ODB2 reader - recommendation?

Felonious Crud

Felonious Crud

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Can anyone recommend a good fault code reader / reset tool? The ones that leave the reader plugged in all the time and connected to a phone via bluetooth look easiest, but there are stacks to pick from and they all look much of a muchness. A recommendation from here is always welcomed.

Oh, and in case you're wondering I have an 'emission system service' warning. This might be caused by lambda sensors, the fuel cap having not been screwed on properly, plugs or coil packs or any one of a number of things including a change in driving style (I had just driven 90 miles with Mrs Crud in the navigator's seat...). Rather than taking it a dealer to find out what's causing it, I'd rather spend the same money on a fault code reader than on petrol driving to the dealer and back.
 
Mattp

Mattp

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Which car is that on? I'm guessing the Aston? Your welcome to try my Delphi and see if that fits the bill..
It's a chunky Bluetooth box and the client software runs on a laptop
 
daverichardson

daverichardson

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For my QP I have used a bog standard Autel reader from Amazon about £15.00. It reads the code and allows you to reset it. Plugs in easily after removing the small cubby box at rhs of steering wheel. There is a small procedure to be followed which is no big deal.
Basic but it works
 
mjheathcote

mjheathcote

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If you want Bluetooth, there is only one choice:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/OBD-II-E...01-ScanTool-Bluetooth-Professional/B006NZTZLQ

Yes, expensive, but works properly and can be left plugged in as it properly shuts down on ignition off, and is high speed.
I have this permanently plugged into by BMW M140i, and have an old android phone also permanently plugged in with a few select apps.
I have it all configured so on ignition on the android phone automatically turns on, and the 'torque' app is displayed correctly, and on ignition off it all automatically closes down. I don't have to touch a thing. I therefore have displayed turbo boost pressure, inlet temperature, water and oil temperature, and volts.

Another option is an 'ultragauge' from the US. I have one permanently plugged into the 4200. That works well too.
http://ultra-gauge.com/ultragauge/ultragauge_wired.htm
 
daverichardson

daverichardson

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The procedure I mentioned was you plug it in and turn it on
It tries to communicate with the car and you switch the ignition on. The communication completes and you can scroll through as you see fit.
When complete you turn the ignition off and then remove the plug.
I did not follow this when using it on my old Kangoo and I broke the diagnostic
 
Mattp

Mattp

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I just charged up the laptop, oddly Aston Martin isn't on the list of cars, even maserati and ferrari are, I expect it would read the generic codes, but not the extended code list.
 
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TimR

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You can spend hundreds f pounds if you want - but I’ve had one if these for years now. https://uk.gearbest.com/obd-diagnos...MI_-285Zu-3gIVjoGyCh3wzAxHEAQYAyABEgK4c_D_BwE It will turn a smart phone into a dash board read out with a choice of live stream data dials or read codes with an app ( EDIT- I use DashCommand) In my VWT5, I can leave it plugged in permanently. Once you open the app, it hooks up to the WiFi signal it generates and job done. I don’t leave it in the Maserati’s port because, well, it’s a Maserati and it’ll do some weird trickery voodoo and empty my bank account before lunching the battery or something!
Cheap & effective. You need to spend proper money if you want real enthusiast level access imo...?
 
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daverichardson

daverichardson

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Think I bought similar on your recommendation when I broke the original Autel. However I have not managed to get any app on my phone to work Must try again. What app did you suggest?
 
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TimR

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Bladerunner said:
Thanks for sharing Dave...if that one works on Maserati it’s worth noting there are a number of listings around the £10 mark on eBay


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Watch that. I bought. It took s weeks to arrive. It was delivered smashed. I had to return it and the seller then started refusing to refund me. :confused:And then admitted it didn’t work on Maserati as advertised. Total ball ache. :rolleyes:
 
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TimR

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daverichardson said:
Think I bought similar on your recommendation when I broke the original Autel. However I have not managed to get any app on my phone to work Must try again. What app did you suggest?
Click to expand...
My bad...the app I use is called “ DashCommand” by Auto Meter Products Inc....:)

There’s also forum with product support and user community too...!
 
Felonious Crud

Felonious Crud

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Mattp said:
Which car is that on? I'm guessing the Aston? Your welcome to try my Delphi and see if that fits the bill..
It's a chunky Bluetooth box and the client software runs on a laptop
Click to expand...

Thanks, Matt, that’s really kind of you.

Mattp said:
I just charged up the laptop, oddly Aston Martin isn't on the list of cars, even maserati and ferrari are, I expect it would read the generic codes, but not the extended code list.
Click to expand...

Bugger! Never mind, though. Still appreciated.

All, thanks for your responses. I shall have a click through the links tomorrow.
 
steve1faith

steve1faith

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i have maseratti specific diagnostic machine so if anybody is in surrey area and wants me to run a diagnostic scan let me know , always nice to meet other massa owners anyways
 
redsonnylee

redsonnylee

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steve1faith said:
i have maseratti specific diagnostic machine so if anybody is in surrey area and wants me to run a diagnostic scan let me know , always nice to meet other massa owners anyways
Click to expand...

Where in Surrey are you, I’m in Kingston.
 
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Wanderer

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Would you post it out? Fully insured etc and with decent deposit etc in case? All at borrowers risk proven?
 
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