Best scan reader

[notlimah]

So this morning was a bit chilly for us around these parts (weather read 27* fells like 19*) so I go out to get the truck started and let the 3cyl do its job for a bit. I turn the high idle switch to off since I hadn't left it plugged in, WTS goes out and I give it a crank. She starts a bit rough, but only stumbles for a second maybe and fires up. Thinking nothing more, I turn the switch to 3cyl and head back inside. I come back out and notice a CEL on. Truck still is driving fine, although it seems like the truck might have a little less power, but not sure if it was just a combo of the CEL light being on and it being a little icy or what but just a feeling.

Anyways, this is the first CEL I've had since owning this truck so and I figured it'd be a good time to get something to scan the truck myself so I can handle problems and not throw money away at the dealership.

Any inputs on code readers or what may have caused my CEL would be greatly appreciated! Hope everyone's enjoying their thanksgiving weekend!

[CSM]

Mike has started using a wireless or bluetooth OBDII scan tool that looks neat.  I can't find the exact model on amazon right now...  I really like the looks of what Mike has though. 

I have a smarty, so I use that. 

[Mopar1973Man]

Take your pick...

http://www.obdlink.com/

What I've got is The OBDLink LX. I've considered getting the USB version for some in depth CANBus hacking. Then for the shop I thought of upgrading to the OBDLink MX so I can cover the newer Ford and Chevy protocols that the LX can't do. I never know what rolls into the shop these days.

Still to this day the ScanGauge II is the best trip computer over all other products.

Edited November 29, 2015 by Mopar1973Man

[IBMobile]

If you just want to read codes you can buy a cheap code reader for about $50 and up. Their are so many out there with some giving just codes, while others give codes and live data, and others will graph the data. I have two code readers a Launch 129 and a Matco Tool MD1032.  I use the Matco reader more even though it is less capable. It gives me the info I need.

You should buy what you really need. If you just what to read codes get an inexpensive one but if you want live data and other options then the sky's the limit. Don't forget to read the product reviews and watch out for Chines junk knock offs.     

[notlimah]

So I'm thinking one of two ways to go about this.

Get a scan tool I can use on both trucks (Dodge and GMC) OR get something that does scan reading and a better trip counter and MPGs (which seems to be the scangauge)

On the OBDlink I'd be limited to the wi-fi version since the only windows based computer I have is my desktop. Everything else I have is iOS (insert apple fanboy jokes here) so I think that the wi-fi version is my only option, please correct me if I'm wrong.

[Mopar1973Man]

Your correct.

22 minutes ago, notlimah said:

I have is iOS (insert apple fanboy jokes here)

Don't feel back insert the Android "Droid" jokes and Linux jokes for me.

[notlimah]

So Mike are you using the Bluetooth version of the OBDlink? If so, do you know what the range is? I was thinking if the range is long enough I might be able to pick it up from the desktop. If not, what I'm thinking is getting the USB version and just getting a 50ft or so cable extension and just run it in the house to the computer.

[Mopar1973Man]

Bluetooth range is extremely limited like 6-7 feet tops from the dongle.

WiFi Range will be greater how much I'm not sure.

USB cable length... High speed is limited to 5 meters or 16 feet 5 inches. Low Speed is limited 3 meters or  9 feet 10 inches. So I doubt your going to make it into the house and keep signal running good.

You could buy a cheap Droid Tablet like I did. ($40 bucks for a Azpen A729) Then you got a device for your dongle.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=9684027&CatId=11943

[notlimah]

Hmmm that might be worth a shot, especially with cyber monday around the corner. Might try and pick up a decent one for the wife to use, otherwise get one on the cheap! The ODBlink MX should be compatible with both the Dodge and my 2014 GMC right?

[Mopar1973Man]

Here is the forum that supports the OBDLink products.

https://www.scantool.net/forum/

[notlimah]

So the ODB is sort of the middle man, ie; it's gathering and sending info from your vehicle to whatever device, then you download an app or some program for your specific vehicle or needs and go from there.

That sound right?

[Mopar1973Man]

In a nutshell that's about it. Now if you want to go farther there is people now hacking the CANBus signal and learning how to control things in the vehicle like stereo, headlight and other things with a simple cellphone or tablet. There is several other videos other like this where people create all kinds of features with a simple OBDII dongle.

 

Edited November 30, 2015 by Mopar1973Man

[notlimah]

Ah ok! Got it!

Well this looks like a win win for me. I've been wanting to get the wife some sort of tablet/laptop type device so she doesn't have to always use her phone for everything so I think I'll get her a little higher end tablet so she can use it for her stuff and then when I need it to read the ODBII I can use it as well!

[lrhull]

I have scan gauge II. Which I'm glad. 25 to 50 percent of the time when I run high idle I get a cel and need to clear it. It's the 0500 speed sensor. Right side of the computer doesn't tell the left side "hey I'm going to do a high idle so don't  worry that we are not moving" 

[notlimah]

That's good to hear! Hoping that's all this is. I just ordered the OBDlink MX and an Android tablet for the wife, but for me to commandeer during times like these! I'll update once I get everything hooked up.

Also, for anyone interested the OBDlink MX is 50% off on Amazon right now link HERE

[notlimah]

Alright guys so I got the OBDLINK up and running. It's a really cool tool and really eye opening to how much you and monitor and track. 

Anyways, I'm throwing a 1291 code, and from the quick lookup I did, it seems like it's related to the high idle kit. I'm not 100% sure but it'd be nice if I could just clear it and be done. 

[Mopar1973Man]

Try leaving the switch off for the first 15 seconds then set your mode.

[Me78569]

read the realtime values for the IAT with the switch in off position.  

[AH64ID]

The VP trucks may be difference but the ScanGauge cannot clear codes on my 05 or dad's 06. The SG guys said the Dodge code is different and doesn't clear like most vehicles. The SG works fine clearing the VW and Toyota codes thou. 

[notlimah]

Mike/Nick

I'll give those a shot when I actually drive the truck again. Is there a way to capture data or record to be able to play back so I don't have to sit there and stare at a screen while driving? This is with the OBDlink MX.