Finally decided on a scanner vs. laptop program for OBD2
#18
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Re: the Costco $35 one. Could you tell me the manf/model of that one. That seems like a really good deal. Was it instore or online Costco?
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#21
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Hey, I know this is a really old thread, but I found it by googling. I have been looking into this for hours once I got the idea to set up an LCD screen in my car. I just learned all about OBD and OBDII and did a ton of research into different tools.
This thread is by far the most useful thread I have come across, but I still have a couple of questions. I hope that you can answer them.
First of all, if I buy the Elm5 scanner, will it be able to read and send through signals from the different protocols used by the different car models? I know this is a lexus site, but right now I don't own a lexus (yet) and I want to try it on different cars.
Secondly, Is there a way to find what format the signal comes into the computer? In other words, can I use the data in my own program using something like excel or whatever?
Thank you for your time and help.
This thread is by far the most useful thread I have come across, but I still have a couple of questions. I hope that you can answer them.
First of all, if I buy the Elm5 scanner, will it be able to read and send through signals from the different protocols used by the different car models? I know this is a lexus site, but right now I don't own a lexus (yet) and I want to try it on different cars.
Secondly, Is there a way to find what format the signal comes into the computer? In other words, can I use the data in my own program using something like excel or whatever?
Thank you for your time and help.
#22
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Hey, I know this is a really old thread, but I found it by googling. I have been looking into this for hours once I got the idea to set up an LCD screen in my car. I just learned all about OBD and OBDII and did a ton of research into different tools.
This thread is by far the most useful thread I have come across, but I still have a couple of questions. I hope that you can answer them.
First of all, if I buy the Elm5 scanner, will it be able to read and send through signals from the different protocols used by the different car models? I know this is a lexus site, but right now I don't own a lexus (yet) and I want to try it on different cars.
Secondly, Is there a way to find what format the signal comes into the computer? In other words, can I use the data in my own program using something like excel or whatever?
Thank you for your time and help.
This thread is by far the most useful thread I have come across, but I still have a couple of questions. I hope that you can answer them.
First of all, if I buy the Elm5 scanner, will it be able to read and send through signals from the different protocols used by the different car models? I know this is a lexus site, but right now I don't own a lexus (yet) and I want to try it on different cars.
Secondly, Is there a way to find what format the signal comes into the computer? In other words, can I use the data in my own program using something like excel or whatever?
Thank you for your time and help.
This particular scanner can read the newer and older formats for OBD2. I haven't had a friend yet with a car that has OBD2 that this scanner didn't support. However, some features of the software sometimes may not read certain aspects, but that is more a function of the vehicle itself as I sometimes know some factory scanners won't even output such information. However, the main stuff like A/F sensor readings, etc. show up.
The format that I usually see is .csv, which of course can go to excel. That comes with the elm5 scanner and the free program OBDwiz, but most of the commercial programs out there have some kind of log that can be outputed, but I can't speak for how the information shows up for every single program out there.
#23
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Hey I just wanted to check up and say thanks a lot. I ended up buying the Elm5 USB cord from ebay for $35, and it works great!
I have already used it on a Kia sportage and a Honda Civic. Next I will try it on a Nissan Sentra and a PT Cruiser.
The free program works alright, though it is limited. I got another program and it works pretty well.
Thanks for the help! I would recommend the Elm5 to anyone who is looking for an OBDII scan tool.
I have already used it on a Kia sportage and a Honda Civic. Next I will try it on a Nissan Sentra and a PT Cruiser.
The free program works alright, though it is limited. I got another program and it works pretty well.
Thanks for the help! I would recommend the Elm5 to anyone who is looking for an OBDII scan tool.
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