Diagnstic tools???
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 694
Likes: 8
From: Vashon, WA
Diagnstic tools???
I've seen several diagnostics tool from ones that just spit out codes to ones where you can reset stuff and adjust things. They all seem really expensive.
Just wondering is it possible to just download a diagnostic program and then get a cable that has the car's plug on one end and a USB plug on the other??
This way you could just use a laptop as a diagnostic programmer/reader.
Does this exist? Seems like a laptop could do anything those little $1,000 boxes can.
Just wondering is it possible to just download a diagnostic program and then get a cable that has the car's plug on one end and a USB plug on the other??
This way you could just use a laptop as a diagnostic programmer/reader.
Does this exist? Seems like a laptop could do anything those little $1,000 boxes can.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 0
From: Saratoga, NY
here is something that you use a laptop with. I'm interested in this myself. looks like $250 will get you started with generic OBD2.
AutoEnginuity® - OBD2 Scan Tool - Professional PC and PDA Diagnostics
AutoEnginuity® - OBD2 Scan Tool - Professional PC and PDA Diagnostics
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,476
Likes: 224
From: Frequently frozen MN
The stuff coming out of the OBDii connector is not anything that your laptop will recognize. That's why it takes more than a cable. (There are actually at least four different standards being used)
The autoenginuity scanner referred to combines hardware with a pc program to show information on your laptop. There's a recent thread in the Garage/Workshop section and it is referenced several times. Seems to be highly rated.
It seems to come in several versions. For more $$ you get more capability.
The autoenginuity scanner referred to combines hardware with a pc program to show information on your laptop. There's a recent thread in the Garage/Workshop section and it is referenced several times. Seems to be highly rated.
It seems to come in several versions. For more $$ you get more capability.
