Bluetooth OBD reader

[Six-cylinder]

My 2001 Volvo V70 dashboard lit up like Christmas tree a few days ago, showing faults for alarm, transmission, engine, needs service, airbag and visit your dealer triangle. Instead of taking it to a garage I was thinking of buying a code reader/reseting tool.

Anybody any thoughts about what to buy, should I buy a Volvo only tool for £87 or a multi reader £225? Do some brands work better than others?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLVO-OBD2-DIAGNOSTIC-SCANNER-TOOL-SRS-ABS-ERASE-CLEAR-FAULT-CODE-iCARSOFT-i906-/221701732671?hash=item339e73f93f:g:k6UAAOSwwbdWJs9p

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Original-AUTEL-MaxiCheck-Pro-EPB-ABS-SRS-DPF-TPMS-Scanner-OBDII-Diagnostic-Tool/171883626572?_trksid=p2047675.c100009.m1982&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140328180637%26meid%3Dd022787f10fb423cbae49bb73542bd6d%26pid%3D100009%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D291630174352

[Slartibartfast]

Have you considered getting a Bluetooth dongle for a couple of quid from that eBay? Assuming the V70 has ODBII

[Six-cylinder]

Have you considered getting a Bluetooth dongle for a couple of quid from that eBay? Assuming the V70 has ODBII

How does that help me?

[Pillock]

They can do code reading and resetting. I've got one I can lend you via post if you want to try? You need an Android phone and the free Torque app.

[sierraman]

If you are using in once a blue moon, I'd suggest a trip to a Volvo specialist, see what he says, you don't want to spend £220 then find you need to spend £1500 to put the light out. A bit extreme perhaps but...

[Six-cylinder]

They can do code reading and resetting. I've got one I can lend you via post if you want to try? You need an Android phone and the free Torque app.

My Samsump J1 is absolute rubbish and I just can't make do anything useful, it could be a combination of it and me but I don't see using it as a solution to anything.

[Six-cylinder]

If you are using in once a blue moon, I'd suggest a trip to a Volvo specialist, see what he says, you don't want to spend £220 then find you need to spend £1500 to put the light out. A bit extreme perhaps but...

It was £87 for the Volvo only one and I fear that it won't be the last time I use it even if there is nothing wrong.

 

The £224 looks like I can use it on other cars I have and therefore spending the extra £137 might be better value in the long term.

[egg]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-Engine-Fault-Code-Scanner-Reader-Diagnostic-Reset-Tool-OBD-2-CAN-BUS-EOBD-UK-/391026596998?hash=item5b0b005c86:g:6a4AAOSw7FRWVaFS

 

I've got one of these basic ones. Works with my Fusion, but as yet (fingers crossed) no faults to actually diagnose!

[Pillock]

Hairy Nuff, I would imagine a dedicated thing you're going to use often is more reliable than a five quid bit of Chinese smartphone accessory guff - in which case think big and get the multi reader

[panhard65]

It really depends how deep you want to go with diagnostics. The cheap OBD readers will mainly do just engine same with a lot of the bluetooth aps so not worth bothering with if you want to do ABS and airbags. The Autell one doesn't look bad but you might be better off trying to find a good used Launch X431. Either a proper UK version or one that has been updated to UK spec. The hooky chinese copies don't work very well but a properly updated launch is far better than the Snap on and Sykes crap of the same era.

[Six-cylinder]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-Engine-Fault-Code-Scanner-Reader-Diagnostic-Reset-Tool-OBD-2-CAN-BUS-EOBD-UK-/391026596998?hash=item5b0b005c86:g:6a4AAOSw7FRWVaFS

 

I've got one of these basic ones. Works with my Fusion, but as yet (fingers crossed) no faults to actually diagnose!

Cheapness is great but I think this one is engine only and I wanted one that did other systems such as ABS, Airbags etc as well.

[Six-cylinder]

It really depends how deep you want to go with diagnostics. The cheap OBD readers will mainly do just engine same with a lot of the bluetooth aps so not worth bothering with if you want to do ABS and airbags. The Autell one doesn't look bad but you might be better off trying to find a good used Launch X431. Either a proper UK version or one that has been updated to UK spec. The hooky chinese copies don't work very well but a properly updated launch is far better than the Snap on and Sykes crap of the same era.

Is this what you meant?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-LAUNCH-X431-CREADER-VIII-CAN-Code-Reader-Scanner-Car-Diagnostic-Tool-/291335888743?hash=item43d4f8df67:g:XOYAAOSwj0NUiBNf

 

After all anyman who can deal with the complex systems of a Peugeot 204 diesel must be the right person to take this sort of advice from!

[panhard65]

I haven't tried that one yet but I have one of these.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LAUNCH-X431-SUPERSCANNER-1ST-GENERATION-USED-/251661613036?hash=item3a983377ec:g:Mm4AAOSwVFlUKNVM

There are normally a few more on ebay at better prices and having the full set of cables that they come with originally is a must. Mine will do pretty much everything including Merc Sprinters. It is far better than the Snap on Solus piece of junk we had before. It works well with pre obd2 stuff so if you are running a lot of different pre 2001 stuff it will be very useful.

[Six-cylinder]

I haven't tried that one yet but I have one of these.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LAUNCH-X431-SUPERSCANNER-1ST-GENERATION-USED-/251661613036?hash=item3a983377ec:g:Mm4AAOSwVFlUKNVM

There are normally a few more on ebay at better prices and having the full set of cables that they come with originally is a must. Mine will do pretty much everything including Merc Sprinters. It is far better than the Snap on Solus piece of junk we had before. It works well with pre obd2 stuff so if you are running a lot of different pre 2001 stuff it will be very useful.

