Diagnostics/scanning tools - what/how/which

FishOnABike wrote: »

Can anyone reccomend an android mobile app that can read Ford Focus ABS module error codes or even just read / display the wheel sensor data ?



I'm using a bluetooth OBDII adapter (https://xtrons.com/catalog/product/view/id/901/s/obd-ii-scanner-tool-obd01/). I usually use Torque and find it good but it doesn't read ABS fault codes and neither do any of the several other apps I've tried.

Depending on model forscan on a windows pc with a USB to ODB adapter with a cable (10 euro) may be able to do this. Forscan is free (mostly) and is a DIY effort for nearly new Mazda and ford cars with odb. Look up your specific car to see if someone has got it to work before. I have programmed additional keys, DPF tests and resets etc.

https://forscan.org/

Its not exactly simple, but is cheap

I don't think seat belt faults are part of a OBD standard.

Thanks. Seat belt faults? Didn't know that was a possibility.
I was thinking the likely culprits were: seat/steering wheel connections or disable key-switch. All the more reason to get the right diagnostic.

I'll do some more searching. Any suggestions still welcome.

[Edit]
Looking at that very helpful youtube video posted earlier and a related website. Hard to justify £115 for a unit with the diagnostic facilty.
But I found a youtube video of a cheapo unit (U281) that did reset the airbag light - on a Polo. Tempting...

It's similar to clicking a dismiss warning on a PC telling you that you need to reboot or something
It will sometimes clear it for a while, some codes will come up almost instantly again (lambda sensor on a Fiat Punto)
In my own experience, with an EGR warning on a Passat diesel, it used to clear it for a day, maybe two, then would pop up again until like @corollake35 says, the EGR issue is actually fixed and then once cleared, it stays gone

I opted to ask a local gge reset it - but the light came on again immediately.
Error was driver's seat circuit open circuit. Now diagnosed as faulty ABS ECU unit.
(Almost four weeks later the saga still continues. Might need to start a new thread for advice.)

Has anyone tried this one?

https://www.mycarly.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SEM-EN-Defensive-Search&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6575BRCQARIsAMp-ksMFLK_WxNdE5bHodNbaFX9lyFYQ_-5XW3VhTxfhZFlk7miDJre9LRAaAvqeEALw_wcB

scannerd wrote: »

Carly is good system, also does option coding which is rare in most other systems, its model specific.

Seems to have loads of poor reviews on the Google Play page, mainly to do with the subscription model, which looks to be expensive.

knipex wrote: »

Turns out its more complicated than I thought.

rosstech h\ve them for sale on their site and list an Irish agent, who only lists pro version on their site.

Done deal and adverts full of adds for very cheap cables. Actually bought one came supplied with the software a very genuine looking cable that's marked as a hex-v2 but software recognises as an obsolete hex-usb-can that wont work on my car.

contacted seller who told me I should have installed a cracked loader and put on a dedicated laptop with no antivirus or internet connection.

it's gone in the bin and written off as a lesson learnt..

I'm looking for an enthusiast cable, 3 vins is fine, just to play around with and learn.. Also happy to buy a second hand genuine cable.

Any reputable sellers recommended ?/

search "handythings" on adverts, i used them - no issues
Have no need to use but they claim providing some support
Don't update, and antivirus need to be disabled during install or exclusion
If want genuine - go directly to RossTech

tossy wrote: »

No internet connection lol Ross tech update VCDS at least once a month so it would be quickly out of date. I know they are more expensive but it's worth trying to get a new or second hand one with unlimited VINS as they will hold value pretty well.

If only DIY use do it really matter about update if you can get one for less than 50 euros

Most brands going that way with coding and option changes - have to be connected to mothership with factory or high end box. Diagnostic codes / functions only via stand alone aftermarket scanners. Subscription model will soon take over where you pay per month to have certain options turned on.

As per title – can someone recommend me a good OBD2 app?

I have just replaced the multifunction buttons the steering wheel of my 2014 Octavia vrs after the scroll wheels (on both sides) fell apart. To do so, I needed to disconnect the battery….. and knew this would then cause error messages after I reconnected it. I’m now getting auto start stop / tyre pressure moinitor etc not working.

However, the OBD2 app I have is called ‘OBD2 car doctor’ and it’s not picking up any errors when I connected to it. I’ve also tried ‘scan master’ without any joy either.

Both of these are on an android tablet – as my iOS devices fail to connect to the (Bluetooth) OBD2 device??

Willing to buy a 'pro' version of the right app if needed.
Or do I need to get to a mechanic with proper software tools?




In case anyone else needs to do it also - I followed this tutorial. It’s for a Golf Mk7 but all the key stuff is identical
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0H-LwAcgn9c

Ive used Torque for years, its great for the live data but doesn't always read all the fault codes in my experience. It picks up some of them.

I got the carly adapter and this seems to be much better at reading and clearing faults, but its quite expensive, €60 euro a year subscription, and about €60 for the adapter.

https://app.mycarly.com/en/result/?c=IE&b=vag&n=Skoda