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dfeyre's avatar
dfeyre
Explorer
Jan 11, 2014

OBD2 Scanner for W22 Workhorse

I need to find a OBD2 scanner that will show misfire info on my Workhorse W22. The one I have is a Actron CP9575 that doesn't show hardly anything except when I have a engine code. It seems to have provision for misfire monitor but is listed as N/A as is a bunch of other stuff. I contacted the company and all they told me was that its not made for heavy duty vehicles (even though the same engine was available in a pickup truck). A mechanic hooked up his scanner and it showed which cylinders were misfiring and how often. Surely there must be a cheaper one out there that will give me that information.
  • jondrew wrote:
    Don't know if this would answer the mail or not, but check this wireless ODB2 scanner that works with an iPhone/ipad. The scanner is $23 and an app for your ipad is like $10. Think I'll try this myself.

    http://www.amazon.com/Elm327-Wirless-Diagnostic-Reader-Scanner/dp/B00AOIM2CC/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t


    I got this exact same one....works great with all the PIDs, works great on my iPhone 5S with Dash Commander app., and you don't have the umbilical cord like the overpriced scan gauge! Love the recording function for all the perimeters that you can play back for the mechanic if needed!
  • I forgot to mention I also have an action CP9175 ODBII scanner I picked up several years ago. It told me which cylinders were misfiring on my Jetta. Don't know enough about them to know if that works for all cars. I think I picked this one up at Autozone for $80 or something like that.
  • dfeyre wrote:
    Does the ScanGauge II show data for individual cylinders?
    Don't think so - There are "commands" but they are limited. Everything it gets comes through the OBD port.

    I am by no means the Scan Gauge expert. I got mine working like I want and I'm happy.

    - bob
  • Thank you for all of the suggestions. Does the ScanGauge II show data for individual cylinders? I checked their manual and I couldn't find any of that information.
    I am also very aware of the spark plug wire problem on the 8.1 Vortec engine.
  • You can also program a Scan Gauge II to show data on the fly. I have mine setup for
    overall mpg,
    instant mpg,
    miles driven today and
    miles to empty gas tank

    The instant mpg is very helpful in keeping my foot off the pedal and knowing when the transmission will downshift (which drops mpg like a rock).

    My daily driver has a miles-to-empty function that's accurate enough to rely on . . . . and I do! But I wouldn't want to be stranded with a 20,000 lb vehicle and haven't really tested it (yet).

    The wireless OBD scanner sounds pretty cool and may be the best solution if all you want are codes. I'm sure they have an Android app also.

    Best,
    - bob
  • The 8.1 is not a Workhores product, rather GM.
    The spark plug wire problem was caused by some coach builders not providing enough ventillation for the engine.
    Workhorse designed a kit to address the issue.
  • ScanGaugeII is the best choice but it will cost you around $140.00.
    If you just want to correct the problem, it is probably caused by bad ignition wires. It is a common problem with WH 8.1L engines for the spark plug wires to go bad and start arching/misfiring. I would go with a good set of silicone wires, with the heat shields, to eliminate the problem for good.
  • Don't know if this would answer the mail or not, but check this wireless ODB2 scanner that works with an iPhone/ipad. The scanner is $23 and an app for your ipad is like $10. Think I'll try this myself.

    http://www.amazon.com/Elm327-Wirless-Diagnostic-Reader-Scanner/dp/B00AOIM2CC/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t