Holy crap!!! THAT'S a crazy deal, I'll be doing that today! Big thanks for the pointer to that!! 
Best Bang for the Buck Code Scanner/reader?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: WV
Best Bang for the Buck Code Scanner/reader? Hello everybody,
I am in the market for an OBD II scanner for my LS3 Erod. I have looked at several and read reviews on some but was wondering what is in your tool box?
I am leaning towards the Actron Auto Scanner Plus unit that is on sale at Advance Auto for 199.00.
New Features:
AutoID automatically retrieves VIN from vehicle and decodes to year/make/model.
Component Locator, On screen text descriptions indicate where the vehicle component is located.
CodeConnect Now with 4.3 MILLION verified fixes.
Expanded ABS Coverage Including GM, Ford, Chrysler, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan and Toyota. Expanded Read/Erase coverage for Powertrain.
Record and playback LIVE engine data. Now includes over 300 possible PIDS.
View engine RPMs, coolant temperature, oxygen sensor readings and more!
Display LIVE real time data. Custom data list for LIVE data. Graph LIVE data.
Displays all 9 modes of global OBD II data.
Displays enhanced code definitions.
Hardware Features:
Optional battery power
Field update-able via USB port
Trilingual manual (English, Spanish, and French)
Print data to PC
Are there better bangs for the buck out there?
Thanks in advance!
Stan
I am in the market for an OBD II scanner for my LS3 Erod. I have looked at several and read reviews on some but was wondering what is in your tool box?
I am leaning towards the Actron Auto Scanner Plus unit that is on sale at Advance Auto for 199.00.
New Features:
AutoID automatically retrieves VIN from vehicle and decodes to year/make/model.
Component Locator, On screen text descriptions indicate where the vehicle component is located.
CodeConnect Now with 4.3 MILLION verified fixes.
Expanded ABS Coverage Including GM, Ford, Chrysler, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan and Toyota. Expanded Read/Erase coverage for Powertrain.
Record and playback LIVE engine data. Now includes over 300 possible PIDS.
View engine RPMs, coolant temperature, oxygen sensor readings and more!
Display LIVE real time data. Custom data list for LIVE data. Graph LIVE data.
Displays all 9 modes of global OBD II data.
Displays enhanced code definitions.
Hardware Features:
Optional battery power
Field update-able via USB port
Trilingual manual (English, Spanish, and French)
Print data to PC
Are there better bangs for the buck out there?
Thanks in advance!
Stan
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 381
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne, FL.
It has live data so you are good.
For banging around the garage and travel I have the harbor freight scanner with live data and it works just fine. It does not have ABS capability like the one you listed however. If you have a newer vehicle with ABS you might want the feature someday. I did and did not have it.
For banging around the garage and travel I have the harbor freight scanner with live data and it works just fine. It does not have ABS capability like the one you listed however. If you have a newer vehicle with ABS you might want the feature someday. I did and did not have it.
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Jonesboro AR
The best bang for the buck scanner is an $8 bluetooth fob off of ebay (like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-ELM327-OBDII-Bluetooth-Interface-Car-Code-Reader-Check-Engine-Torque-/251648783075?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=%252F1vrT39R1i5hCFtkNy4zN7e%252B%252Bfw%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc )
This is the one I bought...
Then purchase and download the Torque app on a smart phone.. You get live data, emissions data, code scanning, etc for less than $13...
This is the one I bought...
Then purchase and download the Torque app on a smart phone.. You get live data, emissions data, code scanning, etc for less than $13...
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Jonesboro AR
I think when I am able to do an ls swap, I will use a decent size tablet and this setup for gauges..
The only thing I have found it cannot read is trans temp on my srt8 magnum. no hand held is able to see that, so its not the fob, or app's fault.
The only thing I have found it cannot read is trans temp on my srt8 magnum. no hand held is able to see that, so its not the fob, or app's fault.
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Scanners I have been looking for a program to put on my laptop that will give me real time data. Seems like the price is over $200 or $20 with the cheap one not giving much detail on what it will/can do. Any input here?
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Verdad Gallardo TECH Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 381
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne, FL.
The best bang for the buck scanner is an $8 bluetooth fob off of ebay (like this: Mini ELM327 OBDII Bluetooth Interface Car Code Reader Check Engine Torque | eBay )
This is the one I bought...
Then purchase and download the Torque app on a smart phone.. You get live data, emissions data, code scanning, etc for less than $13...
This is the one I bought...
