What Do You Think Is The Best OBDII Computer Scan Tool Software?

[Vladymere]

I recently had a problem with my daughter's Saturn that gave me fits in diagnosing (P012, P2135 that morphed to a P0122, P2135 issue). The vehicle is now at a GMC dealership to have a replacement ECU programmed.

In diagnosing the problem I needed to see the throttle body and accelerator pedal sensor wave forms and voltage levels. My Actron scan tool would not allow this.

I purchased a "ScanTool 425801 OBDLink SX USB: Professional OBD-II Scan Tool for Windows" interface adapter and "OBD Auto Doctor" software. This software let me graph the required wave forms but did not provide the voltage levels for what I was seeing. The software companies tech support was able to help me interpret the waveform percentages into voltages.

I would like to purchase software that help let me graph these signals in real time and in voltage levels. What do y'all recommend?

Thank you ,

Vlad

 

[mrrooG8]

I've been liking my Blue Driver blue tooth scan tool. Works great with lots of graphing options. Real time data and reads all codes. It's made by Lemur. Can get one for Android and IoS systems.

 

[ZipSnafu]

I too have a Blue Driver. I have only had it for a few months now but it has a whole bunch of options that should cover what ever you need to do.

 

[wssix99]

I would like to purchase software that help let me graph these signals in real time and in voltage levels. What do y'all recommend?

The best, reasonably priced tool that I've found to do advanced things like this is AutoEnginuity's tool: http://autotechconnexion.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Présentation-AutoEnginuity-Giotto.pdf

It will give you all the data dumps you'd want and will also allow you to graph multiple sensor waveforms together, with configurable ranges, etc.

This is PC-based stuff, so it won't run on a smart phone etc. (I'm not sure how one could visualize waveforms well on a phone...) I run the software on a Surface and it's great.

This tool is particularly useful if your cars are all the same make as the enhanced sensor support is an up-charge. (Just the generic OBDII sensors come standard.) So, if you have three cars by three different makes, all of the add-ons could run up in price.

 

[cnttxmdc]

AutoEnginuity is a good tool. I had a used one that I used before I got an Autel DS708. Both are way more advanced than the average guy needs.

That being said, I do prefer my Autel. You can get them on sale at Harbor Freight most of the time, possibly cheaper that AE.

 

[thecj3man]

I too like AutoEnginuity. I bought it first for diagnosing injection issues on a Ford Powerstroke, so I had to have the Ford enhanced package. Since then I have used it on various cars and trucks and I really like it. There is a learning curve to using it to make sure you are getting the results you desire, but it was pretty self explanatory.

 

[theoldwizard1]

IMHO, if you are going to spend over $100, the tool should also handle anti-lock brakes and air bags. My 2016 Ford Edge has electronic parking/emergency brakes. I have heard you need a scan tool to retract the rear caliper pistons.

 

[Showkey]

^^^^^^^^^^^. To give a signal or command to the vehicle from the scan tool ........you need a bi directional communication protocol. Not many $100 tools have that capability. Autel 708 does bi communication at $700-$1300 depending again on location, support and features.

AE does work well but they can be slow and they are expensive as you need to purchase the "KEY" for each manufacture.

A tool that will read ABS, SRS and body codes is often needed with a new vehicle.

Autel has many scan tool models with varying capability and price. Autel has varying levels of tech support depending on where the tool is purchased. Purchased from a "boot leg" vendor you might have no tech support. The tool does need to be updated for new features or vehicles.
Found Autel MD802 is one scan tool that "talks German" which scan be hard to find. Used on my Sprinter and not many tools do Sprinters well. It also has the complete factory data list as the factory Honda scan tool. It does reset oil monitors on some vehicles but does not does other commands. It costs $199-$300 depending on location and features.

 

[mikeceli]

AutoEnginuity is a good tool. I had a used one that I used before I got an Autel DS708. Both are way more advanced than the average guy needs.

That being said, I do prefer my Autel. You can get them on sale at Harbor Freight most of the time, possibly cheaper that AE.

Why do you prefer the Autel? What about the high cost to update the software? I am considering both.

 

[APEowner]

I've got the AutoEnginuity package with the Ford enhancement and I'm happy with it.

 

[wssix99]

Right on time - next Thursday, Wells is putting on a webcast on different scan tool options: http://www.wellsve.com/webcasts.html

 

[jwh]

I just got a BlueDriver and for the little I've used it I am impressed.

If you've got an Android or Apple device, you can download the app for free.
You could cruise around in there and see if you like it. Also has the instruction manual in the app, haven't had a chance to look at it much but looks like it might hook up to video instructions.

John

 

[David Paul]

Right on time - next Thursday, Wells is putting on a webcast on different scan tool options: http://www.wellsve.com/webcasts.html

Interesting site, subscribed. Thanks wssix for the link!

 

[Autonomous]

For the handy guy in the garage who does most of his own mechanic'ing, I love TORQUE Android app paired with an ELM 321 BLUETOOTH ($20 on eBay or Amazon) . It is invaluable and cheap. I bought the Pro version to support the app developer.

I use it on half the cars in the neighborhood.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[Vladymere]

I will have to view the Wells webcast also.

 

[wssix99]

I'm not sure how extensive the Wells program will be, but they are usually really easy to attend. They get right to the point and do 4 courses during the day. Overall, I find their regular sensor/system-specific webcasts very informative. (Particularly since I'm not diagnosing emissions/electrical issues on cars every day.)

I think they usually use a Snap-On tablet type of thing for their regular sensor diagnostic demos. Hopefully they will come with some PC options for this one.

 

[scootcharles]

I recently had a problem with my daughter's Saturn that gave me fits in diagnosing (P012, P2135 that morphed to a P0122, P2135 issue). The vehicle is now at a GMC dealership to have a replacement ECU programmed.

In diagnosing the problem I needed to see the throttle body and accelerator pedal sensor wave forms and voltage levels. My Actron scan tool would not allow this.

I purchased a "ScanTool 425801 OBDLink SX USB: Professional OBD-II Scan Tool for Windows" interface adapter and "OBD Auto Doctor" software. This software let me graph the required wave forms but did not provide the voltage levels for what I was seeing. The software companies tech support was able to help me interpret the waveform percentages into voltages.

I would like to purchase software that help let me graph these signals in real time and in voltage levels. What do y'all recommend?

Thank you ,

Vlad

I too have a Blue Driver. I have only had it for a few months now but it has a whole bunch of options that should cover what ever you need to do.