Mud

I did order the ICarSoft MB scanner for my E350, but looking for your opinions for a less than $150 obd2 scanner that can cover most makes. I have a cheapie "TopTak" scanner that works ok to see/clear codes and see live data. However it can't read freeze frame data and it doesn't stream live data, just collects and then stops to refresh.

I'm trying to track down source of P1399 random misfire on a 99 civic and I'm looking for a scanner that will stream the live data and of course capture freeze frame at time of fault. I can see open and closed loop status and data but the stop/refresh is a pain plus I can't capture freeze frame on my current scanner. Also want it to ID monitor status (readiness), all in all I think these are pretty basic functions.

I see traditional plug in scanners and Bluetooth versions as well, just asking for your experience, thank you.

kajtek1

As far as I research the market the scanners you are talking about starts above $1000.
That said my $10 Bluetooth plug with Torque app does amazing things. It will not explain brand-specific codes, but will show them and clear whenever possible.

Mud

I've heard good things about the Torque app combined w the Bluetooth reader. I may go in that direction. Many thanks.

kajtek1

After long search I order this scanner https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben...657sch01a~scf/
who is due to come tomorrow.
I hope it will be good for my DPF regeneration, but fact is that nobody knows and I mean nobody. I contact the seller, contact the manufacturer and got feeling that those people answering the question don't even know what DPF is.
Will post report at the end of the week.

cetialpha5

I'd try the Autel Diaglink for about $110. Does one car line for free and each additional car line is $10. If you have a lot of different car lines, then get the MD802 which does all of them, but that's $185.

Mud

That's a good consideration as well (Autotel). My current vehicle makes are MB ( got that one covered), GM (silverado) and Honda civic.

Considering the more in depth scanner for Civic from the depths of hell. After new engine and multiple parts/tests swapped to test operation I cannot fix a p1399 developed in closed loop only. Runs perfect cold (open loop). I know this is MB forum so I'm not getting into Hondas here, only asked about the scanners that can give me better real time/freeze data. Hopefully I can capture anomaly happening going from open to closed loop. Maddening.

Edit - I also came across Konnwei KW850 scanner about $75 that captures live stream/freeze frame, also provides up to 4 live steam graphs and connects to pc to download data. These last 2 items are also important to me as its easier to understand trends in graphs and then take the time to go over printed data. Their website also provides free software upgrades.

kajtek1

For Honda you can check MaxiEcu.
It is about $100 scanner, who has testing and programming only SD was doing so far.
It is European oriented scanner so not all US options are covered and it is few years behind with software. I can't use on my 2014 model as they are "still working" on software for my ECU.
Good part - MaxiEcu list all covered modules on their site, so unlike other scanner, you know precisely what you are buying.

Mud

I'll looked at that one but this is a 99 civic, their module starts at 2000. I had initially thought modules would start at 96+ based on the basic obd2 protocol.

kajtek1

OBD become mandatory in 1996 only in US, while Europe took additional 10 years to make it standard.
My 1998 SL500 is not covered by MaxiEcu, but I played with entering 2000+ modules and lot of them work.
Meaning you if you know your module model, you can figure out how to make it working even if your car MY is not covered.
Still the scanners are black magic as beside MaciEcu no scanner manufacturer will list covered modules.
My new scanner is on its way to my house from Post Office, so I am getting excited.

Mud

Will be interested to hear your results especially as compared to the ICarSoft scanner. So far I'm thinking the Konnwei 850 or Nexpeak 501 will provide the data I need. Both virtually the same inexpensive cost. I also looked at a few devices that use a pc. I don't mind using a laptop at all, in fact with my older eyes I prefer seeing the data on a larger screen.

cetialpha5

Both the Konnwei and Nexpeak look like basic OBDII scanners. Neither of them seem to do any other car subsystems. I wouldn't bother with either of them, if you want basic, any ELM327 adapter will work, BAFX is pretty popular with the Torque app. The BAFX is about $22 on Amazon and torque pro is a $5 app.

kajtek1

Well. scanner arrived and I spend 1 hr with it.
When auto scan was nice and found several codes on door modules and such (never knew I had malfunction) the scanner recognized car VIN, but then would not recognize ECU module. I had to enter it manually.
Some live data, but DPF is not even in menu. No adaptation. So troubleshooting-wise the "Professional Mercedes Benz Scan Tool Schwaben Mfg Part #018657SCH01A"

does about the same amount of scanning the $10 plug with Torque app (+ automatic vehicle scan).
I will play with it more this weekend, but looks like on Monday the scanner goes back to supplier.