I think that might bust the budget.

 

These are our post 1990 cars

 

2004 Range Rover TD6 Vogue

1994 Mercedes 500 SEC

1988 BMW 735i SE

2001 Volvo V70 XC

1994 Cadillac Eldorado Touring Coupe

2000 Citroen C15D Van

1996 BMW M3 Evo Convertible

1999 Citroen Xantia V6 Exclusive

1994 Mazda MX5

1999 Volvo V70 T5

1990 BMW 325i SE E30

1995 Audi Convertible 2.6

2000 BMW 330Ci

2001 Alfa Romeo 156 V6 Sportswagon Veloce

1986 Maserati 425 Bi Turbo saloon

1996 BMW 328i M sport

1992 Citroen BX Gti

[Six-cylinder]

I needed a quick solution so I have bought the all systems Volvo only unit from a UK supplier.

[Six-cylinder]

I needed a quick solution so I have bought the all systems Volvo only unit from a UK supplier.

[HH-R]

Those Autels are pretty good if all you want is basic EML diagnostics to keep resetting the EML in the hope it goes away.

[Six-cylinder]

I bought the iCARSOFT i906 Volvo as I did not really know what I am doing and the blurb says it looks at more systems than the multi ones.

 

I want to use the car again so I just went for it!

[Six-cylinder]

It has arrived this afternoon but it is pouring with rain and now dark, so maybe tomorrow.

[Six-cylinder]

This afternoon I have had a go, nothing is ever straightforward, first find the socket, then I soon flattened the battery and could not find the reset screen on the scanner tool as per the manual. I had to call out the big guns and Mrs Cyl sorted everything but the Engine management light. I have tried disconnecting the battery for 30 secs but that did not help. I have left the battery disconnected and the battery on charge overnight so we will see what the morning brings.

[Six-cylinder]

A full charge seemed to have completed the job of extinguishing all the warning lights. I bought one of the cigar lighter volt meter recommended on this forum and it says 14.2 volts with the engine running.

[hairnet]

 

 

I had to call out the big guns and Mrs Cyl sorted everything

 

 

keeper

[overrun]

It really depends how deep you want to go with diagnostics. The cheap OBD readers will mainly do just engine same with a lot of the bluetooth aps so not worth bothering with if you want to do ABS and airbags. The Autell one doesn't look bad but you might be better off trying to find a good used Launch X431. Either a proper UK version or one that has been updated to UK spec. The hooky chinese copies don't work very well but a properly updated launch is far better than the Snap on and Sykes crap of the same era.

 

Anyone got an opinion on this Launch X431? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Genuine-LAUNCH-X431-CRP123-ENG-AT-ABS-SRS-OBDII-Scanner-Diagnostic-Tool/301878669460?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140122125356%26meid%3D10a367327e0f4004830e849d62bb8969%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D321873664634

 

Brand new, official product, UK supplier, 1yr free software update and seems a great deal at £102, posted.

Given that it can read and reset 4 systems.

 

Why is it so cheap, when compared to a used model?

There seems to be a few variants, but all are under the X431 model name?

[overrun]

Hmmm. Despite the claims, it has to be another Chinese snide.

[panhard65]

Anyone got an opinion on this Launch X431? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Genuine-LAUNCH-X431-CRP123-ENG-AT-ABS-SRS-OBDII-Scanner-Diagnostic-Tool/301878669460?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140122125356%26meid%3D10a367327e0f4004830e849d62bb8969%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D321873664634

 

Brand new, official product, UK supplier, 1yr free software update and seems a great deal at £102, posted.

Given that it can read and reset 4 systems.

 

Why is it so cheap, when compared to a used model?

There seems to be a few variants, but all are under the X431 model name?

Not tried the newer Launch products but as mine is now obsolete with no updates available so I am told looks like I will have to try something else.

[overrun]

Not tried the newer Launch products but as mine is now obsolete with no updates available so I am told looks like I will have to try something else.

 

That's annoying, mate.

Going to flog yours on? They still seem to command good money.

 

https://www.launchtech.co.uk/enthusiast-diagnostics/launch-crp123-creader-professionalHere's the official Launch page for the CRP123 that the £102 obo eBay item claims to be,

The definite genuine one is a good 80 quid more.

 

Shame, cos I want the cheaper one, but not it is knock-off tat.

[lisbon_road]

I use Ebay pirate software for Vauxhall/GM cars, with a lead off ebay to connect to my laptop.  At least I would use it if I could get it to work on Windows 8, worked ok on Vista before (only thing that did).

 

I pay a local garage a tenner to read codes when I can't get it to work, which I admit is v annoying - no disrespect to the garage who are helpful and drop everything for a bit of cash!

[skattrd]

Bumpski.

 

I'm looking for a decent code reader for w203 Merc and other things, '99 VAG, '96 Volvo.

I saw the following recommended:

 

Autel MD802

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Autel-Diaglink-OBD2-All-System-Code-Reader-DIY-MD802-Auto-Diagnostic-Scanner-UK/263302402486

 

launchtech Creader VII+  … X431 mentioned previously

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UK-LAUNCH-X431-Creader-VII-7-Auto-Car-OBD2-Diagnostic-Tool-Scanner-Code-Reader/301905364861

 

Does anyone have any comments or recommendations?

[tul66]

Can anyone recommend a good one of these which does petrol & diesel and works with iOS?

 

There's loads on ebay but would prefer something that's known to work.

 

[Dave_Q]

I seem to recall that only the wifi ones work on ios, because Apple.