Anyone know of a good laptop based OBD2 scanner?

Joelfke · Jul 26, 2009

At work we can use the Tech II but i dont have that luxury at home. The newest GM cars are using a laptop based scan tool so it seems appropriate to get a laptop based scan tool for home.

Does anyone know of a good laptop scan tool? or heard of one?

bmwpower · Jul 26, 2009

I've had good results with this one:

http://www.autoenginuity.com/

Always updating their software for new vehicles, etc.

vette-kid · Jul 26, 2009

http://www.palmerperformance.com/

Bolster · Jul 26, 2009

What, no Macintosh options at all?!? :wtf:

r6_cannibal · Jul 26, 2009

Bolster said:
What, no Macintosh options at all?!?

I was just scouring the apt-get repositories for a linux version. With mac you could probably get it to run under parallels.

Joelfke · Jul 26, 2009

was never a big fan of mac.....although if i found a program that was mac specific and an amazing program id have to consider it...

AutoTech · Jul 26, 2009

I use AutoEnginuity and love it. Has very good coverage on Domestic, Asian and Euro cars. I use it regularly on Ford, GM, Chrysler, and Toyota and it has the best module coverage, Pid coverage, Bi-directional testing of any aftermarket scan tool out there IMO. For the money it would behard to find anything better. Updates are cheap also, from $50 to $150 a year. There tech support is second to none also. :thumbup:

scottmlew · Jul 26, 2009

Any specific recommendations to handle MB/Porsche/BMW?

Joelfke · Jul 26, 2009

AutoTech said:
I use AutoEnginuity and love it. Has very good coverage on Domestic, Asian and Euro cars. I use it regularly on Ford, GM, Chrysler, and Toyota and it has the best module coverage, Pid coverage, Bi-directional testing of any aftermarket scan tool out there IMO. For the money it would behard to find anything better. Updates are cheap also, from $50 to $150 a year. There tech support is second to none also.

how much is it to get it in the first place and hardware? minus the laptop of course

AutoTech · Jul 26, 2009

Joelfke said:
how much is it to get it in the first place and hardware? minus the laptop of course

The Proline Runs about $1200 and includes Domestic and asian coverage: here's the website:http://www.autoenginuity.com/order.html
Pro-Line ScanTool Bundle
#SP01 - Includes:
• USB ScanTool (ST05)
• ProLine Interface (ST06)
• Enhanced Ford Expansion
• Enhanced GM (with CAN D) Expansion
• Enhanced Chrysler (Full) Expansion
• Enhanced Toyota Expansion
• Enhanced Nissan Expansion
• Enhanced Honda Expansion
• Enhanced Mazda Expansion
• Enhanced Hyundai/Kia Expansion
• Enhanced Subaru Expansion
• Enhanced Mitsubishi Expansion
• Enhanced Isuzu Expansion

If you don't need that much coverage you can just buy the OBD-II hardware and then add the enhanced software for the carlines you want as you need it.HTH

48548 · Jul 26, 2009

Running parallels or bootcamp is running windows, once you factor the cost of the OS for vista, then it makes is not worth it at all. You could buy a cheap or used laptop to do the same thing and be dedicated to the shop. They don't really make macs to do things like this, also with the pretty aluminum the mac book pro, gets really really hot, and I hate it when I use it all day and just burns my legs when I am on the plane. Just get a cheap windows machine to use, hehehehe.

Joelfke · Jul 26, 2009

48548 said:
Running parallels or bootcamp is running windows, once you factor the cost of the OS for vista, then it makes is not worth it at all. You could buy a cheap or used laptop to do the same thing and be dedicated to the shop. They don't really make macs to do things like this, also with the pretty aluminum the mac book pro, gets really really hot, and I hate it when I use it all day and just burns my legs when I am on the plane. Just get a cheap windows machine to use, hehehehe.

well being the computer kid i am...buying windows is umm...not a problem...

i use XP though...i F***ing hate vista in all aspects...

im pretty much just looking for inexpensive diagnostic tool for home use diagnosing side jobs....check engine lights/turning them off...code reading stuff like that

the laptop part im not worried about i just want some feedback on a laptop based program i can use

Joe92GT · Jul 26, 2009

Does the autoenginuity do everything that the OTC and snap-on scan tools do?

bmwpower · Jul 26, 2009

AutoTech said:
The Proline Runs about $1200 and includes Domestic and asian coverage: here's the website:http://www.autoenginuity.com/order.html
Pro-Line ScanTool Bundle
#SP01 - Includes:
• USB ScanTool (ST05)
• ProLine Interface (ST06)
• Enhanced Ford Expansion
• Enhanced GM (with CAN D) Expansion
• Enhanced Chrysler (Full) Expansion
• Enhanced Toyota Expansion
• Enhanced Nissan Expansion
• Enhanced Honda Expansion
• Enhanced Mazda Expansion
• Enhanced Hyundai/Kia Expansion
• Enhanced Subaru Expansion
• Enhanced Mitsubishi Expansion
• Enhanced Isuzu Expansion

If you don't need that much coverage you can just buy the OBD-II hardware and then add the enhanced software for the carlines you want as you need it.HTH

That's the expensive enhanced version. I have the basic version and it was like $250. Free software upgrades.

bmwpower · Jul 26, 2009

Joe92GT said:
Does the autoenginuity do everything that the OTC and snap-on scan tools do?

