Auto diagnostic scanner

All moden cars use a OBD2 port (Physical).The difference comes with the software , and the protocols that the software uses to communicate with the stock ECU of that specific car.Example again with Subaru .....

Romraider does most things i need , however there are a few parameters that romaider cant pull info.Thats where i use software called FreeSSM.This uses the same protocol(SSM) that subaru's own diagnostic software they use at the dealership.This allows me to connect to the transmission/gearbox and "reboot" the gearbox.
 
Also ive seen some of these universal/generic obd scanners pull incorrect data.Example you get a CEL , and the scanner says its an 02 sensor but then you use better software and it pulls the correct CEL code.Thats why its best to speak to people who tune specific cars and they will be able to tell you which software is the best to use.
 
Domestically manufactured vehicles that weren't made for export (bantams, polo vivo, chev ute, corsa bakkies, corsa lite, toyota runx, etc) are not OBDII compliant. Which means none of these elm327 type cheap scanners will work.

There is no 'universal' scanner that works on all vehicles. The high end stuff from Launch (X431 range) will do the most for what you spend.

I import all this stuff and have used literally all the scanners and ecu programmers you can think of.
 
Sensorei said:
Domestically manufactured vehicles that weren't made for export (bantams, polo vivo, chev ute, corsa bakkies, corsa lite, toyota runx, etc) are not OBDII compliant. Which means none of these elm327 type cheap scanners will work.

There is no 'universal' scanner that works on all vehicles. The high end stuff from Launch (X431 range) will do the most for what you spend.

I import all this stuff and have used literally all the scanners and ecu programmers you can think of.
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I had to Google the x431 range because I'm not an expert. For me, I would never spend that much cash on a tool I'm only gona use once or twice a year. Maybe if I was generating an income from it then I might consider it, but for a hobbyist/DIYer the cheaper Bluetooth scanners are great for the price, and iv never had an incorrect code come up so far.
 
dunkyd said:
Sadly some people concentrate on " clearing codes" BEFORE fixing problem.....don't !
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So true.
Then when they eventually send the car to you, they have added a million other faults by trying, Google said, my uncle said,my neighbour said, and then it takes you ages to repair those before you can diagnose what the original fault was costing them more.
 
Düber said:
So true.
Then when they eventually send the car to you, they have added a million other faults by trying, Google said, my uncle said,my neighbour said, and then it takes you ages to repair those before you can diagnose what the original fault was costing them more.
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I never listen to Uncles or neighbours but Google is the best, I'd be so lost without it.
 
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upup said:
Sometimes Google listen to your uncles or your neighbors
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True, but the difference is that the views are interrogated and tested on google, much the same way when someone posts some ill informed advice here in the motoring section, it is dismissed and the poster called to order there and there, you can't exactly tell your uncle that he is talking nonsense, can you?
 
thechamp said:
True, but the difference is that the views are interrogated and tested on google, much the same way when someone posts some ill informed advice here in the motoring section, it is dismissed and the poster called to order there and there, you can't exactly tell your uncle that he is talking nonsense, can you?
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interrogated and tested on google , google is not a forum, but simply a search engine [engine, no pistons, no petrol, no wheel's, just a engine, with lots of 10101010101000111011100110111.
 
upup said:
interrogated and tested on google , google is not a forum, but simply a search engine [engine, no pistons, no petrol, no wheel's, just a engine, with lots of 10101010101000111011100110111.
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You really are slow, when I say Google I mean the whole internet including My broadband, I will spell it out next time.
 
Tickled_Tortise said:
I had to Google the x431 range because I'm not an expert. For me, I would never spend that much cash on a tool I'm only gona use once or twice a year. Maybe if I was generating an income from it then I might consider it, but for a hobbyist/DIYer the cheaper Bluetooth scanners are great for the price, and iv never had an incorrect code come up so far.
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The OP said it must be something 'universal'. A bluetooth OBDII elm327 jobbie is not universal. They don't work on any of our domestic model vehicles assembled in SA. ±20% of new cars sold are Polo Vivos. Can't even scan those. A lot of our bakkies also aren't compliant.
 
Sensorei said:
The OP said it must be something 'universal'. A bluetooth OBDII elm327 jobbie is not universal. They don't work on any of our domestic model vehicles assembled in SA. ±20% of new cars sold are Polo Vivos. Can't even scan those. A lot of our bakkies also aren't compliant.
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I didn't know domestic models were non-compliant until I read your 1st post.

So out of interest, are there any products similar to elm327 the for people who do own polo's and Bakkies. Or anything more affordable than the universal Launch products? If the intention is to get codes and basic info, no plans on opening a workshop or anything.
 
upup said:
You want to tell me most cars use the same plug for this device.
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Yes same port, different protocols.

I would highly recommend going for devices made for a specific car/brand or at the very least known to support that specific car/brand fully.

There isn't a truly one size fits all option.
 
SauRoNZA said:
Yes same port, different protocols.

I would highly recommend going for devices made for a specific car/brand or at the very least known to support that specific car/brand fully.

There isn't a truly one size fits all option.
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Concise and to the point :thumbsup:
 
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