OBD II Readers: Any Sponsors Sell Them? Who wants one?

I am looking to pick one of these up in the next couple of months and was wondering if there are any sponsors on board that sell them. Also, I was thinking with all the amount of CEL's people are getting, it would be a good investment for the future and a group buy would benefit us all. I'd be more than happy to take the reins of organizing the group buy, I'm just not sure which unit is most preferred. Suggestions, comments?

What can and cant you do with an OBD II vs the Porsche computer they use at the dealerships? Ca you program keys, turn off fault codes/airbag lights, ect?

Most they can do is read display and reset codes. Provide readings, etc...

I was thinking about getting one myself, let me know evo.

As Eli said, it is used to read the code and reset the CEL should it come on. More importantly, it saves you a trip to the dealership and them ripping you off for a reading. You know exactly what is triggering the CEL, so you can go from there. It could be the gas cap was left slightly unscrewed, triggered the CEL and you end up taking the car to the dealership to find that out. Don't ask, its happened to me. ugh I just love the idea I can check the code and report back to the experts here, who needs porsche mechanics anyways? No, but seriously, from what I know, you can use this on most vehicles out there so it is definitely beneficial in the future, at least I think so

I am interested in a group buy.

Great. Does anyone have any recommendations for OBII scaners/readers? I will do some research tomorrow (via search) and get back to you guys. From what I've read before, retail prices range from $100-200

I would definitely be down for a group purchase. Indeed, I would love one that allowed us to program certain keys like door-lock delay, reverse mirrors, time to relocking, etc? Anybody know of one that might do this? That said, I recall someone in the forum highly recommending this scanner, but I have never tried it and have no idea whether it is worthwhile: AutoEnginuity PC-based OBD-II ScanTool ( http://www.autoenginuity.com/products.html ) So, here are some of the threads that talk about it: https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...=AutoEnginuity https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...=AutoEnginuity Love to hear what people who have used it a bit more since than think of the product.

i'd be in. i have one for my X5. pays for itself the first time you need it.

Jon, this is so funny you posted this. I was jusdt doing a search earlier this evening for an new OBD-2 tool. I currently have one that is PC based but I would much prefer one that is Palm OS based. Let me know what you find.

I have the autoenginuity product. It is a decent product. I had a little problem getting it to connect, but eventually it worked. The version I have is a PC based program. The data you can pull off the system is pretty generic, and is nothing like the VAG tools that people might have used with Audi/VW. The VAG tool at Audi/VW allows you to make adjustments to your car, change certain functions, etc. . Autoenginuity just released an update, that gives performance based info like HP and torque, among other info. They also have a bluetooth connection that you can attach to your port, so you don't have a cable running between your legs. Vivid racing sells these and seem pretty keen to get our business...

Definately in here... Palm, Windows or handheld whatever is the most useful for our cars. I have the Evinrude software for my outboard and it is fantastic. I don't think we will be able to get that kind of functionality though...CEL turn off and code reading would help for now though.

Count me in also. I purchased one about 9 months ago but it did not work with my 04.

Can you reset Airbag lights or Break Wear lights?

I will do a group buy for the autoenginuity tool

Dan, Do you know if the Autoenginuity tool allows for modifications to the car such as door lock delays, automatic door locking, etc? It would be a cool feature to have. If it doesn't can you suggest any otheres? Thanks.

