Sign up with Googlepiranha786
Expert Member
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2005
- Messages
- 1,424
Where can I get hold of a OBD 2 cable, and software. I want to plug it into a laptop to get the error codes from my car
-
Ask a question and get free supportUnlock new privileges and see hidden discussionsWin prizes and earn reputation
-
Question of the day ~ How often do you braai?
-
Afristay giveaway.Win a 2-night stay for two people at an establishment of your choice with R1,000 in spending money. Enter here.
ODB II cable
- Thread starter piranha786
- Start date
xrapidx
Honorary Master
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2007
- Messages
- 40,308
Note that the first lot listed there are error code readers only - if error codes is all that's needed then those are ideal.
If I was buying then I'd get the interface cable and a software package that can not only read the error codes, but also display real time data on all sensors such as 02, Throttle Position, Temp., RPM, Air Flow,..........etc.
Here's a few examples:
http://www.digimoto.com/
http://www.nology.com/laptopdyno.html
http://www.obd2crazy.com/hardware.html
I've got a type of 'pirate' version of the ELM. Quite wicked, but cannot take as many readings/second as the proper versions IIRC.
Still, you can get quite a bit of interesting information from the car out of it.
One thing though, the majority of OBD error codes on my car can be read without special hardware. My old Honda had an earlier version, but even that could be read by bridging out the terminal, and reading the codes that it blinks with your warning light on the dash. Kinda like morse code. Never needed to do it with the new one, but I'm pretty sure it has a similar functionality.
The little device plugs into a USB port, and with the right software could read things like throttle position, advance, temperatures, vehicle speed, rpm and manifold pressure.
Still, you can get quite a bit of interesting information from the car out of it.
One thing though, the majority of OBD error codes on my car can be read without special hardware. My old Honda had an earlier version, but even that could be read by bridging out the terminal, and reading the codes that it blinks with your warning light on the dash. Kinda like morse code. Never needed to do it with the new one, but I'm pretty sure it has a similar functionality.
The little device plugs into a USB port, and with the right software could read things like throttle position, advance, temperatures, vehicle speed, rpm and manifold pressure.