Blakspire

I'm looking for an OBD-II code reader, preferably laptop based. I have found them online, but the biggest problem I am having in picking one is as follows...

I need to link up to the ESP/BAS/ABS system to get freeze frame data, and the cause of the trouble codes, has anyone ever pulled those diagnostics? Is it a matter of finding the sensors (Wheel Speed, Dynamics, ETC) and checking signals from there?

I know super chips does CEL, I need a more fully funtional setup.

Any advice regarding this matter will be appreciated.

Blakspire

Maybe I can re-iterate.

What is the method to running diagnostics for the ABS/BAS/ESP systems. The lights are illuminated in the dash, however the steering wheel is straight(with AEV procal), wheel sensors are all plugged in and wires are not chaffed.

Quentin_T

I picked up an ELM 327 USB adapter from Amazon, very cheap. Check out ScanXL from Palmerperformance.com, it supports a very wide range of ODBII data (229 parameters).

Blakspire

Thanks! Ill look into it

Vulcan2004

I use an ELM 327 bluetooth adaptor along with Torque Pro android app installed on HTC EVO, works great.

gearheadette

All you need is a professional one, not a cheap $100-$300 dollar one that only reads the codes. Its rare that someone has one to alap top. Mine i still have from when I was working on cars, cost me a grand, can read all that. However certain codes are blocked by the manufacturer so you HAVE to go to the dealer to get them pulled. Just remember the codes only tell you what sensor was triggered or failed to work, not necessarily whats wrong. So it tells you where to look. Pulling codes is just that, pulling information. Interpreting this information and verifying what is actually wrong without throwing parts at it, that is diagnosing and can only be done by a person.

Blakspire

All great info, thank you much. I need to have a general idea of what is throwing this code in order to piece it together from there. Be it a bad ground, broken wire, or whatever. I've got a pretty good idea of what it may be, but before I tear the center console apart, I need to know for sure.

gearheadette

Anytime

TheTerminator

True. A cheap one won't read those special sensors. My ScanTool won't even read MPG correctly. It's fine for basic stuff though, but not specialized.

I think your best bet is to go to a dealer to get a code reading, and then fix it yourself from there.

Blakspire

I have a load of these types of issues coming at me due to a recent swim the Jeep took. A good scan tool is a must. Appeciate the insight though.