I've sent a PM to Vivid and am waiting to hear back the details of the group buy. Or Vivid, please post here if possible. Thanks. I did some searching and came up with two tools most commonly used here. If anyone knows of others or would like to throw a recommendation out, please do! I think we are all ears. Option 1 The AutoEnginuity seems like the most recommended and comprehensive scanner/reader. It is Window-based, or Palm-based, but not Mac OS (sorry dell). Supports CAN and OBDII. Read below for further details. Negatives: The more expensive option out of the OBDII scanners, retail $230, but from the reviews it does seem worth it. May be difficult to use for the novice? Implementation/connectivity a problem (as yetis pointed out)? Any others anyone may list? Here is a long list of its functions: What AutoEnginuity's ScanTool can do: Read Stored and Pending P, U, B, C Trouble Codes (including 14,000 manufacturer specific codes) Clear the Check Engine or Service Engine Soon indicator View live vehicle sensors in a grid and graph format View oxygen sensor live data and test results View all 11 Inspection/Maintenance system test results Unlimited logging of Diagnostic Trouble Codes and live vehicle sensors English or Metric (SI) units of measure supported Run and query specific component and system tests View generic and manufacturer enhanced data on the same tool Configure the interface to suit your preferences Supports: 1996 and newer passenger vehicles whether it be domestic, Asian, or European. SAE interfaces: J1850 (PWM and VPM) and ISO-9141-2 Requirements: Differ for Palm, Pocket PC, an PC Based The ScanTool package consists of: AutoEnginuity's software AutoEnginuity's OBD-II vehicle interface Protective case User Guide You can also get the Speed Tracer Stage I software to go along with it. It is a a performance-based analysis software for your PC or PDA. What it can do: 0-60ft time 0-60 MPH 1/8 mile time 1/8 mile speed 1/4 mile time 1/4 mile speed G Forces SAE Horsepower Torque SAE Horsepower and Torque vs RPM graphing Speed vs Time graphing Option 2 The Equus 3100 is a scanner tool with the OBD2 software built in and ready to go. Don't need a laptop or PDA. Also, it does come with a manual showing (generic) fault codes. But for more specific Porsche orientated codes, we need a porsche manual or you can ask the gentlemen here at Rennlist or Renntech. Retail $99-$129 http://www.iequus.com Negatives: Does not read the sensor in real time. To many, simply knowing what error code is causing the CEL is not enough. Doesn't have as many functions as the Autoenginuity piece, but it is less expensive and easy to use (for the novice). - Works on all 1996 & newer OBD2 Compliant Vehicles. - "Plug & Play" Interface. Connects to the vehicle and shows all necessary data in 15 seconds or less - no set up required. - Patented Single-Screen Display. Patented all-in-one display shows 19 vital pieces of information, including diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), pending codes, emissions monitor status and more (U.S. Patent #6,687,584). - C.A.N. (Controller Area Network) Coverage. C.A.N. will be mandatory on all vehicles in 2008. It is the fastest way yet for OBD2 vehicles to speak with their computerized systems. - Erases Codes. Lets the user turn off the "Check Engine" light, clear codes and reset monitors. - Booklet and CD. Includes manual with DTC definitions in English, French & Spanish. - Support. Includes free Understanding OBD2 video and support by all ASE Certified Technicians via toll-free phone line or Internet. - System Status LEDs. Color-coded LEDs show quick emissions readiness status. This is great to use before getting an annual emissions "smog" check, buying a used car or taking a long road trip. FYI--- '95 911s use OBD I '96 and later use OBD II '04+ CAN

The Autoingenuity does not let you reset your airbag light, delays, etc. It will let you reset your CEL. As far as I know, there are no OBD scanners for p-cars, that give you those functions, that are not Porsche dealer scanners. The porsche option is big $$$$. Don't let my connectivity issues scare people off, I eventually got it to work.

the tool will not let you clear codes for airbag. I wish it could help with the dor locks and cool stuff like that but it will not allow you to do so. Cost for everyone is 199.99 plus shipping

I'm interested but not in one of those $200 ones, I mean all you can do is read and erase. I see them in Autozone for $99 bucks plus they also let you use theirs for free. So if you can find one near or below that price, I'm in.

Ditto what washington dc porsche said. All I need is one to read the codes and reset the check engine light.

same here.

I agree, I'll look into the second option, Equus ($99), and see if they can provide a group buy ... I called Autoenginuity and they said they could do $179 for 5 orders and $169 for 10 orders, which is lower than Vivid's group buy ($199) but not at quite the price we want. Will check back in with you guys tomorrow. Hopefully I can get a deal going for everyone...

Has anyone used the Equus product? I hate to be penny wise and pound foolish unless they are ostensibly the same product. Frankly, having never used any readers, I just can't offer any input and am really relying on the group here. So go the rennlisters, so go I.

I would be in for $169 as long as it will work with an 04.

Quick question: where does the scanner 'plug' in? Under the gearshift cover?

In the OBD port, which is in the drivers side foot well, right above the fuse panel. http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=1863

When I did research a few months ago on OBDII readers I was told that the generic versions will read the common engine codes, etc. but won't do things like reset the airbag light (mine is on), the mirrors, etc. There are Porsche specific. I think Loren on Renntech has information and experience with this.

OBD is emissions realated. Airbag (safety related) would not fall under that so you need to pay the big $$ for the dealer (or any shop that have deep pockets to afford one) to use their PST2 to turn it off.

