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    OBD2 Buyers Guide

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    patronski mitar
    This document provides a buyer's guide for OBD2 scanners. It discusses the main types of scanners including code readers, Bluetooth adapters, laptop software, bi-directional scan tools, and brand-specific tools. Basic features that entry-level scanners should include are listed, such as reading and clearing codes, live data, and vehicle information. More advanced features of higher-end scanners are also outlined. Recommendations are provided for specific scanners and accessories at various price points.

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    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    OBD2 Buyers Guide

    Uploaded by

    patronski mitar
    96 views15 pages
    This document provides a buyer's guide for OBD2 scanners. It discusses the main types of scanners including code readers, Bluetooth adapters, laptop software, bi-directional scan tools, and brand-specific tools. Basic features that entry-level scanners should include are listed, such as reading and clearing codes, live data, and vehicle information. More advanced features of higher-end scanners are also outlined. Recommendations are provided for specific scanners and accessories at various price points.

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    OBD2-buyers-guide

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    This document provides a buyer's guide for OBD2 scanners. It discusses the main types of scanners including code readers, Bluetooth adapters, laptop software, bi-directional scan tools, and brand-specific tools. Basic features that entry-level scanners should include are listed, such as reading and clearing codes, live data, and vehicle information. More advanced features of higher-end scanners are also outlined. Recommendations are provided for specific scanners and accessories at various price points.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    96 views15 pages

    OBD2 Buyers Guide

    Uploaded by

    patronski mitar
    This document provides a buyer's guide for OBD2 scanners. It discusses the main types of scanners including code readers, Bluetooth adapters, laptop software, bi-directional scan tools, and brand-specific tools. Basic features that entry-level scanners should include are listed, such as reading and clearing codes, live data, and vehicle information. More advanced features of higher-end scanners are also outlined. Recommendations are provided for specific scanners and accessories at various price points.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 15

    OBD2 tool Buyer’s guide

    Welcome to this buyer’s guide. I spent the whole last year buying and testing
    di erent OBD scanners for beginners so I can give you a lot of great tips to save
    money and get the best device possible.

    Legal notice

    All content and photographs in this eBook are the exclusive property of
    iamcarhacker.com

    Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or sharing of any part of this eBook,


    including text, images, or other media, is strictly prohibited and subject to legal
    action. Your cooperation in respecting these rights is appreciated. Thank you for
    supporting the work of the author.
    Main OBD2 scanner types

    ● Code reader
    ● Bluetooth adapter
    ● Laptop software
    ● Bi-directional scan tool
    ● For one brand

    Basic OBD2 functions

    Here are the key functions that you want to have in your first scanner. There are
    OBD readers for $20 - 30 that can do all of these.

    Engine scan Read/Clear faults from the engine

    Readiness monitors Check emission-related systems

    Read engine live data Values from engine sensors

    Live data graphs Engine sensor data in graphs

    Freeze frame data Live data history log for OBD codes

    Vehicle information VIN and other codes

    Extra features Battery test, data logging, dashboard,


    etc…

    Your best bet to get all of these functions for cheap is to get either an engine code
    reader or Bluetooth adapter and use it with your smartphone.
    Advanced OBD2 functions
    You also need to know these advanced functions. Some of them can be found in
    cheaper tools under $100 and I will talk about specific scanners later, but first, you
    need to understand these features.

    Full scan Read/Clear faults from all modules

    Full live data Live data from all modules

    Bi-Directional Testing components with a scan tool

    Service procedures DPF regen, ABS/Brake reset, etc…

    ECU coding Unlocking hidden features

    Extra features ECU programming/ Key learning/


    ODOMETER correction

    Advice for beginners: Start with a cheap engine code reader or Bluetooth adapter
    to learn basic OBD functions (10 OBD modes), and once you can use these, you can
    move to an advanced scanner.
    Engine code reader

    The engine code reader is the most basic diagnostic scanner type but is great to
    start with for beginners.

    It is the simplest device to use. There isn't a battery, so you don’t have to worry
    about charging, and a wired connection will always work. Bluetooth devices can
    sometimes give you connection issues.

    Recommended Code Readers:

    Ancel AD310 / Ancel AD530: https://bit.ly/recommended-codereader


    Bluetooth OBD adapter

    I would say the Bluetooth adapter is great to start with. You can use it with multiple
    apps which will expand the functionality of the code reader by another function like
    better display of engine live data in multiple graphs, full scan, or even some
    advanced features like coding/service.

