Code Scanners

[XCELR8N]

I am looking to buy a code scanner. I looked back through some of the old threads and noticed this has been discussed before, but most of those posts are old. I was wondering if anyone has any recomendations for new and improved readers. I am not sure if the readers are being updated and improved.

I want a code reader that can read codes for more than just Dodge since I want it to work on my other vehicles.

Thanks....

 

[Jerome Sparich]

My latest toy that should be here Monday, Tuesday the latest.

DashHawk Features

Someone over at the Alley has it and can tell you more about how it works with the Viper.

You must be registered for see images

 

[XCELR8N]

That seems like an intersting scanner since it has performance functions on it. Right now I am really just looking for a good scanner to read the OBDII codes. Thanks for the response....

 

[V10SpeedLuvr]

Not sure how much $$ you want to put in one, but Harbor Freight sells a scanner (I read on here its the same that Roe Racing sells, but costs less at HF) and Wal-Mart sells one. Not sure about prices because I've never paid close attention to them. I bought the scanner from Roe and have been pleased with it. Its works with all OBD2 cars, reads and clears codes and comes with a book to tell you what the codes mean.

 

[Fast Too]

My latest toy that should be here Monday, Tuesday the latest.

DashHawk Features

Someone over at the Alley has it and can tell you more about how it works with the Viper.

You must be registered for see images

Jerome - I followed a couple of the links. Didn't see a Viper listed as one of the supported vehicles. Maybe the list was out of date?

 

[Roadrunner]

You can read the codes directly off the dash with the "three-key" method. Why buy a scanner...?

Turn key on-off-on-off-leave on.... works from 2003 through the 2008s. The codes will show in sequence such as "PXXXX" and finishes by showing "done". If there are no codes the dash will still display "done" to let you know that you engaged the p-code readout.

You will need the service manual or search internet for the code definitions.

 

[VIPER R]

It sounds like hand held reprogrammers are on the horizon. A unit like the SCS will probably have three tunes read codes read engine and log engine functions then detail the car. I would wait a little while.

 

[Jerome Sparich]

Jerome - I followed a couple of the links. Didn't see a Viper listed as one of the supported vehicles. Maybe the list was out of date?

They are not always up to date on that list.

BOOST ALMIGHTY over at Viper Alley has it and has said that "it has to be atleast an 03 model." I am not sure why only as far back as 03. Maybe he did not try it on an older model?? IT should work on any OBDII car or truck, but could be limited to the readouts it can give you. Might not show all parameters on all cars. I know it won't show as much on my Dakota as it will most GM's.

Try and contact BOOST ALMIGHTY over at VA and I am sure he would fill you in on what he has seen with his.

If anyone near central N.J. wants, we can meet up when the weather is nicer and we can try mine on your car.


***********************

• Predefined "Factory Default" Displays showing OBDII Parameter IDs (PIDs) in an organized fashion.
• User defined Displays that can show any supported PID subset in a user chosen format
• 2 Function Digital (Two large font numeric parameters on your screen)
• 3 Function Digital (Three medium font numeric parameters on your screen)
• 4 Function Digital (Four medium font numeric parameters on your screen)
• 2 Function BAR (Two large font numeric parameters with an updating "Bar" gauge on your screen)
• 6 Function Digital (Six small font numeric parameters on your screen)
• 7 Function Digital (Seven small font numeric parameters in a list)
• User navigation of displays via the UP and DOWN keys
• Real-Time Fuel System Status (on Vehicles that support Fuel System Reporting)
• Menu timeouts when no key presses are detected (which returns the user to the previously selected display)
• Variable polling schedules for PIDs to reduce CAN bus load
• Data Logging capability (on-board) that can be uploaded to a PC via the USB connection
• The device is updatable via the USB connection and downloads / software from MSD
• LED backlight color is user customizable
• User selectable/changeable Alerts
• 0-60 Times with Speed and RPM recorded
• 1/4 mile Times/ET (with 60 ft and 1/8 mile splits) with Speed, RPM and Two O2 inputs recorded
• 0-60, 1/4 mile, and Data Logging data can be uploaded to a PC via the USB connection

