There are literally TONS of OBD II scanning software that is out there. However, some of it's free and some of it costs a good chunk of money. I'm going to briefly talk about a few products, what they do, what features they have and most importantly, how much they cost!
One of the better known line of OBD2 software scanning products is called "ScanTool" (one picture to the right) and you can find all their programs and OBD II USB Cables over at www.scantool.net. They actually have a whole line of different types of products, from specially designed products for different car manufacturers, touch-screen based programs and even your basic checking and clearing codes programs. Their programs range from ~$25 to roughly $130 + extra addons you can get for them... not to mention the price of their specific OBD II cable for your computer. Not bad, but you can get a very good tuner for about the price of their "full setup".
Another quality program is called "ProScan" and it's actually the one I use on my laptop. This DOES work with a generic USB OBD II cable as that's what I use. This program is very nice and has just enough features to keep me interested in it and not just as a "okay, time to get the laptop to check the codes" type of thing. It tells you what codes mean in plain English so you don't have to spend time Googling whatever code you received means. It clears codes quickly and has monitors for pretty much any sensor you can imagine. It has an HP/Torque estimator (It's used as just that: an estimator) and can even give you pretty accurate 1/4 mile times. Although I suggest if you want to use either of these features, you do it in a SAFE environment that doesn't have people all around.
The last program I'm going to talk about is called "EasyOBDII." It's a rather good program and was one of the first ones I found and tinkered with. It gives you some pretty good sensors information and other car information. However, there is a VERY limited free trial which only lets you just about read codes and do a few other small things -- you can't even clear your Check Engine Light with it unless you have a paid version. However, the VERY GOOD news is that a commercial license on costs $19.99! I'm not positive, but I believe that the commercial version unlocks everything you should need (and some more). The best bang for your buck is probably with this program and the fact that you can get the free version and mess around with it to become familiar with the program is a very good marketing strategy.
To be honest, I do love ProScan, but if I wouldn't have snagged a free copy of it, I would have definitely bought EasyOBDII for a mere $20. However, my best suggestion would be to research, research, research and come to your own conclusions. My opinions are simply that, my opinions! Make sure you can understand and work the software before you even begin thinking about getting a USB OBD II cable!
Showing posts with label OBD II. Show all posts
Showing posts with label OBD II. Show all posts
Friday, February 21, 2014
Friday, December 27, 2013
My Personal Views on USB vs Hand Held OBD II Code Readers
As a typical home mechanic, I enjoy working on my car and when I have the spare time I do whatever maintenance I can on it. I've had check engine lights come on before and have had the pleasure of using multiple types of OBD II code scanners in order to figure out what was wrong with my car.
The first one I used was one I found at Wal-Mart for $56 after tax and didn't do too much. It displayed the codes to me and I could browse the other codes and erase them. If I wanted to re-read the codes I would simply click a button again (a total of three buttons were on the reader) and it would display any codes again. That was it. For $56 I felt that this was a little too basic for me and all I needed it for was a one time read, so I took it back after I figured out what the codes meant, since the OBD II code reader didn't tell me.
Then, I tried a buddies ebay OBD II code reader. He didn't specifically say it was from ebay, but it was very much like the one I had, but smaller and a more tacky setup. He plugged it in and said it was weird because it had actually given him "F" before the codes, which he "never saw before" but if I had to guess, it simply meant that the code was FORD code (the codes can sometime vary between different makes of car) and considering I have a Mustang, that made sense to me. His code reader also decided to make up a P0000 code, which I couldn't find on any type of database nor manage to bring up on any other OBD II code scanner. However, it did let you scroll through the codes and clear them, much like the one I bought from ebay. Same basic setup and abilities, although I'm sure he paid about half of what I did for mine.
After I sent my friend on his way and fixed the problem (or so I thought) I managed to still have a code or two left (there were a few codes strung together due to an important fuse blowing) so I tried to find a cheap reader I could order. I wasn't going to drive my car again for a few days, so it could sit while I waited for the new one to come (and save $$$!). I searched ebay and found tons of the USB OBD II cables and decided, "Hey, if I can find some pretty good software, why not?!" so that's what I did. Even though the majority of the USB OBD II cables come with software, they are usually limited or trials. Also, the sellers are all Chinese sellers and if they're located in the U.S., I guarantee they are reselling the Chinese cables -- my seller was! The cable came pretty quick and I recommend you buy from a U.S. seller, although you'll pay more obviously, but that's up to you.