Then purchase and download the Torque app on a smart phone.. You get live data, emissions data, code scanning, etc for less than $13...
Did not have time to screw around with it so I threw it on the shelf and plugged in the scanner that I did not have to mess with. Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: WV
As I stated above I do not have a smart phone. Bit I do have an old laptop that is wiFi capable.
I am going to try this.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/290891797214?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Worth it just to have live gauges on first start up.
I am going to try this.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/290891797214?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Worth it just to have live gauges on first start up.
I use a bluetooth ELM 327 as well. Awesome tool!! And the Free torque app is nice. I liked it so much I bought the full Pro version Torque app and it's only $5. Worth every penny
TECH Resident
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 816
Likes: 0
From: Texas
As I stated above I do not have a smart phone. Bit I do have an old laptop that is wiFi capable.
I am going to try this.
Wi Fi Elm 327 OBD 2 II Car Diagnostic Interface Scanner | eBay
Worth it just to have live gauges on first start up.
I am going to try this.
Wi Fi Elm 327 OBD 2 II Car Diagnostic Interface Scanner | eBay
Worth it just to have live gauges on first start up.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 6
From: Marengo, Ia
Forgot about those. I do have an ELM 327 too that I don't use because either my phone or the software is glitchy. Probably operator error... Did not have time to screw around with it so I threw it on the shelf and plugged in the scanner that I did not have to mess with.
Did not have time to screw around with it so I threw it on the shelf and plugged in the scanner that I did not have to mess with.There is also a free shift light add on for the Torque app set the rpm and change the settings so the entire screen goes from black to full brightness red, I use 2 rubber bands to hold my phone to the rear view mirror works great.
TECH Resident
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 816
Likes: 0
From: Texas
I have been using the eBay ELM327 Wireless Adapter. I have a Samsung so I have downloaded Torque Plius and it has worked well. I sometimes use it as a Alternative DASH.
I can monitor, clear DTC's, Data Capture, and many plug-ins. One of them is the Lap Recorder that will capture information, GPS generated Maps and Lap times.
Here is one of my Dash configurations
For what you get and what you spend.. it is great...
BC
I can monitor, clear DTC's, Data Capture, and many plug-ins. One of them is the Lap Recorder that will capture information, GPS generated Maps and Lap times.
Here is one of my Dash configurations
For what you get and what you spend.. it is great...
BC
I have been using the eBay ELM327 Wireless Adapter. I have a Samsung so I have downloaded Torque Plius and it has worked well. I sometimes use it as a Alternative DASH.
I can monitor, clear DTC's, Data Capture, and many plug-ins. One of them is the Lap Recorder that will capture information, GPS generated Maps and Lap times.
BC
I can monitor, clear DTC's, Data Capture, and many plug-ins. One of them is the Lap Recorder that will capture information, GPS generated Maps and Lap times.
BC
Teching In
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
I picked up mine about 2+ years ago... not sure which vendor.. but they are all pretty much all the same..
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ELM327-V1-5-Interface-Bluetooth-OBD-2-OBD-II-Car-Diagnostic-Auto-Scanner-8341-/171069128319?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27d483be7f
Google Play store for Torque Apps and plug-ins
https://play.google.com/store/search?q=torque&c=apps
Torque Pro
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...g.prowl.torque
The track recorder
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...prowl.recorder
In case you don't have a magnet level gauge to measure driveline angle... I used this.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...ode.clinometer
There are a lot of fun and useful apps if you look for them. Hope these helps.
BC
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ELM327-V1-5-Interface-Bluetooth-OBD-2-OBD-II-Car-Diagnostic-Auto-Scanner-8341-/171069128319?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27d483be7f
Google Play store for Torque Apps and plug-ins
https://play.google.com/store/search?q=torque&c=apps
Torque Pro
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...g.prowl.torque
The track recorder
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...prowl.recorder
In case you don't have a magnet level gauge to measure driveline angle... I used this.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...ode.clinometer
There are a lot of fun and useful apps if you look for them. Hope these helps.
BC
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
From: ATL, from Buffalo NY
The best bang for the buck scanner is an $8 bluetooth fob off of ebay (like this: Mini ELM327 OBDII Bluetooth Interface Car Code Reader Check Engine Torque | eBay )
This is the one I bought...
Then purchase and download the Torque app on a smart phone.. You get live data, emissions data, code scanning, etc for less than $13...
This is the one I bought...
Then purchase and download the Torque app on a smart phone.. You get live data, emissions data, code scanning, etc for less than $13...