OBD AND ECU SCANNERS....... | FerrariChat
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OBD AND ECU SCANNERS.......

Discussion in 'Technology' started by Kds, Dec 2, 2010.

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  1. Kds

    Kds F1 World Champ

    May 1, 2003
    10,994
    Canada and Brasil...
    #1 Kds, Dec 2, 2010
    I want to buy a competent handheld scanner that can basically mimic the functions of a factory unit to the extent that current laws allowing the sharing of propietary technology will permit.

    Here's my problem..........most OEM scanners either get locked out of the ECU, or can tell if the ECU has been flashed. I need a handheld unit that can register this as well for when I am appraising units at the auction before I bid on them. If you buy a car or SUV that had an ECU flash previously, the manufacturer commonly will void the vehicle warranty, which obviously will significantly affect the resale value if it is a relatively newer piece.

    Does anyone have any recommendations ?
     
  2. BMWairhead

    BMWairhead Formula 3

    Sep 11, 2009
    1,062
    Portland, OR
    Full Name:
    Ted
    #2 BMWairhead, Dec 3, 2010
    Do you need a scan tool for one particular brand? (if so, what brand?) Or, are you hoping to find something that will generically do all/most brands?

    Look into: AutoEnginuity.com They have interesting scan tools.

    You're seeking proprietary information (not generic OBD2 info.)...getting that for multiple brands might get expensive. I forget the company, but there is a tool supplier that many brands use (something like EIT...?). They used to offer scanner packages and subscriptions. They used to have qualification criteria for their products (ASE certification maybe??)...again, be prepared for $,$$$.00 to $$,$$$.00.

    I used to do warranties for BMW. A flashed ECU can only cause a warranty denial if it can be shown to have contributed to whatever issue is trying to be warrantied. Admittedly, the manufacturers and (even more so) the dealers will try to muddy this by implying everything from - you must have your oil changed and all service done at the dealership to preserve your warranty...to...any aftermarket parts automatically void your warranty. Both of those things (and many other implications) are simply not true.

    There are also some smart phone apps that work as scanners. There is a community essentially reverse engineering and extrapolating the proprietary data...bring your inner geek for that solution.

    Ted
     
  3. Kds

    Kds F1 World Champ

    May 1, 2003
    10,994
    Canada and Brasil...
    #3 Kds, Dec 3, 2010
    Hi Ted.......

    Thanks for the lead.............

    Expense is sorta irrelevant if just one warranty claim is actually denied on a $15K engine repair......if I find one and it can handle all makes and models that is perfect, but mainly domestic is what I am after, as I am the used car manager at a huge domestic store. I understand where you are coming from about warranties and each dealer here is different, but if I can minimize potential issues ahead of time at the auction or when appraising a trade-in, it helps. Been in the business 21 years and just trying to stay ahead of the heat.

    Waiting to see if I can use one of our service departments hand held units for now to assess our own brand. Will let you know what happens with these guys.
     
  4. Schatten

    Schatten F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Apr 3, 2001
    11,238
    Austin, TX
    Full Name:
    Randy
    #4 Schatten, Dec 3, 2010
    Here's one: http://www.devtoaster.com/products/rev/index.html

    The site links to a few wireless LAN ODB2 scanners. Estimate 150-200 for the scanner, maybe 30 bucks for the software.
     
  5. becker

    becker Formula Junior

    Feb 20, 2001
    340
    Arlington VA
    Full Name:
    Becker Cuéllar
    #5 becker, Dec 6, 2010
    For generic reading any tool will do but for more specifics you'll have to start cracking I remember a few years ago I was playing and writing an App (Palm back then) and got to read stuff off a 360(mine) I went to my local dealer which were very cool guys and I started playing with it and the mechanic was game we started playing comparing readings from the SD2 and mine(those were the good days), after a while the service manager came over and I guess he didn't like it I was taking his mechanic's time :) but I could see it for the SD2 and it is true for most car makers: for the generic stuff they list the minimum they can get away with without breaking the OBD regulations and keep the proprietary stuff well hidden for their tool.

    All you need is to pull some SAE docs from the net and get on the cracking or pay to get those high-end scanners.
     
  6. Kds

    Kds F1 World Champ

    May 1, 2003
    10,994
    Canada and Brasil...
    #6 Kds, Dec 9, 2010
    It may be worth the $2K for the high end scanner in the end............
     

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