ODB II Diagnostic Tool

[daemon]

In my role as a motor trader, i'm starting to think it would be useful to have some way of reading car fault codes, maybe clearing codes, resetting airbag lights, etc.

Can anyone recommend a reasonably cost effective tool for doing so?

Does something like this fit the bill?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CAR-DIAGNOSTIC-FAULT-COD...

[mrmr96]

You can also get bluetooth ones which connect to your phone, so they can take advantage of the better screen and stuff. Also download updates probably. However that's not as rugged as a dedicated tool like the one you linked to, so consider the environment where you'll be using it.

[steve2]

my friend had one of these at his garage which comes with keys for a whole lot of vehicles although he has recently updated to another machine

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SNAP-ON-SOLUS-DIAGNOSTIC...

[ejenner]

Get a Snap-On unit on the never never and be done with it.

Either that or go for something middle of the road. There's a company call Maverick Technology who I've used in the past. They're a good supplier of lots of these sorts of tools.

Don't bother with that Gunsons ste. Tried that, was a massive waste of money.

I'm lucky as I only work with one type of car so I've got the specialist tool for doing just BMWs and MINIs.

[rswift]

I have something similar to the one you listed,

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ODB-2-Auto-Scanner-Tool-...

A bit cheaper than the one you listed, but looks to do the same job. Most will only read P (Engine) codes, and not body or chassis codes .... which means you cn re-set or diagnose engine management lights, and read other engine fault codes but it probably won't be able to do air-bags, suspension etc. Easier if you specify the make ... i.e. a Mate has stuff for his Range Rover P38, but that's all it does, and another mate has the full computer stuff for Peugeot/Citroen cost him about £100, and you need a laptop.

[blank]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2011-AUTOCOM-CDP-Pro-Car...


If that is a genuine version (i.e. not a knock-off edition) then it is excellent value.


It will do 90% of what the manufacturers own software does for most cars.

So not just engine codes like most, you can look at body control modules etc.

[rswift]

blank said:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2011-AUTOCOM-CDP-Pro-Car...


If that is a genuine version (i.e. not a knock-off edition) then it is excellent value.


It will do 90% of what the manufacturers own software does for most cars.

So not just engine codes like most, you can look at body control modules etc.

If it does what it says on the tin a bargain, even cheaper here (although shipped from China).

[nottyash]

Our garages £2500 Snap on one wouldnt read our MR2, but my cheapo £20 ebay jobbie did!
Great for £20 but I dont think it will do air bags.

[redgriff500]

Be aware NONE of them work 100% correctly NOR on all cars.

Mates in the trade have the latest Snap On, Launch etc Each costing circa £5k with all the add ons and updates and frequently they still have to go into main dealers as they can't do everything.

So for a trader I'd buy a cheapy which will maybe work on 50% of cars then take it elsewhere for the other 50%

[blank]

For reference, the autocom system I linked to is excellent.

I've used it extensively on all sorts of vehicles.

I don't know if that seller is genuine though.

[kambites]

I bought a 10 quid OBD to USB converter from ebay and plug it into my laptop... works fine for reading fault codes, plus you can use it for logging engine statistics as you drive if you want to.

[windy1]

Autel do one for £25 on ebay, reads every car I've plugged it into so far but only engine codes - all you really need. Very compact so stays in the glovebox of my daily driver in case needed when the check engine light comes on. Always like to know if its safe enough to carry on with my journey and it has come in handy a couple of times for EGR valve faults so far.

[POORCARDEALER]

I have a Autel, for the money its not bad....doesnt do airbag lights though

[miniman]

Personally I've never seen the Snapon Solus fail to do the job.

[crmcatee]

Have you seen these. I don't believe they clear codes though, although they'll give lovely displays of real time info from the ECU and allow you to read codes.

Ultra Gauge

I was tempted to buy one but never got round to it.

[redgriff500]

miniman said:

Personally I've never seen the Snapon Solus fail to do the job.

Try plugging it into an XC90 then.

Solus - Zero fault codes.

Launch found one.

AutoBoss found many

Genuine Volvo tool found 3 pages !!!