Obd scan tool

[6MT-Z34]

Hey guys,

One of my friends is looking for a OBD reader. He's really technology savvy and needs one for his car but wants to be able to connect it to his phone as well.

He found this one online that will allow him to do so : ScanTool.net LLC - OBDLink MX Wi-Fi Scan Tool | OBD Adapter - ScanTool.net

His question is, is this tool good for basic car diagnosis and CEL, SEL and others? Also is this a good brand or is there other brands that have better connectivity and reliability?


Thanks

[kenchan]

i use a standalone obd2 reader.

i suppose with the smartphone way you need to figure out the bt connectivity issues with the handheld, any particular bugs on that side, then also bugs on the software with your phone/bt transmitter,etc... so it's hard to say besides just give it a try.

honestly using your phone for obd2 gauges and stuff is fun at first, but becomes real old later. that said, just get a standalone obd2 reader if one's looking to check and erase dtc's. if you want gauges, get a nuvi or scanguage type device.

[6MT-Z34]

Originally Posted by kenchan

i use a standalone obd2 reader.

i suppose with the smartphone way you need to figure out the bt connectivity issues with the handheld, any particular bugs on that side, then also bugs on the software with your phone/bt transmitter,etc... so it's hard to say besides just give it a try.

honestly using your phone for obd2 gauges and stuff is fun at first, but becomes real old later. that said, just get a standalone obd2 reader if one's looking to check and erase dtc's. if you want gauges, get a nuvi or scanguage type device.

Thanks Kenchan!

My friend is an IT and like to work with all the new phones, tablets, laptops, etc. He doesn't know much about cars so it will mostly be just to keep it plug in on his car and read the codes when he needs to.

I guess for anybody else (including me) a regular OBD2 reader will work. I'll pass down this info thanks!!

[theDreamer]

I would advise if he has an android phone to use the app Torque.
Here is a list of suggested/supported OBD2 readers: Bluetooth Adapters - Torque OBD2 Wiki

My old boss had one that was blue-ish but am not 100% sure which one it is. But honestly they all are pretty similar, it is more the app and how quick it connects to pull data.

[SouthArk370Z]

I suggest getting an OBD-Bluetooth adapter (or OBD-USB if you don't mind the cord) and then download/try some of the free apps that are available. If you want more features than the freebies offer, get the Torque app that theDreamer mentioned (I haven't used it but it gets good reviews here and on other sites).

[6MT-Z34]

Originally Posted by theDreamer

I would advise if he has an android phone to use the app Torque.
Here is a list of suggested/supported OBD2 readers: Bluetooth Adapters - Torque OBD2 Wiki

My old boss had one that was blue-ish but am not 100% sure which one it is. But honestly they all are pretty similar, it is more the app and how quick it connects to pull data.

Originally Posted by SouthArk370Z

I suggest getting an OBD-Bluetooth adapter (or OBD-USB if you don't mind the cord) and then download/try some of the free apps that are available. If you want more features than the freebies offer, get the Torque app that theDreamer mentioned (I haven't used it but it gets good reviews here and on other sites).

Thank you guys for the input I will let my friend know about this options.

[kenchan]

is this "friend" actually you?

[6MT-Z34]

Originally Posted by kenchan

is this "friend" actually you?

Lmfao no it is an actual friend, he is just into computers and technology very much lol

[kenchan]

haha, just checking..

[dmhenderson]

I bought one yesterday from RT Tuning made by Innovate. It's absolutely awesome. Plus the one you mentioned won't work with iPhones and the Innovate one does. It has data logging and even a dyno function.


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[nomodsjk]

Originally Posted by dmhenderson

I bought one yesterday from RT Tuning made by Innovate. It's absolutely awesome. Plus the one you mentioned won't work with iPhones and the Innovate one does. It has data logging and even a dyno function.


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Damn I was just there last month and was talking to Eric about gauges and scanners. I don't think he mentioned that. If you have it when you come to the car show I would love to see it. I have a scan tool I bought from auto zone for about 150 and it works great but that sounds a lot better!

[dmhenderson]

I paid $145 for it (deal from R/T). James said he'd give anyone I referred the same price.


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