[DeTomaso] Re: [NPC] OBD2 Code Scanners - Findings

[Richard Barkley]

Mark,

Zonkey objects to the NPC rating, he's been using a Code Scanner since 
his rebirth :-)

I think you'll agree that your "type 3" scanners that use a laptop (or 
Palm, etc.) are by far the best if you want anything more than just the 
basics. One of their big advantages is their data logging capability and 
the easy visual review of the collected data. This can make diagnosing 
intermittent problems much easier.

One that you all should take a look at is:
http://www.obd2allinone.com
Lots of good information there too. The guy who is behind it is an EE 
friend of mine. I believe it to be the best on the market, especially 
for the price. If your computer does USB, spend the extra few bucks and 
get the USB model as it is almost certain that your next computer won't 
have a serial port.

Richard

> Subject:
> [DeTomaso] [NPC] OBD2 Code Scanners - Findings
> From:
> "Mark McWhinney" <msm at portata.com>
> Date:
> Sat, 23 Sep 2006 11:15:23 -0700
>
> To:
> <detomaso at realbig.com>
>
>I have been reading up a lot on the OBD and OBD2 ports.  Although they were
>mandated by the EPA for checking the emissions systems, there is a wealth of
>other diagnostic and performance information available via the ODB2 port
>that is on all domestic and most foreign cars made since the 1996.  The
>original OBD ports were used prior to 1996, but the implementation varied
>from one manufacture to another.  The new CAN standard will be mandated in
>2008.
>
>One guy went poking through his computer on his Jeep to improve gas mileage
>and found a lot of interesting information about the interplay of air
>density, temperature, ram air boost, horsepower, and acceleration which he
>wrote up in an article at.
>http://www.omninerd.com/2006/07/16/articles/57
>
>
>>From what I can tell, there are three basic ways to get information from a
>port:
>
>1) A code reader can simply display the code letter/number which you go look
>up in a book or on-line.  They may be a simple LED display on the end of a
>cable or may be a handheld device with an LCD display.  These are generally
>under $50 and available at all parts stores.  For future reference, these
>are the generic and manufacture-specific trouble code definitions.
>http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/index.php
>The "P" codes are for the power train.  B is for Body, C for chassis, etc.
>
>2) A code scanner can not only display the current code and its definition
>but also can display the code and statuses of many other devices in the car.
>They can also provide sensor readings such as the O2, MAP, and oil temp.
>They higher high scanners can do freeze frame to capture a sequence of
>readings over time. Most scanners can reset the Check Engine light.  They
>are hand held devices with multi-line LCD displays They run from $100 to
>$700 where more info => more money.  Many parts stores are these.
>
>3) The other type is an adapter with a cable that hooks up to a lap top, Mac
>or Palm using a serial, USB, or even Bluetooth connection.  This provides
>access to all the information.  There are several free and commercial
>programs that can analyze and display the information.  The cost runs from
>$100 to $200 which is $100 for the adapter and cables and $0 to $100 for the
>software.  I have only found them on-line.
>
>List of software available:
>http://www.scantool.net/?mode=browseSoftware
>
>Interesting screen shots (Diagnostics)
>http://www.myscantool.com/images/screenshots/TroubleCodes_Large.gif
>http://www.myscantool.com/images/screenshots/Scope_Large.gif
>http://www.palmerperformance.com/screenshots/new/pcmscan_gauges.png
>http://www.palmerperformance.com/screenshots/new/pcmscan_custom_dash.png
>http://www.palmerperformance.com/screenshots/new/pcmscan_monitor_status.png
>
>Interesting screen shots (Performance)
>http://www.myscantool.com/images/screenshots/TrackPerformance_Large.jpg
>http://www.myscantool.com/images/screenshots/Dyno_Large.jpg
>http://webpages.charter.net/eecanalyzer/ScreenShots/DragStrip.htm
>
>Interesting screen shots (Other)
>http://webpages.charter.net/eecanalyzer/ScreenShots/CamSpecs.htm
>http://webpages.charter.net/eecanalyzer/ScreenShots/Speed.htm
>
>
>
>Last night I drove my Ranger over to Chuck Melton's place.  His friend
>brought over a code scanner.  I popped the cover all the OBD2 port which was
>just below and to the drivers' left of the steering column,  The cable
>pushed right in, and the scanner fired up without a hitch.  The four line
>LCD display guided me through the set up and reading process.
>
>The results:
>
>P0756 mod $10
>Shift solenoid B
>Check performance or
>Stuck off
>
>It sounds expensive, but it appears to have been a one time problem.  I had
>the tool reset the code and have not had a problem today.
>
>
>
>
>

-- 
----- 
Sincerely, Richard Barkley

To Ski or not to Ski, that is the question!

Richard Barkley (310) 373-6695 (home)
E-mail:  rlbpantera <atsign> earthlink.net
ZONKEY'S home page: http://home.earthlink.net/~rlbpantera
Mammoth Lakes Vacation Condo: 2BR+loft/3Bath - Horizons 4 #186 (760) 934-6758
Condo web address: http://home.earthlink.net/~rbarkley