Greets,

I've been trying to build/buy a OBDII scanner. Can the ppl who currently own one post:
1 Cost of the unit
2 Where it can be bought
3 Does it read generic and manufacturer specific codes
4 does it support plots

++ if you know the OBDII to DB9 female pin outs for the unit you have please post it also (It is easy to figure out if you have an mulitmeter). To figure it, put to meter on continuity test or to measure ohms. Then fix one lead to on pin 1 on the OBDII connector then use the other lead to touch each pin on the DB9 side. If it beeps (continuity mode) or measures 0 ohms (resistance mode) then those pins are connected. Repeat this for all 16 pins on the OBDII connector.

I've been also trying to go the cheap route and utilize some of my EE skills to try and build one. It is fairly simple to reverse engineer if I had access to one. If I'm sucessful I will post my findings so that everyone can build a OOBDII (ooglie OBDII).

It seems I can build the hardware right now for around $90, but that is with the hope that one of the free software packages work with it. It seems that this biggest cost right now is this cable:
http://www.bb-elec.com/product.asp?d...sku=OBDIIJ1962

thanks
woosh

 

I did a group deal at obd-2.com

I paid about $72 with shipping as I remember.. works great.

 

Is this gd/price still available?

Thanks
woosh

 

If you start a Group Deal for the OBD II count me in!

 

Even without the group deal, Alex Pepper's OBD-II devices are relatively inexpensive compared to AutoTap ... I should know ... I paid an arm and a leg for the AutoTap! For what I paid, I could have gotten Alex's for US/Asian and European makes and paid about half of what I paid for the AutoTap FORD only

 

The Consult-II to DB-9 OBD convertor from Alex Pepper only uses pins:
2
5 - Signal Ground
7 - ECM(To each DDL2 diagnosed system)
9
10
15 - ECM(To each ECM DDL2 diagnosed system)

BTW, Danny at Technosquare(took over importing for G-Force) says they are currently working on an OBD-II MDM-100, which I hope will also work on Nissans' Consult-II port.

Send him email to URGE him that there is a demand for a MDM-100 if interested:
> > Danny Lee
> > Technosquare, INC
> > 22521 Normandie Ave
> > Torrance, CA 90501
> > Tel: (310) 787-0847
> > Fax: (310)787-0948
> > www.technosquareinc.com

 

:/

 

If I could connect this to my laptop, and assuming I have the right software,
1) what will I be able to see?
2) is it important/relevant to me if I don't want/need to mod my car?

 

you could visit http://www.obd-2.com for info..

or check these out that I grabbed on my laptop..

http://www.adpub.com/tim/vdash1.jpg
http://www.adpub.com/tim/vdash2.jpg
http://www.adpub.com/tim/vdash3.jpg

 

Hi Tim,

Can you tell me which unit you have and how much it cost? Did it come with the software or did you use free software from another site?


Hey IceY2k1,

pins I've found so far ISO 9141-2(imports protocol) vehicles:
2 - + signal
10 - - signal
7 - K line transmit
15 - L line transmit
16 - +12v supply in

I didn't know 9 was used for our cars?? Please share?
Also can you provide a link to the Alex Pepper version. Does his com with software

Thanks in advance
woosh

 

Scratch that Tim, just saw your link...

Can you tell some likes/dislikes you have with this unit? Does read manufacturer specific codes? (I'm assuming it reads Generic ones)

Thanks
woosh

 

It may not be. I have the tri-com version which works on ANY car, so it may be used for them.

I'm using the same one Tim showed you. I like everything, but the graphing functions. The variables you select are ploted separately vs. all on one plot, so it's difficult to see what points occur at the same time. However, I've been told by Alex Pepper how to export the data to Excel, so viewing the data can be easier if your REALLY good with Excels' limited capabilities. I'm not, so I've given it a rest for awhile. I do think this is very VALUABLE, since you can basically plot different runs overlayed, somewhat a ghetto dyno.

I believe you get both standard and OEM specific codes, but the software doesn't tell you what faults the OEM specific codes are for. However, the FSM has MOST of them, so you just look them up. I haven't triggered any MILs, so I don't know this for sure.

I think I paid $127 for the Tricom(all cars) through the Ford Taurus website group buy.

 

Here is a project: Pipe OBDII output to the screen of your on-board navigation system. (Anybody know what operating system those things use? There is likely nothing close to a standard from each manufacturer.) We'd have to port the viewing software to that OS and then there is the not-so-simple task of building an I/O framework to talk to the diagnostic unit. If manufacturers where really smart they would have this built-in to their nav systems.

 

Good idea, but manufacturers do NOT want you to know what's going on in your engine. People will overreact and run to the nearest dealer everytime they see a NORMAL fluctuation, but think it's not normal. I've seen this MANY times in my business. Humans don't process variable data from multiple systems fast enough to interpret and understand what's ACTUALLY going on.

This is why the "idiot lights" on the dash were invented.

There is a simplier, yet useful device, called the Techtom MDM-100, that displays SOME engine parameters from the OBD system, but it's not available for the OBD-II system, yet. Danny from Technosquare(took over importing Techtom products from Japan once G-Force died) said they are working on an OBD-II system, but I wouldn't hold your breath. Plus, it may not work with the Consult-II port on Nissans withOUT some minor R&D which of course means that we are going to be on the bottom of the waiting list.

If you want more info or would like to let Danny know there IS market DEMAND then contact him:

> > Danny Lee
> > Technosquare, INC
> > 22521 Normandie Ave
> > Torrance, CA 90501
> > Tel: (310) 787-0847
> > Fax: (310)787-0948
> > www.technosquareinc.com
> > danny@technosquareinc.com

 

If I am not wrong the latest japan version skyline GTR had this function incorporated with their massive LCD display.

correct me if I ma wrong.

 

All high-end cars should have it (Infiniti, Lexus, Acura, etc.) and, this is the important part, it should be DOCUMENTED so a driver isn't confronted with some stupid error code when something is out of whack. Imagine, being able to diagnose your car before you have to talk to a service tech. And if you have a problem that is hard to recreate at the dealer, this thing would have history keeping so you could just look up any anomaly and show it to them.