please recommend a good OBD2 reader

[captainaverage]

Can someone please recommend a not too pricey OBD2 reader with live reading capability. I would like something that can work across most if not all manufacturers. Cheers.

[Otispunkmeyer]

I think any of the clone ones off eBay will do. ELM327 I think is the base for all of them. Apparently you want V1.5 (not 2.1) though I don't know why. Someone else might be able to inform.

I have one, it's Bluetooth and I use an app called Torque on android to view live data (you can record log files and buy extensions that plot graphs and things). It's dirt cheap...I think the app is a few quid. The OBD dongle is about £7 ?? Something like that.

[MorganP104]

Otispunkmeyer said:

I think any of the clone ones off eBay will do. ELM327 I think is the base for all of them. Apparently you want V1.5 (not 2.1) though I don't know why. Someone else might be able to inform.

I have one, it's Bluetooth and I use an app called Torque on android to view live data (you can record log files and buy extensions that plot graphs and things). It's dirt cheap...I think the app is a few quid. The OBD dongle is about £7 ?? Something like that.

Basically this.

The reason you want an ELM327 v1.5 device (and NOT the v2.1) is to do with compatibility. The 1.5 devices will work with pretty much any car made since 2000, and any of the ELM327-compatible mobile apps, whereas 2.1 devices are MUCH more fussy, will often only work with newer cars, and can have issues connecting to some of the apps available.

Here's the one I have - works like a charm on both the cars in our household (VW "New" Beetle, and L322 Range Rover).

http://super-obd.com/

I don't think it makes a huge amount of difference which unit you buy - as long as it's ELM327 compatible, they're all much of a muchness. I bought mine from Super OBD because it was cheap!

[captainaverage]

Thanks for the replies. Is there any reason why Vauxhall owners insist on using an opcom? can the readers you guys suggested do everything an opcom can? I don't think an opcom will work on non GM cars. Cheers.

[boyse7en]

captainaverage said:

Thanks for the replies. Is there any reason why Vauxhall owners insist on using an opcom? can the readers you guys suggested do everything an opcom can? I don't think an opcom will work on non GM cars. Cheers.

OPCOM allows you to do a lot more than an ELM unit will - like checking ABS and airbag faults and some of sensors.

[captainaverage]

boyse7en said:

OPCOM allows you to do a lot more than an ELM unit will - like checking ABS and airbag faults and some of sensors.

so is there any reader that can do that but for multiple manufacturers ? Am I looking at £XXX+ for that kind of equipment?

[Garybee]

There are some that are sensible money. I have a Launch CRP123 which reads codes from all systems Airbag, ABS, engine etc on pretty much all manufacturers. It even allows you to select various sensors and will plot their outputs on a graph (helpful for checking ABS sensors). I paid about £90 for it new from ebay.

The next level up from this adds DPF functions and electronic parking brake reset (costs from about £250ish when I last checked).

The next level up from that adds component activation and component coding and costs from about £1k. Still trying to justify buying one of these for myself and will probably go straight to this from the CRP123.

[98elise]

Otispunkmeyer said:

I think any of the clone ones off eBay will do. ELM327 I think is the base for all of them. Apparently you want V1.5 (not 2.1) though I don't know why. Someone else might be able to inform.

I have one, it's Bluetooth and I use an app called Torque on android to view live data (you can record log files and buy extensions that plot graphs and things). It's dirt cheap...I think the app is a few quid. The OBD dongle is about £7 ?? Something like that.

Thats what I did. £7 Bluetooth OBD off amazon, Torque(Lite) app, and you're sorted.

[captainaverage]

Thanks for the replies. I am guessing the likes of CRP can clear service indications too?

Can the elm327 v1.5 clear engine fault codes? Thanks

[r11co]

captainaverage said:

Can the elm327 v1.5 clear engine fault codes? Thanks

Yes.

[OakenOne]

I got LUJII Mini OBD2 ELM327 V1.5 http://amzn.eu/6H8FsVu from amzon for £11. Used on Jag XF 2013, it keeps dropping connections to phone so I would not recommend it. However company supplying it excellent and provided refund with no questions (leaving me with unit) suggesting I buy another as that would probably work better. So I probably had a duff unit.

But it did work well enough to make me think I wouldn't mind getting a replacement and I wondered it anyone had tried more expensive units like the bluedriver or scan tool mx (especially jag owners) and if they really added any value over cheap versions

http://scantoolcenter.com/obd2-scanners/bluedriver...

http://www.scantool-direct.co.uk/obdlink-mx-scan-t...

Edited by OakenOne on Thursday 28th September 21:58