Attention Techs! PC Based OBD II program wanted.

[Sticks]

I have been using Alex Peppers OBDII software for years now.



I recently upgraded to a new laptop running Win 7 64bit and can no longer use the software. I was told that the program would work in XP mode but no joy. Their tech support has not responded to my inquiries. I don't want to haul around a second laptop for work (presuming I get around to resurrecting my old XP pro laptop).



So, now I am looking for a new program. It must be able to pull real time sensor readings, read and clear codes, and have enhanced vehicle manufacturer ability, like the Ford KOEO and KOER tests. Air bag and ABS is a plus.



I'd like to hear what you use, and a link to their webiste.

 

[SSwords]

AutoEnginuity® - OBD2 Scan Tool - Professional PC and PDA Diagnostics I have been on the edge on buying one of these for a while now (lack of money holding me up I want it all if I am getting one) I think that this works with 7 you might call and see.

 

[BHanna]

I've been looking for something along these lines too but haven't found anything that sounds really good.

On edit: I just looked at the AutoEnginuity system and it looks like it can cycle the ABS solenoids which is a key feature I was looking for. I haven't seen that on any others. Maybe I'll try that one. Thanks SSwords.

 

[HGreen]

check out www.auterra.com, they have both a PC and a handheld software. I have the handheld (palm tungsten E2) and have played with the PC based. I think both are first rate.

 

[EdK]

Correct address

How about this address (above doesn't work)... OBD II Scan Tool, Performance Meter & Data Logger | Auterra

 

[1tuffram]

I believe Autotap is coming out with a new or revamped product. several weeks ago I was getting several email about thier new software. Did not pay much attention since I have autoenginuity.

 

[Sticks]

I've looked at all recommendations, and like some that I saw, just not happy about the price and this "annual" renewal fee. More irritated with the separation of the enhanced features for additional fees. By the time it is all said and done with, I might as well buy a Genisys or Snap-On self contained unit.

A couple of them have yet to respond to my inquiries for more info.

Some of those programs are great and would be a deal if I only worked on one model, but I work on just about everything.

 

[1tuffram]

I've looked at all recommendations, and like some that I saw, just not happy about the price and this "annual" renewal fee. More irritated with the separation of the enhanced features for additional fees. By the time it is all said and done with, I might as well buy a Genisys or Snap-On self contained unit.



A couple of them have yet to respond to my inquiries for more info.



Some of those programs are great and would be a deal if I only worked on one model, but I work on just about everything.

What did you come up with on the enhanced features programs. When I got the auto enginuity a few years back they seemed to offer more enhanced feature program option for various cars/makes. I know they have a Dodge Cummins program but from what I remember from an email it was very limited on what it could access from the Cummins/Dodge ECM, but had pretty decent abilities with other systems like ABS, etc. Maybe something has changed since then and they now have more access abilities with the ECM, but when I looked into this it sounded like Dodge/Cummins had a pretty tight lock on things.

 

[Curious Dave]

Just how much are these programs worth??? I called AutoEnginuity and they want @ $500 for the connector and the software. Is this worth buying for use on my own '01? The gal did point out that I could always get another disc for whatever vehicle I get next. I guess what I am asking is... Are these worth having for personal use?

 

[1tuffram]

Just how much are these programs worth??? I called AutoEnginuity and they want @ $500 for the connector and the software. Is this worth buying for use on my own '01? The gal did point out that I could always get another disc for whatever vehicle I get next. I guess what I am asking is... Are these worth having for personal use?

Did they say what all the abilities would be with the add on software program? I suspect the cost is NOT worth what you would be able to do with the software, I doubt the software add-on would even come remotely close to dealership abilities.

 

[Curious Dave]

You'd have call and see or go to the web site and check it out. The software is seperate from the adapter. I just think that having something more than a scanner would be better then taking it to the dealer all the time or even a couple of times. The software does more than a scanner for sure.

 

[knalb]

You could also just install a virtual, and use XP to access your tool. Something like Sun(Oracale now?)'s VirtualBox(free). It works with usb/serial adapters and should allow you to use the same software that you've always used.

 

[LGregory]

Did anyone buy the AutoEnginuity system?

I have been looking at it for a while now but it is a lot of money. Not really useful without the enhanced Chrysler add on for serious diagnostics so thats a must have. It looks to be the best system out there in this price range short of the DRB-III or the StarScan (StarSCAN diagnoses our new vehicle platforms that use the CAN-BUS communications protocol. Fleet price is $3450 including a one year update subscription. ).

Here is link to a video of the latest from Chrysler for PC based scan tools called wiTECH. I'm sure out of this price range also.

http://akamai-public. dealerconnect. chrysler.com. edgesuite.net/witech/wiTECH. mov



Just for fun here is a link to a comparison from the SPX site of what must be the best of the best with 40+ OEM makes coverage in handheld scanner/diagnostics .

https://docs. google.com/viewer?url=http://pegisysotc.com/documents/08-163.pdf

I know its not in the DIY price range but I just wanted to show whats out there.



I was going to throw the idea out there about buying a shared AutoEnginuity because I suspect most of us would not use it on a regular basis

It looks like the enhanced features are keyed to the USB unit and the software can be loaded on as many PCs as you like so there would be no shipping of a laptop around to the different owners just the USB unit.

FYI the base unit is a little cheaper on fleabay and it is still from AutoEnginuity

AutoEnginuity OBDII OBD2 Windows Scan Tool Scanner(USB): eBay Motors (item 290436548717 end time May-22-10 22:18:50 PDT)



Should be under about $460. 00 that way getting the USB from ebay and enhanced direct from AutoEnginuity.



AutoTap looked interesting but they seem to have dropped their enhanced version.

If anyone knows of any other PC based scan tools with enhanced Chrysler diagnostics please let us know so we can make an informed decision.

 

[Jetson]

Harrison R&D

OBDScan

They have a relatively inexpensive Chrysler/Dodge upgrade for their Apex unit, but I have not tried it yet, I have an older version.



The Apex is $140 and the Chrysler plug-in is $69. I will be upgrading soon.

 

[LGregory]

Jetson, thank you for the info. That looks interesting however my truck is not in the list of coverage for the enhanced data. Hopefully they will add more soon.

DR 2006 - Ram Truck 1500, 2500, 3500

DR 2007 - Ram Truck 1500, 2500, 3500

DR 2008 - Ram Truck 1500, 2500, 3500

 

[LGregory]

Interesting info about Chrysler scan tools.



eBay Guides - Chrysler Starscan, StarMobile, wiTECH DRB III