I have the obd hardware/software from here. http://www.obd-2.com/index.html friend is letting me use his stuff to see if I like it or not. It's not the most user friendly stuff but it's similar to the Auterra and other obdII stuff out there. I was leaning towards the Auterra (ebay has them for cheaper) until this deal came along. I'll let you guys know if it works okay and how hard it is to use. I'm a computer idiot so if I can figure it out.............

I got an old labtop for free so I'm going to try to hook it up to the rx300 tonight. This particular setup uses a labtop for the hardware. But there are systems that can use Palm/Pocket PC and labtops. There are also all in one systems but cost alot more for the same features. So if you have a old labtop or have a palm/pocket pc, this works well.
These are obdII and not the latest CAN obd stuff so this should work. I don't know if the RX330s are now on CAN or not.

FYI, this will allow me to do the basic, trouble code diagnostics like read codes, get an explaination of what it is and reset the light. But it will also allow me to monitor various sensor functions. This is what seperates it from the cheaper obdII scanner only equipment.

Here is an example of the 02 sensor screen shot:

 

Well it works. Not that anyone really cares.

 

It looks interesting, but right now I am hoping I never get a CEL. If I do get a CEL, and I am sure the odds are that I will someday, I will be looking closer at this tool. The website for the scanner is a little confusing when you try to figure out what you need and what you actually get and how much does it cost. It looks like a complete working version of the software can be downloaded for free. Is it like a 30 day trial or something? I guess it's the cable you need to buy for $122 to get things to work. The cable says no support for USB adapter. Does that mean I must have a serial port on the PC for it to work? Or can I order the serial to USB a adapter listed on the site? I bet they could sell more of these if they made it a little easier to figure out what you need and waht you get on their site.

 

This one I have is probably one of the LEAST user friendly ones out there. So don't worry. Put it this way, one visit to the dealer to have your cel decoded and erased is probably about the cost of one of these systems. I've already had the maf sensor code once on the RX300. And I've seen this same code at least 2-3 on this board section alone. Let me try to answer your questions:

1) You can download the software for free. You can see what the screens look like. But in order to get it working once hooked up to the car, you need to punch in a code that you get with the hardware.

2) You can get this type of obdII stuff cheaper IF you only want to use it only ISO (aka Asian and some domestic) and on non-CAN OBDII which is coming down the line in 2008. But for ref, our RX300s are OBDII and uses the ISO protocalls. If you want a system that can do all OBDII (w/ or w/o the CAN feature), it will cost more. I've already used this on my dad's 98 Avalon to retreive an o2 sensor code.

3) I believe this stuff uses a serial port for connection. So yes you are right. I believe you might be able to use the serial-usb adaptor. I use the serial as I have an old arsed labtop I got for free. hehe

And you are 100% right about the site being not as easy to use as it could.

Read this thread on maxima.org. I made it specifically to discuss obdII scan tools that can also monitor various sensors etc.... http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=332205

If I had to buy one right now (as opposed to getting one cheap as mentioned), I would probably buy the Auterra unit that's for pc (aka labtop). Was considering getting the one that's made to read obdII and CAN so I won't have to upgrade.

Go on ebay and use "auterra" as search. I've found that the guys listing on ebay ARE the Auterra guys themselves. hehe

 

I am still considering one of these readers but for now I am holding off. It's hard to justify the cost based on one trip to the dealer to get code read and erased will pay for it when almost no one goes to the dealer and pays for this. So far I have had 2 CELs and have been able to solve both of them without even having the code read and of course reseting the code is no more than pulling a fuse. For now, if I do get stumped, I can just have Autozone read the code for free.

 

I have both:

Scan Guage (on sale $99, regular $129):

http://scanguage.com/



And CarChip ( $145 for E/X, version):

http://www.davisnet.com/drive/produc....asp?pnum=8221



Both read codes, clear codes, and read several OBD2 parameters.

ScanGuage is great as additional dash guages. I use a PDA windshield mount for it and it constantly monitors the paramters AND acculumates trip data and CALCULATES AVERAGE TRIP MPG (this last point is rare) as well as instantaneous MPG. The drawback is it only reads 14 parameters with the fastest rate of 2 per second.

CarChip is more useful as a diagnostic tool because it reads basically all the parameters an Autotapp, Digimoto, etc tool would do... but without the fuss of all the cabling and equipment.

Drawbackto CarChip is, the convenient, invisible package can only read 4 parameters at a time, then AFTER the drive, you download the data to computer (rather than live viewing and logging). Plus, it only reads the parameters up to once every 5 seconds. The good thing is you don't have all these wires hanging over your steering wheel and stuff and it's totally invisible.

 

When you car goes out of the warranty period, you will be on your own. If you want to trust the monkeys at Autozone, it's up to you I guess. How did you fix the cels without knowing what they were? I guess you searched here for a similar problem??

The reason I use this as I got it cheap and I can do more than just read/reset codes. I can monitor various sensors also. The two devices in the above post can do some but not nearly as much as this device can. If you ge the auterra off ebay, it's only a few dollars more if you have a labtop or palm etc.. Up to you. I'm not here to convince anyone, just to let others know what is out there.

 

I have no problem with autozone "monkeys" reading a code for me. The device they have is really quite simple and I am not looking for solutions just the code.

 

I suppose. But take the maf sensor code. Autozone will tell you that the maf is bad and to replace it. But in reality, it could be just dirty and need a cleaning. But I guess if you just need the code, it's all good.

 

That is why I said "I am not looking for solutions just codes". Just curious, will your reader tell you to clean MAF?

 

No. But I can monitor the voltages if I wish.

 

I'm thinking of purchasing the ScanGauge for my three cars (1995 Volvo 850, 2000 Lexus RX300, and 2000 MB C230). Could you tell a little more about the device and how its working out for you?

 

hI i WAS WONDERING IF THIS HAS WORKED OUT FOR YOU, I EMAILED THE COMPANY AS I WAS GOING TO BUY IT. MY PROB IS I ONLY HAVE A LAPTOP WITH USB AND THE SITE IS CONFUSING. PLEASE LET ME KNOW

 

Did you ever get a Scangauge?