
I also came across a weird site claiming to offer it. If you search google for amds diagnostics, you may well come across a .pn domain mentioning it.
Dear PH friend, your post looks interesting.
May I have more details about your OBD-2 reader that creates a with wi-fi network?
Thanks for attention
o
May I have more details about your OBD-2 reader that creates a with wi-fi network?
Thanks for attention
o
KarlFranz said:
My OBD-2 code reader actually creates a wi-fi network that I connect to using my iPhone (instead of Bluetooth as others do). I can then use an app on the phone that will give me access to diagnostic codes, display up to 3 gauges or 16 textual parameters, do 0-60 times, measure and plot HP/torque, etc. You could also connect multiple wi-fi devices to play networked games, for instance (but no Internet). It also has the ability to hook up real, physical gauges to the device, if your into that sort of thing.
BTW: Would be nice to get a hold of a copy of AMDS. Any idea how?
BTW: Would be nice to get a hold of a copy of AMDS. Any idea how?
Gentlemen., thanks to all for info and support.
You all appear to be experts and I’m a newcomer: sincerely, it is not easy to understand your posts if you are not at your level.
So, I summarize: first, I should buy an OBD-2 USB cable or, alternatively, an OBD-2 Bluetooth gadget - maybe two, my car having apparently two OBD II diagnostic ports (Body and Engine) – second , I should identify the appropriate hardware (say a 10” laptop or a “smartphone”: should an old HTC w/WM5 work?) – third, I should “download” the appropriate software.
In this regard, as far as I could understand from your posts, as a starting point I need a “standard” OBD II code reader program (is it easily free-downloadable through Internet?), allowing “live datalogging”: this should allow to “read” datas, and arrange for some simple reset and fault resolutions. Any suggestion?
Then, if I wish some “dealer level diagnostic like setting the powerfold mirrors, changing the language, lowering the volume of the Bluetooth system voice!!!!, etc” ... I should switch to the WDS datalogger (another software, I suppose), even though it may be a bit old or alternatively, to the VCDS software: can these softwares “downloadable”?
The “WDS stuff” being – up to my understanding - a software, how/where can I get/download it?
Alternatively, my DB9 being a 2007 MY, I suppose that I should then switch to the rare AMDS: but, besides the difficulty to get /download it, what is the real advantage, considering that my OBD-2 Manual is 2002?
Am I right? Thanks for comments
You all appear to be experts and I’m a newcomer: sincerely, it is not easy to understand your posts if you are not at your level.
So, I summarize: first, I should buy an OBD-2 USB cable or, alternatively, an OBD-2 Bluetooth gadget - maybe two, my car having apparently two OBD II diagnostic ports (Body and Engine) – second , I should identify the appropriate hardware (say a 10” laptop or a “smartphone”: should an old HTC w/WM5 work?) – third, I should “download” the appropriate software.
In this regard, as far as I could understand from your posts, as a starting point I need a “standard” OBD II code reader program (is it easily free-downloadable through Internet?), allowing “live datalogging”: this should allow to “read” datas, and arrange for some simple reset and fault resolutions. Any suggestion?
Then, if I wish some “dealer level diagnostic like setting the powerfold mirrors, changing the language, lowering the volume of the Bluetooth system voice!!!!, etc” ... I should switch to the WDS datalogger (another software, I suppose), even though it may be a bit old or alternatively, to the VCDS software: can these softwares “downloadable”?
The “WDS stuff” being – up to my understanding - a software, how/where can I get/download it?
Alternatively, my DB9 being a 2007 MY, I suppose that I should then switch to the rare AMDS: but, besides the difficulty to get /download it, what is the real advantage, considering that my OBD-2 Manual is 2002?
Am I right? Thanks for comments
Most seems good Stefanolux.
If you have a HTC with Android, I would suggest Torque (http://torque-bhp.com/)
If it is an old one with WM5, then you can try OBDKey (http://www.obdkey.com/obd_software.asp).
Both support bluetooth.
If you have an iPhone, the Wifi solutions seem to work better, but I have no experience with them
Good luck!
If you have a HTC with Android, I would suggest Torque (http://torque-bhp.com/)
If it is an old one with WM5, then you can try OBDKey (http://www.obdkey.com/obd_software.asp).
Both support bluetooth.
If you have an iPhone, the Wifi solutions seem to work better, but I have no experience with them
Good luck!
Stefanolux said:
Dear PH friend, your post looks interesting.
May I have more details about your OBD-2 reader that creates a with wi-fi network?
Thanks for attention
This is what I have:May I have more details about your OBD-2 reader that creates a with wi-fi network?
Thanks for attention
http://www.innovatemotorsports.com/products/ot2.ph...