So the day came that I got my cable and I was thrilled. I checked out the included software and Googled all I could for free software and it seems that the free stuff you can get is very limited, usually to the point where you can't even clear the Check Engine Light, although it will tell you what the code is AND (drumroll please!) will tell you in plain English was the code means! What this means is that instead of seeing a P0307 code, it will tell you the code PLUS "Misfire on cyclinder #7" as that's what a P0307 code means, so there's no going inside on the computer to lookup what the code means which saves time, trouble and allows you to get to work immediately.
I managed to get a pretty nice program through a connection and I really like it. I can quickly and easily connect my USB OBD II cable right to the car from the computer and access any check engine light data (even pending codes), view live data, get an estimated 1/4 mile time, and even get HP/Torque readings (although the two latter seem to be a bit finicky and acquires some messing around with). Overall, for a mere $22 for the USB OBD II cable, I am very pleased with everything the software allows you to do and view. I bought my cable months ago and have used it constantly, even if it's just to help me monitor data, it's a great tool and I highly recommend it. However, if you don't have a newer laptop (or a laptop at all) I would stick with a hand-held one as it would probably be quicker and easier for you. It all depends what you need and want out of an OBD II code scanner or if you want tuning capabilities, which I haven't found any decent software for yet under the cost of $500, which you can just buy a custom tuner for your vehicle at that cost. It's up to you!
http://obd2works.blogspot.com/
The first one I used was one I found at Wal-Mart for $56 after tax and didn't do too much. It displayed the codes to me and I could browse the other codes and erase them. If I wanted to re-read the codes I would simply click a button again (a total of three buttons were on the reader) and it would display any codes again. That was it. For $56 I felt that this was a little too basic for me and all I needed it for was a one time read, so I took it back after I figured out what the codes meant, since the OBD II code reader didn't tell me.
Then, I tried a buddies ebay OBD II code reader. He didn't specifically say it was from ebay, but it was very much like the one I had, but smaller and a more tacky setup. He plugged it in and said it was weird because it had actually given him "F" before the codes, which he "never saw before" but if I had to guess, it simply meant that the code was FORD code (the codes can sometime vary between different makes of car) and considering I have a Mustang, that made sense to me. His code reader also decided to make up a P0000 code, which I couldn't find on any type of database nor manage to bring up on any other OBD II code scanner. However, it did let you scroll through the codes and clear them, much like the one I bought from ebay. Same basic setup and abilities, although I'm sure he paid about half of what I did for mine.
After I sent my friend on his way and fixed the problem (or so I thought) I managed to still have a code or two left (there were a few codes strung together due to an important fuse blowing) so I tried to find a cheap reader I could order. I wasn't going to drive my car again for a few days, so it could sit while I waited for the new one to come (and save $$$!). I searched ebay and found tons of the USB OBD II cables and decided, "Hey, if I can find some pretty good software, why not?!" so that's what I did. Even though the majority of the USB OBD II cables come with software, they are usually limited or trials. Also, the sellers are all Chinese sellers and if they're located in the U.S., I guarantee they are reselling the Chinese cables -- my seller was! The cable came pretty quick and I recommend you buy from a U.S. seller, although you'll pay more obviously, but that's up to you.
So the day came that I got my cable and I was thrilled. I checked out the included software and Googled all I could for free software and it seems that the free stuff you can get is very limited, usually to the point where you can't even clear the Check Engine Light, although it will tell you what the code is AND (drumroll please!) will tell you in plain English was the code means! What this means is that instead of seeing a P0307 code, it will tell you the code PLUS "Misfire on cyclinder #7" as that's what a P0307 code means, so there's no going inside on the computer to lookup what the code means which saves time, trouble and allows you to get to work immediately.
