Super duper plug in code scanner w. WiFi?

Just upgraded to this;
bluedriver.com

groundhogy wrote:
I have a small code scanner module where you plug it in, it wakes up and makes WiFi. You use an app on your phone to read the codes.

I have been watching repair videos and see guys with these seemingly much better code scanners.

Is there a pro level scanner that is in this small module format and if so, what do you recommend?

First question is WHY do you "need" a scanner?

If you simply want to "monitor" other things going on with your engine then a cheap OBD2 dongle and a Android phone/table can do what you seek.

However, leaving those dongles plugged in all the time sometimes CAN cause phantom malfunctions causing you trying to diagnose false errors. Not to mention many "Apps" for Android are not reliable/stabil and some are just plain junk.

Many "Apps" may not be able to reset the modules or even read all of the modules in your vehicle (like ABS and BCM).

Reality is you do not "need" a scanner unless you get the CEL/MIL light.

THAT is the time a code reader comes in real handy.

It is hard to beat real standalone OBD2 scanners, I have a Harbor Freight one I bought 8 yrs ago for $60 with a coupon can also read live data. Has saved me several thousands of Dollars that I would have spent at a dealer in repairs (I bought the scanner after a dealer scammed me out of $800 one trip for a fuel pump, then another trip for $900 for new plugs, then another trip for $500 for a new CAT and they still had not fixed the original issue!).

For the money well worth it and now is a required tool that one should have if you plan to do some work on your vehicles.

You can get HF scanners starting at $30 now days and they can reset/clear CEL/MIL codes but not read live data.

The $70 level can read live data (engine running) and $120 level adds in ABS codes and reset. $190 level adds SRS (Supplemental Restraint System which is your crash AIRBAGS).

HF OBD2 CODE READERS

I personally am considering buying a new scanner and most likely will get the one that has ABS/SRS just because every time I have taken a vehicle to a Dealer or Garage I have gotten soaked at a min of $1,000 EACH time and they didn't fix the problem and required multiple returns.

If you want to access all the various modules in a bidirectional mode you have to step up into the +/- $300-$500 range. This gets you pro features/functionality like graphing PID's and learning for replacement parts.

All depends on what you want to do....

I purchased this one in January and it works well for cheap money.

I'm thinking what the OP is talking about isn't part of the standard ODBII system. Some of the new vehicles (like GM's OnStar equiped vehicles) can be disabled over the air. I'm not sure what other features can be controlled that way. Maybe some other mfgs are doing that sort of thing. I've heard some of the GPS self driving cars can be hacked. I'm not into that so I can't say.

wa8yxm wrote:
Not so much the OBD-II To Blue Tooth/Wi-Fi adapter (mine is BT) but the software on the display device.. I have used TORQUE (Free) and Torque (pro) It monitors every sensor I have (or so it appears) and gives me the ability to reset fault codes.. (not sure free does that).

NOW.. there are still some things that take a pro's unit to find. but so far the only time I've encountered anything like that. It also required special hardware to run the test not just the scanner.

Torque Free lets you reset codes.

Pro unlocks some extra features that free doesn't have. For example, I knew my Honda Pilot had a transmission temp sensor cause the dashboard has a transmission overtemp light. With Torque Pro I could enter the custom PID needed to "unlock" the sensor so I could monitor the temp.

Torque Free and Pro, been their, done that.

Next step up is a device called Bluedriver. Reads much more than just the check engine light. See it on the web running 50 to 99.

Check it out,
Bluedriver.com

Not so much the OBD-II To Blue Tooth/Wi-Fi adapter (mine is BT) but the software on the display device.. I have used TORQUE (Free) and Torque (pro) It monitors every sensor I have (or so it appears) and gives me the ability to reset fault codes.. (not sure free does that).

NOW.. there are still some things that take a pro's unit to find. but so far the only time I've encountered anything like that. It also required special hardware to run the test not just the scanner.

Do these app based scanners let you monitor DPF function and initiate a regen cycle on the DPF?

Well, some of these guys are holding a device where they can turn stuff in your truck on and off.

Did one guy do an injector BUZZ test? Or was that a special Ford tool?

Look at waveforms.. etc.

All I get is...

Meeep.... P1280....(good luck)