Which OBD code reader/scanner

[kev b]

I have managed so far borrowing a Snap-on Solus Pro which is not always available so I think now is the time to buy my own.

I have no clue at all what to get, do I buy software for use on my daughters old laptop or get a stand alone unit? A quick browse of Ebay only increases my confusion, can anyone steer me in the right direction please.

Compatibility with a wide range of cars is more important to me than lots of features I may not need.

[gifdy]

I use a bluetooth dongle and the 'Torque' app on my android phone. Ten quid all in and it's saved me a fortune tracking down problems on my Subaru. It links the read code to a website to look up details of the fault. Probably a bit simple for a professional but works great for me.

[kev b]

I am a bit of a Luddite , I don't suppose that would work on my Nokia 3410?

[gifdy]

Nope. It would work on a laptop with bluetooth though.

[kev b]

Thanks, what would I need to buy to accomplish this?

[gifdy]

Just checked, it may be for android only. Www.torque-bhp.com. I'll have a better look later.

Edited by gifdy on Wednesday 12th December 10:24

[ch427]

if you plan to just read codes a £20 ebay special will do this.
What is your budget and plans for the code reader? ie do you need to look at live data etc

[gifdy]

Looks like you need an Android smartphone for the Torque application. There are others that work with a laptop such as http://www.obdautodoctor.com/ but I haven't used them.

This is the dongle I bought :

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bluetooth-Interface-Scanne...

[kev b]

Thanks guys, I am not going to change my phone, so I think a hand held reader would do. I just need to read/cancel codes on various makes and turn off dash lights, I am dubious of ebay devices that claim to do more than a Snap-on scanner at 1% of the price.

Is it really possible to get something that does live data and component actuation/testing reliably for under £100? Is a laptop device better than a hand held unit?

[Mr2Mike]

I have a CReader V which has seen plenty of use on mine and friends cars in the last 12 months. Very simple to use and will display live data etc. Can be had for around £35 from eBay.

[ch427]

ive got one of these, doesnt do actuator tests but is a good piece of kit
if you need to look at laptop based packages have a look on gendans site

http://www.gendan.co.uk/product_AUT70X.html

[russell_ram]

If all you want to do is read fault codes and reset MILs then any ELM327 based device will work fine. Team it with EasyOBD shareware and away you go. You can watch live readings also.

this for instance.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/V1-5-ELM327-ELM-327-OBD2...

[keelerad]

Get Torque for £2.99 and an Elm bluetooth OBD2 dongle (mine was £8.33) and you can do this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0FwvOHt3F4

Sorry for bouncy vid had Nexus 7 on a headrest mount facing forward, but the Torque TrackRecorder add on lets you overlay dials and maps over the vid and export it

You can have it without map if you want

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXgm4KQjVwU

Alec

[Hilux2400]

I have an OBD Link SX by Scantool. Works well with the lap top. Just gives codes and you have to look these up elsewhere.

Google for OBDLinkSx it will take you there. Cost me about £35 from the States.

It allows deletion of fault codes but will not delete safety codes like ABS, Air Bag etc.

I am happy with it and have used it on a Toyota Yaris and a Porsche 911.

H

[keelerad]

With Torque you can also view and reset error codes as well as the fun stuff

Alec

[JayJ123]

Yes I have used Torque to clear fault codes (engine light).
It came back again but it definitely worked the first time!

[kev b]

Wow! Thread resurrection, I apologise for not posting a resolution.

I bought an Autel code reader for £23 from ebay and for the money I cannot fault it.

For the times I needed something better, nothing under £1K would have done the trick.

I have a similar VAG dedicated device as well which does abs, body control as well as engine and box, this was well worth the money as well.

[JayJ123]

I have a Bluetooth OBD connector for £15 - not one issue so far.
Using this on Torque and DashMaker app - very happy with results!