Best obd scan tool

peewee

peewee

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 28, 2008
Location
Stokesdale
I've been looking at getting a "real" scan tool. I've been using a elm327 and the torque app for my phone and for some stuff that works but I'm wanting something better. I don't mind spending money for good tools but I don't need a $1000 scan tool. I've kinda been looking at the bosch 1350. What are yaw using? Anyone have a favorite?
 
Are you regularly working on a large variety of vehicles or jus a couple brands? Most of the manufacturers have really good aftermarket software such as Forscan for Ford, VAG-COM for VW/Audi, etc. And they can be had for really cheap, sometimes just the cost of a $15 cable. If you're working on vehicles professionally this is not a good option, but for casual fiddling and problem solving, it's fantastic.
 
I've got a Autel MD808 Pro, it works quite well and can read codes, etc., for most networked vehicle modules. Also does some live data stuff and logging, which is primarily why I chose it. I've been using it a bit on some friends cars, and used it to do a Ford battery management system reset last week.

If youre looking at Bosch stuff, look at Actron as well. Some of the Actron stuff is exactly the same unit and cheaper than the Bosch (Bosch owns Actron).

Also look at Launch. When I talked to some people and did a lot of research, it seemed that the Bosch stuff was overpriced for the feature set.
 
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jeepinmatt said:
Are you regularly working on a large variety of vehicles or jus a couple brands? Most of the manufacturers have really good aftermarket software such as Forscan for Ford, VAG-COM for VW/Audi, etc. And they can be had for really cheap, sometimes just the cost of a $15 cable. If you're working on vehicles professionally this is not a good option, but for casual fiddling and problem solving, it's fantastic.
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Just a few brands. Chevy, ford and honda mainly. Not working professionally but do most of my own repairs/mods. There's been several times recently that I needed to read or reset parameters that my current setup wouldn't do.
 
Fabrik8 said:
I've got a Autel MD808 Pro, it works quite well and can read codes, etc., for most networked vehicle modules. Also does some live data stuff and logging, which is primarily why I chose it. I've been using it a bit on some friends cars, and used it to do a Ford battery management system reset last week.

If youre looking at Bosch stuff, look at Actron as well. Some of the Actron stuff is exactly the same unit and cheaper than the Bosch (Bosch owns Actron).


Also look at Launch. When I talked to some people and did a lot of research, it seemed that the Bosch stuff was overpriced for the feature set.
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I'm not stuck on bosch but don't want Fisher price either. I'm going to check out your suggestions. Thanks.
 
I'll throw in for the autel ms908. Does about everything you'd want it to on most anything. The p version can j2534 reflash. Can be found online for less than I got it for. Includes a year of updates.
 
With what you have and the internet, you have as good as you need.
I have the $80.00 Actron and and google tells me everything.

The only reason I would consider an upgrade is to get live feed just because I want it, don't need it.

But I will have to say, this is the best tool purchase I have ever made.


Matt
 
Blue driver is what I have personally. It has the live scan feature and also reads body, transmission, and engine codes. Live data too.
If ya get to Burlington area in the near future, hit me up I'll let you take it for a few weeks and try it on your stuff.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Are there any scanners that actually tell you more than the code? Like what sensor is causing the problem? I've come across codes that point to say emission systems malfunction but no details. Is that how they are supposed to work?
 
ghost said:
Are there any scanners that actually tell you more than the code? Like what sensor is causing the problem? I've come across codes that point to say emission systems malfunction but no details. Is that how they are supposed to work?
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That's one of the features of much of the lower-end Bosch stuff, as a lot of it is targeted toward the DIY market.

How the various systems detect faults is complex, so it's often not a matter of a certain sensor failing. There are easy ones, for example a temp sensor signal value out of normal 0.5-4.5vdc range, but those are just the tip of the fault detection iceberg.
 
ghost said:
Are there any scanners that actually tell you more than the code? Like what sensor is causing the problem? I've come across codes that point to say emission systems malfunction but no details. Is that how they are supposed to work?
Click to expand...
The manufacturer based software does a better job of that, and also allows you to view data and change parameters. With Forscan, I can change the As-Built ECU programming on my truck, turn on hidden screens on the gauge display, program keys, etc.
 
tsconver said:
You can look at autoenginuity and then add the vehicle specific upgrades.
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So each vehicle is another $200 or so dollars?

jeepinmatt said:
The manufacturer based software does a better job of that, and also allows you to view data and change parameters. With Forscan, I can change the As-Built ECU programming on my truck, turn on hidden screens on the gauge display, program keys, etc.
Click to expand...
Looked that up. So that is Ford specific? I was hoping someone knew of a scan toll less than $500 that did more than read the codes. My problem is I'll be reading Jeep, Ford and Mercedes codes. Mercedes does not like to release their info from what I have seen. Hell I have yet to find a FSM for my son's 300D. I can find all the Jeep FSM's on ebay I could ever want. Not sure I'm following what Fabrik8 is saying.
 
ghost said:
So each vehicle is another $200 or so dollars?

Looked that up. So that is Ford specific? I was hoping someone knew of a scan toll less than $500 that did more than read the codes. My problem is I'll be reading Jeep, Ford and Mercedes codes. Mercedes does not like to release their info from what I have seen. Hell I have yet to find a FSM for my son's 300D. I can find all the Jeep FSM's on ebay I could ever want. Not sure I'm following what Fabrik8 is saying.
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Each manufacturer is $200 or so dollars. I have the mopar unlock and can read all jeep, dodge, ram and chrysler systems. Can set various things to on or off like leaving my fog lights on when I turn on my high beams. Can also run diagnostics like diesel contribution test and abs brake bleed.
 
tsconver said:
You can look at autoenginuity and then add the vehicle specific upgrades.
Click to expand...

This. I have everything from the bluetooth obdii/torque app, $50 scan tools, $300 "scan tools", etc. Finally said fuck it and bought the autoenginuity for ford and dodge. No comparison, pretty amazing the amount of stuff the software will let you see, graph and control.
 
Yes but you have to buy each package.. or maybe that was scan XL.. watch out, not all manufacturers have the add on options though. And it's kinda pricey I think for what it is.
 
Domestic ScanTool Bundle (SP05) - autoenginuity this is what I would do if I did it again. Not cheap but not terrible considering it will do nearly everything a $3500 scan tool will. I will say it has come in extremely handy a few times now with a 7.3 and a Cummins when both were thought to have much worse problems. The (97 no less) powerstroke for instance I was able to cycle each injector individually via the scan tooltand monitor/graph/log a dozen sensors on a laptop while driving. Newer vehicles have almost too many options.
In my opinion at least, I am not a mechanic.
 
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