OBD reader recommendation please

[Rockettvr]

Hi all
Got a fault on our 12 plate focus -Park Aid Malfunction Service Required— no problem I thought, after a quick on line search it’s either/or a parking sensor or transmission control module, I’ll plug in my obd reader an see what’s what , but it’s coming back with 0 faults.
It was a cheap (£20) purchase from eBay a few years ago so I suspect it’s just too basic to read the fault

So what I’m after is a recommendation for an OBD reader that has a bit more sophistication and functionality ( coding etc) to interrogate the focus diagnostics.
My son has a Nissan 350z presently but is looking at changing later in the year , probably to a BMW so if it can cope with those as well that’d be good
I don’t mind stand alone or Bluetooth to a laptop
I last used this one about 3 years ago so it won’t get much use , so don’t want to spend fortunes maybe £50 ish ?
Any recommendation?
Many thanks

[LordLoveLength]

Absolutely no chance of getting a reader capable of coding across different makes for £50.

It *may* get you something capable of 4 systems (eng, trans, airbags, brakes) read / reset but no coding or control functionality.
Coding and multiple systems costs.

Look at the likes of topdon, launch or icarsoft but will be £300+

Forscan for Ford is cheap and good, needs a suitable dongle but will only do Ford / Mazda

[peterperkins]

That problem with the Ford parking aid is common and is usually a failed module.
My neighbour had to do his.

They are available on e-bay but you will have to pull yours and get the exact part number off it.
You will need a decent OBD reader to speak with a Ford on all levels.

Autel seem to be popular.

[Panamax]

Rockettvr said:

don’t want to spend fortunes maybe £50 ish ?

You'll probably get better value by paying someone who's got the right gear to read the codes for you. "Real" readers don't start that cheap.

For the benefit of those unfamiliar, OBD was originally generic across all makes to enable testing of emissions systems in North America. All code readers can read that stuff. Individual manufacturers then added more codes of their own to facilitate general maintenance by their official dealers. If you want access to those codes you need to buy an OBD reader with the right software to read the codes for your make of car. Independent garages typically buy expensive gear which lets them read codes from all major manufacturers but that's probably beyond most DIYers. amongst other things the fancy reader-makers make available software updates to cover new cars etc.

Some scanners can read codes but might not be able to re-set them, meaning you'll still have to find a dealer/garage with professional equipment.