Recommend an OBD-II scan tool?

[Falcon_LS]

I was dead set on getting a ScanGauge-II for my Grand Marquis, but after contacting Ford regarding compatibility issues with my Export PCM, I was advised that it will definitely work as a code reader but as far as real time data reading/logging is concerned, it's a hit or a miss.

Whilst I do plan on doing some upgrades to my drivetrain, switching to a USDM PCM from the scrapyard off a gray import is a consideration - especially one off a Police Interceptor. It's certainly a heck of a lot easier to get something like an SCT Tuner, pay for programming and just uploading it as opposed to shipping my PCM to the States and temporarily retiring the car. Upgrading and modifications as a whole do not really make much economic sense, but shipping the PCM is a risk I'm not really too keen on taking - especially if I have to deal with the misfortune of it getting damaged in shipment. There are no advanced e-tests and whatnot here, so a VIN mismatch on the PCM is definitely not an issue. A ScanGauge will possibly be a purchase in the future, but not right now.

Having said that, in the mean time, I am interested in a decent scan tool that I can use long term. It's nice to have a simple code reader, but I'm after something a bit more than just a generic code reader - such as the ability to read transmission codes. So far, I've looked at the Equus 3140 Innova, but I'm sure there's a lot more out there and was wondering what you all would recommend.

Thanks!

 

[shanneba]

I have the AutoEnginuity software with the enhanced BMW module. It works very well with my BMW. I haven't used any other enhanced modules.

It allows me to see all the sensors in all the available modules.
It will record and play back data (up to 4 sensors in playback graphing)

 

[Quattro Pete]

shanneba, are you able to read oil temp with this module, or do our cars just lack this sensor?

 

[dparm]

Get one of the Bluetooth dongles and use your cell phone/laptop. Amazing stuff.

 

[Trav]

Using Auto Enginuity with pro connector and most euro,asian and domestic enhanced modules.
The Ford,Toyota,GM and Nissan advanced works on Euro models including Fiesta,Focus,Ka etc.
IMO the best unit for the money especially the super low cost of yearly updates

 

[Vikas]

With a scanner purchase, you first decide on a budget and then try to find matching unit. How many thousands do have? Failing that, how many hundreds can you spare? Alright, how many ten's can you sacrifice?

Without that, you are going to get recommendation for Genesis WhizBang for the deal of the century bargain $4999 and yearly updates for low low price of $495

- Vikas

 

[dwcopple]

Originally Posted By: Falcon_LS
Upgrading and modifications as a whole do not really make much economic sense, but shipping the PCM is a risk I'm not really too keen on taking - especially if I have to deal with the misfortune of it getting damaged in shipment.

First free mod you could do is to pull off the airbox snorkel and jam a drink cup into the hole that it used to go into. Obviously you'll need to trim the cup bottom a tad but it massively increases the size of the air inlet to the intake! Did mine yesterday, can't hurt.

 

[Falcon_LS]

Thanks for the input! Auto Enginuity fits the bill, with the Ford enhanced software at $399. I was budgeting about $350 for this, so that was a good buy for just a bit extra.

Originally Posted By: dwcopple
First free mod you could do is to pull off the airbox snorkel and jam a drink cup into the hole that it used to go into. Obviously you'll need to trim the cup bottom a tad but it massively increases the size of the air inlet to the intake! Did mine yesterday, can't hurt.


Thanks!

I was actually looking into that at one point, but with all the dusty weather we have I was a bit hesitant to be honest.

 

[shanneba]

Quattro Pete,

Yes I can read the oil temp. I can also monitor the coolant temp in the engine and at the radiator outlet sensor.
I can also see the trans temp (auto) using the transmission module. Wish I could monitor both the oil and trans at the same time with the software.

A complete list of data available for the MS43-M54 DME-
http://www.autoenginuity.com/BMW-All-Systems-List.html#EngineDMES43M54

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: shanneba
Quattro Pete,

Yes I can read the oil temp.

Interesting. I always thought the M54 engine lacked the appropriate sensor. The hidden test menu never displays any value for oil temp.

So, what sort of oil temps are you observing during normal driving?

 

[shanneba]

There is an oil temp sensor installed in the oil filter housing.
You can see the part on realoem.com

Normally I'll see an oil temp about 210-212, sometimes up to the mid 220s, when driving a constant highway speed 70-75 mph.