Not entirely sure, but check out their site for what it can do.

r6_cannibal · Jul 26, 2009

Joelfke said:
i use XP though...i F***ing hate vista in all aspects...

+1!

and the only reason i use XP is because there is no longer 2000 support. hopefully windows 7 is better, only time will tell.

back to the point, I found this off of mp3car.com.
http://www.obd-diag.de/
click on the uk flag on the right for english and check out their obd-II scanners. they have free skinnable software, and even a eagle PCB file if you're feeling up to soldering your own connector. I have not personally used this software but I've heard lots of good things about it, don't know why I didn't remember about it earlier.

AutoTech · Jul 26, 2009

bmwpower said:
That's the expensive enhanced version. I have the basic version and it was like $250. Free software upgrades.

Yeah I realize it's the enhanced version but by him saying he uses a tech 2 at work I thought he might be looking for something more professional than just Generic OBD-II thats all!

bmwpower · Jul 26, 2009

AutoTech said:
Yeah I realize it's the enhanced version but by him saying he uses a tech 2 at work I thought he might be looking for something more professional than just Generic OBD-II thats all!

No problem. Just didn't want to scare him away as $1200 would be a hard nut to swallow for most home shops (including me).

I wish there wasn't such a jump to the enhanced version. Would be nice to see some more sensors and such on the newer cars.

AutoTech · Jul 26, 2009

bmwpower said:
No problem. Just didn't want to scare him away as $1200 would be a hard nut to swallow for most home shops (including me).

I wish there wasn't such a jump to the enhanced version. Would be nice to see some more sensors and such on the newer cars.

Yeah your right $1200 is hard to swallow when your not using it everyday. He could get the hardware and generic software for $250 and add the ehanced software when needed and funds will allow. For instance he could add GM for $229.95 or Ford for $149.95 when he's ready.

Danglerb · Jul 27, 2009

I bought this one, US sourced, cheap bundled with some free software, $45 shipped.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250433744998

For $11 more you can get the full version of easyobdii, but I haven't tried it yet.
http://www.easyobdii.com/index.php

A number of the software packages do run on a Mac, Linux, and even old palm PDAs.

Many of the software companies are snotty and lock their software so it only runs with their adapter cables.

*** BTW this is CLASSIC internet catch 22's, most product work was done shortly after OBDII started in 1995, early guys figured out all sorts of cheap and free ways to do stuff, but since zero money went back to creators all of those early web sites are now dead, and/or purchased by the companies that want to charge $500 for a CD.

Joelfke · Jul 27, 2009

Danglerb said:
I bought this one, US sourced, cheap bundled with some free software, $45 shipped.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250433744998

For $11 more you can get the full version of easyobdii, but I haven't tried it yet.
http://www.easyobdii.com/index.php

A number of the software packages do run on a Mac, Linux, and even old palm PDAs.

Many of the software companies are snotty and lock their software so it only runs with their adapter cables.

*** BTW this is CLASSIC internet catch 22's, most product work was done shortly after OBDII started in 1995, early guys figured out all sorts of cheap and free ways to do stuff, but since zero money went back to creators all of those early web sites are now dead, and/or purchased by the companies that want to charge $500 for a CD.

hmm this was what i was looking for.....

1200 is hard to swallow for just side jobs...but if i had enough side jobs to warrant getting that....they wouldnt be side jobs anymore :lol_hitti

djkyle65 · May 2, 2011

Danglerb said:
I bought this one, US sourced, cheap bundled with some free software, $45 shipped.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250433744998

For $11 more you can get the full version of easyobdii, but I haven't tried it yet.
http://www.easyobdii.com/index.php

A number of the software packages do run on a Mac, Linux, and even old palm PDAs.

Many of the software companies are snotty and lock their software so it only runs with their adapter cables.

*** BTW this is CLASSIC internet catch 22's, most product work was done shortly after OBDII started in 1995, early guys figured out all sorts of cheap and free ways to do stuff, but since zero money went back to creators all of those early web sites are now dead, and/or purchased by the companies that want to charge $500 for a CD.

Is this still the way to go? Also does anyone know where to get the cable at?

Anyone know of a good laptop based OBD2 scanner?

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