OBD Software

[Kingram]

I've searched the forums for information on OBD software. I have found very little info. I'm interested in purchasing this and have a few questions for those of you that may have it or researched it.



I already have a laptop in the truck for GPS/Internet, so what the hey... .



1) who all makes software? Who's is the best?



2) Can you do everything with the software that you can with the dedicated scan tools? reset codes, change parameters, etc.



3) Does this give me access to the PCM and ECM?



4) Any pros/cons you can think of.



Thanks in advance for any suggestions and advice.



Chris

 

[thepitts]

Try this link

it may help https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=55613&highlight=OBDII and also try the search with OBDII as one word. Hope this helps

 

[JR2]

I have the Alex Pepper software and cable from www.obd-2.com I would not say its great but it will pull codes and has reset every code I have tried to reset. He even has the Diesel specific codes from DC on there. The one problem I have with the software right now is that it reads the Map sensor wrong, others have reported the same thing and the guy that writes the software says there is no problem because his software is written the way the ECM is susposed to work, not how it works. Any way for about $125 you get a cable that will plug into your truck, you can reset codes, pull codes, monitor a very limited amount of data and have a cool dashboard on your laptop that shows that data. I mostly got it because I already had a laptop and it was cheaper than a good scanner. He updates the software monthly (or so) and seems to fix bugs and add new features every time so all in all I am happy with it.



Just re read your questions... . so here is a bit more info:

The software does not allow you to change any thing within the ECM/PCM, it only reads data and resets codes.



Do a search for OBD2 and see what you get. I asked this same question and put a bunch of links to all the companies I could find in it.



JR2

 

[Kingram]

Thanks!

Thanks for the replies. I just ordered the Alex Pepper software also. Will post info after I get it.



Thanks again,



Chris

 

[StakeMan]

JR2,



A good handheld scanner reads the same as the Alex Pepper software. Right or wrong they read the same.

 

[JR2]

Stakeman,

Oh I know... . the hand held scanners read the same as the Alex pepper stuff on my truck too. I just wish one of them would listen to me and believe that there is a problem with something. I think its the way DC set up the ecm as the scanners and software meet some standard that I can't remember right now. Either way the Alex pepper software and cable does the same thing as a good scanner and is cheap if you already have a lap top.



JR2

 

[StakeMan]

JR2,

I just wanted to make sure that someone doesn't get the impression that its just Alex Peppers software that has the problem.