OBD programmer/reader New to the forum

[spaguy]

Hey gang, New to the forum! Worked as a mechanic for years but don't always have the time nor place to do my own stuff now. I own several investment properties, a real estate company and hot tub company so I'm always busy.

Last couple weeks I got severely screwed by the Dealer here in Colorado Springs and decided I'll never let that happen again.

When I was at Home Depot a couple days ago, I ran into a guy who had an OBD reader he left in that was connected to his phone. He said he could read and clear codes at dealer level and even program lights an systems. He said he paid about $60 but that sounds to good to be true, I'm willing to spend more for something that will allow programing of my lights, air suspension and systems along with clear dealer level codes.

Any thoughts

 

[jr27236]

First off welcome to the Forum.
What you will need is OBD MX+ dongle
OBDLink MX+ OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner for iPhone, Android, and Windows https://a.co/d/aO937Hb

And ALFAOBD APP :

AlfaOBD - Apps on Google Play

AlfaOBD software for Fiat Group cars native diagnostic

play.google.com

I use it on my Android phone and tablet. Even the app that comes with the dongle is great alone. Although Alfa is what you need to read and change computer settings within your ram. You need to have the full paid version to benefit from all its features.

 

[spaguy]

Thank you! I started looking into the Alfa as soon as you mentioned it but many of the reviews are concerning....thoughts?

 

[Mpgrimm2]

What I typically recommend..
( It's reliable if used correctly and with a good adapter)

** AlfaOBD (for activating factory features yourself. See Docs linked in OP. )

---> OBDLink MX BT adapter
(Don't get a cheap elm327 adapter)



Mike G.
www.M2Mods4Ram.com
M2 Mods at Ramforum

 

[jr27236]

Thank you! I started looking into the Alfa as soon as you mentioned it but many of the reviews are concerning....thoughts?

Concerning in what way? Alfaobd is actually a very useful tool BUT in the hands of the wrong person it can cause a LOT of problems. It will not only help you activate or deactivate features but can also set a ton of custom parameters on other features. I myself have a limited so there really is not much more i need to do. But Alfa helped me completely repair my air suspension system and couldn't be done without it. The OBD link MX+ adapter alone with its app alone is incredible and blows aways my plug in scanners also.

 

[spaguy]

Concerning in what way? Alfaobd is actually a very useful tool BUT in the hands of the wrong person it can cause a LOT of problems. It will not only help you activate or deactivate features but can also set a ton of custom parameters on other features. I myself have a limited so there really is not much more i need to do. But Alfa helped me completely repair my air suspension system and couldn't be done without it. The OBD link MX+ adapter alone with its app alone is incredible and blows aways my plug in scanners also.

Thats good news...will probably try it...Air suspension is what started this but I also want to change lights and potentially get a performance upgrade.

 

[spaguy]

Well....Turns out, I don't need that programmer. My truck was stolen from my driveway with all my tools 2 days after spending almost $7K and just getting it back from 10 days at the dealer (second time)

 

[turkeybird56]

Well....Turns out, I don't need that programmer. My truck was stolen from my driveway

Well dat suks, call PO PO?

 

[spaguy]

Well dat suks, call PO PO?

Of course....never been a vehicle stolen in this little neighbor in the 26 years we've lived here. Just put all my tools back in it and still had the second Fob in the truck because it was at the dealer, didn't think about it. They avoided cameras

 

[RamDiver]

Of course....never been a vehicle stolen in this little neighbor in the 26 years we've lived here. Just put all my tools back in it and still had the second Fob in the truck because it was at the dealer, didn't think about it. They avoided cameras

I would have thought you'd be safer with an older truck but you just never know.

I have a No Splice kill switch harness on my Warlock but have been planning to add a Club to the steering wheel.

Your post is a great reminder for me to stop procrastinating, and just place the order now, thanks.

More deterrents are better. Sorry to hear of your loss.

.

 

[spaguy]

I would also suggest taking pictures of any tools or personal belongings in the truck

 

[RamDiver]

I would also suggest taking pictures of any tools or personal belongings in the truck

I lean towards leaving nothing in the cab if I have to park for more than a few minutes.

Everything gets locked up in the box under the Roll-N-Lock cover.
When I go on extended scuba trips, I take pictures of all the gear before leaving.

Thanks for posting and the reminder, I just ordered a Club for the steering wheel.

.