Alex Piper OBD II Scan Software

[RobbyRam]

Has anybody here tried using Alex Piper's OBD II Software and cable hooked up to a laptop to clear codes from the ECM PCM?

Bob

 

[rkressg]

Can you get a link for us to see a preview?

I use dharrison's software. It was cheep and work well. http://www.ghg.net/dharrison/

I Think this is a good value for the price. It works for me <@;-)

 

[Gizmo 007]

Yep! Works great for clearing codes and pulling up some pretty cool info! I like using it as a monitor while driving to get a more detailed look at what's going on with the truck.



http://www.obd-2.com

 

[JR2]

I have it too, it will clear emissions related codes only. It is a good tool to have and at a good price.



One question, any one else have trouble getting it to read the map sensor correctly??





John

 

[TowPro]

I already have the correct cable from my VAG-com for my VW tdi.



Will this software run so I can play with it without registering it? (to see if its what I really want?)



If it had all the features that VAG-com does for the TDI that would be great. On the TDI you can go in and change anything you want, as well as clearing codes.

 

[Turbo Horseman]

I'm interested in this also. However, I read the posts and I'm confused as its not clear which program is being talked about as they are both referred to as "it". What are the capabilities of each program? In particular, which if any codes can each program clear? by computers and their programs.

 

[StakeMan]

Originally posted by JR2

I have it too, it will clear emissions related codes only. It is a good tool to have and at a good price.



One question, any one else have trouble getting it to read the map sensor correctly??





John

Its not the software that reads it wrong.

 

[Gizmo 007]

The manifold pressure is read in bars not PSI. Kinda sucks, but that's how the ECM works.



Horseman, the Alex Peper kit is able to read/record almost all engine data, as well as some other features in the PCM. Mine will display and/or clear any codes present. And the program takes very little resources, so it can be run on a small computer... I use a 486 gateway handbook... cute little thing.

 

[Turbo Horseman]

Gizmo.



The program you're using, what's it called? I suppose I will need a cheap used (at least) 486 laptop and a computer stand? Are there any codes it can't clear?



The one code I am interested in checking and clearing when it happens is the one that cuts power 40% when the engine gets too warm. That cut is in place until the code is cleared and I don't want to have to run to the dealer to have it checked and find out its not been tripped cause the engine didn't get quite warm enough towing on a hot day. I don't know the code number but, if you know, will it detect and/or clear this one?

 

[Gizmo 007]

Horseman,

I'm using Alex Peper's program called Vehicle Explorer (available at his site http://www.obd-2.com ) I computer I have is much smaller than a laptop, but still runs as a 486 and runs the program just fine.



So far, mine has displayed and cleared every code I have ever set... ranging from Speed sensor failure, transmission failure, leaving wires unplugged, injection pump tampering, etc. I'm sure it would clear the code you mentioned. Although, it sounds like you've got a serious problem if it's overheating on you like that. I bought the TriCom version which will link to anything '96 and newer (Dodge, Ford, Chevy, etc), and uprade my software on a regular basis. Well worth the cost in my opinion.



Good Luck!

 

[Turbo Horseman]

Gizmo, from what I understand from a couple of very good diesel mechanics, the code for the power drop command is triggered well before the engine overheats... something like halfway between normal and the rad popping. The code stays on until its cleared. The code is a good idea to protect the engine from the operator's overexuberance. However, DC could have programmed an automatic clear at a certain temperature or amount of time after... but no#@$%!... typical of DC.



I do a lot of towing up here and with days that approach 22 hours of sunlight, it gets quite hot with high humidity. Last year I noticed the truck was dogging two different time. Once after a hard climb on a blistering hot day a few hours south of here and another time after the lower rubber boot on the intercooler popped partly off. Sure enough, the code had been tripped each time. Cleared the code, cleared the problem.



The computer program sounds like something I want. Can monitor performance and clear that code once the engine cools. Now I have to find a good used notebook or laptop.

 

[Gizmo 007]

Originally posted by JR2

I have it too, it will clear emissions related codes only.

Would this be emissions related? :-laf:-laf

#ad

 

[JR2]

Originally posted by Gizmo 007

The manifold pressure is read in bars not PSI. Kinda sucks, but that's how the ECM works.

The software (alex pepper) reads MAP press in in/hg (which may be also be a bar, I don't know. ) On my truck and several others it reads about 14 psi too high and the graphing portion of the software will not work with the MAP sensor as the software says its out of range. The problem is that the ECM reports pressure with the atmospheric press added in (ie absolute press) and the ODB software thinks it needs to add 14 psi to the reading. I checked this by pulling the map sensor out and monitoring my truck... got 14 psi with out a map sensor. If I remember correction Dodge changed the way the ECM reports MAP press in 2000 and this is what caused the problems. I know a buddy with road relay 4 and he had the same problem till cummins re programed his road relay. I emailed Alex Pepper about this problem and he said that the way values are reported by the Ecm's is set my the some society of engineers and that his software only follows there guidelines.



Anyway the software is still very cool, will clear codes and is usefull. It is also not very expensive and if you spend a little extra $$ you can plug into any cars ODB2 port.





Gizmo - I don't think any computer is going to help with that smoke problem you have...

 

[StakeMan]

Originally posted by JR2

I emailed Alex Pepper about this problem and he said that the way values are reported by the Ecm's is set my the some society of engineers and that his software only follows there guidelines.

The Snap-On scanners read the map the same as the Alex Pepper software.

 

[cap-n-cray]

I have followed this threads and others about using a notebook and this (Alex Peper) software. If we were to put together a group purchase, maybe we could get him to modify the software to work correctly with our trucks. I know Bigsaint was going to get the program. I don't know if he ever did. Here is the thread:



Okay, I have a laptop, what next ???



There seems like a lot of interest in the software. Anyone interested????



Cary

 

[rbattelle]

Bringing this discussion back

I've begun researching some vehicle monitoring software. I have an old 486 laptop that is collecting dust. It won't do 800x600 resolution, so I can't run dharrisons software. Then I found Alex Pepers version, and tried the demo. It looks good, but I have a few questions:



-Is Alex still supporting this software?

-Do any of you use this as a monitoring tool on a daily (or at least frequent) basis? I'd like to use it as a virtual dashboard on long trips.



-Ryan

 

[Sticks]

And here is another one.



I need to pick one. Why pay as much for a plain old hand held that only tells you the code and clears it.

 

[rbattelle]

I've decided for certain on Alex Pepers software. Seems to be the most comprehensive of all of them.

 

[Turbo Horseman]

Have we got anywhere with the group purchase idea?

 

[Sticks]

I put a bid in on E-Bay for the Pro Scan on a Sunday evening. By Monday morning I started waffling on it, and started hopping that I would lose the bid so I could get the Alex Peppers version. No such luck.



I should receive the Pro Scan this week sometime, and I will post the results.



If group purchase happens on the Alex Pepper's unit, I may still be interested.