OBD2 reader recommendations? And s/w?

[dsieber]

Hey all,

So, looking for an OBD2 reader I can use with an iPhone, not just for my 4Runner, but also our other cars. I see tons of options on Amazon - any recommendations for a decent one? Looks like anywhere from $13 to $100.

And a software package - I’m guessing for most of those, that’s extra. Recommendations there, too?

Thanks!
Dirk

 

[ZebRuaj]

I have a generic BafX plug in with Torque Pro (paid app) for many years. It was my first CEL reader. You can try Torque Lite for free. Seems to pull most generic data and CEL codes from all vehicles. You can add custom PIDs to pull more vehicle data (like tranny temps for our rigs. Search for the PID forum).

I purchased OBD Fusion for the same BafX plug in this year. Works the same as Torque from my limited usage, but you also have to pay $9.99 extra per vehicle per model year to get all the extra data like ABS and Trans codes if your vehicle supports it. It can add up quickly.

Side note .. I still use my Autel ML619 when I need CEL diagnostic power.

 

[Terminator03]

I don’t have one yet, but one thing I leaned from research on the Miata forum on this subject, was that for the iPhone you need one that works with WiFi, not Bluetooth. Apparently, the Bluetooth ones are best for the android platform, but not iPhone. I have a handheld scanner which I generally use to read and clear codes, but definitely plan to get one of those dongles as well since they are much more portable and discreet if looking at used cars. You can have it in your pocket rather than carrying something as big and obvious as a regular handheld version. I’ll be watching this thread myself for recommendations as I really should just get one.

 

[dsieber]

Thanks [MENTION=209958]Terminator03[/MENTION] - Good to know about the bluetooth vs wifi issue.

I've been digging around, and there really doesn't seem to be much of a difference between the cheap and expensive versions. I was just hoping someone else might have had some experience with a brand that won't promptly die on me in a week or something.
[MENTION=142282]ZebRuaj[/MENTION] - thanks for the notes on OBD Fusion. That's one of the reasons I was asking about apps, too - I don't really want to have to pay over and over again every time I want to look at a different car. I already noticed that some of the reader apps are now subscription-based - gee, thanks, every time I want to use it, I can pay for it again.

I guess I'll just try a cheap one, and see what happens. Buy it from Amazon, and depend on the warranty.

 

[greenscales]

Wondering if there's any reviews/new thoughts on Scanner-Apps

A lot of info out there, but hard to muddle through.

I have an Iphone7 & 05 V6 4wd Sport w/280k
Tight on funds and not working - so doing a lot of my own vehicle work while waiting for the damnpanic to end. So I am looking at best low cost options and value points.

Am I better getting a WIFI code reader to link to my Iphone7? (no problem doing Amazon returns or a discontinued model since my phone & vehicle are old). Rather not pay monthly app fee for something I don't want to use all the time, but a one time fee works.

Or am I better off just getting a stand alone unit?

Plan to be just be using this for the 4Runner, maybe neighbors Tundra.

Looking for recommendations and experiences (good & bad). Thanks

 

[y=mx+b]

A lot of info out there, but hard to muddle through.

I have an Iphone7 & 05 V6 4wd Sport w/280k
Tight on funds and not working - so doing a lot of my own vehicle work while waiting for the damnpanic to end. So I am looking at best low cost options and value points.

Am I better getting a WIFI code reader to link to my Iphone7? (no problem doing Amazon returns or a discontinued model since my phone & vehicle are old). Rather not pay monthly app fee for something I don't want to use all the time, but a one time fee works.

Or am I better off just getting a stand alone unit?

Plan to be just be using this for the 4Runner, maybe neighbors Tundra.

Looking for recommendations and experiences (good & bad). Thanks

Any cheap auto parts code reader will give you the basic code output. From there you can google the code and see what might be causing the code. Heres a picture I have from a basic one I borrowed from a friend. I imagine something like this would be in the $20 range:

The first code reader I got was the Zurich ZR4 from Harbor Freight. It was in the $45 range and will offer a snapshot of information from when the code occurred. This information is stuff like rpm, speed, intake air temp, fuel pressure, code clear distance, etc. This information can help you to pinpoint your problem quicker, and I think is worth the extra $10-$25. Heres some pictures, the first one showing the same p2759 as above and the second pic is a random one I have from a friends chevy

I also have torque pro setup on my Android phone with the Bafx Bluetooth OBD2 Reader. Its $5 for the app and $25 for the reader, which is really cheap for the value it provides. Unfortunately, I think this option will only work on Android, but maybe there is an apple alternative that I don't know about.

 

[AuSeeker]

Any cheap auto parts code reader will give you the basic code output. From there you can google the code and see what might be causing the code. Heres a picture I have from a basic one I borrowed from a friend. I imagine something like this would be in the $20 range:

The first code reader I got was the Zurich ZR4 from Harbor Freight. It was in the $45 range and will offer a snapshot of information from when the code occurred. This information is stuff like rpm, speed, intake air temp, fuel pressure, code clear distance, etc. This information can help you to pinpoint your problem quicker, and I think is worth the extra $10-$25. Heres some pictures, the first one showing the same p2759 as above and the second pic is a random one I have from a friends chevy

I also have torque pro setup on my Android phone with the Bafx Bluetooth OBD2 Reader. Its $5 for the app and $25 for the reader, which is really cheap for the value it provides. Unfortunately, I think this option will only work on Android, but maybe there is an apple alternative that I don't know about.

Just an FYI the Actron cp9125 is a $45 item.

 

[y=mx+b]

Just an FYI the Actron cp9125 is a $45 item.

Gotcha, I didn't look into it much and just combined it in my head with the cheap 2 button units like this.

 

[greenscales]

Thanks

Should have said this is for preventative maintenance, not current engine lights, etc. I know the idle is rough at start up and stronger gas fumes at start up, so likely plugs &/or ignition coils. So was looking for something that might show cylinder variations, etc.

If the apps are a one time fee, then probably should research the best IPhone App & price, then a reader that's compatible. I am seeing as many BT + some WiFi readers that are as inexpensive as the cheap 2 button stand alone readers.