Stefanolux said:
Gentlemen., thanks to all for info and support.
You all appear to be experts and I’m a newcomer: sincerely, it is not easy to understand your posts if you are not at your level.
So, I summarize: first, I should buy an OBD-2 USB cable or, alternatively, an OBD-2 Bluetooth gadget - maybe two, my car having apparently two OBD II diagnostic ports (Body and Engine) – second , I should identify the appropriate hardware (say a 10” laptop or a “smartphone”: should an old HTC w/WM5 work?) – third, I should “download” the appropriate software.
In this regard, as far as I could understand from your posts, as a starting point I need a “standard” OBD II code reader program (is it easily free-downloadable through Internet?), allowing “live datalogging”: this should allow to “read” datas, and arrange for some simple reset and fault resolutions. Any suggestion?
Then, if I wish some “dealer level diagnostic like setting the powerfold mirrors, changing the language, lowering the volume of the Bluetooth system voice!!!!, etc” ... I should switch to the WDS datalogger (another software, I suppose), even though it may be a bit old or alternatively, to the VCDS software: can these softwares “downloadable”?
The “WDS stuff” being – up to my understanding - a software, how/where can I get/download it?
Alternatively, my DB9 being a 2007 MY, I suppose that I should then switch to the rare AMDS: but, besides the difficulty to get /download it, what is the real advantage, considering that my OBD-2 Manual is 2002?
Am I right? Thanks for comments
Both WDS and AMDS are complete diagnostic computers ie:You all appear to be experts and I’m a newcomer: sincerely, it is not easy to understand your posts if you are not at your level.
So, I summarize: first, I should buy an OBD-2 USB cable or, alternatively, an OBD-2 Bluetooth gadget - maybe two, my car having apparently two OBD II diagnostic ports (Body and Engine) – second , I should identify the appropriate hardware (say a 10” laptop or a “smartphone”: should an old HTC w/WM5 work?) – third, I should “download” the appropriate software.
In this regard, as far as I could understand from your posts, as a starting point I need a “standard” OBD II code reader program (is it easily free-downloadable through Internet?), allowing “live datalogging”: this should allow to “read” datas, and arrange for some simple reset and fault resolutions. Any suggestion?
Then, if I wish some “dealer level diagnostic like setting the powerfold mirrors, changing the language, lowering the volume of the Bluetooth system voice!!!!, etc” ... I should switch to the WDS datalogger (another software, I suppose), even though it may be a bit old or alternatively, to the VCDS software: can these softwares “downloadable”?
The “WDS stuff” being – up to my understanding - a software, how/where can I get/download it?
Alternatively, my DB9 being a 2007 MY, I suppose that I should then switch to the rare AMDS: but, besides the difficulty to get /download it, what is the real advantage, considering that my OBD-2 Manual is 2002?
Am I right? Thanks for comments
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Worldwide-Diagnostic-...
WDS is quite easy to find on Ebay as it is obsolete by today's standard,AMDS seems to be dealer restricted.
AWV12 said:
Most seems good Stefanolux.
If you have a HTC with Android, I would suggest Torque (http://torque-bhp.com/)
If it is an old one with WM5, then you can try OBDKey (http://www.obdkey.com/obd_software.asp).
Both support bluetooth.
If you have an iPhone, the Wifi solutions seem to work better, but I have no experience with them
Good luck!
(ios) iPhone does not allow data transmission over bluetooth like Android, so you will need a wifi ODB dongle to make it work. Bluetooth works fine with Android. If you have a HTC with Android, I would suggest Torque (http://torque-bhp.com/)
If it is an old one with WM5, then you can try OBDKey (http://www.obdkey.com/obd_software.asp).
Both support bluetooth.
If you have an iPhone, the Wifi solutions seem to work better, but I have no experience with them
Good luck!
That's not quite accurate. The iPhone *does* allow data transfer over bluetooth, but the Apple SDK and Apple hoops that you have to jump through (read: prohibitive cost) to get your app authorised make it impractical for most app makers to offer it. Wifi, however, is an easy way to communicate with an iPhone app and doesn't require any special permissions from Apple.
BingoBob said:
That's not quite accurate. The iPhone *does* allow data transfer over bluetooth, but the Apple SDK and Apple hoops that you have to jump through (read: prohibitive cost) to get your app authorised make it impractical for most app makers to offer it. Wifi, however, is an easy way to communicate with an iPhone app and doesn't require any special permissions from Apple.
You are right an iPhone should and would if Apple let it. I was trying to not get technical with people, I thought I was on a AM forum and not an IOS one We have tried the hoops you mention and been rejected point blank... Sorry to go off topic, Are you an IOS developer?
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