Oh oh oh the codes:)

[07TrailyLS]

Evening guys and girls. Short sweet and to the point. I'd like to buy a code scanner. Did a little research and am leading toward innova. I really don't wanna spend 200 dollars and id like to stay in the 80-120 range. What do you guys all have lying in your garage and what are your thoughts on them. I'd really like it to read real time misfiring .Also do they read ABS codes ?? Appreciate it!!!

 

[Mounce]

Do you have an Android phone or tablet? Acquiring a Bluetooth to OBD2 adapter and using it in conjunction with the torque app is common around here and is very affordable, $30 max. Only catch is that you have to have a Bluetooth capable Android device. With this set up, you can read and reset codes, monitor vitals (temps, speeds) and watch live data and graph it.

 

[loondog33]

I got the actron CP 9175. Came with the truck so not sure the cost but at Amazon a used one is currently $143.00. This one does not have abs or live readings. Mainly can just read codes, give a brief explanation and erase codes. So you might have to spend that whole $200, unfortunately.

 

[07TrailyLS]

Mounce, does the Bluetooth adapter plug direct into the obd -I I port and run the signal to the phone? I know well of the torque app just didn't know they made a Bluetooth obd fitting that's pretty cool any idea which one to buy??

 

[Mounce]

Mounce, does the Bluetooth adapter plug direct into the obd -I I port and run the signal to the phone? I know well of the torque app just didn't know they made a Bluetooth obd fitting that's pretty cool any idea which one to buy??

Yessir, it plugs right in. It gets it's power from the 12v pin in the OBD2 plug and then connects to your phone via Bluetooth. I'm unsure on which to buy but they run around $10 on Ebay. Wait until in the morning when everyone wakes up, maybe even the evening until they're off from work and they get a chance to chime in, I don't want you to get a hold a unit that's known to not work. They know which ones work for our rides (some are garbage).


Edit: your phone has to be Android though, iPhones use some kinda fancy Bluetooth that's incompatible with the OBD devices.

 

[KNBlazer]

if you go to the torque app in the play store, it lists the adapters it works best with....

 

[Matt]

if you go to the torque app in the play store, it lists the adapters it works best with...

True, but one of the cheap ELM adapters work just fine. I've had mine for 2 years or so and haven't had an issue.

 

[PProph]

i paid a little more for mine to be on the safe side, like $30 from amazon. i'm just starting to scratch the surface with torque and i already don't know how i ever lived without it. well, maybe not that extreme, but it really is a great cost effective alternative to other scanners. cheaper than even the basic scanners from auto stores and does way more.

 

[dmanns67]

There are many members here who would recommend the ELM327 OBDII bluetooth adapter and the TorquePro app, not a bad $25 investment. $20 for the ELM327 and $5 for TorquePro. You could also run the free version as well.

Another app I have seen mentioned is Dash Command. Both apps are available for Android through the Play Store.

 

[combatspace]

Like another member mentioned, be careful of which one you buy though. I have the v-scan something or other and it worked great with my civic but won't even power on with the TB.

 

[KNBlazer]

True, but one of the cheap ELM adapters work just fine. I've had mine for 2 years or so and haven't had an issue.

True, but with sensitive electronics I wouldn't be comfortable using cheap China made adapters that quality control consists of the glue staying put.... I almost bought a $6 unit before coming to my senses... I have an Innova, so this adapter can wait, at least for me it can...

 

[Mounce]

I'd say that any of them on Ebay or Amazon that's under $50 are made in China under poorly regulated quality controls, that doesn't mean they won't work though. Just for some reason, certain ones aren't worth crap. I feel like it's a guess whether you'll get one that works or not, that's why I haven't purchased one. However, if the trailblazer starts throwing a bunch of codes and needs troubleshooting, I'd buy one without a thought due to the luck that everyone has had here.

 

[dmanns67]

Below is the link to the one I purchased off of Amazon.com back in January 2013. No issues since. Works well on the TB as well as my wife's F-150.

http://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-Bluetooth-diagnostics-Android/dp/B005NLQAHS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407793332&sr=8-1&keywords=bafx+products

 

[IllogicTC]

If Torque isn't an option for you, you can get an Actron CP9575 for ~100 at Advance Auto. Does code readings with some explanations, emissions status, some live data, no ABS or SIR though, and no graphing.

 

[neohio]

If you want to go extremely cheap. Find another member close to you with the appropriate equipment. Stop by with a few cold drinks of their choice and get all your codes read.

 

[SnowBlazer]

If you want to go extremely cheap. Find another member close to you with the appropriate equipment. Stop by with a few cold drinks of their choice and get all your codes read.

I would say most of the chain auto parts stores (O'rileys, Advance Auto, Autozone) will read your codes for free, here in CO. I'm a regular at Advance so they treat me really well.

 

[IllogicTC]

I would say most of the chain auto parts stores (O'rileys, Advance Auto, Autozone) will read your codes for free, here in CO. I'm a regular at Advance so they treat me really well.

It's true. They'll read codes, and generally offer free battery and alternator/starter testing as well. They figure if your part's good, they look like good guys offering this service for free either way. If the part's bad, they get to make a sale. Though there may be some instances where driving the vehicle while the code remains is a BAD idea (for example, P030x code range).

 

[will5857]

There are many members here who would recommend the ELM327 OBDII bluetooth adapter and the TorquePro app, not a bad $25 investment. $20 for the ELM327 and $5 for TorquePro. You could also run the free version as well.

Another app I have seen mentioned is Dash Command. Both apps are available for Android through the Play Store.

Does TorquePro read live data, particularly fuel trims?

 

[jpimp]

Does TorquePro read live data, particularly fuel trims?

Yup.

Be carefull with the cheap ones.
I got 3 cheap ones that didn't work...($10.00, $20.00, $30,00)
Then bought one that was in the torque app recomended ones (OBD Link)
Good Luck!

 

[Gerbil21]

I have had no problems with eBay Bluetooth adapters I have had a few of them I've got from $10-$15 and they all worked perfect

as for the app you use I know everyone says torque but Ive only had problems and complaints with torque pro. The best app I know of has to be car gauge pro I can data log, see gauges, view live data, and I can also send commands to turn things on or off. I havent had luck with my envoy on sending commands but with my ford I enabled self test mode, and made the abs pump run its own test and read those codes. For our trucks I can read transfer case codes, abs codes, body codes, and history, intermittent and manufacture codes.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=Scantech.CarGaugePro

There is a free version too but lacks code reading and some other features

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=Scantech.CarGaugeLite