OBD Scanner

[skiboarder]

I'm looking to get an obd scanner. I want it to be upgradable, scan for codes, and erase codes. Oh yea, I don't want to spend a lot of money for one. What is the best and cheapest ones out there?

 

[gahi]

if you have a smartphone, there are apps for about $5 then an adapter for another $15 or so.

 

[Kevin B.]

Yup. Torque has a free version for Android, and the Bluetooth OBD plug is $20 on Ebay.

 

[nnnnnate]

Bluetooth OBD scan tool - Amazon $23.99

Torque Pro for Android- $4.95

This is about as cheap as its going to get.

 

[Herzog]

Bluetooth OBD scan tool - Amazon $23.99

Torque Pro for Android- $4.95

This is about as cheap as its going to get.

That is ridiculously awesome. I need this!

 

[gijohn40]

I have this set up and love it... it reads all kinds of sensors and gives you all kinds of info. I buy the bluetooth parts off of ebay and get a couple at a time cause they die unexpectedly...

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Anyone know if that works on the Windows smart phones?

 

[nnnnnate]

Pretty sure it only works with android. No dice for apple either.

 

[Kevin B.]

Torque is just for Android. A little google says check out OBD Auto Doctor for Windows phone.

 

[skiboarder]

That sucks about the windows phone. That s what I have. What about regular plug I scanners?

 

[Badger]

Just so it's clear you are looking for an OBDII scanner correct? Not a OBD scanner. What year and car are you getting this for? Depending on car and year some manufactures have their own software and you need a specific reader.

Also just so you know you can also use one of those bluetooth adapters with a laptop and software.

 

[skiboarder]

The one I rent from AutoZone has done a landrover, Tahoe, Nissan, and a vw all in the same day. Anything more then that would not be needed. But if some manufacturers require a different program. I would like to upgrade with that program. That is why I wanted it upgradeable. As far as the lap top is con earned. I'm not aloud to touch it anymore.

 

[Brad J]

I bought this one for $18 & it worked great the time that I used it. Great reviews of it as well from 2,354 others (4.5 stars).



http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001LHVOVK/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[gorillaxj]

I have 2 generic scanners like the above, it works with all makes/models but can be temperamental with some German cars or hybrids. But that is few and far between. I use them everyday at my shop, one purchased from snap-on 38$, the other Cornwall 32$. Both work well and are close to the above posted One. They only work for engine and trans codes and live data though, no srs,abs,vsc,body control, eps ect....

The "upgradable" scanners are very costly from what I have seen, 3k$ + and upgrades are 300-500$ after purchase.

Cornwell and snap-on make ones that can read "everything" to a degree in the 80-250$ Ish range Like abs, vsc, mil, srs ect...but are also mostly limited to reading and clearing codes. I find the code is the only thing I really need along with some of the live data, the web does the rest. The cheap 20-50$ ones are good enough IMO.

 

[Unimog]

The other option is ScanGuage II for about $120. It is almost more useful for real-time reading of values from the computer (temps, speed, rpm, air pressure, mpg, etc), but it also has the ability to read and reset codes.

 

[skiboarder]

The $100 ones is more then I was looking for. The $18 - $32 is more in lines of what I was looking for. Thanks for the input all.

 

[Spork]

I bought this one for $18 & it worked great the time that I used it. Great reviews of it as well from 2,354 others (4.5 stars).

View attachment 91366

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001LHVOVK/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I got one from Harbor Freight that looks like that one. Reads and clears codes which is all I need it for. If I had the money the ScanGuage II is pretty cool.