Scan Tool November 20, 2023, 09:16:35 am For those that have been considering a scan tool for their LD, OBDLink is having a Black Friday sale:OBDLink® - Powerful Scan Tools For Android, iOS, & Windows 1 Likes
Re: Scan Tool Reply #1 – November 20, 2023, 03:03:50 pm Question: I've had an OBD2 scanner for years. I just plug it in and it yields the CEL code. It will also erase codes. Is there any troubleshooting advantage to getting one of these newer units? e.g. Will they diagnose any issues that don't throw a code? Thanks.jor
Re: Scan Tool Reply #2 – November 20, 2023, 03:36:03 pm Yes, modern scanners (especially the ones that interface with software on your phone) can do so much more than the older type that can just read and clear codes. The screenshots here give you an idea about some of the features.Obdlink® App - The Data You Need From Your Car And Our Scan ToolsDoes everyone need one? Of course not. On the other hand, I've had many issues that I can work through with a OBD2 dongle / cell phone software combo that I couldn't get anywhere with using my old traditional code scanner.I have a scangauge in my LD, mainly to monitor transmission temperature, but I wouldn't buy it again. Instead I would get an OBD2 bluetooth dongle and run it through an android based radio head unit and create a custom display to monitor everything my scangauge does plus more. That radio head unit would also show my backup camera and run Apple Carplay. Example here: (I know nothing about the details of the video, but it shows a gauge display like the one that could replace a scangauge). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GBt9nejTso&ab_channel=AudioVisionUSARich 1 Likes
Re: Scan Tool Reply #3 – November 20, 2023, 03:53:19 pm An early addition to my 31 IB was a scangauge II from ScangaugeI looked at the OBDLink as well, and opted for the scangauge as there were reports the OBDLink drained more power and anecdotally led to drained batteries. I use it to routinely monitor engine and transmission temps (had to program it for the latter but that wasn't hard), air temps at the Air intake ( reasonably close at highway speeds), fuel consumption, and speed (interesting to see it and garmin argue over speed).I'm satisfied with it and see no reason to evaluate purchasing a replacement till it breaks.I saw that there is a new Scangauge III on the site, but didn't research.YMMVJoel
Re: Scan Tool Reply #4 – November 21, 2023, 12:24:44 pm Thanks Joel, Greg and Rich. Just what I needed to know. I love gauges. In our pushers I used to network an ipad to a scan gauge and that gave me lots of info. I really would prefer to see real numbers rather than the factory interface. Also, we are having our worst year ever with packrat incursions at home. They hit the toad twice in spite of my years of practice in rat defense mechanisms. After the first one this year, the car (10 Suby) started throwing an ABS code. I determined it needed an ABS sensor on one wheel. No dice. Then it started throwing all kinds of unrelated codes. Turned our the little bastards had chewed wires beneath an access plate under the back seat. They hit us again a couple of months ago. This time he chewed through a nylon fuel line (a first for me) . Bet that gave him a surprise when that pressurized fuel shot down his throat. Hope so anyhow. I fixed that along with the hill lock feature warning but am completely stumped with: radio, clock display, window washer motor. Here's a couple of photos of this vulnerable location on Subaru Foresters. Probably the same with Outbacks. Along with my usual tools (lighting, open hood, CabFresh, peppermint, rodent spray) I have added copper mesh and a tech solution. It's a gizmo that produces a strobe light and ultrasonic noise. Using them in both of our Subys and the rig. So far so good!Looks like I highjacked my own thread!!! jor 1 Likes
Re: Scan Tool Reply #5 – November 21, 2023, 02:54:29 pm "... we are having our worst year ever with packrat incursions..."Whooee, I can sympathize with that!Some years back an unidentified rodent (roof rat) got into the air intake system and shredded my air filter. Without realizing the fact I tried to start the engine. Of course this made matters worse by drawing the paper fragments into the intake manifold, that which didn't get snagged by the air velocity device. Had to have a service guy-friend come to the house to help me clear up the mess and get the engine started.My 'fix' was to shape a screen filter of ¼" hardware cloth and tack it in the air horn with silicon.
Re: Scan Tool Reply #6 – November 23, 2023, 12:20:14 pm What a mess! I hate repairing rodent damage, common with many LDsGlad our Forester is parked in the garage. It’s the LDI worry about… rats and catalytic converter thieves.Have a great Thanksgiving everyone .Larry On the sunny Central Coast 2 Likes
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