OBDII USB scan tool - do you own one?

[Captain Morgan]

I'm debating whether to buy a programmer and\or a USB OBDII Scan tool.

I would like to know if any cylinders miss and the mpg etc, maybe reprogram my speedometer.

There are a couple of major brands and each has varying options and $.

Any recommendations?

I could get one that's bluetooth and view the data on my Droid, but that's a tiny screen and cumbersome. Since I have a quad core laptop with 8g ram and USB3, I would prefer to just view the data with that and could do so in the cab of the X.

Software shouldn't be a problem, but if you have used one on particular and can recommend thanks in advance!

 

[Thermo]

captain, I have your cheapo handheld Actron 9145. It does what I need it to do. I bought one of the USB models about 10 years ago and I never could keep it running right. I am sure that the more modern day ones are better, but I can not tell you which ones are good and which ones are not. I liked the one that I had when it worked because of all the information that it let you look at. But, at the same time, because there was so much information, you can go into information overload. Also, if you do not know what is normal, then what does the data truely mean? Just something to think about. If you are a motor head, then it can be very useful. But, if you know just enough to be dangerous, it can lead to lots more work.

When it comes to reprogramming the speedo and whatnot, most of what you will find will not do that unless you get the top of the line units. Then you are spending big bucks.

 

[Captain Morgan]

Oh yeah, saw the big bucks ones! I'm sure they are that much better than the $20 ebay ones too.

I have a handheld that will pull codes and clear them, but doesn't give me any indication about fuel mixture, misfires etc.

I'm wondering if some of the programmers wouldn't just give me that info anyway and also let me change settings instead of buying 2 similar products?

I've looked at a couple of models like EDGE etc but need to do more research before I take the $500 plunge.

.

 

[JUST4FUN]

1 up on the Actron 9145

 

[Captain Morgan]

I have this INNOVA 3030 Diagnostic Code Reader for OBDII Vehicles

It works just fine, but again it's just a very basic code reader.


.

 

[Thermo]

Captain, in your case, I would say to stick with the code reader that you use your laptop with. That will give you your large screen and indications that you are after. Taking the next step can lead to a very slippery slope. You sound like me and want to look at everything and try to tweak it to get some more out of it. The problem with the ECU programming is that if you set things incorrectly, you can damage the engine. Will you be able to recognize that? Really, the only way that you would know is by watching the laptop. Oh wait, if you are driving, you can only watch the road or the laptop. Not both. This is part of the reason why the professionals do the tuning on a dyno. It is really easy to make adjustments that are great for one set of conditions, but when you shift away from them (face it, the motor doesn't remain at one RPM all the time), you can get into some pretty ugly situations.

In short, there are guys that have tons of experience programming the ECU's. Save the money you would spend on the new ECU/equipment necessary to program it, and save it for when you can let a professional do it. you will get more out of the engine and if anything goes south, you have someone that will pay for that new engine.

 

[Captain Morgan]

Thx Thermo! We're on the same page here. From the tuners I've seen and from the conversations you've all had I get the impression that the mfr has some templates that you can use for Econ, or Performance, HP etc and I wouldn't venture beyond that. I don't pull a trailer and not interested in more torque, but the ability to correct the MPH and know more about the fuel economy and anything unnoticed under the hood is compelling.


.

 

[GAINMOB]

i dont own one