planeguy67

Hey All,

Been lurking for a few weeks, but finally registered and this is my first post.

I am interested in getting an OBD II reader for my '96 C2 and '98 Ford POS Ranger.

What should I look for in a reader? Are they all basically the same or are some worth paying more for?

Thanks a lot.

Don Plumley

Hi. There are three things basic readers can do: 1) Read DTC/Codes; 2) Reset MIL/CEL; 3) Determine if Engine Readiness codes are set. At minimum, you need all three. I've seen some inexpensive readers that don't do all. The factory Bosch reader will do some amazing things (shut down individual cylinders) at an amazing price.

I have a computer-based reader from Autoenginuity and am very happy with it. I particularly like the way I can watch real-time engine data and save the data stream. Not sure why, but I like being able to do it. It's also from a real business, not someone's part-time adventure.

You should know that AutoZone stores will loan an OBDII reader in the parking lot for free. So unless you have having lots of trouble codes, or like the data logging capability, you may not need to own one.

Good Luck!

Don

Robin 993DX

I was doing some research on this subject recently and concluded that this is one of the best price/bang product avaliable. You can even use it on your PDA or Palm device, do not get the bluetooth version as the reaction time is too slow.

http://www.autoenginuity.com/

kkim

I have an Equus 3100 which reads, resets and monitors the readiness codes all for less than $100 at you nearest auto parts store.

993inNC

Thats what I have. It also comes with a computer dyno program that uses all of your real world values. Unfortunately, Porsche was cheap in their execution of OBDII, so you have to use the generic versions of both products. The dyno has variables that can be changed, but I have yet to work all of them out....(gear ratios, tire dia's, relative humidity.........) Turns off that damn CEL though

InTheAir

Robin/Chris--

That's cool.

I couldn't quickly find the price--any help?

993inNC

I want to say it was 200.....maybe 299.....? More than an Autozone reader, but worth it I think. Robin????

Joe S.

Found these here: http://www.bimmerzone.com/OBD2_Scan_...tid=bimmerzone

PC-based OBD-II ScanTool w/ CAN Support
(Serial Port Version)
#ST01
$224.95

PC-based OBD-II ScanTool w/ CAN Support
( USB Version)
#ST05
$224.95

Pocket PC-based OBD-II ScanTool w/ CAN Support
#ST02
$224.95

Palm-based OBD-II ScanTool w/ CAN Support
#ST03
$224.95

Ultimate OBD-II ScanTool Bundle PC Based
#SP02 - Includes CAN, enhanced Ford, GM, and Toyota. $458.95

Total Ford ScanTool Bundle
#SP03 - Includes CAN and enhanced Ford. $341.95

Robin 993DX

I think they sell for $249, which requires a serial port connection either on your laptop or PC. Can't imagine anyone would log around with a desktop PCs in their car... So make sure your laptop have atleast one serial port that can be used. The Pocket PC option requires you to buy a docking cable for the PPC that can convert to a serial port, and you will need to purchase the NULL adapter ($5) from them to make it work.

Don Plumley

I have the USB Version for my laptop - works great.

dcchen

I have the Equus Innova 3100. it works well...worked on my 96 C2 and my co-workers mustang..

raycm

I have a 1995 with OBD-I It has the same connector as the later models. Can I use the reader?


Ray

g_murray

Hi,
Good thinking Robin! "Having your own" saves u the hassle of being on a first-name basis with the dudes at your local AutoZone OR (Heaven Forbid!) asking the local $tealership to 'schedule' you in for a can of their maintenance-whoop-a$$.
I've been personally using a Matco 9620A code scanner for the last 2+ years -- both on the wife's Fraud Contour SE -- and my '96 993.
This code scanner can 'interface' with a boatload of 'protocols" including the J1850 (Ford etc.) and 'European' ISO9141 (Code 2000). It's VERY good!
Here's the exact same one one -- on the net (different brand, tho').

http://207.97.196.162/index.asp?Page...OD&ProdID=5071

Gerry

Rick Lee

Time to revive this thread. I just got a BMW 330i the other night and now that I have two OBDII cars, I think I need one of these tools. My grandmother gave me a Harbor Freight goft card for my b-day for $100. Does anyone know if any of the HF readers are any good?

ecobb993

I've been using this laptop software from Alex Pepper for the last few years on all my cars. It does more than I need, but very complete (don't have the Porsche specific codes, though, but few exept the most expensive do). Provides all three functions Plumley suggests are important. And it's only $122 with the interface. Alex is very responsive to providing help on its use.

I also carry a Pocket Reader from Pep Boys for about $70 and carry it in the door compartment to check CEs that occur on the road.

Because I've been dealing with the SAI issue, I get that code all too frequently. But when I do, it's simple to pull over, plug in the reader, check to confirm it's the SAI error and erase it. The silly CE goes out and I'm good to go (without having to stare at the light) for another few months. Takes more time to pull over than do the scan/erase.

Rick, I tried the cheap one from HF and it didn't work. Sent it back. The PB unit works flawlessly on the 993 and I used it a couple times on the 318ti also.