The only testers that I know that will clear an air bag light are the Baum Tools scanner with the Porsche software (about $4000 with the Porsche software option), a PST2 (about $3300-$4700 on eBay) or a new PIWIS tester (about $18,000 initial an $10,000 per year after). The brake wear light is triggered by the brake sensor wire wearing through and breaking the connection - it is not reset by any tester. It is reset by replacing the worn through sensor wire. I have Car Code OBD II Software that runs on a laptop (about $120) and a used PST2 (about $3300 on eBay).

It is under the dash to the left of the steering wheel (near the fuse box).

I'm in for the $169 group buy as well. I've been waiting for a deal on that product. I'm a lock if you can come up with the remaining people needed.

anybody? are we going to do this?

I purchased a Actron OBD2 scanner from Kragen for like 40 something bucks. Just read codes and resets if so inclined. Some codes are Porsche specific so just hook up on Loren's great site to check code meaning. Regards. Mike

I'm interested at the $169 price or lower.

i went back and counted. looks like we have nine people from what i can tell. EVO333, are we going to do this?

Deputydog, I am sure you counted me in. I hope we get the 10th person.

How about we start a list here for the people that are definately in for the AutoEngenuity package. If EVO333 isn't interested anymore, I'll call them myself. The 10 person group buy price is a good deal as it saves quite a bit of money over their regular advertised price. It also comes with that performance measuring software as an added bonus so you can use your laptop like a Gtech unit. Just reply to the thread with the whole list and add your name to it. Such as: Big6Dad Deputydog95

If you are can verify that it comes with the Speed Tracer Stage I software performance-analysis software, then I'll add my name to the list when I see it.

it does. it is written on their website. every software purchase includes the speed tracer software. if you want in, please retype the list with your name on the bottom so we can get an accurate count. hope we can count you in. i'd like to order this by the end of the week. okay, so far: Big6dad Deputydog95

I'm in.... Let's post this around and see if we can get 20... Then maybe 150 or less

Add me to the list: nycebo

I will be testing the Blitz R-vit over the next few days Blitz R-vit Will report back with findings. Ciao, Johannes E. GT3 CS

If only this OBD group buy was Palm based. Can't stand drving around with a laptop slinging around in the car. Easier to just cradle lock the Palm hadheld and go!

Big6dad Deputydog95 Gary(Fl) nycebo I think this is up to date so far...

Yeah, but Dell (no pun intended), the PC offers so much more information that can be read versus a Palm. Go ahead, splurge for a mini Vaio. Sometimes you gotta say what the heck. MOD THE WORLD!

But I already have a Laptop based one which is nice. But for some based stuff, the Palm would be better and safer.

Now that's definitely Mod fever; the guy already has a laptop based reader and is STILL looking for a Palm based fever. Rock on, bud.

Autogenuity makes ScanTool for the Windows PC (ST01 RS232 or ST05 USB), Pocket PC PDA (ST02 RS232), and Palm PDA (ST03 RS232). There is also an optional BlueTooth interface. According to their website, Speed Tracer Stage I is free to all ScanTool purchasers. Is this group buy only for the PC version or for any version? They're all the same list price $249.95.

Does the Autogenuity datalog wideband O2 A/F ratios? How fast is the refresh rate? Will it read/datalog boost/manifold pressure and fuel rail pressure? I have a Harrison R&D scanner but it won't read boost or fuel pressure. It datalogs, but when dataloging 4 items (rpm, throttle position, ign adv, lambda) it only refreshes every .6 seconds.

maybe EVO333 can check on that, but i assume it would be for either software package. it shouldn't matter as they're all priced the same.

check on the website. i don't know.

is this it so far? what about EVO333 who started this? Big6dad Deputydog95 Gary(Fl) nycebo only 4. need 6 more. my buddy had a cel today on his tt. this would have been nice to have.

okay, here's the deal. we only need 5 people to do this to get the 169 price. this is the whole package that you would normally get at the $249 retail pricing. the only diff is that this is the non CAN version for $169. according to the software manufacturer, our cars are not CAN so it does not matter. however, you won't be able to use this on late model Fords or other cars that are CAN enabled though. you do have the option to order the CAN enabled version for $199. it does not matter which version is ordered as long as we order five versions. after i call them back, we will have 48 hours to get all the orders in to get this pricing. i will set the whole thing up. you will need to call do this as internet ordering will not be an option. once all five or more orders or placed, the orders will be processed at the reduced rate and shipped. pretty easy actually. here's the web address again: http://www.autoenginuity.com/index.html please refer to the site for questions about the product. here's our list again: Deputydog95 Big6dad Gary(FL) Nycebo If are 100 percent and you want it, copy the list with your name into another post so I can get an accurate count. Once we get enough, I'll give it a couple more days for stragglers and then set the buy up. As I said before, you'll have 48 hours to phone and place the order.

