OBDII Scantool Communication

[96LT1355Z28]

Last year I had a scantool that did everything I wanted it to do, read/stream live data, pull codes etc. Suddenly it decided to stop working, I got asn SES light and the scantool powered up but said no codes were present. It said no modules were present for viewing live data either. I figured since it was a cheaper scantool I just got what I paid for. If I told it to clear the codes it would shut the light off only for it to come back on a few miles later. I borrowed a friends $2500+ Snap On scantool and it worked fine (code was a melted O2 wire).

This year I buy a Mac scantool so I don't have to borrow the Snap On one. Plus the Mac has the ability to record live sensor data in real time so I'm thinking here's my OBD2 datalogger! Same deal it will power up from the data port and shut off the SES light but not read codes or display sensor data, it say's it's not plugged into the data port. I've looked at the connector and there's no corrosion and all pins are in place, not broken and the wires seem to be fine.


When Moe tuned my car he had no issues with the data port but 2 years ago Ed Wright had to plug directly into the pcm cause he couldn't get the pcm to communicate though the port. Moe and Ed both said this is normal for some cars.

-What causes this and is there any fix for it?

-Why does the Snap On scantool work but my the HFT (Centech which used to work) and Mac don't?

The only differences are the Snap On is made for several different pcm platforms (various connectors/plugs/keys, etc) and my HFT and Mac are OBD2 only (one attached cord and plug).

[obd2 scan tool]

hi,

this communication problem is known throughout the professional side of the industry. It has always been a problem with scan tools. Years ago a fellow mechanic owned a Snapon MT2500, while I owned an OTC Monitor series, some cars he could not communicate with, some I could not...fortunately when one tool failed the other would work, so we used each others scan tool. It was the way the software programming was written.

If you use one of the laptop usb tools (2X80S (http://straighttalkautomotive.com/tools/generic/scan_tool_usb.html)) but change the software program you are using it will probably work fine. If you use a program like Scanmaster ELM you will have better connectivity. I have been using a 2X80S and Scanmaster ELM combo for over 3 years and have only experienced a few vehicles it would not connect to. btw...I diagnose about 10 vehicles per day

If I can help, let me know.

[96LT1355Z28]

Wow thanks. I've been looking at programs for a laptop but I didn't want to buy software only to have it not communicate. It looks like that link you provided for the 2X80S is the OBD2 plug, does that connect to the laptop via USB? Also does it come with software that will log sensor info or is that what the Scanmaster ELM is for? Is there a minimum operating system for this software? Sorry for the questions but I've never seen these products before!

[obd2 scan tool]

Try to answer all your questions. Yes it is USB. It is also available in bluetooth, but for extremely accurate data stay with the USB. It comes with a CD of free and demo software. The free software offering keeps getting upgraded. included is an obd2 baseline procedures guide written by working pros is included. The free software typically is limited but you can use that to make sure the tool does what you need, then buy the Scanmaster ELM software, which will do logging and a lot more. I have installed the kit onto Windows 2000 for an assistant to 32bit XP for me. Read the FAQs there as they answer lots more questions. Have not tried it on 64 bit systems, but the drivers are there for the tool.

[96LT1355Z28]

Thanks for the info I wonder how those of us with OBD2 cars haven't heard of or mentioned this before? Sorry for not being very computer smart but do you know what the system requirements are as far as how much memory/ ram/ hard drive space my laptop needs to run the Scanmaster ECM software?

What's the difference between the Scanmaster program vs. Autotap like this:http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BBE-ATU/ other than price? I just want to make sure when I buy something else it's gonna work!

For use as a scantool to watch live sensor data and mostly dataloging at the track which software would be better for me?

[obd2 scan tool]

Thanks for the info I wonder how those of us with OBD2 cars haven't heard of or mentioned this before? Sorry for not being very computer smart but do you know what the system requirements are as far as how much memory/ ram/ hard drive space my laptop needs to run the Scanmaster ECM software?

What's the difference between the Scanmaster program vs. Autotap like this:http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BBE-ATU/ other than price? I just want to make sure when I buy something else it's gonna work!

For use as a scantool to watch live sensor data and mostly dataloging at the track which software would be better for me?

You can ask for a copy of the Scanmaster document, but don't forget the other programs...they keep adding to the 2x80s and sending long after I got it. do your research om autotap. assistant's pc is 2000 w/256 meg ram no other programs on it and it does great. cheers