Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner Recommendations

[BroncoHauler]

Originally Posted by Scalf77

...I use ScanXL Professional version with the Ford enhanced diagnostic package from Palmer Performance Engineering

To be honest it does far more than my needs, especially for my 2004 E-350.

-greg

The manufacturer's webpage doesn't give too much info about the basic ScanXL software, but I'm blown away by everything that's available with the Ford Enhanced Diagnostics pack (which costs as much as the basic program: $90 + another $90).

Ford Enhanced Diagnostics
Ford Engine Parameters (629 parameters)
Ford Transmission Parameters (213 parameters)
Ford ABS Parameters (227 parameters)
Ford Airbag Parameters (436 parameters)
Ford 4x4 Parameters (57 parameters)
Ford Generic Electronic Module Parameters (244 parameters)
Ford Tire Pressure Monitor Parameters (54 parameters)
Generic OBD-II Parameters (229 parameters)


I don't know what I'd do with 99.9% of the information available, so I'm hesitant to buy it for that reason alone. Do I really need to know how many times the passenger side seat heater has been turned on, and at what level? (OK, I made up that last part).


Herb

[larrie]

The iPhone software I got, OBD Fusion, works with the scanner dongles sold on ScanTools.net. The developers of OBD Fusion even sell the same software and hardware as ScanTools.net. OBD Fusion also has enhanced diagnostics for some vehicle manufacturers.

[Scalf77]

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

I don't know what I'd do with 99.9% of the information available, so I'm hesitant to buy it for that reason alone. Do I really need to know how many times the passenger side seat heater has been turned on, and at what level? (OK, I made up that last part).


Herb

I agree, with the additional package I was only able to see a handful of extra PIDs that were not available in the standard package. The standard package is very robust. you can make dashboards and all sorts of things, I have never really had to use it for diagnostic purposes. It also provides a dll that you can use if you want to implement your own software. I lost interest in that and if I was to do it again, I would probably just do 100% of the code.

I think the full package is probably comparable to the Auto Engenuity software full package. That said, I would probably go with FORScan if I was looking now.

-greg

[BrianW]

Bumping this thread: any more current recommendations for an iOS compatible OBD2 app? Thanks!

[Cyrull]

Originally Posted by BrianW

Bumping this thread: any more current recommendations for an iOS compatible OBD2 app? Thanks!

I use Car Scanner, it's okay but its also free. I bought a cheap wireless OBDII Scanner that I use for my van off amazon for $20.

[BrianW]

Originally Posted by Cyrull

I use Car Scanner, it's okay but its also free. I bought a cheap wireless OBDII Scanner that I use for my van off amazon for $20.

Thanks. I have a WiFi OBD dongle, just need to figure out which app is the best.