Anyone have an OBD-II reader that hooks up to a laptop
 

I need an OBD-II reader. I would like to be able to hook it up to number of different cars Mercedes, Lexus, Chevy etc.

I know I can pick up a cheap one for $30-$40, but I want to get a nice one that doesn't just return a bunch of generic codes ie. actual code descriptions/data.

I've heard of adapters/cords that connect the OBD-II port in a car to the USB port of a laptop, then I guess its just a matter of picking from a variety of free software, and downloading the one that you like best.

Primarily, I need it to diagnose check engine/warning lights and reset the codes after repair, but I also think it would be cool to run a laptop in a car to see all of the ECU data.

Any of you guys know where I can get one for a good price. I've checked Ebay, but I'm not exactly sure which will work for me. Has anyone used these instead of the regular OBD-II reader? Any advice or suggestions? Is there only one connector for an OBD-II reader. I know my indy shop had an old-looking reader, with a bag full of connectors (I'm guessing for different cars). I was thinking, with late model cars, that shouldn't be an issue right?

Thanks.

I bought one from a local auto parts store, it pulls OBDII codes and stores them for downloading to a PC. You can also drive with it hooked up and see real time stats as you drive. It comes with a interface cable and software, no need to buy or source other software. The firmware can also be updated.

The make/model escapes me at the moment,but I will post it later.

I'm going with this one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ELM327-USB-AUTO-...QQcmdZViewItem

Wish me luck. I'm going to need it. I'm opting to buy from the seller selling it the cheapest, but I think the seller is shipping from China.:crazy:

I gotta hope it gets here, and then hope it works when it gets here. :eek:

how did the ELM 327 work for you? I was considering the samething myself.

Works great...I picked mine up for about $25 off of Ebay brand new from Hong Kong. Probably a cheap counterfeit one, but I haven't had any problems. I've used it on a number of cars and haven't had any issues.

email me the seller from the ELM 327.