PC/Laptop-based OBD2 software recommendation?

[khnitz]

I have experience with USB dongles and Make-specific software that I use to help diagnose and repair my VW (VCDS by Ross-Tech) and Volvo (VIDA/DICE) vehicles. I'll be picking up something similar for my daughter's Mini, and have the dongle (ELM327-type) and SW for our Flex ready to go (FORscan).

But, for general OBD2 scanning with a USB dongle, what software have people used and recommend? At a basic level, reading and clearing codes would be helpful across a wide range of cars, but SW with more advanced capabilities is also helpful.

The other vehicles I have that I need to occassionally scan are:
2005 Dodge Ram Cummins
2005 Nissan 350Z
and then whatever else the family throws my way to help them fix (Chevy Equinox, Scion xB, Dodge Journey, etc.).

I realize that I may need to get other USB-to-OBD dongles to deal with some of the other cars.

Thanks in advance!

 

[dacan23]

I would look into bluetooth OBD2+ adapters, a lot of phone app options, perhaps useable with PC also. I am able to read and code many of my cars this way, though all mine are one brand.

 

[FMB4]

Also consider a Name brand, well reviewed, standalone multi vehicle brand scanner or NBNWRSMV - JK). Such can be had, new or used, for not a lot of money these days. That said, I've had very good luck with OTC brand scanners (used on Nissan and GMC vehicles 1995 - 2005).

 

[khnitz]

Thanks for the tip! I have thought about going with a Bluetooth adapter, but a USB dongle would be good enough for what I need to do. And, I have one laptop dedicated just for use in the shop garage with all the necessary car diagnostic SW, workshop manual .pdfs, etc.

In some of my research I read about connection instabilities with the Bluetooth adapters, and it having bad consequences if you have those troubles while trying to write a new configuration to an ECU, etc. I use Bluetooth a lot for all sorts of things (I have to as part of my job), but I'd prefer to keep things simpler with a wired connection, for now.

 

[khnitz]

Also consider a Name brand, well reviewed, standalone multi vehicle brand scanner or NBNWRSMV - JK). Such can be had, new or used, for not a lot of money these days. That said, I've had very good luck with OTC brand scanners (used on Nissan and GMC vehicles 1995 - 2005).

I had an older Actron scanner that did most of the basic stuff I needed, but I've misplaced it. So, I figured I'd just go with a dongle and PC SW, rather than replace it. That said, I'm scanning Marketplace and Craigslist to see if there is a reasonably priced dedicated scanner I can pick up, too.

 

[dacan23]

Thanks for the tip! I have thought about going with a Bluetooth adapter, but a USB dongle would be good enough for what I need to do. And, I have one laptop dedicated just for use in the shop garage with all the necessary car diagnostic SW, workshop manual .pdfs, etc.

In some of my research I read about connection instabilities with the Bluetooth adapters, and it having bad consequences if you have those troubles while trying to write a new configuration to an ECU, etc. I use Bluetooth a lot for all sorts of things (I have to as part of my job), but I'd prefer to keep things simpler with a wired connection, for now.

Yeah true they are quirky and I have had connection issues luckily havent bricked any of my cars.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

What's your budget, and what do you want to do? Reading and clearing codes is one thing - data and bidirectional control are bigger IMO.

EDIT: You mention whatever family/friends bring you - ABS on a jeep, then lean codes on a VW, then converter efficiency on a subaru, then blend door calibration on a GM? You need a full function tool then, and even then no tool does it all. What are do you "do" on the cars you see?

 

[khnitz]

What's your budget, and what do you want to do? Reading and clearing codes is one thing - data and bidirectional control are bigger IMO.

For now, SW to read and clear engine DTCs, and perhaps transmission codes, too, would be good. So, the basic OBD2 stuff that my old Actron scanner (I'm sure I'll find it as soon as I have my PC setup up-and-running ) would do.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

If you just want to read and clear codes, engine codes specifically, $20 will buy you a solid code reader for all of generic OBDII. For sub $500, you can get a basic tool to do electronic parking brake and other resets, and get access to trans/airbag/abs stuff.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Launch CRP line works well, with mediocre graphing on older models I've used.

