Good Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner

Grit dog wrote:
What Bluetooth code scanners do y’all have?
Is it worth getting a Bluedriver or OBDlink MX for around $100 or do the $30 range ones get it done effectively?
Don’t care about real time info while driving and some of the other “features”, just want something that will reliably read and clear ALL codes. IOS compatible.
It’s hard to see which of the cheap ones you’re on the hook for an expensive app to make it work and some don’t readily have apps in the App Store.
Reccomendations?

Just scan common OBDII codes and reset? Or scan, reset, and program modules?

Some reasonable cost professional bi-directional tools can found at VX Diag:
http://www.vxdiagshop.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIy_-mg_Sm6QIVAz6tBh2wBgBiEAAYASAAEgK79vD_BwE

Some of their products are on Amazon, too. I like the Nano Pro series.

These tools do require a windows laptop and some knowledge of hd partitions and layered software installs- OS requirements vary depending on the VX Diag products.

I have an OBDlink MX BT in my truck. I think it was well worth the money and so far almost two YO has been very reliable.

With the Forscan software on my Surface tablet it reads just about from any system in the truck and I use it daily with a droid phone with a paid Torque app. No issues.

I might spring for the OBDlink Mx+ IF alphaobd will enable fogs with high beams.
Haven’t found a hack for that yet on the new Charger!
Good feedback gents, thanks.

I have a cheap Wifi OBD dongle that works but then I upgraded to an OBDLink MX for use with AlfaOBD.
It is a more expensive option but the AlfaOBD app allows feature upgrades to most FCA vehicles that are otherwise not available from a dealer.

agesilaus wrote:

zigzagrv wrote:
I use a $22 bluetooth scanner from Amazon and a $4 app. Reads and resets fault codes on everything I've plugged it into so far.

Found #8 coil pack on my motorhome was bad.

Have you used it on a diesel?

No, I have not. I don't have the manual handy (in the motorhome) but I believe it works on all OBDII vehicles.

^ Honestly a stand-alone scanner would work fine too.
Thanks for the input on the veepak one. Sounds like it’s all I need.
Appreciate all the info.
Check engine light went out after I fixed it, so now I don’t need one tomorrow,lol.

I had a ScanGuage II that worked well and you can even program in custom access codes. It is under $150, but is standalone and does not need your phone.

https://www.scangauge.com/products/scangauge-ii/

https://www.scangauge.com/support/x-gauge-commands/dodge-chrysler-jeep/

I have and like this model. It's inexpensive and works to pull and clear codes. Since they're inexpensive I've bought a few for my brothers as well. As a caveat, if you are using iOS (iPhone) you must get the WiFi model. The iPhone can't connect to it via bluetooth. The one in the link is WiFi which you can see in the second picture on the add.
Link

For the phone app I mostly use the free version of iOBD2. Sometimes it takes a while to connect (as in a minute or two but seems longer when you are waiting). But once it connects it works well.

One more thing that gets me almost every time I try to use the reader. The reader works by becoming a mini WiFi access point for the phone to connect to. So if you are in your driveway and the phone app just won't connect; Your phone is probably still connected to your home WiFi. You have to go into settings--> Wi-Fi and change over to the reader.

agesilaus wrote:
Be aware that standard readers will not read all the codes on most diesel trucks if you have one. That generally calls for a more expensive reader with a pack for your truck model unless something new has come out.

A basic reader just connects to the OBD-II port and implements the protocols for reading the data from the CAN bus and usually makes that data available vie USB or Bluetooth connection to a smart phone, laptop or other computing device. An app on the computing device does the work of decoding the codes, so just about any cheap reader will work if you're going to use it with a smart phone or computer, but you need to then find an APP that does the decoding you're interested in. All will handle the universal codes but if you want access to vehicle specific codes you need to find an APP that offers that option. Almost all the APPs available will work with any reader that provides the data via USB or Bluetooth. Many of the lower cost apps also don't include the ability to reset codes on the vehicle. More expensive OBD-II readers can operate without the need for a smart phone or laptop and incorporate decode logic for the codes they read, but generally come with the same limitation of being able to handle universal codes but may not be able to deal with vehicle specific codes without firmware upgrades.

zigzagrv wrote:
I use a $22 bluetooth scanner from Amazon and a $4 app. Reads and resets fault codes on everything I've plugged it into so far.

Found #8 coil pack on my motorhome was bad.

Have you used it on a diesel?