Universal Parameters

• Calculated Engine Load
• Engine Coolant Temp (ECT)
• Short Term Fuel Trim Bank 1
• Short Term Fuel Trim Bank 2
• Long Term Fuel Trim Bank 1
• Long Term Fuel Trim Bank 2
• Fuel Pressure
• Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP)
• Engine RPM
• Vehicle Speed
• Timing Advance (Spark)
• Intake Air Temp (IAT)
• Mass Air Flow (MAF)
• Absolute Throttle Position
• O2 Bank 1 Sensor 1
• O2 Bank 1 Sensor 2
• O2 Bank 1 Sensor 3
• O2 Bank 1 Sensor 4
• O2 Bank 2 Sensor 1
• O2 Bank 2 Sensor 2
• O2 Bank 2 Sensor 3
• O2 Bank 2 Sensor 4
• Relative Fuel Pressure
• Diesel/Direct Injection Fuel Pressure
• Commanded EGR Duty Cycle
• EGR Error
• Commanded EVAP Purge Duty Cycle
• Fuel Level
• Evap Vapor Pressure
• Barometric Pressure
• Catalyst Temp Bank 1 Sensor 1
• Catalyst Temp Bank 1 Sensor 2
• Catalyst Temp Bank 2 Sensor 1
• Catalyst Temp Bank 2 Sensor 2
• Fuel Type (MultiFuel vehicles)
• Alcohol %
• Fuel System Status (Closed/Open Loop)
• Module Voltage
• Absolute Load
• Number of O2 sensors
• Number of WB O2 sensors
• Commanded Equivalence Ratio
• Relative Throttle Position
• Ambient Air Temp (AAT)
• Absolute Throttle Position B
• Absolute Throttle Position C
• Absolute Pedal Position D
• Absolute Pedal Position E
• Absolute Pedal Position F
• Commanded Throttle Actuator
• Wide Band O2 Sensor 1 Equivalency Ratio (FACTORY)
• Wide Band O2 Sensor 2 Equivalency Ratio (FACTORY)
• Wide Band O2 Sensor 3 Equivalency Ratio (FACTORY)
• Wide Band O2 Sensor 4 Equivalency Ratio (FACTORY)
• Wide Band O2 Sensor 5 Equivalency Ratio (FACTORY)
• Wide Band O2 Sensor 6 Equivalency Ratio (FACTORY)
• Wide Band O2 Sensor 7 Equivalency Ratio (FACTORY)
• Wide Band O2 Sensor 8 Equivalency Ratio (FACTORY)
• Auxiliary O2 Short Term Fuel Trim
• Auxiliary O2 Long Term Fuel Trim
• Wide Band O2 Sensor 1 Heater Current (FACTORY)
• Wide Band O2 Sensor 2 Heater Current (FACTORY)
• Wide Band O2 Sensor 3 Heater Current (FACTORY)
• Wide Band O2 Sensor 4 Heater Current (FACTORY)
• Wide Band O2 Sensor 5 Heater Current (FACTORY)
• Wide Band O2 Sensor 6 Heater Current (FACTORY)
• Wide Band O2 Sensor 7 Heater Current (FACTORY)
• Wide Band O2 Sensor 8 Heater Current (FACTORY)
• Wide Band O2 Sensor 1 Voltage (FACTORY)
• Wide Band O2 Sensor 2 Voltage (FACTORY)
• Wide Band O2 Sensor 3 Voltage (FACTORY)
• Wide Band O2 Sensor 4 Voltage (FACTORY)
• Wide Band O2 Sensor 5 Voltage (FACTORY)
• Wide Band O2 Sensor 6 Voltage (FACTORY)
• Wide Band O2 Sensor 7 Voltage (FACTORY)
• Wide Band O2 Sensor 8 Voltage (FACTORY)
• BOOST/VACUUM (Calculated and corrected for altitude!)

