Purchasing obd 2 scanner? Accurate or not?

[bmwpower007]

Hey guys,

I was thinking of getting a obd 2 scanner from canadian tire. Was wondering if I manage to run a obd 2 test on my car will I find out whats causing my car to accelerate crappy.

Last time they checked at a mechanic garage, they said it has like 20 problems. Would I need to reset the computer and do the test again?

Basically what im saying is, if I reset the computer and let it run and pull out the codes again would it tell me my problem on the car..

Example : oxygen sensor, intake, etc.....

So I know which part to replace to regain my cars power back... Its running like crap. And im tired of mechanics not knowing what my problem is.. To them its like change this, change that , could be from this and that. I want to get down to the part exactly in what to change and fix it and get it over with.

[328 Power 04]

Yes, you should reset it and check the codes that come back immediately as those will be the ones to focus on. Codes like to bring friends along.

I bought a USB reader and hooked it up to my laptop with free software for real cheap. I don't know how much it would save you that way.

[scottyfkachris]

What software did you use? I did a little bit of research looking for one and all the ones I came across were about the same used a lil hardware and your laptop. Is the one you got just straight obd2 plug to usb plug and only use some computer software?

[328 Power 04]

I use a program called "Scantool.net for windows" its fairly basic but does it's job very well. Its totally free. There are other software that promise more, but I couldn't get the scanner to connect. There were one or two that connected through my scanner, but they don't do much more than scantool.net. The reader is an ELM scanner that I got off ebay for like $60. It plugs directly to USB and you have to use some old virtual serial port drivers to have it work. I installed it once and I have used it VERY often on my car, friends' cars, mom's car, brother's car etc...

[Mad Cow]

I also have a USB adaptor, ELM323. I got it for $35 from a seller local to the GTA, I could refer you to the website if you live in the area. It was a pain finding and installing the drivers for my copy of windows 7 64bit, but after I got it all installed I've had no issues. At first I used scantool.net but I found a torrent for a copy of Digimoto which works just as well but has many more features. I've used it on my car, my friend's E39 and my cousin's neon with no issues.

[war085]

I use a program called "Scantool.net for windows" its fairly basic but does it's job very well. Its totally free. There are other software that promise more, but I couldn't get the scanner to connect. There were one or two that connected through my scanner, but they don't do much more than scantool.net. The reader is an ELM scanner that I got off ebay for like $60. It plugs directly to USB and you have to use some old virtual serial port drivers to have it work. I installed it once and I have used it VERY often on my car, friends' cars, mom's car, brother's car etc...

Very interesting, does it come with our round 20 pin diagnostic cable ?
Is this the one you have ?
http://www.scantool.net/scan-tools/e...5-compact.html

[jrushman]

i purchased a mac tools OBDII scan tool for $60. does all codes for every make/model. i would look into the USB adapters though. i know i am going to.

[328 Power 04]

Very interesting, does it come with our round 20 pin diagnostic cable ?
Is this the one you have ?
http://www.scantool.net/scan-tools/e...5-compact.html

They make an adapter, I have that one too, but I wish I could connect my ELM to Autoenginuity ... it just won't do it though.

[war085]

hmmmm .. I'm kind of confused now .. I'm very interested to get one of those scanners too .. from what I understand I need two things : 1. Software 2. OBD connector.

Obviously not all SW compatible with all connectors. So far I have 2 candidates:
1- Scantools software with ELM hardware.
2- Autoenginuity with its owd Autoenginuity hardware.

I use windows and not interested in mactools.

Which one is more powerful ? any other recommendations ?

Cheers

[328 Power 04]

there's also the Carsoft interface, and i believe there are some people that have made replica connectors for cheap.

[bmwpower007]

Yes, you should reset it and check the codes that come back immediately as those will be the ones to focus on. Codes like to bring friends along.

I bought a USB reader and hooked it up to my laptop with free software for real cheap. I don't know how much it would save you that way.

Ok guys,

Here are the guys that the machine gave me:

P0306 - Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected

Stored Codes:

P1250 - Fuel Level Too Low
P0140 - 02 Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 1, Sensor 2)
P0153 - 02 Circuit Slow Response (Bank 2, Sensor 1)
P0121 - Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor Signal Range/Performance
P1423 - Secondary Air Pump Valve Plausibility Bank 1
P1421 - Secondary Air Injector Valve Circuit Short To Ground Bank 2


What do all these mean? What needs to be fixed? and where are they located these bank 1, and bank 2 sensors?

Anyone ? I didnt reset the system yet. Ill do it soon! And re do the codes!

After this test, I re-did the test again but this time I cleared all the codes and check engine light, and give me the:

P0306 - Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected only!