OBDII scan tool

[Flivver250]

When I twisted a wrench for money, ignition systems consisted of points and a coil and fuel delivery was a carburetor and a diaphram pump. I was of average skill, and hung up my wrenches quickly because what I enjoyed as a hobby I disliked as an occupation. Decades passed where I hardly twisted a wrench and now I am able to do so more often. I want to become a little more knowledgeable on the computer, sensors and the like. It is not too late for an old dog to learn new tricks. I have a cheap code reader that reads and clears the fault codes. Useful to have, and it does work, but I'd like to get a better rig for reading a bit deeper. I am not ready to change settings or anything, but figure there must be room to grow here. Can anyone recommend a tool, $500.00 or less than a semi-moron could knuckle their way along with? Is this $200 tool any better than the 20 dollar rigs?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RMYN7ZL/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[Chris]

Have you thought about just using an app and one of these OBDII adapters?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XGB4873/?tag=wranglerorg-20

If not, I've been using this one for years with great success:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZYTDKP3/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[Flivver250]

I have one that uses an app called Torque.

 

[Chris]

That's right, that's the popular app. I haven't used it yet as I'm not sure if it's available for iOS, but it seems with as smart as phones are now, they might actually be a better choice than a dedicated reader.

Though I will say that Launch OBDII scanner I have works great.

 

[GaTechTJ]

That's right, that's the popular app. I haven't used it yet as I'm not sure if it's available for iOS, but it seems with as smart as phones are now, they might actually be a better choice than a dedicated reader.

Though I will say that Launch OBDII scanner I have works great.

Plus one for Torque. I've used it to diagnose issues on both my TJ & my F150.

 

[qslim]

I started using OBDII Fusion a few months ago and really like it so far. It's an IOS app that pairs with a certain spectrum of bluetooth readers. The basic app was $10, the dongle was about $45. The base app gives you all the standard CARB PIDs, you can see live data. There are other upgrades you can purchase as well if you need manufacturer specific PIDs or want to do active tests. I upgraded my version so I can see all the manufacturer stuff for my late model Silverado & wife's Lexus (body, airbags, etc). It does almost everything my Snap On Modus used to do at a fraction of the cost. The only thing it's really missing is an oscilloscope function.

 

[Daryl]

That's right, that's the popular app. I haven't used it yet as I'm not sure if it's available for iOS, but it seems with as smart as phones are now, they might actually be a better choice than a dedicated reader.

Though I will say that Launch OBDII scanner I have works great.

I use Dash Command with the iPhone. Works great.
Edit: it’s also WiFi, not Bluetooth, so no connect/disconnect problems.

 

[Capt Keith]

Just started using the Torque app last week and really like it. I also used it on my buddy's Suburban and looked up some CEL codes for him. The Torque app is pretty robust given that it is free. For $4.95 you can upgrade to the Torque Pro. So far I haven't seen a reason too yet.