OBD II suggestions

It’s finally time to buy and OBD II reader. There are a lot of choices and I'm getting overwhelmed, so I’m looking for suggestions. I need to be able to read the following, at a minimum:

GM Volvo (Ford?) Subaru

If you have a reader you like, please chime in. While it would be nice to not have to cross check a numeric code to a paper manual, I’d be willing to do that for a nice savings.

I’m thinking that something in the $50-$100 would be good, but would be willing to spend outside that range if it makes sense.

Thanks in advance,

Jack ps – I couldn’t find a decent GRM thread on good OBD II’s, so if you have a link to one, please provide that too.

OBDII readers should work on any brand of car. OBDII is a standard, so you shouldn't really worry about it.

The reader I got is called the "car chip"-- I don't know how it compairs to other readers out there, but I can leave it plugged in and have it data log many of the parameters in the car, for example speed, Timing advance knock sensor etc.

If you can get one that shows real-time readings, it's really useful. Datalogging would be even cooler.

I always check the code. The standard codes are vague, while the manufacturer details give far more information on potential cause. You'd hate to replace your catalytic converter when it's just a wiring problem with the rear O2 sensor...

I've got one of the better Actron ones from autozone. I didn't set out to buy that one specifically, when I bought it I needed one right away. I've got no complaints. It reads codes and even has the definitions for the standard ones built in. It reads sensor data real time, stuff like that. Came with a long enough cable that I can plug it in to the OBD port and pull the unit around and hold it while messing with the engine.

Keith wrote: If you can get one that shows real-time readings, it's really useful. Datalogging would be even cooler.

Agree. I used mine last Saturday to check out a V70 my friend ended up buying. On the test drive I had it hooked up and was able to read the various different sensor outputs while he was driving.

Mine is about 7 years old and doesn't do datalogging but has been very useful. If I get another one It will definitely have datalogging capability.

You can get used Snap On MT2500s for cheap, and they work great for pre-2004 vehicles. The bi-directional capabilities are very handy for some stuff.

Thanks guys. That'll get me pointed in the right direction.

Jack

Do you have a laptop? If so, you can pick up one of the below for $50 from Amazon:

USB to OBD2 connector

Works great once you get the baud rate figured out, hahaha.

I dont own this yet, but the ELM chipsets have always appealed to me. Kits are available for DIY cables, or you can buy preassembled online. This works with a host of different softwares, some freebie, some licensed.

http://www.elmelectronics.com/obdic.html

http://www.obd-ii.de/prodsoft.html

http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&source=hp&q=elm+obdii&oq=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=6_dqS4_KMJT0Nfvf1dsE&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=3&ved=0CEkQrQQwAg

Thanks everyone!

I like the logging idea and will be looking at the car chip and similar devices. It would be nice if you could display the output live on a laptop though.

Jack