- My model of MX-5 is: 2019 ND2
- I’m based near: walsall
- I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: ODBII reader and diag scan tools.
Hi all,
Forgive me asking a question which has more then likely been asked and answered before, but a quick search didn’t get me an answer so thought I would just ask.
It’s got to that time where I’m in need of an ODBII/diagnostic/service tool. Specifically to do the rear breaks on my mk7 golf with electronic parking break.
I have a basic Bluetooth odbII plug that hooks up to free apps on your phone but I’m after somthing a bit more robust.
I could go out and get a spacific tool for VAG to do this, but that seems like a bit of a waste when I have a MX5 which at some point I’m going to need to do some diagnostics on, and no doubt the rest of my family will be begging to borrow once they know I have one.
I’ve started to look around but it’s seems like a complete minefield of different brands, version, compatibility, subscriptions, etc etc. Some of which seem extortionate in pricing, or at least pricing aimed more at a guarage rather than the home mechanic.
Having no experience in the field I have no idea what brand is reputable, budget, rip off, etc.
Can anyone give some recommendations on a good brand or tool based on there experiences that doesn’t cost the earth (I know that’s subjective), or at least doesn’t have a subscription or lock multiple brands behind a paywall.
Thanks as always.
I bought a Topdon Artidiag 800BT scanner for £270 and has free updates for life, my Carista OBD2 cost £8 a monthe to use and only read codes and added some on board features, soon got fed up with that.
The Topdon reads codes, reads live data, makers service programmes and other stuff haven’t learnt yet on any car made in the world except the usual supercars. It’s very similar to the equivalent Autel scanner but you have to pay subscription to that one.
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Ref to the bluetooth one that you already have , whats the issue with that? if anything they are far better as they are regally updated with the app, now it does also depend on which app you have and the package you have paid for, the “free” part of the app will only give the basics , you need to upgrade the package, but as i say it also depends on the app , some are complete rubbish, others are better that expensive hand held.
They are all run by software at the end of the day regardless of the dear hand held scanners or the plug in Bluetooth scanners .
What is it you want to do with the ECU?
M-m
Hi thanks for the reply. Topdon sounds interesting. I’ll add them to the list ro have a proper look at.
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Hi. With regards to the app based Bluetooth one. Im using a generic ELM327 adapter and Torque Pro. Its generally ok for reading basic faults or getting some data from the ECU. Im not sure it can connect to all the computers in a car though. If there is a better app then im willing to take a look.
I have had it in the past where it failed to read the a reoccurring fault with the oil pressure sensor on my Golf and had to take that to a garage to read.
Also from what I can see it does not do any of the service functions (might be me missing them), for example retracting the electronic callipers on on the parking break so I can change the disks/pads.
So in general im just looking for a more comprehensive tool for diagnosis and service, that doesn’t have a monthly subscription, can work with multiple manufacturers, don’t have to pay for credits, etc. Call me old school but I would like to buy and own the tool rather than rent it. I get that’s not the way the world works these days but there are a few last bastions of sanity out there im sure.
This is the one i have used for years on the smart phone, one payment and thats it, transfer the app account over onto your new phone and carry on useing as long as you so wish to do so, i think it was £20 to upgrade from basic , but it was some time back…
App…EOBD-Facile Car diagnostic
M-m
Thanks for the suggestion. From what I can see it appears to be another fault code reader for the ECU and not able to do the service functions, a lot like Torque and most of the other phone apps. I might be missing something though.
I use OBDeleven for my SEAT Leon / Cupra Formentor - but it needs the pro license for many service functions.
However it is not very Mazda friendly
For the MX5 NC - I use FORscan software - a £20 cable and the £12.50 advanced license.
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Thanks for the suggestions. Ive looked at ODBEleven but the annual licence as well as the credits puts me off. The FORscan looks interesting but suffers with the same yearly subscription from what i can see, although a lot cheaper.
Seems like a decent combo for one off stuff though.
what kind of service functions are you after, resets?
M-m
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With OBDeleven it is one or the other.
The credits give you access to one click apps ( ie switch off stop start )
You get one free credit every day you log in to the app. ( or you can buy credits )
OR
The pro licence allows full coding function ( no credits needed )
oh ok, good to know. Thanks.
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The honest answer is I dont know. At the minute its service functions on my Golf and not my MX5, but over time there will be others and as I own an MX5 I want to get something that does both.
So all service functions 
DPF regens, EPB maintenance, injector calibration, throttle reset, etc, etc. im really just after if anyone had any recommendations of tools they have used which offer over and above just reading and clearing codes off only the ECU.
Other systems similar to the Topdon that SootySport mentioned above or Autel devices.
I use DashCommand (OBD ELM App) Have done for 15 years Now find it very good also Use Torque Pro with my `reader
just part of a very extensive App…
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Thanks I’ll take a look. Love your mx by the way. Got to be one of if not the most uniquely modified ones on the uk.
