What are the best/most economical ODB-II scanner options? Isn't there a freeware program and then you can buy the adapter? I am ageek by nature with an aging car and would like to know what's going with the car, it's computer and be able to clear and diagnose some codes.

Not to mention I have one month left on my inspection, have a "check engine" light on and they won't let me on post with an overdue inspection.

I know that Harbor frieght has these (linky thing).

Ebay has these OBD 2 USB interface scan tool CAN ISO KWP PWM VPW J1939

There's even and Iphone App
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In the past, I've gone to an auto parts store such as AutoZone and they've hooked it up and given me a print out of the diagnostic for free.
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Yup they did that for me already but am looking to go a little further, but a great point none the less.
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I have a code reader.

It doesn't hook up to a PC, it is a stand alone unit. They sell several like it on Ebay for about $60.
The codes on it can be kinda vague.

I've only really needed it once, though.
Turned out to be a Power Steering sensor which took $12 and 30 minutes to replace.
Took longer for me to figure out what the code meant. Luckily some people posted the code and how they fixed it, and a google search found those posts.
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I'm not sure that you can have both - so pick either the best or the most economical.

Auto Enginuity is what I have. It's not cheap - but it is amongst the best out there - if not the best. Very easy to use and will supply way more information than you could ever want. I have the laptop version, full Ford module.

I first got the program after being involved in the Diesel forum communities. Not only will it tell me every thing about my truck down to exactly how much fuel is in my tank - but will run tests on my glow plugs, injectors, etc etc. Has a whole set of key on/key off tests.

As far as I am concerned it's been worth every penny. And oh yeah - since my whole family drives Fords - I'm pretty well set.


Ron
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Ron,
That's an amazing piece of software. How easy does it make diagnosis'? Does it come with the cable/hardware? Is it specific to each car? IE if I bought it for my Nissan and then got a Ford (or whatever) would I have to "re-buy it?"
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It is extremely easy to use. When it first starts it will give you any codes and the option to reset them. On my truck it returns 469 readings off the sensors and computers.

You select your mode - ie - laptop, pda, etc and they send the correct cable. You can download the software and get the basic stuff - and then you purchase "modules" for each specific make of vehicle.

The amount of data is mind boggling. And it will record data also. As an example - I once wanted to see if my air filter (which is suppose to last around 80K) was still effiecient at 60K. I turned on the program and set it to record my speed, air temp, air flow, throttle position, injector rates, exhaust gas temp, etc etc and then drove to a job site. There I changed the air filter and drove the same exact route back home. I was then able to compare the data from both trips. Result was less than 2% change between the new and used air filter. And those filters run about $85 each.

Anyway - it's be very useful. Saved me on the road once. Truck started blowing tons of white smoke and only had impulse power. Pulled over - slapped in the connector and fired up the program. First thing it said was that the EGR valve had a problem. Unplugged the harness to it and drove away as if nothing was wrong. Had I of not had the program it would have been tow truck city. Stopped by the dealer a week later and they replaced the EGR under warranty.

So yeah - I love the program - though it may not be for everyone.


Ron
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Ron, THanks for the Info that may be the ticket.
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I have this one, also with the Ford package. It gets very expensive if you want complete control of many makes of vehicles. The basic version is relatively inexpensive and will read all the standard systems on almost anything.

There are a great many basic scan tools and software packages. There are a lot of professional tools too. It depends on how far you want to take it. I like the AE a lot.
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quick and dirty code reader and erase function, Costco, 35 bucks.
Self powered, plugs in the OBDII port. To have around for quick and easy stuff, 35 bucks is nothing.
http://www.codekeyunlock.com/what.asp
I got one the other day to zap a couple O2 and HO2 sensor codes in the wifes Vulva to see if they came back. Reads fine on the BMW's too, so I would say it is probably a good all around device.
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Oh.... and the site is pretty cheesy, bad ad copy, but the unit works better than expected for less than 50 bucks.
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After searching through codes and codes that site did have a cool explanation of the way the code is broken down. Nice.

exactly how do you hook up your connecter and zap your wife's vulva? :-)
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Did you need a special adapter for that?
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I have a feeling many people have issues with error codes on their vehicles. I am stubborn in that I hate to pay someone to MAYBE fix my car. I would have no problems paying them to do actually fix it. I understand that they are very complex machines these days but even with garages I know are fair I can't afford to leave my car for 2-3 days or whatever. The other thing with the codes is that they are not always serious. Like for example the gas cap one.
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I won't get into the reasons I hate Swedish vehicles. Funny how it is so close... aww.. nevermind.
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Look up SAE J2012 and J1979 if you want to know more about OBDII codes and how they are derived and applied.

2012 codes are the same for all vehicles 1996- that were meant for sale within the US.

PDF
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Wow that's real informative, thanks Stu!
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As it turns out I found the ACTUAL service manual (yup the one from nissan)

Would the Auto Ingenuity program provide more info than that?

There is a ton of info in that book it's maybe 3000 pages of nissan info. phew.
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Basic scanners only give you the universal J2012 codes. All vehicles past '96 have to supply this information.
Manufactures are free to add to this basic information, most do. You need manufacture specific programs to read, and in some cases write to, this extra abilities. No basic scanners do this without buying extra software for it.
The basic information is very useful on it's own but it is great to be able to command different idle speeds, open and close the EGR valve, diagnose the EVAP system, etc.
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Well after much consideration I purchased the AutoEnginuity. I got the basic one and if that doesn't do it I will get the Nissan pack. If you think about it it would be easy to give the shop $250 to NOT fix your car and have less than nothing to show for it.
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