OBD Scanner
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 444
Likes: 2
From: Franktown, CO
OBD Scanner
I'm going to purchase a scanner and would like reccomendations. The vehicles I need to cover presently are:
2003 Excursion 7.3L
priorty # 1
2000 Jeep Wrangler 4.0L
Priorty #2
2008 BMW 535xi
just for fun
Thanks in advance.
2003 Excursion 7.3L
priorty # 1
2000 Jeep Wrangler 4.0L
Priorty #2
2008 BMW 535xi
just for fun
Thanks in advance.
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
If you only need something to show and clear codes then I would highly recommend a Scan Guage II. It does that and more.
ScanGaugeII - Trip Computers + Digital Gauges + Scan Tool
ScanGaugeII - Trip Computers + Digital Gauges + Scan Tool
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 444
Likes: 2
From: Franktown, CO
Ok Ken, I did, but I didn't drill down in the website. I was on the fence of using a portable vs installed in a gauge pod. I'm back to portable (to deal with other vehcles). Where did you mount yours? I'm thinking velcro right on the dash in front of me. I appreciate the lead on this as it's cheaper than some others I've been looking at. After looking over the compatibilty list, this will work with my 7.3L PSD, right?
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 444
Likes: 2
From: Franktown, CO
Ken,
Alright, now I have a question. Maybe OBDII for dummies. I could probably search for this but maybe you already know.
Is the OBDII conector going to output the same calculations for fuel such as MPG and miles to empty as the overhead displays? That thing is 4 MPG off. It's not a big deal. I can still do the math myself.
It will be a great help having a voltage meter.
Alright, now I have a question. Maybe OBDII for dummies. I could probably search for this but maybe you already know.
Is the OBDII conector going to output the same calculations for fuel such as MPG and miles to empty as the overhead displays? That thing is 4 MPG off. It's not a big deal. I can still do the math myself.
It will be a great help having a voltage meter.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,632
Likes: 4
I just bought this one.... very pleased with it.
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/P...hGroup?Ntt=obd
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/P...hGroup?Ntt=obd
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Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
Ken,
Alright, now I have a question. Maybe OBDII for dummies. I could probably search for this but maybe you already know.
Is the OBDII conector going to output the same calculations for fuel such as MPG and miles to empty as the overhead displays? That thing is 4 MPG off. It's not a big deal. I can still do the math myself.
It will be a great help having a voltage meter.
Alright, now I have a question. Maybe OBDII for dummies. I could probably search for this but maybe you already know.
Is the OBDII conector going to output the same calculations for fuel such as MPG and miles to empty as the overhead displays? That thing is 4 MPG off. It's not a big deal. I can still do the math myself.
It will be a great help having a voltage meter.
Do you currently run a chip or tuner?
It gets its calculations via the PCM just as the overhead does. However, you can "tailor" it by inputting amount of gallons used at fillup. After a few tanks its gets the correct average. useful for larger tires and such.
I use a small piece of Velco and mount it just to my left on top of the dash. It will work on any OBDII equipped vehicle gas or diesel. I use it in my Avalanche, Excursion and Mazda5.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,139
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If you only need something to show and clear codes then I would highly recommend a Scan Guage II. It does that and more.
ScanGaugeII - Trip Computers + Digital Gauges + Scan Tool
ScanGaugeII - Trip Computers + Digital Gauges + Scan Tool
I've had one of these for years now...They're great little tools..I'll display water, voltage, RPM, and IAT while on the road..
I put mine in the cubby next to the dash cup holders..
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
The 7.3L Excursion is NOT OBDII compatible!!! This means that a standard OBDII scan tool will not work on the Ex... or any Ford Diesel!!! You need OBDII Enhanced software for that... Check out Auto Enginuity then you can click on the various brands on the bottom to see what the enhanced version will cover for each brand....
your other cars will give basic OBDII data but to get all the enhanced systems (anything not directly related to Emissions) you will need the enhanced version for that vehicle... There is really no cheap way to get an enhanced version scan tool... I also Have an OTC Genisys.
Keep in mind you will need to get the software upgrades to cover the year of your vehicles... German cars are also picky. Not sure off the top of my head but the BMW may be a CAN interface too... it depends how much stuff you want to do with the scan tool
The scan gauge II however is set up to read the PCM data even though its not OBDII compliant...
your other cars will give basic OBDII data but to get all the enhanced systems (anything not directly related to Emissions) you will need the enhanced version for that vehicle... There is really no cheap way to get an enhanced version scan tool... I also Have an OTC Genisys.
Keep in mind you will need to get the software upgrades to cover the year of your vehicles... German cars are also picky. Not sure off the top of my head but the BMW may be a CAN interface too... it depends how much stuff you want to do with the scan tool
The scan gauge II however is set up to read the PCM data even though its not OBDII compliant...
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
The 7.3L Excursion is NOT OBDII compatible!!! This means that a standard OBDII scan tool will not work on the Ex... or any Ford Diesel!!! You need OBDII Enhanced software for that... Check out Auto Enginuity then you can click on the various brands on the bottom to see what the enhanced version will cover for each brand....
your other cars will give basic OBDII data but to get all the enhanced systems (anything not directly related to Emissions) you will need the enhanced version for that vehicle... There is really no cheap way to get an enhanced version scan tool... I also Have an OTC Genisys.
Keep in mind you will need to get the software upgrades to cover the year of your vehicles... German cars are also picky. Not sure off the top of my head but the BMW may be a CAN interface too... it depends how much stuff you want to do with the scan tool
The scan gauge II however is set up to read the PCM data even though its not OBDII compliant...
your other cars will give basic OBDII data but to get all the enhanced systems (anything not directly related to Emissions) you will need the enhanced version for that vehicle... There is really no cheap way to get an enhanced version scan tool... I also Have an OTC Genisys.
Keep in mind you will need to get the software upgrades to cover the year of your vehicles... German cars are also picky. Not sure off the top of my head but the BMW may be a CAN interface too... it depends how much stuff you want to do with the scan tool
The scan gauge II however is set up to read the PCM data even though its not OBDII compliant...
Auto Enginuity's Scan Tool does seem really nice. I have both the Snap On Modis and OTC Genisys tools and they too are great, but cost lots of $$$ (especially the Snap-On).
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
The 7.3L Excursion is NOT OBDII compatible!!! [SIZE=3]This means that a standard OBDII scan tool will not work on the Ex... or any Ford Diesel!!!
your other cars will give basic OBDII data but to get all the enhanced systems (anything not directly related to Emissions) you will need the enhanced version for that vehicle...
your other cars will give basic OBDII data but to get all the enhanced systems (anything not directly related to Emissions) you will need the enhanced version for that vehicle...
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
The OBDII standard is regulated by Gross vehicle weight thats why many 3/4 and 1 ton vehicles don't need to be OBDII standard. I just got the Ford AE package but have not had time to play with it yet to really comment on it... though the AE package with the Ford, BMW and Chrysler enhancements may be your best bet... Call Clay at RIffRaff Diesel he is an AE dealer and I bet he can get you the best price around for what you are looking for.. he did for me...