OBD2 Handheld - any sudgestions?

Someone who can give me advice of what sort to buy?

//Anders

 

A cheap one. Try any auto parts place

 

There are a lot of choices.

This one works for me:
http://www.harborfreight.com/obd-ii-eobd-multilingual-code-scanner-99722.html?utm_term=99722&utm_medium=cse&utm_source=googlebase&mr:trackingCode=077C0F9E-782A-E011-B31E-001B2163195C&mr:referralID=NA

 

As noted, any cheap scanner will read OBDII codes, which are emissions related, but if you want to read all other DTCs (like I do), I think we need something better with the appropriate software. I'm researching that right now. Anything with a Motronic computer needs a special scanner, like BMWs and others. I believe the 430 has at least one Motronic computer. I still don't understand how all computers handle DTCs, but apparently they're not all sent to the main ECU so they can be read with any cheap scanner.

By the way, those cheap units don't read 'readiness codes' that are required to pass emissions testing. My car flunked the first time because I disconnected the battery, and the codes weren't set. My friend's unit read no codes, and everything was perfect. But a better unit dealer used before testing a second time revealed 3 codes weren't set yet. I followed a specific procedure a Ferrari dealer gave me to avoid having to drive the car hundreds of miles, and after that only one (the evap one) code was left, but car passes with just one, and it did. Lesson for new owners is DO NOT mess with the battery disconnect switch if you need to pass emissions inspection when buying your car .

Since you specifically asked for OBDII, guess this would require a separate thread. Good luck.

 

Best bet is get a $25-$30 bluetooth dongle off fleabay and use either your laptop, or your phone to read it. I use one with my Driod I love.

You can google various software depending one which you want to use (iphone, droid, laptop etc) You can also do logging etc that you can't do with a regular (non insanely priced) hand held.

 

I use the Actron CP9190, it works great & has a 6 foot cord to make reading codes easier.
I bought mine off Amazon for $250.
http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16317

 

Hi Anders,

As you're a professional in automotive, I would highly advise you to go for a interface+software solution. Handheld units are very limited in terms of functionnalities (except maybe if you go into the 650$-$1000 range). I've evaluated a couple of them but went for a software solution. Scantools.net offer a very good best seller OBD2 interface (OBDLink Bluetooth/Wifi for PC or SmartPhone/IPad/IPhone/Ipod - 150$-190$) + Windows software (Scan XL Pro).

I've seen many handheld units unable to detect both Motronic Ecu's. They see only the master DME and not the slave DME. It's vital to have both recognised.

Other advantage of software solutions: you can send your own commands through the OBD interface and obtain much more information about specific factory codes. For sure, OBD is only OBD and thus very limited. Many data values of the ECU's will never come out through the OBD protocol.

Stef

 

Do you know of any hand held units that will read BOTH ecu's?

 

Actually, I haven't seen any but I didn't try out the high end handheld units. Maybe someone tried it out and can confirm it reads both ECU's?

 

Thanks all.
Ok I´ll go your way Stef.

This is really a nice Forum with lots of helpfull people. - But I miss a library where we could save articles like different mods and service information. Otherwise all this work will be vasted and we forget them. In a year or two - the same questions will come up again and again.

Admin - is possible to create some sort of "library" like that?

//A.

 

+1, I fully agree with you. Other forums offer a library of DIY guides and important documents or exchanged information. It's truly a pity this forum doesn't offer this and I openely ask this to be seriously considered...

 

SD2/3 & Leonardos

 

be aware that Autozone will 'loan' you their OBD2 scanner at no charge if you leave them a full price deposit.

great if you are away from your tools...
they saved me from having to buy a second!

Might be a good way for you to try one and see if you like it.

rgds,
Vincenzo

 

Hi Anders!

I bought mine at kjell & Co in Stockholm.

Mine is some sort of interface for the laptop, but they seem to have many different OBD scaners to choose between!

Best regards Martin.

 

I use this

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/golink/id351684879?mt=8