car diagnostics software ?

mark richards

mark richards

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hi all, got a good friend that works on cars, he has a cheap plug-in diagnostics tool, not on pc
it will only do simple fault codes, so not a full vehicle scan ,is there software that anyone could
recommend that will do a full scan of car, i can help him on the laptop part but dont know a thing
about car diagnostics.
 
mark richards said:
hi all, got a good friend that works on cars, he has a cheap plug-in diagnostics tool, not on pc
it will only do simple fault codes, so not a full vehicle scan ,is there software that anyone could
recommend that will do a full scan of car, i can help him on the laptop part but dont know a thing
about car diagnostics.
Click to expand...

The best ones are manufacturer specific for example B.M.W have their own called inpa, Nissan have their own etc.

There is no good all in one solution that will cover all cars.

The best you can hope for in an all in one solution is going to be a decent plug in diagnostic tool, some of these are better then others, the Snap-on diagnostic machines are very good but they are not cheap.

The only way to have full control is to have access to the manufacturer specific software for each manufacturer which isn't feasible no mechanic will have these, most will use one of the Snap-on tools. No matter which diagnostic tool or diagnostic software you use no all in one solution will offer everything for every car.

Most of the manufacturers oem diagnostic software is only available to them they generally don't make it available to third parties.Although there is hacked versions available online. The hacked versions are a pain to use though as you usually need specific hardware to be able to use them and it differs from manufacturer to manufacturer. More hassle than its worth really as the hacked versions rarely work well.
 
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Not sure why but I thought that manufacturers had to make their diagnostic packages available to 3rd parties. Doubt it's a cheap option for a multi-marque mechanic but it makes sense for a single make specialist.
 
There are all sorts of do it all systems that maybe won't be perfect but will do a lot and cost A Lot. Autel, Bosch are some of the ones making them.

I mainly have VW's so vcds is enough for me.
 
mark richards said:
thanks for the comments, what about something like this?https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VCI-150E-BD2-OBDII-2015-R3-Software-Autocom-Scanner-Diagnostic-Car-Truck-Tool/302839502273?_trkparms=aid=111001&algo=REC.SEED&ao=1&asc=20180816085401&meid=0b3bd9783aa846e487faba17d01f9f6d&pid=100970&rk=1&rkt=15&mehot=ag&sd=302839502273&itm=302839502273&_trksid=p2481888.c100970.m5481&_trkparms=pageci:75cde949-eb2b-11e8-99ad-74dbd1806f9c|parentrq:26be1cdc1670ac80728dc784fff772c4|iid:1
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No chance of getting something good for that sort of money will be no better than a cheap and nasty diagnostic tool.

Just to give a bit of clarity. The device that most back street garages use is a snap-on Verus Edge they have a rrp of £9,300.00.
 
We use Delphi and Snapon in our workshop which gives us a fair cover for most makes along with limited programming of most systems.

As already mentioned if you need to replace ECU or keys etc then only O.E equipment works and most now you need to not only buy the equipment to run it but also require a subscription to there dealer services to request security authorisation to replace and reprogram most things on modern cars.
 
foxwell do a range of diagnostic tools the one i have is this one

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ABS-Airb...ostic-Scanner-Foxwell-NT630-Pro-/142552516717

this one is fine for engine diagnostic , ABS , steering reset ( SAS ) airbags SRS which are the most common things and does a wide range of cars

another foxwell diagnostic tool that does more is the Foxwell NT520 pro which you get one make of car free then pay for the software for other makes it is far more extensive than the NT630 Pro but works out a lot more expensive with the software for most common manufactures
onsaying that it is still a lot cheaper than OEM software or the snap on stuff

the higher end Foxwell tools do pretty much everything but will cost £1,000 +

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Foxwell-...-Garage-Car-Scanner-Full-System-/142584261582

the Nt630 pro that i own is fine for the basics but i would say it's more for enthusiasts you really need to spend more money if your lively hood depended on it
 
mark richards said:
hi all, got a good friend that works on cars, he has a cheap plug-in diagnostics tool, not on pc
it will only do simple fault codes, so not a full vehicle scan ,is there software that anyone could
recommend that will do a full scan of car, i can help him on the laptop part but dont know a thing
about car diagnostics.
Click to expand...

Is this to use on your own car, if so what make is it?
 
mark richards said:
thanks for the comments, what about something like this?https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VCI-150E-BD2-OBDII-2015-R3-Software-Autocom-Scanner-Diagnostic-Car-Truck-Tool/302839502273?_trkparms=aid=111001&algo=REC.SEED&ao=1&asc=20180816085401&meid=0b3bd9783aa846e487faba17d01f9f6d&pid=100970&rk=1&rkt=15&mehot=ag&sd=302839502273&itm=302839502273&_trksid=p2481888.c100970.m5481&_trkparms=pageci:75cde949-eb2b-11e8-99ad-74dbd1806f9c|parentrq:26be1cdc1670ac80728dc784fff772c4|iid:1
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My dad bought one of these (with a dead-ish laptop) against my strongest possible advise not to. It is obviously a 100% illegit fake. Works up to some extent with some pre-2014/5 cars, mainly the more common brands. It is not much use of with Jaguar, so he is back where he started. The thing is better than chinese OBD II basic scanner and with a common older car may go some way but as a professional you should aspire to something cleaner and better.
 
If you are into those sort of products for your own one off trial Aliexpress is the place to go. I had a good play with some remap cable for not much at all. I can barely turn a car from Euro IV to Euro III and even that not very cleanly but at least it puts the whole business into perspective when you shop around for a proper service.
 
admirable said:
Is this to use on your own car, if so what make is it?
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no mate, he does the odd work on my car for me, saying that, he but a reconditioned engine in my works car (astra estate, Isuzu engine )
he is good with his hands, but not with his head, just thought i could help him out..
thanks for all comments, a great eye opener.
 
From my understanding rosstech is one of the better ones around £300 for use on one vehicle and goes up depending on if you want Bluetooth module and unlimited vehicles etc
 
AdamSi said:
From my understanding rosstech is one of the better ones around £300 for use on one vehicle and goes up depending on if you want Bluetooth module and unlimited vehicles etc
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Thats VW / AUDI / SEAT / SKODA only as already said. It is great for my bangers, but useless on any other make
 
I've had reasonable results with a cheap Bluetooth ODBII reader, my Android phone and the "Torque" app. Can read and clear fault codes quite happily on the cars I've tried it on.
 
torque IS very good for the money but it only does engine management if the ABS or Airbag / SRS warning light pops up it can't help you
if you own a ford the bluetooth ODB module used with torque can be used with an android app called Fordsys Free that can do a little more such as ABS , powertrain control module , RCM and TCM which is pretty handy for free
 
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