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What OBDII scanner are you using?

28K views 32 replies 12 participants last post by  CharliesDrones 
#1 ·
So, I'm in the market for an OBDII scanner for my 2012. What do you guys recommend? I need something to pull the fault codes and give a brief description of the problem and maybe possible solution. What works bedt with the WK2?
 
#2 ·
This seems to be getting a lot of press right now: Automatic - Your Smart Driving Assistant

I emailed the company to see if the 2014's are supported and got this somewhat cryptic response: "We plan on supporting the 2014's. For now, you can select the 2013 model in the list and we'll make sure to test that we support your car."
 
#3 ·
#22 ·
#12 · (Edited)
I have a netbook, so I use an inexpensive $25 ELM based ODB to Bluetooth adapter and one of the free software packages to read and interpret the codes. Wireless. Lots of options for more sophistication.

I also received a GoLink as a birthday present. It plugs into an iPad or iPhone. Nifty but more money.

Auto Ingenuity makes a more capable system.
 
#17 ·
Quite a gadget. I have had good luck with much less expensive equipment - Bluetooth dongle and a Bluetooth button for a PC can be had for under $25. Torque for Android was $4.95 the last time I looked. TouchScan for a PC is $40. Both are downloadable

All work well on my '12. I just leave the dongle in place and have not driven for a week before so no drain. Same dongle works with phone, tablet, and PC. I keep a second dongle in my netbook bag just in case.

Tablet and Bluetooth dongle make an ideal pair.
 
#20 ·
I was drawn to the bluetooth functionality and that it only draws power when the engine is running. This is my first scanner and only even thought of it to monitor my compressor clutch (which I think is acting funny, but the AC works fine) as well as the famed Pentastar ticking sound. Just want to be sure that it is the normal "tick" as opposed to the "misfire is coming" tick.
Thanks about the heads up on TouchScan. I have an old laptop (which needs a battery) that should do just fine along with my android phone. Pity it doesn't work with an ipad, but I was thinking of getting an android tablet in the near future, so that should be good. I'm really getting into the functionality aspect of Android.
 
#21 · (Edited)
There is similar software for the iPad. I have one but consider it brane-ded and the app was $50 so passed.

Torque on phone or tablet does everything I need - all the Bluetooth dongle is an interface to the bus, it is up to the software to determine what to do with it. Torque can even display misfire counts (picture on web page).

The best nonaligned software I have seen appears to be from Autoenginuity but for a hobby I can't justify the expense (heck I had difficulty with $165 for a service manual but went for it).
 
#30 ·
I tried searching for a service manual for my 2013 JGC but could not find one for sale.

Where did you get yours?

TIA

Dan
 
#23 ·
Update on the 3160b: I contacted the manufacturer to ask if maybe my scan tool was missing an error code buried deeper in the system. They said that, if there is a code anywhere to be found, the 3160b will find and show it (within, of course, the capabilities of the device). Keep in mind that the codes go away after the problem clears and after a certain number (?) of engine on/off cycles.
 
#24 · (Edited)
Since then I bought a Crossfire and while building a dock have just been using my Android smartphone to run Torque, play music through radio, sat-nav, & link to my smart watch. This may be one too many for the Bluetooth but is an example of what is coming & size is only whatever display size you need.

Pic shows the one of three swipable screens of parameters I normally leave up. (plug on top is for aux input, I use BT now and sounds the same). Nice thing about Torque is that is can recompile all parameters and tests into a log and then e-mail through the phone to my main computer at home.

Working mainly with Windows tabs (think the Bay Trail 8"ers are a giant step backwards) that can do the same and keep the entire Factory Service manual on line for decoding what is recorded.
 

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#25 ·
Guys

Got my OBDLink LX Bluetooth adapter installed. Kept it plugged in.

Second day was on the highway and got a bell sound and the airbag light on! In some seconds, it went away. Then same thing some hours before. Then, again, this morning just before leaving the garage.

Anyone experienced that? I truly belive its an obdlink related issue. Will keep it off for a while and check it...

thanks
 
#26 · (Edited)
I have an OBDLink MX. It causes a "Service Shifter" message on EVIC from time to time. Also, the OBDLink "BatterySaver" technology is a joke and doesn't actually work; furthermore, I am not impressed with their vaunted "hacker proof" security system.

I really don't believe their products are worth the price premium. I'm guessing that inexpensive bluetooth OBD dongles are better. For the same price you could buy several inexpensive bluetooth dongles and throw away any of them that don't work... but I'm betting they would all work fine. Yes, you would have to unplug them when you turn off the Jeep in order to avoid draining the battery, but you have to do the same thing with the OBDLink products despite their claims to the contrary.

Look here for options: Bluetooth Adapters - Torque OBD2 Wiki

FWIW, the Torque app is pretty cool. Its MPG calcs are lies, though.
 
#27 ·
Word of advice, find a tool/software title that supports "freeze frame data". It's a huge help while troubleshooting to know the conditions when the code actually set.
 
#29 ·
Ratchet,

Not sure if this is related, but it seems you know a lot more than me about this obd thing ;)

i have an 'service park assist' alert on for a long time now. Bumper service related issue. I am trying to find out where is the problem. I see in the error code lists posted here at JeepGarage that there are separate codes for sensors and etc. I have no luck, tough, as i cant get any alert. No current, no memory, no history. torque or the obdlink softwares just say 'no ecu data' ... All gauges work, i just cant get te errors.

Any tip? :)

Thanks.
 
#32 ·
Check out the BlueDriver tool... works with iOS and Android phones and tablets (not sure about Windows, but possibly). I upgraded to one a couple of years ago and it has paid for itself. The OBD data it displays is quite complete and accurate.
 
#33 ·
I just return Autel AL519 OBD2 Scanner it said for 1996 and newer but it didn't even recognize my Jeep. I'm thinking about trying the ANCEL AD410 Enhanced OBD II Vehicle Code Reader to see if it's compatible with my 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport. Thanks for the tip on the BlueDriver tool I'll have to check it out.
 
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