Would like to get a decent OBD reader
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 210
Likes: 6
From: Manzanita, OR
Would like to get a decent OBD reader
I'd like to get a code reader that works on both the 1989 Ford F-350 (OBDI, I'm assuming, with special plug) and my fancy new 2004 Honda Element (OBDII). Anyone have a dual OBD reader they like?
The brand new (to me) Honda CEL'ed on my first big trip so I've got to code it out and find out what's up. The big Ford has CEL'ed on me once when simply dieing in the middle of the street. Would enjoy a dual purpose OBD reader that could work on both the old, and the new...
The brand new (to me) Honda CEL'ed on my first big trip so I've got to code it out and find out what's up. The big Ford has CEL'ed on me once when simply dieing in the middle of the street. Would enjoy a dual purpose OBD reader that could work on both the old, and the new...
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
The code reader usually recommened for these old trucks is the Equus 3145, it does nothing but read and clear the codes but that's pretty much all you can do anyway with these old EFI system and it's cheap($25 from Amazon.com) so this is probably the best option. There are some handheld code readers that can do both systems but you're gonna spend $300+ easily.
For the modern vehicle I'm gonna suggest a software code reader that you can run on a laptop. I bought an ELM327 USB interface off Ebay for $20 that will physically connect the computer to any vehicle, and it comes with some crude software but there are far more advanced packages available for download that will also give you access to the manufacturer specific codes, realtime sensor monitoring and other features for under $100 usually. There are also bluetooth interfaces that will allow you to use a smartphone to read/clear codes and possibly monitor the system realtime but I'm not up on exactly what's available for the phones yet. I have tried a bluetooth interface with my laptop but found it was buggy.. hard to maintain a connection with the interface while the USB version was far more stable.
For the modern vehicle I'm gonna suggest a software code reader that you can run on a laptop. I bought an ELM327 USB interface off Ebay for $20 that will physically connect the computer to any vehicle, and it comes with some crude software but there are far more advanced packages available for download that will also give you access to the manufacturer specific codes, realtime sensor monitoring and other features for under $100 usually. There are also bluetooth interfaces that will allow you to use a smartphone to read/clear codes and possibly monitor the system realtime but I'm not up on exactly what's available for the phones yet. I have tried a bluetooth interface with my laptop but found it was buggy.. hard to maintain a connection with the interface while the USB version was far more stable.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 32
From: Delhi, Iowa
how much are you looking to spend?? there are cheaper parts store models out there, but i personally went with the Blue Point micro scan. It comes with cables to do any OBD I and the OBD II cable, and it clears codes, gives descriptions (not just numbers) and does data streaming. It even works with my wifeys VW and it's crazy computer system. Its no frills, with a tiny screen and minamalistic controls, but it will do 90% of the stuff that the $8,000 snap on machine will do at work. Cost? $500.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,119
Likes: 1
From: Hartland, WI
I've got one of these, but I do this for a living:
Snap-on Diagnostics: SOLUS Ultra Full-function Scan Tool
This would be good for the DIYer:
Snap-on Diagnostics: MICROSCAN Scan Tool
Snap-on Diagnostics: SOLUS Ultra Full-function Scan Tool
This would be good for the DIYer:
Snap-on Diagnostics: MICROSCAN Scan Tool
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