There are a lot of choices. I'd like something that would work well for my price range, and do more than I need for now.

Amazon has a lot of choices, some of which stand up to fakespot, and some of which fakespot says probably have fake reviews.

I do not need a $4k Snapon tool, but I'd like something that can read stored codes which do not necessarily show up on the dash. Something that might help me keep an eye on and diagnose unknown issues to help keep our vehicles healthy.

For example, my brother has an ABS light on in his truck. I've felt transmission issues in my car, and I hear things I wonder about in my wife's car's engine harmonics when I drive it.

Something a curious engineer might get in a lot of trouble with.

What do you use and like?

I prefer a tool which physically connects to the car, not a bluetooth dongle with an app.

quote:

Originally posted by deepocean:

I prefer a tool which physically connects to the car, not a bluetooth dongle with an app.

Sure? Because the reader at that point is ~$25 and the app is a much easier software update (and choices within the marketplace) than a dedicated device.

My app of choice is currently EngineLink HD, on the iPad. Allows dashboards, etc. The hardware is a generic plugin, though mine is WiFi and not Bluetooth (mistake on my part).

The Scangauge II has worked well for me for several years.

I have this one from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/ANCEL-A...525&s=gateway&sr=8-4

Works great for reading codes and resetting a CEL but not sure about using it to monitor possible problems. There is a better model for $10 more, 45 vs 35; has an updated display and more functions.

I have been looking at the Bluedriver pro. Bluetooth for your phone. Around $100.00.
I have read good things about it.

https://www.bluedriver.com/pro...bluedriver-scan-tool


ARman

You'll need a scanner with ABS codes.

The Harbor Tools reader will do just fine.

It's what I have.

https://www.harborfreight.com/...-with-abs-63807.html

I have an ultra gauge. Like the blue driver it is wireless which allows it to monitor in real time while you are driving and track performance details which may not be stored by the vehicle and retrieved later.

I have the Blue Driver with the app. Works great and was ~$100 as I recall.

https://www.harborfreight.com/...FixAssist-63806.html

This is what I have. It’s a bargain for what all it does. Scanners just keep getting cheaper and cheaper with more and more features.

quote:

Originally posted by bryan11:
The Scangauge II has worked well for me for several years.

This. I keep mine plugged in all the time on my 01 suburban to monitor mileage, coolant temp, trip cost etc.

I have a seekone SK860. Works great. Screen easy to read nad it comes in a nice zippered case.

Silent

I got the ODBLink MX WI FI to use with my Windows Tablet.
Still learning but it seems very capable and includes free Software.
Buying an all-in-one device did not make sense to me to pay for cheap electronics.
YMMV

I have a Scanguage II that's been hooked up to my Subaru outback since 2012 and 135,000 miles without issue. I use it for coolant temp, battery voltage, trip average mpg, and engine load for climbing hills. It reads and resets the occasional trouble code that I get.

It didn't read codes for my wife's BMW, so I got a $20 Bluetooth dongle for my phone.

I got the Blue Driver with app. Works for me.

+1 for the BlueDriver. Works great on every car I have used it on.

quote:

Originally posted by ARman:
I have been looking at the Bluedriver pro. Bluetooth for your phone. Around $100.00.
I have read good things about it.

https://www.bluedriver.com/pro...bluedriver-scan-tool


ARman

I have this one, and it's fantastic. Definitely recommend it.

quote:

Originally posted by deepocean:

I prefer a tool which physically connects to the car, not a bluetooth dongle with an app.

You'll change your mind if you get something like the bluedriver. The space saving alone is worth it. You can carry the Bluedriver in a shirt pocket and forget it's there.

I too was hesitant about the wireless app based units.
I made the jump to ODBlink and their products are top notch.
If you buy the MX+ all the upgraded options are free for unlimited vehicles. It used to be just a single free upgrade.

About 18 months ago a member here was very kind and sent me a bluetooth OBDII device. I tried two apps and so far haven't been able to get it to work. It's probably me.

The older I get, the more I prefer simple. Probably I should let one of my kids have a try at it.

quote:

Originally posted by deepocean:

I prefer a tool which physically connects to the car, not a bluetooth dongle with an app.

You'll change your mind if you get something like the bluedriver. The space saving alone is worth it. You can carry the Bluedriver in a shirt pocket and forget it's there.[/QUOTE]

Sometimes what you want, isn't what you need.

Break the leash and go bluetooth!

Unless you live in the boondocks, have little access to auto parts stores or just want to own one, there's really no reason to buy one.

Every auto parts store will loan you one for free to go out and check and clear codes, and they keep up to date with the latest software, they have to since any type of vehicle owner could show up.