 

[khnitz]

If you just want to read and clear codes, engine codes specifically, $20 will buy you a solid code reader for all of generic OBDII. For sub $500, you can get a basic tool to do electronic parking brake and other resets, and get access to trans/airbag/abs stuff.

I may go that route, too (but I'll probably find my Actron unit at some point). Just looking to see if there is PC SW that could be used with the dongles I already have.

 

[will335i]

I have the autoenginuity. It is scalable which is what I liked about it. With the base system you can do simple scans on all vehicles but the manufacture specific expansions let you do more detail diagnostics. Just add the ones you need as you need them or if you loan it out to friends have them cover part of the cost of the expansions.

 

[American Locomotive]

I used ScanMaster-ELM software with my ELM327 adapter and it was reasonably functional.

 

[khnitz]

I used ScanMaster-ELM software with my ELM327 adapter and it was reasonably functional.

Is that ScanMaster-ELM software the one that is available at elm327.com ?

I'm trying to find reference to the SW and where people have downloaded it without issues. There are too many opportunities to get something with spam ads/viruses, etc.

 

[dogdog]

This is just posted on some other forum Not my post just remeber some one was asking.. their app looks pretty good on amazon user review videos. for $35 amazon at least for me not the claimed $25 in his/her post.. not exactly PC base but it have apps for both android and iphone.. I might get one if it is $25. Not sure if it is me or amazon fudging with me..

Amazon.com

code: QALT2WPJ

 

[khnitz]

Thanks for the link, @dogdog .

As for that elm327.com I mentioned, that looks like a scam site, as the SW they show screenshots of is actually a product of WGSoft.de, and they have their own site for it (www.wgsoft.de).

I'm also finding OCTech's Touchscan at www.obdsoftware.net . They have a free version to trial, so maybe I'll give that a shot. And they have add-on functionality for Nissan and FCA, so that could give me the additional functionality I may need down the road, too.

 

[VolvoRyan]

ELM327 dongles are pretty good. I've got this one for the P2 XC90:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BY2CK32/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Apparently, I bought one for the wife's P3 XC60... where that one went, no one knows.

Torque pro works OK with these dongles..... I have something else (Car Scanner Pro?) that can probe a bit deeper. It actually got SAS codes. We've got an iCarSoft for the Volvos.... and also VIDA/DiCE.

It seems that a good handheld scanner is where the most versatility is for multi-makes/models. Computer based software is really the bigger hammer for vehicle specific stuff.

-Ryan

 

[khnitz]

So, some updates:

I may go that route, too (but I'll probably find my Actron unit at some point).

AND...find my Actron scanner I did!!

It was where I moved it to in some reorganizing last Fall. I have this Sun station - and it's a diagnostic tester - so I had decided to put all of my diagnostic tools in its cabinet. It took me a little bit to finally remember that I did that.


And in the meantime, for my daughter's Mini, I came across a Foxwell NT510 (not an Elite, unfortunately, but it will work fine for her 2006 R52S) diagnostic tool and it is working well. I confirmed that the LF wheel speed sensor is the one that is bad - I have the part onhand, now, and will install it after I'm done with the transmission replacement on our Passat (it is currently on the lift).

For our Flex, the FORscan SW and ELM327 cable worked great.

So, it's just identifying a good solution for our Dodge Cummins and Nissan 350Z. For the Z, the Datascan2 PC solution (will need a different cable) should do the trick.

 

[Luciferi]

you can try alfaobd for your dodge. Not sure how far back it works but I use on newer dodges

 

[wkndwarrior29]

Not an answer to your question, but you'll want ISTA+ for the mini. I'd recommend a bimmergeeks cable. If you interested in spending the money, the bimmergeeks app is awesome - but you'll want to verify the chassis is supported.

 

[rogersmithiii]

Thanks for the link, @dogdog .

As for that elm327.com I mentioned, that looks like a scam site, as the SW they show screenshots of is actually a product of WGSoft.de, and they have their own site for it (www.wgsoft.de).

I'm also finding OCTech's Touchscan at www.obdsoftware.net . They have a free version to trial, so maybe I'll give that a shot. And they have add-on functionality for Nissan and FCA, so that could give me the additional functionality I may need down the road, too.

I tend to agree. The software from that site seems to be cracked, and my antivirus IDs it as infected. I would not risk it.