OBD reader for home tinkering

OBD reader for home tinkering

Author
Discussion

Hungrymc

Original Poster:

6,642 posts

136 months

Thursday 14th September 2017
quotequote all
Hi All, any recommendations for an OBD reader suitable for home mechanic type use?

Ideally I'd like something that pulled codes for body systems as well as basic engine / transmission stuff.

Maybe a further step down the road would be to be able to change things (after quite a bit of learning).

Any recommendations?

Rat_Fink_67

2,309 posts

205 months

Thursday 14th September 2017
quotequote all
It depends on your budget really. I've got a Snap On Solus Pro which is great, it reads codes, lists fault finding tests and resets all manner of different lights. It wasn't cheap though, but it depends how much use you're going to give it. You can get generic OBDII tools off ebay for not a great deal of money, but their functionality can be pretty limited.

Mr2Mike

20,143 posts

254 months

Thursday 14th September 2017
quotequote all
One of the Delphi DS150E clones is about as comprehensive as it gets for the money, but it's not a standalone system, needs a connection to a laptop.

buggalugs

9,243 posts

236 months

Thursday 14th September 2017
quotequote all
Basic OBD doesn't normally do transmission and body stuff you need something marque specific like Carly for merc, BMW etc. Tools that do good detail for loads of marquee are ££££

Garybee

452 posts

165 months

Thursday 14th September 2017
quotequote all
buggalugs said:
Basic OBD doesn't normally do transmission and body stuff you need something marque specific like Carly for merc, BMW etc. Tools that do good detail for loads of marquee are ££££
Although that was true a few years ago DIY tools have moved on. I have a Launch CRP123 that will do engine, box, chassis, safety etc. for most makes (BMW included) that cost £90.

buggalugs

9,243 posts

236 months

Thursday 14th September 2017
quotequote all
That looks really good. Doesn't do things that marque specific tools will do though like windows, power boot, audio, nav, Hvac etc.

MorganP104

2,605 posts

129 months

Thursday 14th September 2017
quotequote all
I've just bought myself a cheapy bluetooth OBDII reader, where you download an app for your phone, and connect wirelessly.

It shows all the fault codes (which you can then clear and re-scan), stats and other bits and pieces, but doesn't go into a great deal of detail.

Having said that, for £20, it's marvellous!

Mr2Mike

20,143 posts

254 months

Friday 15th September 2017
quotequote all
MorganP104 said:
I've just bought myself a cheapy bluetooth OBDII reader, where you download an app for your phone, and connect wirelessly.

It shows all the fault codes (which you can then clear and re-scan), stats and other bits and pieces, but doesn't go into a great deal of detail.

Having said that, for £20, it's marvellous!
But does it do anything apart from engine fault codes and data? The Delphi clone is about £50 and covers pretty much everything: Engine, ABS, SRS, PAS, body control system etc.

Garybee

452 posts

165 months

Friday 15th September 2017
quotequote all
buggalugs said:
That looks really good. Doesn't do things that marque specific tools will do though like windows, power boot, audio, nav, Hvac etc.
I bought it to reset the airbag light in my Z4 after I (stupidly) turned the ignition when I had a seat out. I really wanted something that could do actuator tests but didn't want to spend 1k+ on a tool that would only see occasional use. Having seen what the Delphi clones can do (hadn't heard of them before this thread) I'm definitely going to try one of them out now.

MorganP104

2,605 posts

129 months

Friday 15th September 2017
quotequote all
Mr2Mike said:
MorganP104 said:
I've just bought myself a cheapy bluetooth OBDII reader, where you download an app for your phone, and connect wirelessly.

It shows all the fault codes (which you can then clear and re-scan), stats and other bits and pieces, but doesn't go into a great deal of detail.

Having said that, for £20, it's marvellous!
But does it do anything apart from engine fault codes and data? The Delphi clone is about £50 and covers pretty much everything: Engine, ABS, SRS, PAS, body control system etc.
Not really - pretty much as you've said, engine/ECU fault codes and other bits of data. The Delphi clone does sound like good value for an extra £30.

Hungrymc

Original Poster:

6,642 posts

136 months

Saturday 16th September 2017
quotequote all
Cheers all, the launch crp stuff looks interesting. I'm struggling to find the Delphi clones.

Mr2Mike

20,143 posts

254 months

Saturday 16th September 2017
quotequote all
Hungrymc said:
Cheers all, the launch crp stuff looks interesting. I'm struggling to find the Delphi clones.
Loads on eBay, just search for the model number I gave above: DS150E. You can get them even cheaper by ordering direct from China via e.g. AliExpress.

I've read of quite a few problems with the Bluetooth versions so I'd recommend the standard USB version.

Hungrymc

Original Poster:

6,642 posts

136 months

Tuesday 19th September 2017
quotequote all
They do look good £55 / £60 on eBay, seems to do a lot for the money.

They reset elec park brake I think.