Hi guys, I was reading more about OBD-II cars (1996 and newer). I came across some interesting pages. For those of you that dont know, all 1996-newer cars use a standardized OBD (on-board database) system that gives out ecu error codes and can ALSO store driving data (like retardation, etc) similar to a "black box" used on race cars. Some of these sites are of great use, and I've included some links to OBD readers (but will not plug any of them).
Here's a free list of the OBD-II codes (thanks to About.com):
OBD-II codes
This OBD-II reader connects to any palm device (I've got a Sony), and displays codes and data in real-time (you can watch rpms, retardation, figure fuel economy, etc) It's about the coolest damn thing in the world, my uncle has it on his Ford Explorer:
palm OBD reader
And for those of you in the dark ages (no palm)
, there's a freestanding OBD reader. Most are around 400, but I found two for under 200:
scanner #1
scanner #2
Not plugging anything, just wanted to show everyone this stuff. If you use a piggyback system on your F/I, you can still use these systems to do black box measurements, although many piggybacks display their own stuff.
The best application of these things is to compare what you find with what a shop might "tell" you is wrong.:bs:
One last thing...these things can CLEAR codes that would cause the CEL to come on, avoiding any rewiring you might have to do. And only the palm version shows charts and graphs. There is of course PC-based software that you can buy. Some folks here might have it.
HAppy hunting!!!!
Here's a free list of the OBD-II codes (thanks to About.com):
OBD-II codes
This OBD-II reader connects to any palm device (I've got a Sony), and displays codes and data in real-time (you can watch rpms, retardation, figure fuel economy, etc) It's about the coolest damn thing in the world, my uncle has it on his Ford Explorer:
palm OBD reader
And for those of you in the dark ages (no palm)
, there's a freestanding OBD reader. Most are around 400, but I found two for under 200:scanner #1
scanner #2
Not plugging anything, just wanted to show everyone this stuff. If you use a piggyback system on your F/I, you can still use these systems to do black box measurements, although many piggybacks display their own stuff.
The best application of these things is to compare what you find with what a shop might "tell" you is wrong.:bs:
One last thing...these things can CLEAR codes that would cause the CEL to come on, avoiding any rewiring you might have to do. And only the palm version shows charts and graphs. There is of course PC-based software that you can buy. Some folks here might have it.
HAppy hunting!!!!
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