Anybody own an OBD II Scan Tool?

[T4R_Finally]

I don't know much about these things, or at least not the differences between them. But, I've often thought about buying one. And I think I would invest in one if it's possible to get one that would work for all of my vehicles (2011 5th gen, 2000 3rd gen, and 2004 Dodge RAM). Is that even doable?

My local parts store has one and will scan me for free and even clear the code for free if I ask them to. But a couple of previous vehicles I had would periodically throw similar codes that I could never get solved. They were emissions evap system type codes and would show up every 6 weeks to 6 months. I spent hundreds of dollars on both vehicles trying to figure out what was causing the problems and it just never went away. But everytime I'd have the codes cleared, they would NEVER immediately come back.

It would be nice to skip going to the parts store, especially if it's something I just want to check, clear, and see if it comes back.

So, if it's possible to get a tool that would work on all 3 vehicles, what am I looking for and how much money am I looking at?

 

[NachoPitt]

A lot of people here (myself included) run a scanguage. They are reasonably priced and are a much better tool for real time data than just a code reader/clearer that parts stores use.

 

[scojoe]

If you have an Android phone you can get an app called Torque.. youll have to buy a obd bluetooth adapter ... about $40 from ebay

 

[RedDragonATL]

I picked up one of these and it works great on my 3rd Gen 4Runner & '03 Accord.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001LHVOVK/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1322688454&sr=8-1

 

[magicfish]

I got one off ebay from China for about $27.00. It's a bluetooth model and it works great with the Torque android app on my smart phone.

 

[Pikeman]

I run a Scanguage II and like all the real time data and the Ultraguage is also nice. They both give live / real time feed and will read and clear codes, but you will have to research what the code means and can be used on all 96 newer vehicles and dont have to be registered. Another one that I have come across that works and is real informative with diagnostics help is called CarMD. It is about $120 and is a reader and then plugs into your PC for complete diagnistic breakdown/ suggestions. It can be registered to 3 seperate vehicles in the houselhold. I have not tried any of the bluetooth Android/iPhone app versions so cannot speak to their level of information.

All the OBD II scanners will work on all 96 or newer vehicles. OBD I did not have standardized plugs or codes from manufacturer to manufacturer and sometimes not even between different vehicles of same manufacture. OBD II standardized the code system and also the plug(port) and specfied general locations where the port was to be located within a vehicle..

 

[jmt2404]

I have the android torque app with the bluetooth obd 2 scanner. I love it. It gives you real time info on you truck and gives you codes. With it being on your phone you can automatically google the code but, it usually gives you a pretty good desciption of what it is. I am very happy with mine and run it every time I drive my truck to monitor everything.

 

[awdjunkies]

I have an INNOVA EQUUS 3030:

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[Stick Figure]

Hand Tools, Tool Storage, Automotive Service Equipment, Business Franchise Options - Matco Tools

keep that in the mobile tools

and use

AutoEnginuity® - OBD2 Scan Tool - Professional PC and PDA Diagnostics

and

Innovate Motorsports OT-2 - Transform your iPhone or iPod into a wireless gauge, data logger, dyno, efficiency meter and OBDII scan tool.

for more hardcore diagnostic or tuning.

You can get basic code readers pretty much anywhere and they will all work the same. The more expensive options show real time data, of freeze frame data from the time that the problem occurred. Beyond that spending even more can get you not so basic info on things like the ABS system, and other options that are manufacturer specific.

 

[Mudtallica]

I've got an Actron OBDII scanner that works good but it doesn't show "live data".. That's why I'm looking at the Blue Point Microscan tool..

 

[T4R_Finally]

I've got an Actron OBDII scanner that works good but it doesn't show "live data".. That's why I'm looking at the Blue Point Microscan tool..

Thanks for the input everyone. I went to the parts store looking a wrench and checked out the scan tools while i was there. They had an Actron unit that reads, erases, and also does live data feed and is also internet upgradeable. It was $30 off but sale ends tonight. So i bought it. $100

 

[awdjunkies]

My innova Equus reads and automatically updates live data and spits it out every 30 seconds. Has Freeze Frame as well.