OBD II

[xistenz]

I've found the OBD II connecter in my car, and was wondering if anyone has experience with scanners for the thing?

Specifically, I want to be able to plug in a scanner and have the car tell me what the problem is (if there is one) so that when I take it to a mechanic they don't waste my money by replacing parts that they think could be causing the problem.

It could also be useful if I go and look at second hand cars. The scanner could tell me if there are any problems that would need attending to.

http://www.scantool.net/ looks nice, but needs a laptop and it is thus not as portable as other self-contained units I've seen, but could display more info.

 

[Pyro]

It doesn't tell you everything. In my car the warning light on the dash will shine if there's an OBD issue, and by the flash sequence of the light you could also tell what the problem is.

 

[TestMate]

I've found the OBD II connecter in my car, and was wondering if anyone has experience with scanners for the thing?

Specifically, I want to be able to plug in a scanner and have the car tell me what the problem is (if there is one) so that when I take it to a mechanic they don't waste my money by replacing parts that they think could be causing the problem.

It could also be useful if I go and look at second hand cars. The scanner could tell me if there are any problems that would need attending to.

For a DIY job, you're wasting your time & money. R5000 for a decent EOBD/OBDII code reader. If you want one be my guest
Also, not all codes are OBD, most cars have manufacturer specific codes too.
OBD standard is basicaly only related to some engine emissions problems.

For business you can go as high as R90K or even more if you need to cover wide range of vehicles.

Some mechanics offer "code reading" as a service, so you could do it for +/-R300

 

[Pyro]

I got a basic reader for quite cheap - think it was 400. Can read all the codes via a usb port and some free software. Not perfect by far, but very affordable. Also enables me to get realtime info from the car. Manifold pressure, various temperatures, throttle position, engine advance, etc. Quite cool, though being a cheap system it can't read as fast as better systems.