For all you guys with enough money to buy 1996+ cars
 

Found this while reading a website about a new hub-less motorcycle. It a new product called ScanGauge that plugs into the OBDII port and monitors a bunch of parameters like voltage, intake temperature, coolant temperature (oil temp in a 993?), tc. Allows you to reset the CEL, too. For $130, seems like a pretty good deal. 993s have issues with the CEL coming on, don't they?

Not a bad thing. I had a similar product that loaded onto a laptop. It's great for most cars, but doesnt give the vendor specific codes to Porsche, Audi and so on in much detail. Great for finding what error code, but generally not nearly enough detail to solve more complex problems. With that said, it was cool to have the laptop plotting intake vs. engine temps while driving around.

Pretty sweet! Chris Martin, do you remember the name of the software you were using?

This is what I used: http://www.obd-onboarddiagnostics.com/

I ended up not using it much so I sold it to a friend. Nice tool, but I am poor.

Yeah...at $500 it's a bit rich..

opps, I must have copied the wrong link. I paid ~$190 for the software and all adaptors. I'll do some more searching. One cool part was the package included a palm version, not needed, but a nice to have.


Here's what I was talking about, http://www.ghg.net/dharrison/ . Really.

I have been looking at one (getting newsletters, researching, etc...) on the Suburban boards. This guy is highly regarded in those circles and the Vortec engine crowd.

Autotap

Like Chris mentioned, it seems that the code readers need the support of the mfg you are trying to scan to get information that means something for the vehicle. This isn't a problem with the big 3 US companies. (or their code has been reverse-engineered). Typically, each scanner device can accomodate software specific uploads (chips, e-proms, etc...) for your particular mfg.

I've just added this to the wish-list should the racing budget ever allow it ... :(

I'd be curious to see if you guys locate one that is P-car specific. My local independent wrench buys the wireless BMW diagnostic scantools and is somewhat of a techno nerd. He says BIG bucks for the tools but ... gotta have to specialize.

Jase

[edit]

Sample generic data for OBD II equipped cars (comes with $199 software for PC):

A/C System Refrigerant Monitoring Status
Auxiliary Input Status
Catalyst Monitoring Status
Comprehensive Component Monitoring Status
ECT
EGR System Monitoring Status
Engine Load
Engine Load
Engine Speed
EVAP Vent Solenoid Command
Evaporative System Monitoring Status
Fuel Pressure
Fuel System Monitoring Status
Fuel System Status Bank 1
Heated Catalyst Monitoring Status
IAT
Ignition Timing
LTFT B1
LTFT B2
MAF
MAP
Misfire Monitoring Status
O2 Sensor - B1S1
O2 Sensor - B1S1 (mV)
O2 Sensor - B1S2
O2 Sensor - B1S2 (mV)
O2 Sensor - B1S3
O2 Sensor - B1S4
O2 Sensor - B2S1
O2 Sensor - B2S2
O2 Sensor - B2S3
O2 Sensor - B2S4
OBD Requirements
Oxygen Sensor Heater Monitoring Status
Oxygen Sensor Monitoring Status
Secondary Air System Monitoring Status
STFT B1
STFT B2
Throttle Position
Vehicle Speed

[end edit]