OBD Scanner for Trail Kit

BKCowGod

Automotive ADHD is fun!
For trail use, I would get one that has a screen that translates the code, rather than one that just gives you the code. Otherwise, any brand is the same these days. Expect to pay between $50 and $100.
 

4RunAmok

Explorer
I have two.

The Auterra, it works with a laptop and awesome multi-function software, that will perform dynomometer tasks

And I have the Kiwi for iPhone, connects to the iPhone via wifi, and there are several apps available
 

shortbus4x4

Expedition Leader
I take my snap-on modis when I am taking a long trip with my computer controlled vehicle. It gives me data for different vehicle modules, codes with descriptions, and a trouble shooting section, along with much much more. Its overkill for most people. Get something that gives codes with a description and data stream. Also play around with it before you go to use it the first time in the field. Try having a buddy unplug a sensor and then scan your ecm and fix the problem.
 

mr r2fj

Adventurer
I've owned several of the scan gauges. It does a lot more than just scan. You can also look at several sensor items like intake temp, water temp, voltage, and more. It also works as a very nice trip computer. I'd definitely highly recommend them as a part of any expo kit!

http://www.scangauge.com/
 

HenryJ

Expedition Leader
I can give two thumbs up for the ScangaugeII. I sold mine since I use a BullyDog GT tuner in the new ride. It reads codes too.
The laptop has AutoTap. I carry that cable with me so that I can help others reading their codes, as the BullyDog will not work with all makes like the Scangauge did.
 

teotwaki

Excelsior!
For trail use, I would get one that has a screen that translates the code, rather than one that just gives you the code. Otherwise, any brand is the same these days. Expect to pay between $50 and $100.

I uses a Scanguage II.

I don't know of a small non-laptop computer unit that can correctly display all translations for non-standard or OEM specific codes. The Toyota OBD-II data stream has about 60 additional data words. So I bring a list of standard and Toyota codes with me. :elkgrin:

Toyota codes

P1100 BARO Sensor Circuit.
P1120 Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor Circuit.
P1121 Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor Range/Performance Problem.
P1125 Throttle Control Motor Circuit.
P1126 Magnetic Clutch Circuit.
P1127 ETCS Actuator Power Source Circuit.
P1128 Throttle Control Motor Lock.
P1129 Electric Throttle Control System.
P1130 Air/Fuel Sensor Circuit Range/Performance. (Bank 1 Sensor 1)
P1133 Air/Fuel Sensor Circuit Response. (Bank 1 Sensor 1)
P1135 Air/Fuel Sensor Heater Circuit Response. (Bank 1 Sensor 1)
P1150 Air/Fuel Sensor Circuit Range/Performance. (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
P1153 Air/Fuel Sensor Circuit Response. (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
P1155 Air/Fuel Sensor Heater Circuit. (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
P1200 Fuel Pump Relay Circuit.
P1300 Igniter Circuit Malfunction - No. 1.
P1310 Igniter Circuit Malfunction - No. 2.
P1335 No Crankshaft Position Sensor Signal - Engine Running.
P1349 VVT System.
P1400 Sub-Throttle Position Sensor.
P1401 Sub-Throttle Position Sensor Range/Performance Problem.
P1405 Turbo Pressure Sensor Circuit.
P1406 Turbo Pressure Sensor Range/Performance Problem.
P1410 EGR Valve Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction.
P1411 EGR Valve Position Sensor Circuit Range/Performance.
P1500 Starter Signal Circuit.
P1510 Boost Pressure Control Circuit.
P1511 Boost Pressure Low.
P1512 Boost Pressure High.
P1520 Stop Lamp Switch Signal Malfunction.
P1565 Cruise Control Main Switch Circuit.
P1600 ECM BATT Malfunction
P1605 Knock Control CPU.
P1630 Traction Control System.
P1633 ECM.
P1652 Idle Air Control Valve Control Circuit.
P1656 OCV Circuit.
P1658 Wastegate Valve Control Circuit.
P1661 EGR Circuit.
P1662 EGR by-pass Valve Control Circuit.
P1780 Park/Neutral Position Switch Malfunction (Only For A/T)
 

ExpoMike

Well-known member
Scangauge II for the win!!!

I have actually reset codes on the trail. Later Cherokee's had a heat soak issue that can cause a temp misfire on startup and will throw a code. I like not having to look at the check engine light for the rest of the trip. Will allow me to see other codes and determine if it's still okay to drive or not.

I have it set to show 4 other gauge parameters to verify factory gauges. Tach, voltage, water temp and intake temp. I can change those as well.

These are a great asset for any late model rig.
 

TangoBlue

American Adventurist
SC II for the last 3 years. But, I've never used it to decipher or clear codes. I don't have to -- its a Toyota Tacoma. :coffeedrink:
 

bribassguy

Observer
I'd vote for an Ultra Guage.

It's more of less the same thing as the Scan Gauge II but at 1/3 of the cost. I've read some review that saw it's better even. I picked the Ultra Gauge b/c to me it had a better screen. At around 60 bucks shipped it was really hard to beat... It will read and clear codes and pending codes just like a hand held but will also serve as a trip computer + Live gauges + warnings.
 

teotwaki

Excelsior!
I'd vote for an Ultra Guage.

It's more of less the same thing as the Scan Gauge II but at 1/3 of the cost. I've read some review that saw it's better even. I picked the Ultra Gauge b/c to me it had a better screen. At around 60 bucks shipped it was really hard to beat... It will read and clear codes and pending codes just like a hand held but will also serve as a trip computer + Live gauges + warnings.

Please do a full review with pictures in a new thread. The UltraGuage has the same functionality as a ScanGuage but has a bigger screen that can have more displayed guages.

Some tech details are hidden in the "support" button at their website. Some of the buttons don't work.

Manual: http://ultra-gauge.com/ultragauge/support/ultragauge_user_manual.pdf
 

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