Code Scanners

I am looking for a moderately priced scan tool that can read trouble codes for engines, transmissions, ABS and airbags. This one looks good for $100. BlueDriver Bluetooth Professional OBDII Scan Tool. Anyone have any experience with scanners and can recommend one. With all the techies here, someone should know. By the way , this one turns your device into a flashlight if needed so kind of related.

If you just need basic functionality, I’d get an EOBD2 wireless/Bluetooth dongle, & use it in conjunction with a ’phone app. Should cost no more than $15 on eBay.

I have one similar to this.

With the all in one scanners, you can get stuck with old firmware/software, whereas the ’phone apps get updated.

Thanks but I want to read transmission and ABS codes also.

I’ve got a box of microOBD 200 modules I paid $96 each for. I’ll send you one for free (except shipping) if you update BLF on your efforts with it :slight_smile: It’s guaranteed to read anything you want because it’s geek-level. I have successfully used one to read things like throttle position, temps, etc. on several Ford vehicles.

I am not sure how that is used?

One way would be to put a USB to serial cable on it, plug it in to a laptop, and type commands like 0F and see the response. Wikipedia is your friend on what to type and what it means. If you are an Arduino lover, you would be impressed. I get the feeling you’re not impressed :slight_smile:

Yea, kind of Greek to me.

It will read all systems, not just engine.

You sure the Elm327 reads all systems?

I rarely use mine, as we have a much more expensive G-Scan unit at work.

I’m sure I’ve used the EML327 to look up ABS & Airbag faults though.

If you are not in a rush, I can dig mine out & see what it can & can’t read.

That would be great . I am more concerned if it will read transmission codes for older Dodge Grand Caravan. Not sure if it is an engine miss or tranny problem.

This is the scanner I am considering now:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XGB4873/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=craigsdiy-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B06XGB4873&linkId=89abf8bb510dabf7f5cf840ffe9eef7d

I used my elm327 today, & was able to see transmission codes on a late model Mazda.

I also unplugged an abs sensor from another car, but it didn’t pick up on it, but the car was just on a hoist, & had not been driven…. So now I still have a mission to confirm what other systems it will communicate with.

Thanks for helping out. I ended up ordering the one mentioned above. It is basically an Elm 327 but through Amazon , not Ebay. A little more money but ships fast from America. This will be my first experience with a scanner. Now I have to pick an app to link it to my phone. Any suggestions?

Torque Pro(paid version) is considered one of the best, but a quick Google search should give you a top 10 list of apps.

:+1: