Code readers
 

I looked first but could not find anything on our site. Does anyone have any experience with those code readers that connect to the ecu/ecm. The check
engine came on a week ago and I begrudge the $125 at the stealers. I am looking at the $200 INNOVA model with software for a PC. All the reviews seem good but what about on our 8's
thanx guys

$200??

You can pick up a simple wifi or bluetooth for $40 and then use an app on your smartphone or program on your PC to read everything. Cheap and simple.

Yes, wifi or bluetooth OBD2 adapters can be had for as low as $15. Search for "ELM327" on Amazon for a bunch.
(Be sure to read Amazon reviews on them, this one for example has 1 star reviews that warn about malware/piracy/virus problems from the company that sell it. Obviously avoid ones that have that kind of problem)

Price is generally correlated to durability of the unit, it's ability to handle heat, and how long it will last. There may be some other correlation to data transfer speeds.


The apps for your smartphone are typically free, though if you have an android, Torque is the best and the paid version is well worth the upgrade (what is another $5 on a $25 tool, much less on a $200 tool if you overpay).

They are also usually far more flexible, being without cords that get in the way and allowing full access to the entire set of data streams off the ECU, where as OBD tools available in auto parts stores or at dealers are usually restricted to a smaller set of functions. Like checking/reading/clearing CELs alone can easily run you $50 if in a dedicated OBD2 tool. By comparison, it would be better just to get one that is wireless that can do everything, for cheaper.


As far as "what works" with the RX-8, they all do. OBD2 is a federally mandated system using the CAN BUS protocol on ALL cars sold in the US from 1996 and on. So any tool that can communicate with the ECU on any 1996+ car, can do it on any other 1996+ car, regardless of year make or model. It's one of the fundamental basic standardizations across most cars driving on the road today. There are differences in the precise ECU PIDs reported, and other functions that may or may not be available, but all OBD2 devices will communicate with all OBD2 ECUs, and all have the communication steps needed for the basic reading and clearing of CELs.

OBD3 may be coming in the next ~5 years, but it will likely still be able to communicate with OBD2 devices.

I've seen shop obd2 tools that run $1,500-$3,600+ (not make specific) that don't really expand on the same basic functionality of what you can get for $15 on ebay or Amazon.

I will return the handheld unit unopened ( INNOVA 3130 ) for a refund and follow your guidance. I love this site I always get great advice.

thanks much guys

This is what I've used for a while. Paid around 100 bux a while ago.

Innova Pro - Products - 31003 - CarScan® Diagnostic Tool - Diagnostics Made Easy

These are the new generation innova readers, updated software from the previous versions, bigger screen and overall smaller frame. It also has a rubber casing, it looks like one of those military grade covers for smart phones. You can drop the thing anywhere and it will survive.

That model doesn't look like it's available here in Canada. I am trying the cheaper method above first.
The latest model we have is the 3130c the c is prolly for the metric model.
I had a look at that link you provided it's clearly better then the one we have available. I will keep this as a back up thanks Pistonhater

I've been using a Scanguage II for a bit now. Works well, plus you can get some nice info on engine performance, mileage, temps. etc.

Here

^ Scangauge can only report what the ECU is already reporting. Any OBD2 adapter can transmit the exact same information. The programming of the display is what matters for what PID data feeds are shown and what are not.

So all OBD2 bluetooth and wifi adapters can report the exact same information from the ECU, it is up to the app on the viewing device that determines what can be shown. An app like Torque is powerful enough to allow every PID possible, even the ones that aren't already recognized.

Virtually every device that has an integrated display is inherently restricted in what it can show, compared to a device that simply transmits everything it has access to.

Too bad they don't have them in your area. It is a cool unit if you want to have a dedicated piece of hardware.

I have a scangague in my rx8.

As a code reader, the scangauge is just that.... a code reader. But it gives you no information whatsoever about what the code is.

My innova gives me all the information about what the code is...plus it tells me where the ECU is in the reset cycle after the code has been cleared. I love that!

However, the live data in the scangauge can be expanded. There are so many readings that can be programmed, it's unbelievable. Pretty cool unit overall...but not the best option as a code reader.

I just recently picked up a wifi one and an app for my iphone, and of course got my 8 last night. However I have used the tool on my Xterra and it works great, fuel economy, power, etc as well as reading codes and clearing them. It was under $50 for the wifi odbii reader and $6 for the app. I will let you know how it works in the 8 as soon as I get everything loaded into it for the car.

just get a wifi/bluetooth elm327 dongle and an app called dash command. all for about $20. can read/clear codes, fuel trims, map, maf..... bla bla bla

I am very interested in how you make out. My check engine light went out a few
days ago but I assume it will be back

I finally connected it at work (loaded all the information needed), I will use it on the way home tonight and post what I think later. Anything specific you are looking for (I know it reads and clears codes as my Xterra threw a code and I cleared that just fine, it was on 02 sensor code on that). There are several apps out there, I just chose DashCommand cause it was cheap and was a start.

ScanTool.net LLC - OBDLink LX Scan Tool | OBD Interface | App Accelerator - ScanTool.net > any ELM device in speed, power, performance, etc.

If you are spending 50 bucks on a ELM based device, you are paying too much

I have the OBDLink MX and it has never caused me an issue

Ok so it works just fine (avg 15.8mpg in traffic, max speed on way home was 53mph, max redline, avg speed with and without idle, max hp and torque etc) with the exception of the distance to empty and fuel tank level. I don't have any codes that needed to be cleared, but I was able to do that on my Xterra so I don't see it as being a problem.