Mud

Yes they are basic but I'd say a bit better than what I have at least.
I did find eBay clones of Delphi DS150e that can access more than powertrain but I recognize they are probably illegal and I'm not sure exactly what I'd be allowing to be loaded into my laptop.
That's too bad about the other scan tool but it at least helps others to know what to avoid.

cetialpha5

Interesting about the Delphi. Looks to be about $60 on eBay. Guess you could get your money back if it didn't work. It's also on Aliexpress, about $34. I suppose it should work. People buy knock off Star C3 and C4 systems online all the time too. Same with EPC and WIS.

Report back if you try it, I still have a working Launch X431 system so I guess I won't bother for now. They did come out with a new version of Easy Diag, the plus version with support for 2 car manufacturers is now $139 on Aliexpress.

Mud

I may try the Delphi but just on a separate "car stuff" laptop I use in the garage. I also have the MB shop manual (WIS, etc) on it and come to think of it, that was a $20 eBay special as well. I'm intrigued by the capabilities of the Delphi, there's a number of YouTube vids on it too. Happy to report back on it.
I appreciate all the input.
Edit - after some online sleuthing I decided against the Delphi clone. Maybe overthinking it but I'd hate to get malware and/or program issues into the vehicle ecu. Would be a significant issue and cost to repair. There seemed to be a number of issues with these copies related to operability.

turnerman10

After long research of the marketplace I came to the conclusion that this code reader is best for most makes and brands of cars. Just felt like I can help out someone. Have a nice day!

https://www.ultimate9.co/au/codebrea...scan-tool.html

cetialpha5

Well I don't know why you brought up an old thread to talk about scanners. More current ones will mention the Autel Ap200. Scans most subsystems but limited to one car, but it's only about $50. The one you mentioned is just a basic OBDII scanner which just does engine and emission codes. It will not do more advanced subsystems like transmission, SRS, keyless go and others. There's about 40+ other MB specific subsystems that basic scanners won't scan. If you need it to scan other models, you'd have to pay for each additional car line. It's basically the same scanner as others that cost hundreds more but does all car lines.

nightspd

Does anyone have experience using Carly? I've heard good things, but have always been a little weary of app-based scanners.

cetialpha5

It's one of those that are also supposed to do all subsystems. Tried it once years ago but didn't get it to work quite right in their demo so never went back to it. App based scanners have been around a long while. You might have to screw around with them a little to make them work, had an issue with the Autel at one point, had to delete it, redo the bluethooth, delete cache, reinstall to get it working again. Basically worked at one point and then later didn't. Probably due to an android system update. icarsoft is also very popular for whatever reason, costs more though. But you just need a scanner that works and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. The Autel is perfect if you just want to diagnose a problem and don't want to do any special programming where you might need to step up to a full Xentry system.

kajtek1

Scanner section is in order here, but it might take some time for the administrators to realize that.
Lately AP200/HT200 and ThinkDiag have the best value. ThinkDiag has several version, so you need to read carefully.
They do require license, who covers the model for annual subscription, but at least AP will work without paid subscription.
But if you already have a scanner, check for updates.
I bought $5 dongle years ago and paid $5 for TorquePro app.
At the time it was showing only basic parameters, but lately I found they added higher-end gauges, like DPF reading on diesels.
We sure went long way from the times where cheapest Chinese clone of SDS was $500, with no warranty and no support.

Left Coast Geek

I have a Launch Cready Benz which was $120 with a coupon a week or two ago on Amazon, and does a great job of scanning every control unit in a late model Mercedes. standalone, doesn't need a laptop or phone or any outside software, can connect to your wifi to fetch updates.

nightspd

How are these compared to the iCarSoft MB v3.0?