I managed to get a pretty nice program through a connection and I really like it. I can quickly and easily connect my USB OBD II cable right to the car from the computer and access any check engine light data (even pending codes), view live data, get an estimated 1/4 mile time, and even get HP/Torque readings (although the two latter seem to be a bit finicky and acquires some messing around with). Overall, for a mere $22 for the USB OBD II cable, I am very pleased with everything the software allows you to do and view. I bought my cable months ago and have used it constantly, even if it's just to help me monitor data, it's a great tool and I highly recommend it. However, if you don't have a newer laptop (or a laptop at all) I would stick with a hand-held one as it would probably be quicker and easier for you. It all depends what you need and want out of an OBD II code scanner or if you want tuning capabilities, which I haven't found any decent software for yet under the cost of $500, which you can just buy a custom tuner for your vehicle at that cost. It's up to you!
http://obd2works.blogspot.com/
Monday, April 8, 2013
Nissan Consult Diagnostic Interface OBD2 Tool Do A Good Job
Years before, when people plan to buy a car, most of them prefer to buy a Japanese car. Why? Firstly, the price is much competitive. Second, the quality seems better than the other brand with same price. So if you have bought a Japanese car, you may need a Nissan Consult Diagnostic Interface
It works on all Nissan cars that have the grey 14pin Consult connector (you'll usually find it near the fusebox) (This cars are usually build from year 1989 to 2000) . Models such as: 300ZX, Z32, Maxima, 240SX, S13, S14, Skyline, SR20DE, SR20DET, RB20, Altima, Fairlady.
Description:
1.Interface fitting for 14pin Consult Port of Nissan vehicles.
2.Heavy & robust casing for rough service use
3.Connects to PC via RS232
4.Powered from car battery over 14pin Consult Port of Nissan vehicles.
5.LED to control power and clock function
2.Heavy & robust casing for rough service use
3.Connects to PC via RS232
4.Powered from car battery over 14pin Consult Port of Nissan vehicles.
5.LED to control power and clock function
Function:
1.Monitor and Log dozens of realtime parameters
2.Check and clear engine fault codes before going to an expensive auto shop
3.Adjust the timing and idle
4.Power balance testing
5.Reset the self-learn codes
6.Control idle air valves, relays (AC, fans, etc), timing
7.Diagnose customer vehicles on-site
8.Speed up troubleshooting of electronically monitored components
9.No software is supplied with this device
2.Check and clear engine fault codes before going to an expensive auto shop
3.Adjust the timing and idle
4.Power balance testing
5.Reset the self-learn codes
6.Control idle air valves, relays (AC, fans, etc), timing
7.Diagnose customer vehicles on-site
8.Speed up troubleshooting of electronically monitored components
9.No software is supplied with this device
Specification:
1.Software include
(Note that some of it is not free and need to be purchased)
DDLreader: DDLreader v.15c / DDLreader v.16c
ConZult
ScanTechNissan
Z-Control
SRTalk v.1.0
ZCSetup v.2.0
ZTalk v.1.1
Nissan Data Scan v.1.4
Nissan Data Scan v.1.51
2.Workable Model
It works on all Nissan cars that have the grey 14pin Consult connector (you'll usually find it near the fusebox) (This cars are usually build from year 1989 to 2000) . Models such as: 300ZX, Z32, Maxima, 240SX, S13, S14, Skyline, SR20DE, SR20DET, RB20, Altima, Fairlady.
(Note that some of it is not free and need to be purchased)
DDLreader: DDLreader v.15c / DDLreader v.16c
ConZult
ScanTechNissan
Z-Control
SRTalk v.1.0
ZCSetup v.2.0
ZTalk v.1.1
Nissan Data Scan v.1.4
Nissan Data Scan v.1.51
2.Workable Model
It works on all Nissan cars that have the grey 14pin Consult connector (you'll usually find it near the fusebox) (This cars are usually build from year 1989 to 2000) . Models such as: 300ZX, Z32, Maxima, 240SX, S13, S14, Skyline, SR20DE, SR20DET, RB20, Altima, Fairlady.
obd2works, as a professional car diagnostic scanner online supplier, providing our customers with a vast range of high-quality and affordable automobile maintenance tools .Our main business line covers: Automotive Professional Diagnostic Tools for OBD I and OBD II compliant vehicles; Car Diagnostic Scanner, OBDII Code Scanners, ECU Chip Tuning Tool, Car Key programmer Mileage Programmer as well as other more featured products.
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