laptop as codereader

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docraymund

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Good day, I would like to know if you could use your laptop as a codereader for my 1st gen expy. There are some people here selling adaptors that fit via usb to the code reader pin socket. If this would be possible do any of you guys know where I could download a software for this purpose? Thanks in advance and happy new year!
 

Captain Morgan

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Yes, you need a coder reader with USB or Bluetooth and some application(s) that access the data.

As to where to GET that data . . well . . . be resourceful my friend. There are Android apps that you can get that are free or free-ish, but I don't have a link for just the software. The sites that sell the dongles also sell the software so you could get it from there too.


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Thermo

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docraymund, if you have a smart phone, just use that. You can pick up an ELM327 OBD reader for around $15 USD and then you can link to it via blue tooth and you can download a free program called "Torque". From there, you have full access to read all the codes you want and also to monitor real time data coming from the truck. You might be able to get a version of "Torque" for the laptop too. I would start there and then see what you can find. A lot of sites offer free software for the code readers. But, if you want the full experience in what you can access, then you will most likely end up paying for some software.
 

rexster314

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I got the Elm 327 module several weeks ago and bought the full version of Torque for my Android phone. It also works on my Motorola tablet. Works perfectly, pulls any code you might have and also clears them as well. Gives you live informtion as you drive. Whole thing cost me around 20$
 
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docraymund

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Thank you very much guys I'll follow all your suggestions and take it from there. It really pays to have friends. Thanks again. :)
 

babysilk

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MY service engine light came on a couple days ago. Just happened to stumble on this thread yesterday. Ive got my obd2 bluetooth sending unit in the mail from Great Britain. 11$ USD after shipping. I found an app that allows your iphone to work with the bluetooth, its called roqyBT4, and a great monitoring app called iobd2 from the app store for free. You must get roqyBT4 from cydia, only available on jailbroken iphones.
 
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docraymund

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Thanks guys for all your suggestions I finally got an ELM 327 bluetooth device from a local web seller and it works! I used my sony vaio with built in bluetooth and paired it up, downloaded several obd2 software and some ecu tuning software as well. Also downloaded a software that lets you get android apps to work on your windows os. So now I also installed torque on my laptop and it works as well! Thanks again!
 

hammerg26

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Can one use this set up in lieu of JLT tuner (or other tuner)??? Would be nice to save $400 or so... :)
 
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docraymund

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update

Just an update, android apps downloaded on a windows pc cannot be used because they are specific only on android phones. Tuner software from the web is also not worth the effort to download since most are demo versions and some only recognize their connectors. But I found 3 that works 1. Easy obd2 software 2. Forscan or Fordscan 3.PCM scan. All 3 can be downloaded for free just search the web. They work on windows pc and an ELM 327 bluetooth device. Just pair the device with your bluetooth equipped laptop usual pairing # is 1234. Just make sure that you open all COM ports as incoming and one port as outgoing.
 

Captain Morgan

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Yup, just like that.

You might also have to set the port bit rate higher than the default 3600 baud.


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