ODBII Programs...which one..

[JR2]

OBDII Programs...which one..

I want an OBDII program for my laptop. I found these two options doing a search:



Allex Pepper OBDII

Dan Harrison OBDII



Are there more???



I know a few memeber are using these programs so I need some reviews, how do you like em? Do they work?, any problems?



Thanks in advance.



JR2

 

[JR2]

Just found another



Auto Tap OBDII





Its more expensive, but says it offers enhanced codes that where just made available...





***Edit**



Found another... its cheap but I don't know what it will show www.abcwc.net/accounts/quanta/





***edit****



Here is a data logger program that can reset codes. .

 

[JR2]

Come on guys... I know someone is running one of these...

 

[Bigramguy]

Well,since no one else chimed in... .



I have tried most of the software you mentioned above,and it does work OK. It was pretty new when I first tried it and support was very limited. It was really only good for pulling codes,and minor diagnostics. Very limited in data logging,graphing,and capture. Some vehicles had better coverage than others. Some of that was due to the vehicle (if it's limited to begin with),and the rest was due to the program itself. I am sure that since I gave up on it,they have probably made leaps and bounds in the development of the software. Most of my stuff was "borrowed" so I wasn't entitled to get support,which was half the problem. I have a Snap-On scanner,and I am going to purchase a new Mac Mentor,as they cover 99% of what I need.



I think Alex Pepper would be your best bet,just try to find out what all you can do with it for your intended application. The version I have has nothing available for our Cummins diesels,only a bit of trans stuff,if you can get it to work.

 

[pnwradar]

I have Alex's OBD-2 software on my laptop. I originally got it to verify that my injection pump was gone, but I don't really have enough engine knowledge to get the most out of it. I also haven't had enough time to play with it, to see how useful it would be for tracking and monitoring, and making graphs.



For what I need, I get the same function out of reading the MIL codes off the odometer and looking them up online. Someone with better skills might get a lot more from the software.



-jon-

 

[cbconway]

Harrison's Scan Tool

I got Harrison's scan tool for my Palm 3. I've only tried it once and couldn't read one of the computer, either the ECM or PCM, but couldn't figure out which one during the few minutes I was fooling with it (it was dark & late). But I showed no codes for the one I accessed, which was primarily why I bought it. I'll play some more this weekend & give a better report.

 

[JR2]

The heck with it, I just ordered the Allex Pepper software... .

 

[JR2]

Well I got the cable today, downloaded the software and installed it... . after one little misque by me it all works as advertised. The data you get is kind of limited. . but you can see the following:





MAP sensor (in in hg)

ECT - Engine coolant temp

IAT - Intake air temp. .

TP - throttle pos

EL - eng load

VSS - speed sensor. .

RPM



And a could others I can not recall (this list is from memory as the laptop is in the truck)



The software has some cool graphing features as well as a display that looks like a dashboard and has digital/analog displays.



Probably the best part is that you can reset codes. I had a code from when I accidently unhooked my Edge Comp with the truck running... . I made it go away... then I set it by unhooking the comp while the engine was running... then I made it go away... . then I set the code. . then I made it go away... . you get the idea



Once I get the software figured out it should be kind of interesting software to have... . The first thing that comes to mind is testing heat shields and watching the intake air temp...



As a side note there should be more info released someday for Dodge as there is a law in CA that requires the release of all the info... Alex did not have an ETA for that upgrade, but said I would also need a new cable when that time came... .



All in all I would say this is worth the $122 I paid... cheaper than a good scan tool and it has more features... .

 

[JGK]

Reviving this thread now that its been a few years!



I'm in the market for a Windows laptop-based product. Anyone purchased or used one lately? I'll research the products mentioned above.



TIA,

-Jay

 

[LandShark]

JGK: I bought 2 laptops in the last year. A Winbook, which is very fast, but has had multiple problems: keyboard, audio, and battery.



The other was a Compaq Presario 2100. Excellent machine. I also have another Presario that's about 8 years old and has never had a problem; it's just a bit overtaxed by the newer software and limited in HD space.



Check Sam's Club and Costco. You'll be suprised at what you can get for under $1000. Also Sam's has a cheap extented warranty.