Hey guys, well I was going to buy an obd2 scanner the other day, but my buddy told me that I could use my laptop as a scanner. He said if I just bought a obd2-to-usb cable and downloaded the correct software, that would work good enough for simply checking codes, which is what I just want it for. I looked it up and it seems simple enough.
Just wondering if any of you have done this, and what cables/software you guys used?

 

hptuners or elm327

 

There are several ways to do it. There is free software and then you can buy a simple cable. Or you can buy something from EFI Live or HP tunners deppending on what you wanted to scan. If you want to scan all types of cars you might want to look into something like autoenginuity.

 

There's a ton of options out there, and your budget will dicate what you should purchase. How much do you WANT to spend, and how much are you WILLING to spend?

 

Well I was gonna spend about $250 for a good obd2 scanner but if I could be able to read codes for the cost of a cable that would be great. I honestly only need it to read check engine codes (DTCs), as long as I can see what code its throwing I can always just go on my phone and see what the code means. HPTuners or EFILive would be great for tuning, but it would be too much for my simple needs.

 

You know you can donwload a droid app for a smart phone and buy a bluetooth module from Ebay and be in it less then $100

 

For $250, you can buy an Aeroforce ScanGauge. That will give you the ability to read and clear codes. But it will also give you a gauge that will show any 2 of the PCM's sensor readings while you drive. So if you want to know transmission temps, air intake temps, ignition timing, knock retard, TCC slip, or whatever while you drive, you can.

 

I was hoping someone would bring that up, I saw that scanner and I thought that was pretty cool but I couldn't find much info on it besides some weird youtube videos about it.
The reason I want one is because I like working on family/friends/neighbors cars and it comes in handy when they want to know "why that little yellow light is blinking". I really dont need it personally for my truck

 

EvilGMC Bought one. He down loaded an Android APP and ordered one of the Blue tooth modules from Ebay. I believe he had a thread about....

 

https://www.performancetrucks.net/fo...anners-479087/

I believe this was just before the Other one AklowriderZ71 mentioned was out.
Best thing do do is look at the Apps for your Phone and see what they Recomend.