David Hearn wrote:
> After having decided to ditch our old 306, the car we're looking at
> getting should have OBDII (it's an 05 model petrol Focus). I thought
> that it would be good to invest in a fault code reader early on, rather
> than have to panic buy (and wait for delivery) when we actually need
one.
>
> When I asked before (regarding one for the 306), Steve B recommended the
> UifTech U581. Seems a good price (around £65) and looks rugged etc. Has
> freeze frame which I understand is useful.
>
> However, I was also considering getting a Bluetooth enabled one. I have
> a PDA I use for sat nav which I could use for it, and I have a Bluetooth
> enabled laptop I can use. I like the wire-free idea (could keep it
> connected permanently).
>
> I like the idea of being able to get a bit more graphical information,
> including real time display which is easily visible whilst driving (I'll
> have a mount for the PDA). You can also display more than one thing at
> a time.
>
> Has anyone used any of these Bluetooth enabled OBD tools such as the
> Bluetooth OBDKey <http://www.obdkey.com/vehiclediagnostics.asp>
>
> Here's some of the features OBDKey claim for their PC application:
>
> * Read sensor 'live' data
> * Read engine management diagnostic fault codes
> * Display engine management diagnostic fault codes in plain text by
> decoding the standard "P" codes.
> * Clear engine management diagnostic fault codes
> * Read vehicle information data (e.g. VIN)
> * Read vehicle freeze frame data
> * Clear vehicle freeze frame data
> * Read vehicle oxygen sensor parameters
> * Clears the "check engine" light
>
> What benefits would something like the U581 give over OBDKey (or vice
> versa)?
>
> Thanks
>
> David
Does no-one have any thoughts on OBD readers?
Rugged robust handheld reader vs bluetooth device + PDA/laptop?
Features to look for, ones to avoid, known issues?
Thanks
David
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