Deputydog95 Big6dad Gary(FL) Nycebo Puako Hi, My first post I'm in! Aloha to all! Happy New Year!!

Welcome, or Aloha Cool. We have more than enough at this point. I have a couple more from the "other" board as well. Updated list: Deputydog95 Big6dad Gary(FL) Nycebo Puako I'm still shooting for opening the buy up on Weds AM and having it end on friday morning so they can ship on Friday.

DD, Check out my comment on the 6speed board. Basically, what do you mean it's not CAN-enabled? All the new versions of the software are, or at least that's what I recall from their site. Here's the quote: "Supports 1996 and newer passenger vehicles, whether it be domestic, Asian, or European. SAE interfaces: J1850 (PWM and VPM), ISO-9141-2, ISO-14230 [KWP2000], and CAN" http://www.autoenginuity.com/products.html Edward

it is my understanding, through the reasearch for my data logger, that MY2000+ cars DO HAVE the CAN bus protocol. i believe this would allow a faster refresh rate, rather than the slower 5Hz from the obdII port. this is just a hunch.

AE (autoengenuity) said that are cars are not CAN enabled. they said only the porsches that are CAN enabled right now that they are aware of are the Cayennes, and they think only the turbo. we have the option to get either type, it's just an extra $30 for the CAN enabled one. They don't list the non CAN one on their site, as they're only offering it to people that specifically need it. I guess a lot of their business are mechanics and tuning shops and they use it on a lot of different cars so they need the CAN version. He said we don't, but again, for $199 you can get the CAN version and use it on whatever vehicle you like. The $169 version will only work on our cars and others that are not CAN equipped. can anybody out there confirm either way if we need the CAN version or not? i am not sure and am only going off what AE told me. it'll still be $50 off if we need to get the CAN version as the regular price is $249. and if that's the case then we might as well go with vividracing's offer of $199 if it's still on the table.

From Autoenginuity's web site: "CAN is used in all 2004 Ford, Mazda, and some Mercedes, and Toyota. CAN is the new required electrical OBDII interface for passenger vehicles starting in the 2008 model year." I was reading on PCA that CAN is also used for the instrument cluster in the Pcars, but he didn't elaborate on anything else. From what I have been able to dig up, the Cayenne seems to be the only Porsche that uses it in the whole car. Why don't we wait a couple days and see who chimes in with a bit more experience than us?

they are SOOOOOO wrong! the CAN bus protocol is used from 2000+ on the bosch motronic. maybe they are referring to CAN protocol using the OBDII interface but i KNOW FOR A FACT that 2000+ model year cars use the CAN protocol. the data logger i just bought SUPPORTS CAN. you have to tap into 2 wires coming out of the ecu and supposedly there are a couple of wires from behind the instrument panel too. i have a feeling AE is talking about an OBDII interface. CAN is a tough code to crack and bosch is usually tight lipped about it. i can understand why AE say they are not enabled becasue they haven't carcked the code. they should have said their systems are not CAN enabled NOT our cars. check this out. this an ECU wiring diagram for a MY99, (courtesy loren). it shows CAN - and CAN +. for a '99 it terminated to tipronic (if you have it) and if you have a manual you can tap into the pinouts. i'm just trying to show you that AE is not 100% truthful.

I did some more research. We don't need the CAN software according to the motorsports guy at my dealer. I think I may get it though as it might be nice to use on other's people's cars if a problem should come up. It's only thirty more dollars and still 50 dollars less than retail.

Count me in on the group buy.

Is the group buy still going. What is the deal for the ppc one? I have a mini usb on my phone windows mobile 5 is this supported?

Yes, I am going to call on Monday and request that they open the buy up on Weds and Thursday, with it ending on Friday morning. You'll have to contact them directly for tech questions. By the way, FWIW, I think I am going to get the CAN enabled one for the extra $30. Never know what kind of cars we, or our friends may have down the road. I think it's worth the extra few bucks and we're still saving $50.

