OBD-2 code readers

[Gerald Levin]

I'm looking at buying an OBD-2 code reader that connects to my notebook. The code reader on this site looks good for $122:
http://www.obd-2.com/
I know there are other units out there as Sean Roe has one, AutoXray is another, etc. Any opinions on the unit at the above website vs the other models? Thanks

 

[BruceW]

You may also want to check out the Car Chip (www.davisnet.com). It's actually a small unit that you plug into your OBD plug and leave it there, It records any error code that pops up as well as the engine parameters at the time the code was triggered. You then plug it into you PC to download the information. It can be set to clear the code too. The nice part is it also records up to 5 different sensors (rpm, coolant temp., battery voltage, o2 sensor voltages, etc.) as often as every 5 secs. and holds about 24 hours of driving time data before you need to download it.

 

[Gerald Levin]

Well, since I'm an ignoramus, I don't know which is preferable, the car chip or the one at obd-2.com. Money wise they are the same but it seems like the one on obd-2.com has a lot more features, but I only have a few remaining brain cells left and can't compare the two intellectually. Any opinions out there which one to get?

 

[CajunViper]

Try www.nology.com they have one thats much better.
Does HP, 1/4 mile, DTC's, fuel trim and much more.
It works off a PDA. And cost more, about 350 dollars.
I talked to the people there and they said it would work
on the Viper. I was going to get one but did not want to
spend that much. If we can get a group buy it may be cheaper
let me know.

Dean

 

[Achilles99]

Try www.nology.com they have one thats much better.
Does HP, 1/4 mile, DTC's, fuel trim and much more.
It works off a PDA. And cost more, about 350 dollars.
I talked to the people there and they said it would work
on the Viper. I was going to get one but did not want to
spend that much. If we can get a group buy it may be cheaper
let me know.

Dean

Wow, that's a lot. Check out this site:

www.obdmeter.com

It does the 0-60, clears and reads error codes, and can graph sensor data. I'm not sure if it does HP, but I'm sure the other one does HP as a mathematical equation anyhow (kind of like a G-Tech). The program doesn't come with the cable, but only costs $85. Not sure how much the cable runs, but it couldn't possibly bring the price up to $350???

 

[Warren S]

I'm looking into getting a scanner too. Has anyone heard about these?
www.autotap.com (plugs into your palm or laptop)
www.autoxray.com/products.aspx
www.autocheckup.com
www.auterraweb.com

Warren.

 

[onerareviper]

I bought the unit Sean Roe is selling. Very basic/simple. It has 2 functions: 1. Displays the error code. 2. Resets the computer to eliminate the 'Service Engine Soon' light, if you prefer. I paid $56.45, which includes the $1.50 shipping charge.

Nothing fancy, but it does work. It also come with a small extention (About 3 inch), if needed. Also included is a small manual with all the error codes - although a Viper service manual will provide more information. I used it for the first time last night. Here's all you do: Plug it in to the port to the left of clutch pedal. Turn key to the 'On' position'. It will flash the error code. If you want the error code to be reset, let the little device run through 4 cycles (Takes about 30 seconds).

I was getting a 157 code. Looks like a rear 02 sensor was showing a cat problem. Being I have high-flow cats, this was no surprise. They flow real well, but once in a while throw a code. Reset the code, so Viper is no longer running in 'safe mode', (i.e. running rich because of SES light).

Like I said, nothing fancy, but it did exactly what I wanted.....