OBDII Scanner

[RoGuE]

I've been looking at one of these on eBay:

OBDII Diagnostic Interface

I was wondering if anyone had any experience with these and if they are safe to use? From what I understand the ELM327 is the desired chip for these OBDII scanners.

 

[MaximusD]

I dunno, but for under 15 bucks, worth a risk. In for one.

 

[Vikas]

I went for one too! I no longer even count how many OBD-II devices I have. I have an addiction and I need help

- Vikas

 

[GMBoy]

Originally Posted By: Vikas
I went for one too! I no longer even count how many OBD-II devices I have. I have an addiction and I need help

- Vikas


Me too! I have about 14 different scan tools OBD1 and 2, lol

 

[Vikas]

Ya, but you are a real mechanic (or pretend to be one)! I can't even change my own oil

 

[RoGuE]

lmao, I think I helped sell 50 of these since posting.

My concern was that being a cheap chinese made device, it could hurt the car, or are there circuit protections built in to prevent that?

 

[Vikas]

That particular unit usually sells at $25 on Amazon. I have seen enough complaints but not anything about burning out the car yet.

 

[bigmike]

Vikas and GMBoy - I'm surprised you guys haven't been paid to do a write up for someone by now. I know I'd read it as I feel overwhelmed when browsing so many options for an OBD II device.

 

[Vikas]

I got mine; that was pretty fast considering it came on a slow boat from China!

I checked it out using the free Torque application on my Android tablet. Initially, it did not connect but later it did. I do not know if I made some changes in the setting to cause it to work but it worked!

Anybody familiar with the Torque application? It has ability to add gauges but I can not figure out how to move or edit the newly added. For example, I added temperature gauge to the main screen and timing advance. Now the temperature gauge is completely hidden behind the timing advance gauge. No obvious way to move :-(

Thanks OP for a great deal for $15. The quality looks very good for the price. I can not see any obvious faults. It is a pretty big device (4 inch long) and might not be easy to drive the vehicle while this is plugged in. I suspect an extension cable would cost multiple of the purchase price of this device

- Vikas

P.S. If you guys don't mind, can a moderator move this to Tools section?

 

[Vikas]

OK, I found how to move the gauges; you have to press and hold on the gauge to get a drop down menu.

Anybody knows if Torque can give you

- I/M Status
- Mode $6 Test Results
- Freeze Frame

As far as I can see from the settings and menu, I do not think it supports those modes.

Any Torque users here?

- Vikas

 

[RoGuE]

I ordered a few days after you, as I was waiting on an auction to end. Ended up getting it for $14. I'll let you know how mine works when I get it.

 

[LeakySeals]

I just ordered THIS

 

[dwcopple]

Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
I just ordered THIS
For how much? They used to be 44.95

 

[edwardh1]

Originally Posted By: MaximusD
I dunno, but for under 15 bucks, worth a risk. In for one.


hard to believe you get much for under $15

 

[Vikas]

If you have an Android device, you need to get this given such a ridiculous price of entry!

 

[RoGuE]

I finally got mine and have an issue. It works fine on a 2002 Suburban and 2005 Explorer, but it will not work on 2007 Malibu.

The only difference I can see is when the Torque app is starting up, when it is plugged in to my car it says "Multi-ECU Detected", and the others don't...Anyone know whats going on or is it just not compatible?