[damazeen]

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?

 

[damazeen]

That looks neat. But I was thinking along the lines of one of these:

Actron CP9580A Enhanced AutoScanner Plus with Code Connect : Amazon.com : Automotive
or
INNOVA 3160B ABS/SRS+ Professional CanOBDII Diagnostic Code Scanner with Enhanced Live Data : Amazon.com : Automotive

Something I can update over the years and use on multiple cars. I take it these tools are all the same, I was just wondering if one is more suited to the WK2 than the other.

 

[damazeen]

I use a ScanGauge. It also runs as a gauge pod for my other car. It shows intake temperatures, water temperature, voltage, and boost pressure. I can disconnect it and check any of my vehicles in about 30 seconds.

Hadn't come across that one. Does it require programming or is it plug and play?

 

[damazeen]

Thanks, that's great. I'll add it to my short list.

 

[damazeen]

if your not looking for a stand alone unit, why not use one that hooks up to a Laptop ?

I hadn't thought about that as an option. Are they reasonably priced? Can you recommend one? My main purpose is to know what's going on with my car (s) so I'd just assumed that a stand alone unit was all that was needed.

 

[damazeen]

(int' shipping is a b****).

Ha ha! Tell me about it!! But seriously, thanks for the info. It does warrant a look.

 

[damazeen]

Auto Ingenuity makes a more capable system.

I just had a look at the Auto Ingenuity site. You're right, it does seem like a very very capable system. Too much for my needs right now though.

 

[damazeen]

Thanks for your help guys. I ended up ordering this:
ScanTool 426101 OBDLink MX Bluetooth/OBD-II Scan Tool Interface : Amazon.com : Automotive

It seemed to combine the best of both worlds (Android and PC). And I like the fact that it switches off and on with the car so it doesn't drain the battery. Should receive it in about a week.

 

[damazeen]

For an Android tablet or smartphone, Torque and a Bluetooth adapter (ELM) from Amazon works for me.

I put together a web page of my findings.

This one of the many screens.

With a netbook or Windows Tablet, I like Torquescan.

That's a good write up on that page of yours. I was thinking of purchasing Torque, but only after I try the OBDwiz software that comes with the scanner.

 

[damazeen]

nice, let us know what you think of the functionality when you get a chance

Will do, but you'll have to bear with me while I figure it out. Newbies gotta start somewhere, sometime!

 

[damazeen]

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.

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.