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[GarageGuy89]

Been needing one of these for years, but also dreading at the same time.

These are an expensive mysterious box to me. Is there a source or website out there that can get me up to speed on these? Which ones offer which services, which ones work on each specific make/model...blah blah

Need the ability to read check engine light and program key fobs. Those are the two stipulations I have.

 

[anndel]

Do a search on this forum as there's been many discussions regarding this topic from BlueDrivers, BAFX, Autel, Snap-ons, et al. Good Luck!

 

[Nineeightyone]

Key fobs may be an issue, it seems like a lot of manufacturers (at least the ones I've dealt with -- volkswagen and Mazda for sure) have a non-OBD2 method to program keys, usually requiring one key already paired to the car. I have a bluetooth OBD2 adapter from Veepeak (~$15 on Amazon) that works pretty well with Torque pro, as well as a HF scanner that will allow me to read and delete codes, as well as view some metrics in real time, but I haven't used it much since getting the Veepeak/Torque combo, which allows reading pretty much anything the ECU sees.

 

[GarageGuy89]

I'm surprised you can't plug these into laptops and buy software directly for the laptop to do all this?

At least that is what I do with my outboard motor.

 

[Tallpilot]

I'm surprised you can't plug these into laptops and buy software directly for the laptop to do all this?

At least that is what I do with my outboard motor.

You may. The required cable is a J2534 pass through. There are devices that support multiple manufacturers for $1,000+ and cables that support one manufacturer certified for ~$500 or uncertified <$100.

That is the best way to get dealer level capability. Some will let you clone a key fob if you have a good one; others will require a membership in the automobile locksmith guild (for lack of a better term). You could see it as occupational licensing or a background check or just a money grab but it serves as a liability shield for the manufacturer.

 

[AmishFury]

read check engine light is easy

programming key fobs is the real trick... and varies greatly depending on make/model

quick example... my vehicle (97 grand cherokee) requires the dealer scan tool for programming remotes... one of the few things my MT2500 can't do... another being reading airbag codes

 

[kelpaso1]

Scanning codes and data is one thing, programming fobs and re-flashing ECM's is another.
You are going to pay big bucks to do both on one scanner. For general scanning and data stream, mode 6, Bluedriver is what I have. Reads ECM, BCM, BODY, ABS, AIRBAG. But this is generally a read only scanner. Can't activate the evap pump, abs, etc. A $20 obd plug and an Ipad or phone is all you need. Well worth the money.

 

[AA/FC]

I'm surprised you can't plug these into laptops and buy software directly for the laptop to do all this?

You can. I've had an old laptop with an OBDII cable that plugs into a USB port since about 2006. It can read and erase most codes including ABS and air bags along with viewing and recording live data. I paid a couple hundred bucks for the whole set up about 12 years ago and it still works great. I can download updates to keep it current. I don't use it much nowadays because I also have an Autel scanner but I did use it a few months ago.