OBD2 scanner software advice please
Discussion
Sorry if it is in wrong section, I can't seem to find an exact section to raise this in.
Just got a OBD2 code reader/scanner. One of the cheaper ones from ebay.
The type where it connects the OBD2 socket to USB port of laptop.
Tried it on my brother's Diesel Mercedes A170 2002. As this is pre 2004 car it is not technically OBD2 compliant but it did read some info and gives some live data but not much (eg. rpm,throttle position, manifold pressure).
Tried it on my Fiesta 2007 1.6 diesel which should be OBD2 compliant as after 2004.
This showed more readings than the A170 but it does not show all of it, eg. oxygen sensors and fuel trim not showing the data.
Does anyone know if it should give these readings for a diesel? I would have thought so.
Also, the software that came with it seems to be a cut down version whereby they try to sell you a better/upgrade of it.
Can anyone reccommend, from first hand experience of using it please, the best free software for giving the max number of readings of different sensors etc in a live feed (continuously updating).
There are a few around and I have tried some but it's all a bit longwinded trying them and I am hoping someone else has already done all this and can tell me.
I don't mind paying a nominal amount if that is neccessary if someone points me in that direction and can tell me from actually using it that it is brilliant.
Needs to be for windows laptop, not android phone etc.
I think my scanner is ELM327 based but I am not 100% certain.
I bought this as a bit of a toy and because my brother's A170 does have problems, although I was aware this scanner might not be all that useful on it as the car is pre 2004 (2004 being the OBD2 compliant year for all UK/Europe diesels).
help please
Just got a OBD2 code reader/scanner. One of the cheaper ones from ebay.
The type where it connects the OBD2 socket to USB port of laptop.
Tried it on my brother's Diesel Mercedes A170 2002. As this is pre 2004 car it is not technically OBD2 compliant but it did read some info and gives some live data but not much (eg. rpm,throttle position, manifold pressure).
Tried it on my Fiesta 2007 1.6 diesel which should be OBD2 compliant as after 2004.
This showed more readings than the A170 but it does not show all of it, eg. oxygen sensors and fuel trim not showing the data.
Does anyone know if it should give these readings for a diesel? I would have thought so.
Also, the software that came with it seems to be a cut down version whereby they try to sell you a better/upgrade of it.
Can anyone reccommend, from first hand experience of using it please, the best free software for giving the max number of readings of different sensors etc in a live feed (continuously updating).
There are a few around and I have tried some but it's all a bit longwinded trying them and I am hoping someone else has already done all this and can tell me.
I don't mind paying a nominal amount if that is neccessary if someone points me in that direction and can tell me from actually using it that it is brilliant.
Needs to be for windows laptop, not android phone etc.
I think my scanner is ELM327 based but I am not 100% certain.
I bought this as a bit of a toy and because my brother's A170 does have problems, although I was aware this scanner might not be all that useful on it as the car is pre 2004 (2004 being the OBD2 compliant year for all UK/Europe diesels).
help please
Okay, so OBDII is typically dealing with CAN based cars usually from around 2003 onwards as you say. The complication is there is variety of basic diagnostic functions that any ODB compliant diagnostics device will read – however the vehicle manufacturers have their own diagnostics functions that sit on top of these. So the standard OBD stuff will be the basics of say “ABS fault” whereas the VM specific code might specify an “intermittent wheel speed sensor signal left front” (over simplified but you get the idea). The normal OBD devices are only able to work in the basic session, where as a VM specific tool will work in the extended and programming sessions that require unlock codes and knowledge of the specific diagnostics routines and Dyagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) values. The vehicle manufacturers fiercely protect such information and each will have their own tools. You do get cheap copies of VM specific software, and some of it works quite well. Down side is you are always better to get a specific tool for each vehicle manufacturer to get access to the extended functions and full list of DTC’s.
thanks for responses, I will try the 14 day free trial of touchscan.(waiting for them to email me the link/14 day licence - you have to send them request)
so, what really is the limiting factor in what I will be able to read and not read, is it down to the hardware (the scanner thing I bought) or the software used?
so, what really is the limiting factor in what I will be able to read and not read, is it down to the hardware (the scanner thing I bought) or the software used?
Most of what you will be able to read (modes1-9) is compulsory for manufacturers to make visible. So you should be able to see this with any scan tool regardless of tool or software used.
Anything over and above those modes/ signals is a bonus and will only be visible if the vehicle manufacturer allows it. Unless you have vehicle specific tester.
Anything over and above those modes/ signals is a bonus and will only be visible if the vehicle manufacturer allows it. Unless you have vehicle specific tester.
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