I'm looking for something to read the codes for an incoming Focus SVT. I need something cheap that will read the codes. I'd like something with a bluetooth interface.
Where I get confused is by such terms as ELM327, Can Bus, etc. Can someone enlighten me? I am very much a noob when it comes to electrical systems. That's why I'm not an electrical engineer.
This is the eBay add to the cheap scanner: fleaBay add
In reply to ScreaminE:
That should work fine. Check out the amazon link below and you can get the same thing for cheaper. ELM327 is the model number of the obdii reader. Canbus is a ptrotocal that the ecu uses to talk to the gauges, traction control, abs, etc. It doesn't affect reading the codes, unless the car happens to use it to interface with the obdii port but that shouldn't change what you need to read the codes. You will need to get a code reader app on your phone to use this. I highly recommend torque. There is a free version that should be able to read the codes.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0076KBPNI?pc_redir=1411364121&robot_redir=1
This is the one I use in conjunction with the Torque app, it works great and is cheap.
http://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-Bluetooth-diagnostics-Android/dp/B005NLQAHS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411650806&sr=8-1&keywords=blue+tooth+obd11
Can these read ABS codes as well? The car has an ABS light that won't turn off.
ScreaminE wrote: Can these read ABS codes as well? The car has an ABS light that won't turn off.
Generally not unless there is an extension in the Torque app specifically for your vehicle. For example there is an extension to read stuff like Kia trans codes etc.
Okay. Thanks for your help.
ScreaminE wrote: Okay. Thanks for your help.
If you're near Raleigh NC I can scan it for you
I just moved to Pittsburgh from Raleigh a year ago. Ha.
if you send me your address, I can ship you my ebay bluethooth ODB reader. I've never used it, and don't really have a way to use it. computer doesnt have bluetooth, phone is dumb.
That would be awesome! Sending email now.
I've got an eBay special, chinese ELM327 which I use with the free version of torque. It works and always pairs to the phone, but sometimes if I've used the reader on a different car I have to reboot the phone in order for the elm327 to connect to the car. It's not very elegant, but it works. Still, I prefer using it to using my standalone Equus reader. Kinda nifty to see O2 sensor and fuel trim fluctuations while driving. :-)
Storz wrote:ScreaminE wrote: Can these read ABS codes as well? The car has an ABS light that won't turn off.Generally not unless there is an extension in the Torque app specifically for your vehicle. For example there is an extension to read stuff like Kia trans codes etc.
Torque does not have a "plug-in" for that currently, one would have to be written.
Most cheap (<$200) scanners only deal with engine performance parameters. A scanner that can handle ABS, transmission, etc parameters usually costs $300 and up. I have a scanner for my Focus that lets me read a bunch of engine parameters even in real time, but it will not do ABS, etc.
Check Craigslist.
I got a screamin deal on a code reader on Kijiji that will read all VW/Audi codes including trans, abs, etc. for $55 cash
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