OBD II readers-good ones?

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BrianWC

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Hey I have a Scangauge II that I used to keep on my 9-5 when it was my daily driver and I was trying to hypermile. Anywho, now I mainly just use it as my OBD 2 reader/resetter. While it works great on my 10 year old CR-V for things like o2 sensors, both times I've had a code pop up on my 09 Honda Odyssey, it has given the generic c1555 code, which, after extensive googling, appears to be something it will interpret on many Hondas when it's not reading the code correctly.

Looking online, it appears many people have griped about this w/ the Scangauge II. I don't understand all this stuff about CAN Bus protocol blah, blah blah, so I'm just wondering, what is a good code reader that can help me avoid problems like this? I don't want to go throw $100-200 away on one, as I rarely get more than one CEL a year between 3 vehicles.

I just want to make sure I have one that can correctly read the codes. And both times, by the way, I've deduced the Odyssey CEL was actually the evap emissions one due to loose gas cap. But again, weirdly, this code comes up the normal p0056 on my cr-v...
 
Quote:
I just want to make sure I have one that can correctly read the codes

There is no way to guarantee that unless you have a factory scan tool.
Some codes are manufacturer specific and require special enhanced software for different makes and even models.

My scanner has software for all generic but needs enhanced packages for specific codes, the packages range from $100-200 for each one.
Even with the enhanced packages there are some things it cant do that the manufacturers tools can.
 
I have been impressed with a Cornwell Tools (p/n AUTAL539) new one.

It has generic and manufacturer specific codes for OBD2 and CAN. It also does some features that you wouldn't expect from a $190 unit like live data, graphing, emission ready, and, my favorite, tech tips. It also has a multimeter that records the high voltage and amps which I find myself using a lot more than i expected.

Tech tips is pretty decent because it gives you a vehicle specific recommendations for fixing the problem. For example, on a lean bank code in a Contour SVT it recommended to check the MAF sensor and vacuum leaks before testing the O2 sensor (which it does too).

Cornwell p/n AUTAL539
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: Trav
Quote:
I just want to make sure I have one that can correctly read the codes

There is no way to guarantee that unless you have a factory scan tool.
Some codes are manufacturer specific and require special enhanced software for different makes and even models.

My scanner has software for all generic but needs enhanced packages for specific codes, the packages range from $100-200 for each one.
Even with the enhanced packages there are some things it cant do that the manufacturers tools can.


Well, it's just a confusing situation as it should have been a basic code. Why would something like an evap emission leak be manufacturer specific? So the specs on some of these newer code readers that advertise ability to read manufacturer codes are false? I guess I assumed if it showed up as a CEL it was generic OBD II. I mean, I realize many car brands have certain specific issues/diagnostic situations. I remember my only interaction w/ a saab dealer was to get some saab-specific idiot lights turned off after replacing the parts...

Ah well...
 
A good portion of the manufacturers specific codes are for things beyond the engine like the transmission or ABS. Any code remotely resembling emissions should be a generic code.

It sounds like your OBDII scanner was having trouble reading the code to begin with.

Take it to AZ or AAP and see what they come up with. (Free).
 
I have an Autel MS509 that works well. IIRC it was $60 shipped on DealExtreme. It took 3 weeks to get here from China, though.
 
If you are buying an Autel (that Cornwell looks like a re-branded Autel) pick one up cheap at Amazon.
 
Good to know, guys. No I know about Autozone/Advance. I just hate to go get a code read there b/c I feel like I should buy something. Plus, I now live about 10 miles from the nearest one. My McMansion has a nice big 3 car garage so I try to do as much as I can myself.
 
Hello, I know the feeling. You don't mind spending the money on a good tool which should have broad coverage. What galls me is the vacuum of information on these readers. They all say they do everything. Another killer is that even if you ask friendly employees at a dealership for a good "homeowner's caliber" reader, they won't know because they use the big one at the shop. So far (knock on wood) my ScanGuage (first generation) has worked well for me. Kira
 
Originally Posted By: BrianWC
Hey I have a Scangauge II that I used to keep on my 9-5 when it was my daily driver and I was trying to hypermile. Anywho, now I mainly just use it as my OBD 2 reader/resetter. While it works great on my 10 year old CR-V for things like o2 sensors, both times I've had a code pop up on my 09 Honda Odyssey, it has given the generic c1555 code, which, after extensive googling, appears to be something it will interpret on many Hondas when it's not reading the code correctly.

Looking online, it appears many people have griped about this w/ the Scangauge II. I don't understand all this stuff about CAN Bus protocol blah, blah blah, so I'm just wondering, what is a good code reader that can help me avoid problems like this? I don't want to go throw $100-200 away on one, as I rarely get more than one CEL a year between 3 vehicles.


I had a similar issue and a older Scangauge II, on 2008+ GM it would either error or give a B0000 code when the real code was a P0121 for a TPS. In searching it seemed to only be an issue with earlier scangauges running older firmware. A call to LinearLogic(1-888-433-5664) to explain the issue and some shipping cost out of my pocket(~$7), they updated the firmware free of charge.

It has worked flawlessly since then and picked up a few new features as a result of the update. Took about 2 weeks to get it back.
 
Innova scan tools give you a lot and include enhanced OEM specific codes. They have OBD2 only models, OBD1&2 and ABS/SRS models too and they are all very reasonably priced and offer a lot.

I own 12 scan tools including GM Tech 2 and I reach for my Innova more than any because it does what I need fast and easy. True, if need bi-directional functions or programming I need the Tech 2 or other factory tool. However - most of the time I only need to read the code and view the data stream...Innova does it. Another good tool (which I own also) is the Auto Xray. I am not too much on the laptop systems (I do have AutoEnguity)..just too long to boot up the computer and lug all that [censored] around. I can plug in with a handheld Innova in have my answer in seconds.
 
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