Code reader

[Blackknight11]

Hi, I have been looking at the OBD2, code reader on Ebay, which one would you recommend, under $100.

[Citroënbender]

It’s a big ask now that Diagnostic Dice are NLA. The most versatile approach is an older laptop or notebook with ability to run Windows-based software. This will put you 200% over budget, most likely. The Bluetooth based mobile app powered gear is rapidly improving but generally still lacks comparative scope/depth.

[mad2]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

It’s a big ask now that Diagnostic Dice are NLA. The most versatile approach is an older laptop or notebook with ability to run Windows-based software. This will put you 200% over budget, most likely. The Bluetooth based mobile app powered gear is rapidly improving but generally still lacks comparative scope/depth.

i'm using a windows 10 laptop [basic version as i only want it for Forscan] with Forscan, how ever i believe you can still use on the older versions of windows [?] as at one stage i had it on xp [a few years ago now tho].


chinese made is a bit hit & miss on ebay as i've had some adapters work/some not work.

[Blackknight11]

Actually I was having a really good read throw some old threads and came across a a good thread on territory sz page 8 Neville and Trish. Scan tool, now this what am going to investigate, and think is what you have suggested. Cheers

[oldel]

Originally Posted by mad2

i'm using a windows 10 laptop [basic version as i only want it for Forscan] with Forscan, how ever i believe you can still use on the older versions of windows [?] as at one stage i had it on xp [a few years ago now tho].

Works fine on windows XP. I used to borrow a laptop but I revived my old 2007 dell. It come out with vista back in the day but was too slow for it so it's been on linux for the past decade before it got shelved. Anyway forscan works fine even running on a virtualbox VM install of windows XP running inside of a linux laptop.
Guess what I'm saying is many old laptops can be made good enough to run forscan as long as they can run winxp in some sort of capacity and there's probably a lot of $100 or less ones out there that can do that.

Using OBDlink SX USB cable adapter. If anyone plans to find an ODB2 reader it's best to defer to what forscan developers and forum members favour though. The OBDlink brand seems to be always a safe bet imo. But check their guides and recommendations. https://forscan.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6142

[mad2]

Originally Posted by oldel

Using OBDlink SX USB cable adapter. If anyone plans to find an ODB2 reader it's best to defer to what forscan developers and forum members favour though. The OBDlink brand seems to be always a safe bet imo. But check their guides and recommendations. https://forscan.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6142

just be careful with what one tho as there are now 'chinese copies'.

only reason using Windows10 is the laptop running XP died.

[T3rminator]

Read this before you hit the buy button on ebay options.

https://www.carscanner.info/choosing-obdii-adapter/

In short, stay clear of cheap version 2.1 ELM 327 devices. I have a sub $20 ELM 327 v1.5 and it has served me well for many years. Vgate iCar seems to get pretty good reviews for later versions (2.2?), and I'm thinking about getting one.

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11489418

[Blackknight11]

Am buying a vgate, done my research
Which app should I down load, buy it, or free app ??
'FORScan' which one.

[T3rminator]

Torque pro, dash command, forscan all good.

You are talking a few bucks for each app.

Personally I like torque pro for interface, but forscan for functionality. Forscan can run tests and reset modules like pcm, bem etc

[Blackknight11]

Thanks for that information, Ill keep you posted.

[mad2]

Originally Posted by T3rminator

Torque pro, dash command, forscan all good.

You are talking a few bucks for each app.

Personally I like torque pro for interface, but forscan for functionality. Forscan can run tests and reset modules like pcm, bem etc

yeah i'm sold on using forscan

[Blackknight11]

Well I got VGATE adapter and downloaded the FORSCAN app cost about $9.50.
All seems to be working well, early days.
Still trying to work it out. So with say that is there a procedure to start with.
I tried Torque but cause I only had the free app things are limited, seemed ok I see what you mean about interface.
On this forum is there codes that can be explained.

[T3rminator]

Originally Posted by Blackknight11

On this forum is there codes that can be explained.

If not on this forum, google is your friend. Punch in the code and you will get lots of info.

Here is one database :
https://www.troublecodes.net/fordcodes/