Code Reader Recomendations

[Deercampcrusader]

Hi All,

Wondering what everyone's take on a good OBD code reader would be. I know there is a WIDE range of devices you can get ranging from $30 ones on Amazon to $1000 or more. So let me first say what applications I really need: I am a DIYer, I'm not a mechanic, but I do want something that will give me live data or recorded data from test drives and obviously read OBD codes.

What do ya'll have, and what do you like/dislike about them?

I'm looking for a hand held device or a device that uses an app on my iphone/ipad.

Thanks!
-Alex

 

[Deercampcrusader]

Also, if this isn't the right place for this questions just let me know.

 

[Adieu]

If you dont need forscan coding, and just want to read codes....stick a $8 - 12 elm327 blue bluetooth dongle from amazon in the port and leave it there for the life of your truck

I like Panlong brand, mine has held up for years

 

[JExpedition07]

Look into BlueDriver, great unit for $99 that goes to your phone. I’ve been happy with it, told me exactly what ABS sensor went bad when the light came on. Also gives most common reported fixes for the trouble code.

 

[gixer2000]

Look into BlueDriver, great unit for $99 that goes to your phone. I’ve been happy with it, told me exactly what ABS sensor went bad when the light came on. Also gives most common reported fixes for the trouble code.

View attachment 26405

I'll second the bluedriver. I have it and also Forscan but I prefer bluedriver for scanning/code reading

 

[ExplorerTom]

My UltraGauge has read all the codes I've needed. Plus it acts as a display the 99.9% of the time that I'm not reading codes.

 

[Kenerator]

After poking around the internet and online forums, I ended up purchasing the BlueDriver Bluetooth device. It was a little more than I wanted to spend ($99), but it seemed to have a solid reputation and robust support in the app and on the website. One cool thing about it is the, "Enhanced Diagnostics Supported". It provides the vehicle specifications, a maintenance schedule, List of recalls and service bulletins. It also provides the code definition and how common it is for the type of vehicle, problem possible causes, top reported fixes, frequently reported fixes and other reported fixes.
I can't give you much usage input as I haven't diagnosed any problems with it yet. I've only used it to clear a code. Good luck.

 

[mquick5]

Thoughts on this eBay unit. Say's it includes all the listed s/ware - FORScan - ELMconfig - FF2 - Foccus - ScanMaster ELM v2.1 - Scantool.net



https://www.ebay.com/itm/123236732484?ul_noapp=true

 

[Kenerator]

Update: Got an opportunity to use BlueDriver this past weekend. My wife's Chrysler Town and Country check engine light (CEL) illuminated. I ran a scan. The resulting report indicated a, "EVAP System Leak Detected (very small leak)" condition and provided a list of 12 reported fixes. Thankfully, since it's an easy check, "Tightened Fuel Filler Cap" was at the top of the list. I checked the gas cap and sure enough it had not been tightened all the way. Also on the list was, "Replaced Gas Cap Seal". I inspected the cap and discovered the gasket appears dry and is beginning to crack. I will be replacing it soon.
Cleared the code and all is well.
Not trying to sell these things, just wanna share some real world usage info to help others as they research code readers. In this case, BlueDriver and its reported fixes list helped me resolve the CEL condition quickly and easily.

 

[mquick5]

@Kenerator

Will the bluedriver work on all makes and models? Like Ford and GM?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

 

[gixer2000]

@Kenerator

Will the bluedriver work on all makes and models? Like Ford and GM?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

Yes it Will. If you go to the blue driver website you can select the model car and it will tell you what functions are supported. Its will read engine code for any obd2. Newer vehicles its will do ABS, air bag and any other canbus supported module

 

[mquick5]

Yes it Will. If you go to the blue driver website you can select the model car and it will tell you what functions are supported. Its will read engine code for any obd2. Newer vehicles its will do ABS, air bag and any other canbus supported module

Thanks I'll go take a look!

 

[Kenerator]

Like gixer2000 said, go to the website for details.

 

[joethefordguy]

What scan tools have the ability to present digital gauges on an ipad, such as voltmeter, ammeter, vacuum, oil pressure/temp, transmission temperature, etc.; anything the engine computer reads.

 

[mquick5]

Torqpro?

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

 

[ExplorerTom]

What scan tools have the ability to present digital gauges on an ipad, such as voltmeter, ammeter, vacuum, oil pressure/temp, transmission temperature, etc.; anything the engine computer reads.

Not displaying on an ipad, but:

View attachment 32936

 

[flying68]

2nd the vote on Torque (get the paid version). Any bluetooth or wifi ELM327 OBDII adapter will work (real ones not fakes). I have the BAFX Products one but if I was to buy another I would get OBDLink MX+ because it can read the Ford MS-CAN and GM-LAN. The basic ELM327 readers only do standard OBDII.