Auto diagnostic scanner

[TheChamp]

I have decided to purchase one but not sure which one to go for as there are so many, any recommendations and what to consider.

Thanks.

 

[Steamy Tom]

for what do you want to use it for?

 

[blaaislaai]

If you just want to check for errors on the ECU, or monitor data, then any OBD2 bluetooth unit will do.
Used in conjunction with Torque, available on the Android playstore but there are free alternatives as well

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torque&hl=en_ZA

 

[FiestaST]

Corsa B?

 

[qscwbt]

Corsa B?

made my day

 

[TheChamp]

for what do you want to use it for?

Diagnosing? Nothing in particular or anything specific, it should be something universal. I don't have an immediate problem to fix, hopefully that answers the question, not sure how best to answer.

 

[TheChamp]

Corsa B?

What about it?

 

[Steamy Tom]

Diagnosing? Nothing in particular or anything specific, it should be something universal. I don't have an immediate problem to fix, hopefully that answers the question, not sure how best to answer.

The reason was so people could better answer. If it is a causal use diagnosis, a specific problem, or perhaps for a business etc

 

[FiestaST]

What about it?

Do you want to do diagnostics on a Corsa B?

 

[TheChamp]

If you just want to check for errors on the ECU, or monitor data, then any OBD2 bluetooth unit will do.
Used in conjunction with Torque, available on the Android playstore but there are free alternatives as well

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torque&hl=en_ZA

Yeah I have seen that, but looking for something slightly better tech and with a broader range of capabilities.

 

[TheChamp]

The reason was so people could better answer. If it is a causal use diagnosis, a specific problem, or perhaps for a business etc

Now I understand, it will mostly be for my own DIY stuff but it could also be nice if it is a slightly more capable tool, nothing industrial but also not too basic.

 

[TheChamp]

Do you want to do diagnostics on a Corsa B?

See post 6.

 

[Tickled_Tortise]

I use this, works well with torque app and OBD Auto doctor app. It will give you error codes, and basic telemetry. OBD doctor gives codes descriptions in free version which is nice. But overall these apps give very limited data unless you buy the full versions.

I also bought it for DIY for easier diagnostics and to avoid unnecessary part replacements. I havnt had a problem big enough to warrant the download of the full versions yet so can't comment on it.

Iv used it on my BMW, Mazda and Ford connection is simple and quick. Works well on beemer code as well.

 

[dunkyd]

ELM 327

 

[upup]

You want to tell me most cars use the same plug for this device.

 

[TheChamp]

You want to tell me most cars use the same plug for this device.

Yes most are standardized.
https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/obd-ii-port-used/

 

[Mr Scratch]

I use one I bought on Amazon with OBD Fusion and it's fantastic with lots of telemetry. I'd recommend one to any car owner.

 

[Düber]

This is a very "How long is this piece of string" question, but generally the device you get means less than the software you use with it.

Car manufacturer's are forced in the US to have some standardised codes( for emissions testing) but not in other places and certainly not in SA. However many of these codes have been translated and that is where your "good" software is better than the others as it can determine if it is a "real" fault code rather than spitting out a generic( usually wrong) description sending you on a wild goose chase.

The range in price is also vast, from a few hundred Rand to tens of thousands( with a subscription and geo-locked to a location.)
Most of them are also fussy about which cars they read and I have not found a cost effective one for all solution.

If you just want to do a checkup on a workshops diagnosis just buy a relatively cheap( perhaps pc based) device after making sure it does at least read the car you want to use it on, there are however people that only use and swear by an oscilloscope.

 

[ubercal]

It all depends on what type of car you have.For example i have a subaru and use a popular open source software called Romraider (Very popular with Japanese cars) together with a tactrix cable that plugs into the OBD2 port.This allows me to monitor hundreds of parameters , read cel codes.I then use software called ECUFlash to flash/write different roms/maps to the ECU depending on the situation.Example if i take the car to be worked on , i load a valet map so the numpties cant over rev the engine.With VWs you get a VAG cable , and whatever software they use.

 

[dunkyd]

You want to tell me most cars use the same plug for this device.

Yes