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Post Title: OBD cable for laptop? Posted by:NickD85 at 9:47 AM 1/25/2009 Hey guys, does anyone know if I can buy a cable that will let me read my codes through my laptop? (sorry if that's a dumb question... just a thought) If not, what's a good place to get a reader that will get the job done, for as little as possible? I've seen them for around $50 from harbor freight- any other suggestions? Thanks, -Nick
Post Title: Re: OBD cable for laptop? (NickD85) Posted by:SnowSurfLax at 10:04 AM 1/25/2009 You can buy a cable to connect an OBD-II port up to your computer but then you have a buy the software to read it. I think in the end, you're out around $125 or so. Not much cheaper than a code reader.
Also depends on what you want to do with it. If you just want codes, get the most basic one. If you want all the bells and whistles, a ScanGauge II is considered the best.
Post Title: Re: OBD cable for laptop? (NickD85) Posted by:Chuck Tribolet at 2:52 PM 1/25/2009
AutoTap is one brand. Goes OBD-II to USB. I've got one, it works, though it misunderstands the meaning of codes P1000 and up (manufacture specific). They have some neat add-on stuff for Ford/GM/Chrysler, but not for Nissan or Toyota (though they've hinted at that).
The AutoTap will read out the freeze frames which tell you what was happening when the problem happened. That let me figure out what NOT to do.
Post Title: Re: OBD cable for laptop? (NickD85) Posted by:Mikey178 at 2:02 PM 7/3/2009
I had bought a usb OBDII reader locally here in Canada and it came with the software. I cost me $40 CAN. Thought it was worth the try and it works just fine.
It reads the codes and gives the description of the error code. I can clear the code, also has the ability to monitor different components while the engine is running like engine temp, coolant temp, O2 sensors voltage readings, actual RPM, etc....kinda interesting.
But yea, they are available and can be a cheap alternative if your a DIY mechanic. Worth every dollar spent as I check MIL when they come on, research the code and repair and clear the code and everything is good to go.
Post Title: Re: OBD cable for laptop? (Mikey178) Posted by:Qxxx4 at 3:18 PM 7/3/2009
did you get that on ebay? if not where
Post Title: Re: OBD cable for laptop? (Qxxx4) Posted by:Mikey178 at 9:57 PM 7/3/2009 Not from ebay, Im not being stereotypical, but from an asian guy in T.O., Chinatown to be specific. I got this about a year and a half ago, I'll see if I can find a card or something for him and I'll link you guys up with that.
Post Title: Re: OBD cable for laptop? (Mikey178) Posted by:miamiheat3332 at 4:37 PM 7/6/2009 I got this one a few years back, and it works 100%, can clear codes etc, test temps / speeds / rpms etc, can do quarter mile, 0 to 60 times and other bs.
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