Ive been looking around and cant find the answers in the forum.

Should I buy a scan tool for my Diesel or something dash mounted? Which one gives you more bang for your buck?

Im not looking for performance, only monitoring and maybe logging.. I want to be able to view whats going on with the truck and maybe run diagnostics??

 

That's a BIG question . Mostly depends on what you like. Many here have a Scangauge II. No tuning, just a engine monitor with some code reading abilities. Takes a little time to input the codes for the gauges, not very pretty, no data logging, inexpesive, reads pretty much every sensor. If you are addicted to a smart phone there are bluetooth adapters and software that work well. The DashBoss set up for apple products is also a monitor only (no tuning), it does involve getting out your phone and firing up an app and establishing a bluetooth connection when you get in your truck, it does logging in Excel compatable format and in-app graphs, reads all the engine and some transmission codes, and has a very useful 12 gauge disply screen and a couple of configureable virtual dashboard screens. I think the app for Android is similar but I don't have any experience with it. Next is dedicated OBDII monitors like DashDaq or Edge Insight and others. Generally they come in a nice looking mount pod and are designed to look integrated in the truck. there are quite a few options in this catagory including touch display screens, MP3 and video playback, and engine tuning on some of them. Some of these units can be VERY expensive but they are cool. Moving on to the computer based stuff. There are many inexpensive software/cable combo's that do a fair job of monitoring, graphing, and datalogging. If firing up the laptop and carrying it out to the truck doesn't bother you, and you dont want to monitor all the time this is a great option. If the budget allows a program called Auto Enginuity (AE) is kinda the gold standard for computer based diagnostics for most folks with a 6.0. It will do all the logging and graphing the inexpensive software does but with the Ford specific bundle you can command engine actuators (I think) and run diagnostic routines. Very powerful diagnostic tool. That leaves scanners. There are many many inexpensive ones. Given the other options available, I would skip the cheap ones. At a minimum, I would want the box to say "Live Data", Some of the more handy ones will scan the truck, record the data and download it to your computer. Many pull data from the trans, ABS, and other systems. They can also connect to online databases and provide diagnosing and repair tips and data as some of the computer based progams do, along with printing detailed reports of vehicle data and optional software to print billing invoices for "your customer".
Sorry so long winded, I'm sure I still missed something. Hope that helps some and good luck in yur shopping.

 

Good info above. Just depends on what you truly want. Monitor the engine all the time, some of the time or just every once in a while.

I truly think DashBoss for Apple and Torque for Android is the way to go. Better refresh, easier set-up and you'll likely always have your phone/ tablet with you anyways.

SG2 is certainly a nice option, but it has a couple drawbacks. Bad refresh, only shows 4 PID's at a time and looks like a cheap pocket calculator.

AE for Laptop is the gold standard, but not likely to drive around with the laptop all the time.

No opinion on the Edge or DashDaq other than high priced for what it is.

Josh

 

I like the DashBoss a lot, and I'm glad I have it. 12 PID's on one screen and being able to graph sensors on a check ride is awesome. Just playing around with it I did a data capture, sent it to my computer, opened it in Excel and graphed the table there leaving only EGR and RPM. Wow! I had no idea what a work-out that thing gets. I have to say though, I just ain't going to crank up my phone every time I crank up my truck. I've seen me not do it. The ugly ScanGauge is barely hanging by some Velcro above the center a/c outlet but it stays there and turns on when I crank the truck and answers any four questions I ask it. If I had to choose, I'd keep the SG.

 

I was looking at the Insight CS or CTS. I didnt even know they made something for the android phones like the apple.

Too many variables as to what you want I guess.