Eneto-55 Posted May 21 Report Share Posted May 21 My Son-in-law has sometimes retrieved codes for me with his OBD scanner, but his requires the use of a cellular telephone. What are the pros & cons for one of those, as opposed to one that has its own screen? OBD, OBD1, or OBD2? (Is this determined by the year of the vehicle?) Any recommendations for a good one? (The vehicle I need it for now is a 2009 Dodge Journey. - Got the skid marks idiot icon, and I wasn't even burning rubber.) (I know that I could look through a bunch of on-line reviews, but I trust the people here more than some random internet review.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TodFitch Posted May 21 Report Share Posted May 21 ODB2 has been required by law for the 1996 and later model years, so your 2009 will be ODB2. I have a cheap one that connects to my phone via bluetooth. For the two reasons for getting one that you use with your phone are: 1. Generally cheaper than the self contained ones with their own screens. 2. The apps that you use with them on a phone are easily upgraded to understand the model and manufacture specific codes for new cars. I will have to dig mine out to see what brand it is. All I recall is it was cheap and on Amazon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eneto-55 Posted May 21 Author Report Share Posted May 21 Does the phone app cost to use? If so, is it tied to the VINs you enter, or is it unlimited? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TodFitch Posted May 21 Report Share Posted May 21 1 hour ago, Eneto-55 said: Does the phone app cost to use? If so, is it tied to the VINs you enter, or is it unlimited? I have been using the free version of Car Scanner on my iPhone. I have only one car new enough to have an ODB2 port so I haven't tried setting it up for multiple cars but I think you can do that. If you get the paid version of Car Scanner there are apparently more features that are unlocked but so far I have not needed to do that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBNeal Posted May 21 Report Share Posted May 21 I bought my first Innova handheld OBD2 scanner back in 2009 to work on several vehicles that were pre-2006...it still works, but newer vehicles require activating the ABS pump to bleed brakes and that scanner did not have that function and could not be upgraded...kinda like buying a laptop, after so many years the OS and/or features are obsolete. I bought a second Innova handheld scanner 2yrs ago and it has paid for itself, just like the 1st, as I do almost all of my diag.work and wrench turning for myself and friends who offer interesting trades. I opted not to do the bluetoof OBD2 app only because I work on multiple vehicles and I try to minimize wear on my phone cuz hey ima butterfingers and them phones are expensive. The other advantage is that I can have a scanner running diag while doing research on my phone, so I have 2 separate screens running on 2 power sources which helps save phone battery on long days. If only working on 1 vehicle, the app is competitive with its active software updates but I wonder about software security 🤔 If working on a 10+ yr old vehicle with ABS, be prepared for possible fun if the brake fluid was not flushed every 2-3 yrs 👀 additional information - 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 brake repair odyssey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave72dt Posted May 21 Report Share Posted May 21 I'm on my 3rd scanner, an Innova 5510 model, basically for its ABS features and some graphing capabilities. My previous scanners are still working, the first a basic code read and erase unit, the second had some live data but no ABS. I handed one off to a son and the second to an old work buddy. The more features the more they cost. My latest was in the $ 200 range several years ago, will read ABS but will not separate wheel signals to identify where a faulty reading is occurring. More money, better reader to do that. The Journey problem is likely going to be a wheel sensor and/or tone ring issue and is hardly ever the module. Not every scanner can read ABS codes or SRS/airbag codes. Many of the box stores offer free code scanning as an option but be extremely hesitant about the parts cannon going off. Remember they sell parts and may have little to no wrench time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheesy Posted May 22 Report Share Posted May 22 I have a snooty upper class Foxwell OBD2 reader. It has paid for itself numerous times over. The software can be upgraded easily through my laptop. What I really like is that I can get real time readings that let me see if one of the O2 or other sensors are getting lazy before it becomes an issue. It also does air bag and ABS checks. I do have a phone one that I keep in a vehicle if I get a CEL while traveling. I don't recall the brand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eneto-55 Posted May 22 Author Report Share Posted May 22 2 hours ago, cheesy said: I have a snooty upper class Foxwell OBD2 reader. It has paid for itself numerous times over. The software can be upgraded easily through my laptop. What I really like is that I can get real time readings that let me see if one of the O2 or other sensors are getting lazy before it becomes an issue. It also does air bag and ABS checks. I do have a phone one that I keep in a vehicle if I get a CEL while traveling. I don't recall the brand. It only occurred to me this morning to do a search for computer software, and something like an OBD2 to USB converter. Is this one you mentioned here run off of a program installed on a Windows computer? If not, Has anyone gone that direction? (I did see some free software, but of course limited in some way or another, unless you purchase the full version. Some also offered add-on modules for certain vehicle makes.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheesy Posted May 22 Report Share Posted May 22 I don't know how to answer your question, but this is what I have. I should update the software but the reader is in the garage and my laptop is in the house. The latest update became available a couple months ago. https://www.foxwelltech.us/product-detail-525.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sniper Posted May 24 Report Share Posted May 24 I don't have a MoPar new enough to have a computer, but I have friends that do. AlfaOBD is the preferred DIY scanner for mopars. https://www.alfaobd.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eneto-55 Posted May 24 Author Report Share Posted May 24 8 hours ago, Sniper said: I don't have a MoPar new enough to have a computer, but I have friends that do. AlfaOBD is the preferred DIY scanner for mopars. https://www.alfaobd.com/ Thank you, Sniper, and everyone else. This AlphaOBD deal looks pretty good from an initial reading of the info on their site, but it's obvious that the manufactures don't want people "messing with" their own vehicles. Seems to me that it's past time for vehicle owners to "take back my car" - I mean that there should be a way for the vehicle owner to manage his or her own vehicle. I know, this 'right' is being taken away for Windows computers as well, but I guess the only way to do that for vehicles is to either pay out the big bucks, or go back to non-computerized vehicles. (Sorry, I'm feeling rather pessimistic this morning.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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