Looking for affordable OBDII diagnostic scan tool

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dubnationd
Posts: 23
Joined: Sun Sep 23, 2018 9:24 am
Car: 2015 Rogue

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Recommendations needed.

I'm looking for a complete affordable OBDII diagnostic scan tool that can read ENG/AT/ABS/SRS error codes.

I'll be using it on a 2015 Nissan Rogue, if that matters.

Thanks!
Last edited by Rogue One on Thu Apr 02, 2020 6:23 am, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: Edited


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TurboSauce
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Car: 2006 G35 coupe, 2018 Mazda CX-9
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Personally I use Bluedriver obd2 scanner, it's bluetooth compatible and comes with it's own app that lets you check trouble codes and even will let you view vehicle engine data (like air temps, engine load.. etc.) You can get it on amazon or check out reviews on youtube and see if it will fit what you're looking for.

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PapaSmurf2k3
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I use Ultragauge, but it can't do ABS codes...

MikeRL411
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For reading OBD codes the lowest cost is an opened paperclip and good enough eyesight to count the number of light flashes.

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MinisterofDOOM
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One thing I learned the hard way:
Cheap Chinese bluetooth OBDII adapters have CRAZY parasitic current draw, even with ignition off. When I parked my LS8 due to stuff I don't feel like fixing yet but might one day, it had a new battery holding charge fine. Three weeks later it was stone dead. I'd top it up with a charger, it would die within weeks. I eventually realized it was my OBDII adapter when I pulled it to use in another car and the battery stopped dying. Car sat all winter (after I ran over the trickle charge cord with the snowblower...that made fun noises) and the battery is still fine. 3 weeks to 6 months of battery life by pulling one halfass piece of hardware.

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TurboSauce
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MinisterofDOOM wrote:
Wed Apr 29, 2020 1:35 pm
One thing I learned the hard way:
Cheap Chinese bluetooth OBDII adapters have CRAZY parasitic current draw, even with ignition off. When I parked my LS8 due to stuff I don't feel like fixing yet but might one day, it had a new battery holding charge fine. Three weeks later it was stone dead. I'd top it up with a charger, it would die within weeks. I eventually realized it was my OBDII adapter when I pulled it to use in another car and the battery stopped dying. Car sat all winter (after I ran over the trickle charge cord with the snowblower...that made fun noises) and the battery is still fine. 3 weeks to 6 months of battery life by pulling one halfass piece of hardware.
Yeah I don't trust mine left in and pretty much only plug it in when scanning tbh.

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AZhitman
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https://www.nicoclub.com/archives/wirel ... t-one.html

https://www.nicoclub.com/archives/profe ... phone.html

I've used both, currently using ThinkDiag (or my Actron, if it's something simple).

Gerald H
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun Jul 04, 2021 1:48 pm
Car: Current: 2012 Nissan Maxima SL, 2015 Nissan Murano SL AWD
Past: 1980 240SX, 1988 Hardbody, 1990 Stanza, 1992 Maxima SE, 1996 pickup,
1998 Altima, 2008 Rogue
Location: Charleston, SC

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I recently purchased a BlueDriver (Amazon) and it works well. The app for your phone and Bluetooth connectivity are convenient. Be aware of its limitations! BlueDriver does NOT provide any real-time transmission data and only very limited codes from the TCM. The company did respond to my technical question very rapidly and confirmed they have no plans on the books for Nissan-specific transmission data any time. :frown: They are working on transmission data for Toyota and Chrysler.

Gerald H
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun Jul 04, 2021 1:48 pm
Car: Current: 2012 Nissan Maxima SL, 2015 Nissan Murano SL AWD
Past: 1980 240SX, 1988 Hardbody, 1990 Stanza, 1992 Maxima SE, 1996 pickup,
1998 Altima, 2008 Rogue
Location: Charleston, SC

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Follow up: One big plus for BlueDriver, it has a built-in data base of the DTC (Device Trouble Code) that explains the code meaning in plain English.

If you can live with or use a wired scanner, I am very happy with the ScanGuage II. Available on Amazon or at most Auto Zone stores. Like BlueDriver, it is a US based company, so tech support is speedy and effective. ScanGuage natively supports engine codes, but just displays the nemonic (like P0002); you have to look up what that means. The device supports expanded data that ScanGuage calls "XGuage". The web site lists XGuage codes by car manufacturer. The folks at ScanGuage responded to my request for CVT temperatures for a 2012 Maxima. Though not published on the web page, I programmed the supplied code and got the information I needed. I will gladly relay that code to any who need it. Nice job, ScanGuage!

Dbarry
Posts: 91
Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2018 1:23 am
Car: Nissan 240SX

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We use Bluedriver here as well. Very easy to use.

alexspeed
Posts: 24
Joined: Mon Aug 16, 2021 9:45 pm
Car: 2009 Nissan Murano SL

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I am using Innova CarScan Pro 5210, it's not cheap but definitely worth it.


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