OBD2/CAN Code scanner - live data - suggestions?

[Baby Grand]

Moderators - Not sure if this is the right forum for automotive repair/tool topics - Please move if not.

I know that besides turning wrenches on your tractors, a lot of you guys are into fixing cars & trucks.
I've been working on one of our cars and my el-cheapo code reader from HF has left me wanting more capability.
It's been reliable and more than paid for itself already, but I need a scanner that will report data from the sensors while the car's running.
The ScanTool 425801 looks interesting - any body using it or similar, or what would you recommend?
Thanks in advance,
Jim

 

[JJZ 109]

I've got an Actron CP 9580 that seems to be OK for what I've used it for. It's supposed to be updateable via USB, but you're screwed if you've have Macs like me. The software suite comes only in .exe files. But I did dig an old Compaq laptop out of the garage and the thing is updating now.
I just bought an ELM type wifi unit and purchased the DashCommand app for my iPad and iPhone. I haven't really had a chance to try it out yet so I can't give you a review on that.
Amazon.com : VIMVIP ELM327 WIFI Wireless OBD2 OBDII Car Auto Diagnostic Scanner Adapter Reader for iPhone4S/ 5 iPad 4 iPad Air iOS PC : Car Electronics
DashCommand - Palmer Performance Engineering, Inc.
I've got a brand new ScanGauge II. Bought it for my 2001 F450 and 2007 Crown Vic police interceptor. But to use the X Gauge functions it requires you to program in a string of numbers for each parameter you want to use. Too confusing for me. I bought an Aeroforce Interceptor for the truck. Just plug it into the OBD II port and you can view all kinds of information as well as view and clear codes. I mounted that to the A pillar.
ScanGauge II was $159.99 new from Auto Zone and I'd let it go cheap if anyone is interested.

 

[Trails End]

I've got an Actron CP9580a scanner that is capable of displaying live data for all the sensors.
I've just used it once so far, but I'm pleased with the unit so far. It's available from Advanced
Auto as well as other auto parts stores or Amazon. Cost around $200.00.

 

[drifter2518]

I use this with a old netbook I have.
OBDCOM Diagnostic Systems for ALL vehicles

 

[WilliamBos]

This is the scanner that I will soon buy.

OBD II SCANNER FIX ADVISOR MD70 | Matco Tools

 

[Baby Grand]

Thanks for the suggestions, JJZ109 & Trails End - I came very close to buying one of the Actrons while picking up parts at AutoZone, yesterday, but thought I'd chck in with the experts, first, since I'm somewhat out of touch on the latest car tech. That and the people working at the store had no idea what I was talking about, so their "help" was of no value to me.

I'm thinking of going with a laptop unit, similar to the one that drifter2518 suggested, just because it's cheap and I already have a Windoze Laptop.

Will, that's a nice looking unit - the ruggedized case is appealing for garage duty.

I'm considering getting a used, Windoze laptop on the cheap, just to spare this newish one from the abuse that it will no doubt see.

 

[Looking4new]

JJZ109. PM coming your way.

 

[aczlan]

I have a Bluetooth OBD-II ELM327 interface that will talk to my laptop, my phone or my tablet.
On the laptop, I use TouchScan (https://www.obdsoftware.net/software/touchscan $25 with free updates)
On the phone or the tablet (both Android), I use Torque Lite (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torquefree&hl=en Free, $5 for the Pro version) or the android version of TouchScan (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=OCTech.Mobile.Applications.TouchScan&hl=en $4).
All work for live data and pulling OBD-II trouble codes. They will not work for pulling body or transmission codes on most cars.

Aaron Z

 

[dieselcrawler]

I also use DashCommand on an unused andriod phone connected to an ELM327 OBDII adaptor via bluetooth. I have not used it to it's full potential but it does what I need on my ford diesels. I also have TorquePro, not so pleased with it, won't consistantly connect to the PCM, whereas DashCommand does every time.

 

[Baby Grand]

Thanks, Aaron. So now I'm really down to choosing between the Bluetooth or USB cable options.

 

[aczlan]

Thanks, Aaron. So now I'm really down to choosing between the Bluetooth or USB cable options.

Bluetooth hands down. Dad had a USB one and it was always a pain trying to route the cable and trying to not break the USB connector on the laptop.
Bluetooth will also work with a phone which USB will not (in most cases).

Aaron Z

 

[JJZ 109]

I also use DashCommand on an unused andriod phone connected to an ELM327 OBDII adaptor via bluetooth. I have not used it to it's full potential but it does what I need on my ford diesels. I also have TorquePro, not so pleased with it, won't consistantly connect to the PCM, whereas DashCommand does every time.

That's a good idea. I've got an iPhone 4S sitting unused in my desk. I've been using wifi instead of Bluetooth, but it can be set up to work for me.m

 

[bjr]

Moderators - Not sure if this is the right forum for automotive repair/tool topics - Please move if not.

I know that besides turning wrenches on your tractors, a lot of you guys are into fixing cars & trucks.
I've been working on one of our cars and my el-cheapo code reader from HF has left me wanting more capability.
It's been reliable and more than paid for itself already, but I need a scanner that will report data from the sensors while the car's running.
The ScanTool 425801 looks interesting - any body using it or similar, or what would you recommend?
Thanks in advance,
Jim

I'm not sure what most those low end scanners purpose are. If you go up to the Bi-directional diagnostic machines then you can actually test some of the functions rather than just blindly get obscure numbers. I'm sure the bidirectional tools are very spendy and your in a different world of trouble shooting then. bjr

 

[Baby Grand]

I'm not sure what most those low end scanners purpose are. If you go up to the Bi-directional diagnostic machines then you can actually test some of the functions rather than just blindly get obscure numbers. I'm sure the bidirectional tools are very spendy and your in a different world of trouble shooting then. bjr

In particular, I was trying to monitor the temperature that the thermostat started to open, as the car seemed to be running cold and not giving much heat/defrost. Not being able to read that data directly with the el-cheapo code reader from HF, I used my el-cheapo IR thermometer, also from HF, to watch the radiator hose temp. Not a very exact measurement, but close enough to give me a pretty good idea that the thermostat wasn't closing.

I hadn't even considered the bi-directional diagnostics option.
So I guess it's time to go weigh the options on those, eh?
In for a dime, in for a dollar, I suppose.
Thanks very much for that suggestion, bjr - it may spare me some buyer's remorse down the road!

-Jim

 

[aczlan]

I have looked at some of the bi-directional diagnostic tools and for what they want ($300-3000), I will just go to my local shop. They will read codes for free (for existing customers). Last night, they pulled the body codes on my wife's Yukon and tried to get the rear HVAC BCM to talk to the actuators (which choose heat vs cold and floor vs ceiling) and spent ~45 mins on that. I asked how much I owed them and they said "You bring all your cars in here, there is no charge"
Now, what I send to them is the stuff I don't want to handle (plugs that had been in the truck for 7+ years), don't have the tools to do (rusted on rear drums for a Caravan that needed a huge puller), etc. Small stuff (oil changes, disc brakes, etc) I handle myself and I have a code reader that will read generic ODB-II codes.

Aaron Z