Looking for an inexpensive ,but good quality, code reader
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
Looking for an inexpensive ,but good quality, code reader
I would like to purchase a code reader for my 03 FX4 with the build date of 01-02-03. Do I need a CANbus or OBD II type reader?
Any leads on a good quaility and affordable reader for my PSD would be appreciated.
Any leads on a good quaility and affordable reader for my PSD would be appreciated.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 6
From: Fountain Valley
I don't know whether you are intested in one, but a Bully Dog Moniter and maybe others will give you the codes with ease. As soon as the check engine light comes on you can read the codes, even while driving, and reset them. I keep a list in the glove box and look as soon as I am able. All my check engine lights were erronious and after reseting none came back I actually found the plug in on the Moniter causing the light to come on. Once adjusted and held properly no codes have come.
The nice thing about these moitors is the ability to check many internal temps, 2 EGT's, voltage, and boost all the time..............Good Luck
The nice thing about these moitors is the ability to check many internal temps, 2 EGT's, voltage, and boost all the time..............Good Luck
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
After reading the ISO CAN specification I went ahead and made my own cable assembly using a CAT5 patch cord with a male DB9-pin DTE connector on one end: pin 2 Rx, pin 3 Tx and pin 5 GND, that I use connect to my serial COM port on my laptop, and the other end to the OBD connector using pin 2 CAN_L, pin 7 CAN_H and pin 3 GND
I then configured Hyperterminal for 115.200 bps, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit and no flow control.
The ASCII command set for CAN communication via RS232 are too many to list on this message, but I have found several shareware programs that I'm testing http://www.easysync-ltd.com/index.ht...arget=d20.html that look promissing but I've yet to try them.
One important note: only use the laptop from battery power, otherwise you may ground the PCM via the AC ground, which will destroy your PCM and everything else comnnected that's connected to it.
My Vaio battery voltage is 12VDC, but if your Laptop battery voltage is greater than 12VDC I would use caution.
I then configured Hyperterminal for 115.200 bps, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit and no flow control.
The ASCII command set for CAN communication via RS232 are too many to list on this message, but I have found several shareware programs that I'm testing http://www.easysync-ltd.com/index.ht...arget=d20.html that look promissing but I've yet to try them.
One important note: only use the laptop from battery power, otherwise you may ground the PCM via the AC ground, which will destroy your PCM and everything else comnnected that's connected to it.
My Vaio battery voltage is 12VDC, but if your Laptop battery voltage is greater than 12VDC I would use caution.
