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Laptop based OBD2 live data

techenthusiast

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I'm looking for a reasonably priced laptop based live data reader to check fuel trims and track random multiple misfires on an obd 2 system. Things that my handheld scan tool cannot do. Anyone have any recommendations? Thanks!
 
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thatonedude

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One of the major cars I work on our dsm's and I use dsm link on those allows me to do what ever I need to the fuel map to get the best out of the 4g63t motors. Other wise I run megasqurt or aem the other cars.
 

Showkey

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This site has a few good choices for lap top interface:

http://www.scantool.net/scan-tools/pc-based/
The screen interface is OK for the price.

Also a handheld AUTEL 802 has complete live data list and communicates with most cars.
I have one to "talk" with a MB Sprinter ( not an easy task) on my Honda products the Autel has the exact data list has the factory scan tool.
I think Ford is pissed at Autel for supplying scan tool data similar to factory specs ??
 

shockwave

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I believe auto inginuty is a good pc based but in sure of others for the money you cannot beat the autel ds708 thou for live data and bidirectional functions
 
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techenthusiast

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Autel 802 or 708, which will read live data better? What's the difference on capabilities from these two products opposed to laptop based live data readers ?


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Showkey

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Many lap top interface are only going to get the generic OBD data not the full list.

Live data lists is likely similar on both.

708 is bi-directional communication and cost $1000.
802 is about $300. Live data only can not send out commands.

Auto enginunity is good but expensive to get a full Data list. Simple interface ( $250) gets only generic ODB data full Data needs the manufacture specific modules at $250 each or buy by the bundle to get the cost down. Some say the AE interface can be slow and buggy ???????
 
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bwringer

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You may be able to get there with a decent Android phone or tablet plus a Bluetooth OBDII reader and the Torque Pro app. The app can display data in real-time, record data, show you a nice chart, and you can export the data if you really want to dig in.

For what you're doing, it sounds like you don't need the model-specific stuff.

If you have any sort of Android device around, it's certainly very cheap to try.
 

mboss4

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I use the Torque app, sometimes on an Android phone, sometimes on a cheap $40 Android tablet. You can port anything to your device that the vehicle reports through the obd port, regardless of make/model.
 

Showkey

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Some basic info might help:

This is link to an article that explains the difference between global or generic OBD data and a full model specific data list. Global on some vehicles might display 30 items. A full data list might have 100 items. It all depends on your needs and skills and the level of detail required. EXAMPLE Global like would not show misfire counts or cylinder misfire ID or other important details. This info would change depending on model of vehicle, year and type of tester software and hardware.

Guessing......it seems like the OP was looking for in depth detail ??????

http://www.motor.com/article.asp?article_ID=1202

The other wild card in tester features the 802 for example will do transmission, body, ABS and SRS data stream and codes.
 
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techenthusiast

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Thanks for the link, i found it to be very informative. Is the 802 a generic obd reader? Is the 802 at the top of its class for features to price?


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FiendFX

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California
I'm looking for a reasonably priced laptop based live data reader to check fuel trims and track random multiple misfires on an obd 2 system. Things that my handheld scan tool cannot do. Anyone have any recommendations? Thanks!

i got Auto Enginiuity for sale if you are interested.. Send me a PM.
 
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bri_man57

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Windsor Colorado
Like others have said, you might be better off with a tablet option. I have an android tablet, bought the app "torque" (pro version is 5 bucks) and bought a 25 dollar bluetooth obd2 connector and I have a very nice diagnostics tool. YOu can output any information that the computer can read (any active senor on the vehicle can be output) and it has the capability to do logging of issues, real time feedback, etc. I am not automtive repair expert but from the soudns of it, maybe this might be a batter priced option for you. The Iphone platform has similar apps that can be used with the same bluetooth or wifi obd2 connector.
 
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shockwave

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This defeniatly will be better to go with Bluetooth connector with the way diagnostic scan tools are going.

A lot have started using android over windows because of more stable platform with software taking over not do much the hardware anymore
 

bsaint

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Manchester, CT
I don't know. All the high ends use embedded windows. Icom, Versus, etc. With first rate software, its generally not an issue.
 

Hafion

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Feb 8, 2015
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Hello everyone, first post here I been doing some reading and searching for a good OBD2 code reader that can do ABS and pretty much anything the dealer can. They want $200 each time they check the light no way I am feeding the giant. I plan to buy a unit and it looks like the Autel MaxiDAS DS708 is the recommendation around here. I have a Jeep and the wife has a Scion need something that can do both and check for more than just CEL.

I was looking at the Snap-On ethos plus but ran across this thread and am second guessing my choice. Any more input on the Autel?
 
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techenthusiast

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So the autel maxidas cannot run tests like cylinder cut out?


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Nekit

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Aug 7, 2012
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So the autel maxidas cannot run tests like cylinder cut out?


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I have a Maxidas DS708. The answer is "it depends". It's a great tool for the money, but every so often it has a hole in it's software and doesn't have many features for that brand. It seems that every brand of car is a totally different software on the system. Because of that some have lots of features, some not so many.

If you Google "Autel Maxidas updates" you should be able to see the update page. Click on each manufacturers icon on that page and it will give you a list of features.

I got mine from Harbor Freight only available online. Used 25% off coupon and it was like $825 + tax & $8 Shipping
 

Nekit

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To answer your original question. I have done cylinder cut out on GM products.
 

Nekit

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What cars are you interested in? I could look them up and tell you the features.
 

BellyUpFish

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Alabama
Those of you using a "$40 Android tablet" - can you let me know what tablet you're running?

I was all set to iPhone this, but apparently there are 50-eleven hoops to jump through with the iPhone.
 

FiendFX

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Those of you using a "$40 Android tablet" - can you let me know what tablet you're running?

I was all set to iPhone this, but apparently there are 50-eleven hoops to jump through with the iPhone.

On apple product, you must download the app called OBD Fusion.
 
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