    I have tried a bunch of these and compared them here:


    https://www.iamcarhacker.com/best-bluetooth-obd2-scanners/

    There is a full comparison with videos for each adapter, but my recommendation is
    to get Veepeak as a beginner. It costs $17 and you can pair it with di erent apps.
    OBD apps for smartphone

    There are a bunch of di erent OBD apps and you can see the full list in my video of
    best apps: 8 Best OBD2 apps in 2023 (Free included)

    But the 2 most important are Car Scanner ELM OBD2 and Carista app. Both of them
    work with a cheap Veepeak adapter.

    Car Scanner ELM OBD2 Carista

    ● FREE ($5/lifetime for PRO) ● FREE version useless


    ● Full scan ● PRO is $10/month
    ● Engine live data + graphs ● ECU coding/ Service procedures
    ● Readiness monitors
    ● Freeze frame Just buy it for 1 month, do your coding
    ● Acceleration tests/ Statistics (unlock hidden features), and cancel
    your subscription.
    OBD2 software for PC

    I generally don’t recommend it for beginners because they often forget that
    in-garage conditions can destroy your laptop very easily. If you want to use a
    laptop, I recommend getting the refurbished one just for this purpose.

    I bought an old refurbished laptop for $200 and I use it for various diagnostic
    software. The laptop is great use for some specialized software like Toyota
    Techstream or VCDS for VAG, but if you plan to get your first basic device, just get a
    code reader or Bluetooth adapter.

    Why carry around a laptop when you can get the same with your smartphone? If
    you decide to use a laptop anyway, I suggest using the OBDwiz software
    Compatible OBDwiz adapter

    OBDLink adapter:
    https://www.iamcarhacker.com/obdlink-mx-review/
    Bi-directional scan tools

    If you are like me you already went over those $1500 pro tools on Amazon to see
    what professional scan tools can do.

    Well, they can do a lot. But it definitely doesn’t have to be $1500. It doesnt even have
    to be $500…

    This is Ancel X7 and it comes with a solid pack of professional features:

    ● Full Global OBD modes


    ● Full scan
    ● Full live data
    ● Bi-Directional
    ● 10 most common service procedures
    ● ECU coding
    ● Key programming
    A set of these functions can be usually found only in $1000+ scanners but those are
    always the TOP brands (Autel, Launch). Other manufacturers are forced to pack
    more features for less price to compete with these established ones, so we can take
    advantage and get advanced tools like this for around $390.

    Check out Ancel X7 here: https://bit.ly/bi-directional


    Specialized One-brand scanner

    They can come in di erent types (Bluetooth, handheld, or PC), but they have one
    thing in common. They focus on one car brand, or one group of car brands to
    provide more advanced functionality for a ordable prices.

    The only catch is that they will only work for one brand. If you mostly work with only
    one brand, you should definitely get this type of scanner.

    Best for VW/Audi/Skoda/Seat


    OBDeleven can do fully advanced features for VAG vehicles, including long
    coding/adaptations for service and coding procedures. Now it even works for BMW
    and other car brands but with less functionality than for VAG. It can do almost
    everything that most favorite VAG aftermarket software (VAG-COM) which starts at
    $239.

    OBDeleven starts at $39, check it out here: https://bit.ly/obd11-blog

    Best for Toyota/Lexus

    Toyota Techstream is a copy of Toyota OEM TIS Techstream software used in


    dealerships. It can read full live data, full scan and even do some bi-directonal
    testing and unlocking hidden features.

    All that for around $50 cable, you just need to have a laptop. Check the full
    Techstream review on my website:
    https://www.iamcarhacker.com/lexus-toyota-techstream/
    Best for BMW

    OBDLink has some great adapters that are great to be used with BMW diagnostic
    and coding apps: Bimmercode / Bimmerlink.

    When you are unlocking hidden features with ECU coding, you are risking damaging
    your control modules if your car gets low on battery or coding gets interrupted. You
    need the fastest and most stable connection, you can get to avoid these issues and
    OBDLink is made for that:

    OBDLink MX+ Review on my website:


    https://www.iamcarhacker.com/obdlink-mx-review/
    Odometer correction tool

    This is one of the cheapest odometer correction tools. It also does service
    procedures, key programming, and full diagnosing features:

    Check full functionality here:


    https://bit.ly/ancel-odometer
    Don’t know how to use the scanner?

    I have a full guide on how to use any scan tool, get it here:
    https://www.iamcarhacker.com/obd2-basics-ebook

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