Was Vivid's deal also $199? I am NOT interested in the non-CAN version since I thought this was the full deal $249 version. We recently got a new Lexus, and I don't know what that has but it is a Toyota. We will also be replacing our other car in about 2 years which would make it a 2008 which would have CAN. I think we can get more interest with the CAN version and wait a few more days since I previously blew this thread off once I found it was only for the non-CAN version.

i said a few posts back that you could get either version, 169 for non can and 199 for the can. some people only want the non can version and have no interest in using it on other cars. yes, vivid was selling for 199 for the can version. i posted to see if they were interested in doing the 199 still since they are a sponsor here, and they never responded. i assume they are not interested anymore. all you will have to do is call in to AE on weds or thurs to get the special pricing.

AE's software can read the CAN interface. My dealer told me that even though our cars do have some CAN interfaces, it is only for a few items and that most of the sensors are not on the CAN system. Whereas the Cayennes and possibly the 997's are full CAN systems. Again, the CAN version of the software is available for $50 off. and the non CAN is $80.

I'm in, I was going to purchase a Gtech timer for around this price so I might as well get 2 for 1. I do also want to be able to use it in my ML, do I need CAN for that? Also, do I need to have the laptop in the car to record speed or can I plug it in when I'm done to download?

what's an ML and i have no idea if it has CAN or not ? yes, you'll need to have the laptop in the car to data log. this should actually be more accurate than the getch as it's plugged directly into the car. i would contact AE directly for any tech questions regarding your "ML". i'm wracking my brain and i still can't figure out what kind of car that is. i will post later when the window will open on this purchase.

Dude you fried your brain on NYE...... ML... Maybe that's made by MB...

so was it a typo or is there a ML mercedes?

OMG.... ML = MB SUV..... ML350 for example...

guys, i'm out of this group buy (got a OBDII scanner for xmas) 169 is a great price!!

ML=Mercedes SUV.. Sorry.. So I guess I'll have the wire running from the port down the left of the car with the laptop behind my seat?

how the hell was i supposed to know ?

Hmm... Maybe because your into cars... German cars... And nothing else but a MB SUV is an "ML" I guess I give you to much credit...

Okay guys, made the call.... here are the prices again $199 for the full CAN version $169 for the non CAN version the non can version WILL work with our cars being that the connector is OBD2 and not CAN. i had a long discussion with Jay at AE today about this. however, if you want the non CAN version now, you will have the option to upgrade your kit for $50 if you should ever need it for another vehicle. the group buy will run weds and thurs. just call the sales department and tell them you're with the group buy from "rennlist" here are their phone numbers if you for orders or if you have any additional questions about the product itself: Orders/Shipping: [phone removed] Technical Support: [phone removed] Business Office: 1-480-827-TOOL (8665)

I orderd mine.

This is the last day for the group buy. We already have enough orders to get the reduced price.

Ditto I was only asked one odd question that I could not answer.... "Is Andrew a woman or a man?" I told them I was not sure...

Niether am I.... What is the word for that? Hermaphrodite

I just ordered. I think they're up to 17 or 18...

DD will they still honor the price?

no, i'm sorry. it ran out on friday. and that was with an extended day. it was supposed to end on thurs. somebody else tried to get in yesterday and got rejected. i can try and organize another one for you guys in the near future if there's enough interest. i have gotten to know them and they're pretty cool, and were very pleased with the results of this one. on another note, most of the orders went out yesterday via UPS. i'm sure most of you will, depending on where you live, will receive it by friday.

Well.........how did these scanners turn out??

good. although unfortunately i'm getting to use mine more than i'd like with the supercharger install.

They work great the connection in the 03 TT is better then it was in my 00 C2. I used it recently (2 weeks ago) when I needed to recalibrate my guage dials. It came in handy! Thanks again DD!

i just used mine again last night. came up with a system bank one too lean. looks like a fliuke though as it occured at 4% TPS, 4mph, and 750 rpm. never tripped it again. cleared the CEL last night and it appears to be staying off. this is a handy tool. even if you missed the buy it's worth buying it. my 996 connection is pretty good now that it's loosened up some. it was really difficult to get it plugged in in the beginning. the TT's have a lot more options with their software though as the TT's have more engine sensors. i believe the TT's can even do real time AFR readings.