I am considering purchasing an OBD II scanner and I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations. I am leaning toward the models used in conjunction with a PC (Windows version), mainly because I think that they give you more in terms of graphs and live performance data.

Any thoughts on the ELM 327 USB/CAN or other scanners?

Thanks!

 

Moving this to the Maintenance forum where you may get more responses from the experienced.

 

Depends. If you want something quick and easy-go with the stand alone units. They sell from 49.00 on up and data loggin/freeze will add to this number. The PC versions (I have one) work ok, but keep in mind it is still a PC version and the usual PL issues crop up at times as well. Some only work on serial and USB converters may or may not work.

 

I agree that the PC version may not be as convenient to use as the stand-alone types. But, have you ever used your PC version for anything that you would not have been able to do with a stand-alone type?

Thanks for the reply!

 

$ for $ the PC versions generally offer more features such as data logging, sensor logging/freeze, full sensor data viewing,etc... The low end OBDII scanners do not offer this. They will pull the code and allow you to clear the code is about it. More expensive models with data logging, freezing, etc add up quickly so it really depends on what a person wants from the unit. A $50.00 code scanner to just pull codes and clear them with plug n play convenience or everything else available on the pc with the hassles.