Display OBD2 codes on the dash?

[TheFixer]

I've been looking for an ODB2 reader that I can leave plugged in on my wife's car that is extremely easy to operate - and just shows the DTC(s) on the display if they occur. Hopefully the display would just mount on the dash somewhere. A good design would be one that only powered on when the ignition was on (to avoid killing the battery when parked for a while).

Idea is that if she's in her car a few 100 miles away (which is not uncommon) and a check engine light comes on she can just call me, and let me know the code so I can assure her it's ok to drive, or give her advice. Note not looking for a blue tooth dongle and phone app. Just something super simple that displays the code, or nothing

There's scores of discussions on the web as to why vehicles don't just do this as standard (and we all know that's to get folks to visit the dealer), but I'm amazed I can't find something after market....

-Steve

 

[chevy.stroker]

You can talk to Banks, but this seems to be able to read and clear code.

Banks iDash Pro® Standalone for 2008+ OBDII CAN bus vehicles (66710) - Banks Power

iDash Pro® does what other gauges can't. Monitor, set alerts, check diagnostics. The ultimate engine evaluation tool for racers, engine builders, daily drivers.

bankspower.com

 

[RTM]

A good design would be one that only powered on when the ignition was on (to avoid killing the battery when parked for a while).

Supposedly this is a function of the OBDII port, not the device, or so I was told, so don't get your hopes up too high. Know a few people who drained their batteries during early Covid leaving the Dongles on all the time.

I know a guy who took an early one, and built it into his overhead console in 2006. Unfortunately, just like here, the pictures have gone to the wind. Might say how (if he did) got over the always on part.

ScanGauge Mod Tutorial

www.toyotanation.com

 

[Firebrick43]

I've been looking for an ODB2 reader that I can leave plugged in on my wife's car that is extremely easy to operate - and just shows the DTC(s) on the display if they occur. Hopefully the display would just mount on the dash somewhere. A good design would be one that only powered on when the ignition was on (to avoid killing the battery when parked for a while).

Idea is that if she's in her car a few 100 miles away (which is not uncommon) and a check engine light comes on she can just call me, and let me know the code so I can assure her it's ok to drive, or give her advice. Note not looking for a blue tooth dongle and phone app. Just something super simple that displays the code, or nothing

There's scores of discussions on the web as to why vehicles don't just do this as standard (and we all know that's to get folks to visit the dealer), but I'm amazed I can't find something after market....

-Steve

It’s been standard on Chrysler vehicles since 1996

 

[TheFixer]

You can talk to Banks, but this seems to be able to read and clear code.

Banks iDash Pro® Standalone for 2008+ OBDII CAN bus vehicles (66710) - Banks Power

iDash Pro® does what other gauges can't. Monitor, set alerts, check diagnostics. The ultimate engine evaluation tool for racers, engine builders, daily drivers.

bankspower.com

Thanks!

Unfortunately, looking at the supported data pages for different vehicles, it doesn't seem to display the actual code (though it can tell you the Check Engine light is on...)

TBH, this display would be overkill for the application anyway - there's plenty of options for showing the value of different PIDs, but what I'm looking for is something that would stay blank (or perhaps display a clock or 'No Code'), and then when the CEL came on would display the code (or if there was more than one, perhaps display them in sequence)

I have wondered about putting together something with an Arduino or Raspberry PI (I've done similar things before), but I was hoping to find something quick and easy off the shelf....

~Steve

 

[TheFixer]

I have realized that the ScanGauge II can show (and clear) the DTCs, but does require a couple of button clicks to get to them (they don't automatically pop-up on the screen when the CEL goes on). It still does a ton more than is needed, but might be the best solution I've found so far...

 

[TheFixer]

It’s been standard on Chrysler vehicles since 1996

I didn't know that Chrysler did that. None of our OBD2 equipped vehicles (Nissan, Mazda, Jaguar) do that. TBH, if manufactuers just had a 4-digit LED display that showed the numbers next to the CEL light that would be helpful....

Note - I have a drawer full of various scanners I use when diagnosing a car, but it doesn't help when someone calls me for advice and all they can tell me is the CEL light is on...

 

[Fedwrench]

I tell my fleet drivers that if the check engine light is flashing, they need a tow. If it's on solid, they can probably make it to the shop.

 

[VolvoRyan]

If she has a smart phone, you can leave a Bluetooth/WiFi dongle plugged in, then let her fetch codes with her phone.

-Ryan

 

[unslow1]

Just buy one of the generic mini code readers. They are dirt cheap and display codes with just a couple of button pushes.

 

[WildBill]

There are some cheap ones that look like a gauge that do that. I have one somewhere, cost like $12 a couple years ago. Can cycle through a bunch of vehicle info readouts including OBD2 codes, and reset them. Usually they advertise the speedometer and other functions, but most also can switch to reading codes mode, just have to look at the specs to make sure. I had a smaller one that mounted to the A-pillar in my truck at one point but also have this bigger one. Here is a link to the cheapo I have, mine works fine but its junky so I would probably get a better one, plus out of stock apparently. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QZR38F2?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[P0234]

I tell my fleet drivers that if the check engine light is flashing, they need a tow. If it's on solid, they can probably make it to the shop.

Exactly, if it's flashing it needs a tow, otherwise keep trucking. More important is to teach her to watch the temp and oil pressure gauges/lights.