[rulesZA]

Hi All

Just wondering out loud but is there a proper OBD2 scanner/app out there (that doesn't cost the price of a car) where you can get proper readings from all control units and even possible make some changes (gearbox behavior and such)?

Thanks,
R

 

[DibbyDibbyDJ]

None will make changes to behaviour. Plenty out there can give lots of info, but are more exoensive than the simple readers you can buy online

 

[WhiteSpyder]

This is what I am currently using. Words of experience here. The scanner is only as good as the guy using it. ...J.D.

 

[DibbyDibbyDJ]

Exactly. Scanners are a tool. Having a toolkit wont make you competent to fix a car, and having an expensive scanner wont give you an answer if you dont know how to interpret the information it gives you

 

[WhiteSpyder]

I just bought this Bosch unit last year when my PC based system gave up after many years. I bought this because it is upgradable with an app that you can download thier latest software free. I think it was just under $150US. ...J.D.

 

[rulesZA]

Well I'm no engineer (my OCD is not that strong), but I'm sure I'd be able to work it out

I was basically just wondering, there are a plethora of apps out there and I came across one for some Nissan which sounded like you could make some tweaks so I was just being overly optimistic about something being available for the old ASX war horse.

But a "normal" scanner would be helpful nonetheless, as long as it can read all the control units and not just the ECU. This car is not super helpful with even the most basic of error messages (had to have it scanned after it started throwing ASC errors and started going into limp mode....only to find both brake lamp bulbs had fused 🤦‍♂️).

 

[WhiteSpyder]

To be realistic...If you are not an engineer, you should not be making "tweeks". 😁. Leave that to the pros. I AM an engineer [retired]. But I know when something is out of my realm of expertise. Mine goes like hell because I set it up the way the factory engineers meant it to be [well almost]. ...J.D.

 

[arymotaleb]

While I'm sorry for reviving a months-old thread, I'm also on the hunt for similar information about OBD2 scanners and apps that really work. I haven't come across any scanners that allow you to make changes to the car's behavior, but there are plenty of options out there that can give you proper readings from all control units. A "normal" scanner can definitely be helpful, especially if you're not getting clear error messages from your car. By the way, if you're looking for a powerful OCR solution, you should check out Smart Engines OCR. I think it's worth giving it a chance to try.

 

[WhiteSpyder]

There seems to be this thinking out there that somehow by tweeking with a cars ECU you can unlock hidden horsepower and torque that the factory is somehow withholding from us. This is a myth. If you want to make more power, you have to actually spend money modifying the engine. But if you want to diagnose problems, a scanner can be a useful tool. The more you want the scanner to be able to look at [ECU, transmission, charging system, security systems, etc.], the more expensive they become. You also need to have some knowledge on how automotive systems work to be able to understand what the scanner is indicating. Buying a scanner will not make you a technician. there is no free lunch. ...J.D.