ODB 2 scanner

[Ramtruck211]

Just looking for a good OBD 2 scanner I could get. I know I’ve heard that some retailer scanner don’t give out specific codes like a dealership one would. Just wondering if there is any that anyone knows about that would work on my 2019 ram 1500 classic where I wouldn’t have to worry about paying for some subscription and it just tells me everything a dealership one would see. Price doesn’t matter so much just not anything like a ridiculous price. I’ve seen prices for good that people say doesn’t work and some cheap ones that work great. Looking for any recommendations. Thanks in advance

 

[hunterdan]

https://a.co/d/011kUBgA

Obdlink mx+
You can use their app on your phone, which is pretty comprehensive. You add/remove various sensors and readouts from the SAE and Chrysler specific list that you can view on the dashboard as well as read codes in any of the modules of the truck. But, you'll need a security bypass to be able to clear those codes I believe. The app is free from the app store (no ads) and the bypass is around $50 or so and easy to install. The other option is Alfaobd to allow for module programming and changes, as well as comprehensive troubleshooting, but is another $50.
These are all 1 time fees, there are no subscriptions, and covers unlimited vehicles.

 

[Jeepwalker]

I would suggest looking at what vehicles you have and where you think you'll be in 5 yrs. And how you want to use a scan tool ...while making that decision.

The Ram-only option if that's all you want/need to look at (unless your other vehicles are Chrysler) is AlfaOBD... if you want everything. Esp if you want to dig into finer details. Yeah if you have another vehicle and it's a Jeep or other Chrysler, then it would be a good option.

MX+ is a good option, esp if used with a tablet ...something a little larger. Lot of guys here use them. I don't personally have one, but I've looked at them.

For a hand-held, my brother bought a TopDon scanner ...the $400 variety (from Temu). I'm impressed how comprehensive it is. It seems to 'talk' to about every vehicle out there. It won't have the depth of the AlphaOBD, but will give most people most of what they're looking for I would think. And to me, there's something about having a hand-held that I personally like. OTOH, it's easier to pack an MX+ and a phone (if you were really going to do that). I use a Snap-on and I have to say, I think my brother's TopDon does almost as much. But I haven't compared side-by-side.

There a few other hand-held scanners guys like. Seems like there are more and more of them all the time. Lot of videos out there comparing scanners. Avoid the Robo-videos ...they seem like a waste of time b/c they just use bots to compare features... but don't go 'deep' into the little nuances, and hidden gotcha's that make or break a scan tool.

 

[62Blazer]

Some good advice above. First question is whether you want a more universal tool that works on most vehicles, or just want to do the Ram. OBD-II is a universal standard that all automotive manufacturers base their systems on, with the intent that you can have one scanner/system to use on all vehicles and the majority of the codes are basically the same. So a "universal" OBD-II scanner can be used on almost any vehicle (at least the ones built in the last 20 years or so).
The different levels of scanners are basically on how many functions they can perform. The base level is just reading codes stored in the ECM (engine computer), however you have ABS system, transmission controllers, BCM (body computer), etc.... Not all scanners are setup to access off of those modules, but they should say in the description. For example a lot of base level scanners will not read ABS related codes such as wheel speed sensor or other brake related codes.
Additional features are items like live data and even bi-directional control. Live data is being able to read data streams and outputs of sensors, such as seeing how an O2 sensor is reacting under different driving parameters. This mainly useful in trouble-shooting issues. Bi-directional controls means you can turn items on and off via the scanner, again primarily used for trouble-shooting. Examples are being able to toggle the fuel pump on and off while checking the wiring.

 

[04fxdwgi]

The OBDWiz (OBDLink) software for widows comes with the MX+ dongle (or downloadable from website) and is free.

OBDwiz App

When you have one of OBDLink® powerful scan tools, you'll also need a reliable app that can read the data. Learn more about the OBDwiz app here!

www.obdlink.com

Works on any vehicle with OBD2 port. Checks most of the modules and checks far more than the Torque app. It is like having a full fledged scantool on your laptop. The OBDLink app is for phones / tablets and isn't as feature packed.

The AlfaOBD program will test / cycle individual components on the Mopar vehicles.

 

[Reecer]

Just looking for a good OBD 2 scanner I could get. I know I’ve heard that some retailer scanner don’t give out specific codes like a dealership one would. Just wondering if there is any that anyone knows about that would work on my 2019 ram 1500 classic where I wouldn’t have to worry about paying for some subscription and it just tells me everything a dealership one would see. Price doesn’t matter so much just not anything like a ridiculous price. I’ve seen prices for good that people say doesn’t work and some cheap ones that work great. Looking for any recommendations. Thanks in advance

I’ve had good experiences with Youcanic, but I’d also take a look at Autel and Launch—they’re both reliable and can read a lot more than just basic check engine codes. If you don’t mind using your phone, the OBDLink MX+ is another great option. None of them are a perfect replacement for the dealer’s tool, but for most diagnostics and troubleshooting, they’ll do just about everything you need.

Just looking for a good OBD 2 scanner I could get. I know I’ve heard that some retailer scanner don’t give out specific codes like a dealership one would. Just wondering if there is any that anyone knows about that would work on my 2019 ram 1500 classic where I wouldn’t have to worry about paying for some subscription and it just tells me everything a dealership one would see. Price doesn’t matter so much just not anything like a ridiculous price. I’ve seen prices for good that people say doesn’t work and some cheap ones that work great. Looking for any recommendations. Thanks in advance

 

[Jeepwalker]

A guy can go bonkers watching a bunch of scanner videos and trying to parse-out what each one offers and doesn't ...for the price. And some youtubers, most that I've seen, they know one or three platforms but not many more. But you can gauge features of a particular scan tool by their demonstrations.

Therefore as noted, and other guys have also said basically, Make a list of what your needs are and what your 'nice-to-haves' are and then try to find a scan tool to fit that ...and maybe 20% more(features). What other vehicles will you have (or 'might' have) in a few yrs? Would you read friend's or parent's/relatives cars? What are you willing to spend? ...things like that. Obviously the sky is the limit on price and features, but... we all have to draw the line somewhere. Bi-directional is really nice and can save a bunch of time when you get into that ONE time where you proved this or that was working. Ok...not the problem, go on to the next possibility. But then again, maybe if you get into a deep problem, you're the kind of guy who relies on a mechanic or dealer to take care of things ...so that feature might never be needed by you???

But if you just need codes, most any reader (or parts store) can do that. Many parts stores' free code read doesn't usually include anything beyond engine/tranny/brakes.

 

[04fxdwgi]

On scan tools, don't just look at the price upfront. Many have a yearly subscription fee to keep it updated and the fee can be hefty.

OBDLink MX+ is a bidirectional OBD dongle. Pair it with some decent software for a laptop (AlfaOBD (for our trucks), Torque Pro, OBDLink and OBDWiz, last 2 free) or phone and you can test most OBD2 compliant vehicles some of the more expensive scan tools do, like data logging, graph plotting, turn specific modules or components on / off are just some examples. All with no annual subscriptions.

Note: AlfaOBD is a Stelantis vehicle, all of the, specific software.

Cheapo scanners that read codes (some can be cleared, too), start at about $10 on Amazon, but you get what you pay for. When you get into bi-directional (actually needed to do testing), the cheapest is around $50 at Amazon (MX+ is around $120, but is my favorite).

 

[Ken226]

I didn't realize this still works.......

Why Free Auto Parts Diagnostics Leave You Blind!

Think that free code read from the auto parts store is giving you the whole story? Think again! Watch how a 2015 Dodge Ram 2500 pulls up the classic Chrysler...

youtube.com