GM Enhanced Parameters

• BLM Cell #
• Torque Management Spark Retard (Shift)
• Commanded A/F Ratio
• Knock Retard
• Cylinder That Knocked
• Learned Spark
• Oil Pressure Calculated Vacuum (GM)
• Calculated Air Flow (GM)
• Current Misfire Cyl1 (GM)
• Current Misfire Cyl2 (GM)
• Current Misfire Cyl3 (GM)
• Current Misfire Cyl4 (GM)
• Current Misfire Cyl5 (GM)
• Current Misfire Cyl6 (GM)
• Current Misfire Cyl7 (GM)
• Current Misfire Cyl8 (GM)
• Total Misfires (GM)
• History Misfire Cyl1 (GM)
• History Misfire Cyl2 (GM)
• History Misfire Cyl3 (GM)
• History Misfire Cyl4 (GM)
• History Misfire Cyl5 (GM)
• History Misfire Cyl6 (GM)
• History Misfire Cyl7 (GM)
• History Misfire Cyl8 (GM)
• Misfire Cycles (GM)
• Desired Throttle Position (GM)
• Pedal Rotation (GM)
• Fan Speed (GM)
• Desired Fan Speed (GM)
• Fan Speed Error % (GM)
• Command Fans 1, 2, 3 ON/OFF
• Command Fuel Trim Reset
• Command Crank Angle Sensor Error (CASE) Relearn
• Last Shift Time
• Trans Input Shaft Speed
• Trans Output Shaft Speed
• Trans Temp
• TCC Slip
• Current Gear
• VBS Force (Amps)
• VBS Force %
• TCC DC %
• 1->2 Shift Time
• 2->3 Shift Time
• 3->4 Shift Time
• 1->2 Shift Error
• 2->3 Shift Error
• 3->4 Shift Error

Ford Enhanced PID’s

• Engine Oil Temp
• Trans Fluid Temp
• Cylinder Head Temp
• Fuel Pressure
• Torque Converter Slippage
• Pedal Position

Dodge/Chrysler (DCx)
Enhanced PID’s

• Knock Sensor 1 Voltage
• Knock Sensor 2 Voltage
• Spark Retard (Knock Retard)
• Multiple Displacement System (MDS) status (Hemi)
• Engine Oil Pressure
• Fuel Level % (DCxspecific since SAE Fuel Level doesn’t seem to read correctly for DCxvehicles)
• Transmission Input Shaft Speed1
• Transmission Input Shaft Speed2
• Transmission Turbine Speed
• Current Gear Status
• Target Gear Status
• Transmission Oil Temperature
• Blade Position (Throttle Blade)

Coming Soon!

• More manufacturer specific functions/parameters!

 

[DAMN YANKEE]

Hmmm....Code reader...

1. Simple code readers are Cheap and reliable...pick your poison. Serioulsy for about $50 you done. I have a cheap one and throw it in my rig, they are so small they fit in the glove box. They read and reset, p e r f e c t l y. Cant find the code...VCA member? Throw it up here and we all will help you.

2. Want all the bells and whistles?

Own a laptop? Own a PC? Well, there is no way, none as in ZERO way they can cram the same power of your PC into one of these hand held units.

If:

You are planning on using it to tune your car. Buy the best software, most powerful software, most readily updated (and updateable!) software, you can get your hands on. I use E.A.S.E.
software and it does everything that the best Dodge Dealership readers will do. Programs have everything imaginable and all the charts graphs readouts printouts logs charts. You can make your screen look like a ThunderBirds space station on seroids, if you want. Available for all makes and models....yada yada yada....Add an engine control module (like a Vec or any other competent brand) and you are razor sharp tuning your rig. I roll the Viper into the garage and use the desktop or throw in a laptop and go for a spin.

Seriously, go here and start reading. But remember what I said in #1....

EASE DIAGNOSTICS - THE LEADER IN PC AUTOMOTIVE DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS

Buy it and you are done for every car you subscribe to....

 

[chimazo]

I am looking to buy a code scanner. I looked back through some of the old threads and noticed this has been discussed before, but most of those posts are old. I was wondering if anyone has any recomendations for new and improved readers. I am not sure if the readers are being updated and improved.

I want a code reader that can read codes for more than just Dodge since I want it to work on my other vehicles.

Thanks....

Any OBD2 with CAN capability should be able to read codes from virtually any '96-present vehicle. Some are fancier than others, which typically means enhanced features such as being able to turn off CEL's, reading other parameters, downloadability, etc., but all can do the basic code read. There are websites where you can find the codes for almost any vehicle - the codes are the same regardless of what scanner is reading them.

The most common are the handhelds, but Autotap is a popular software/cable pkg that uses your laptop. I already had a reader (Innova, I think), but I just bought the SCT Tuner, which doubles as a code reader, too.