Is OBDii scanner useful?

[Fred Leeson]

Where does it plug in? Is there one you recommend? (Cheaper the better....)

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[TrailMaster]

Oh, it's useful alright. What do you plan to use yours for?

If you're thinking Forscan, I'm using the vLinker FS. Others prefer the OBDLink EX. Both great options.

 

[RickG]

@TrailMaster do you use the bluetooth version and do you keep it plugged in all the time?

 

[Ozarkbeard]

Where does it plug in?

In the OBD2 port - under the dash.

 

[TrailMaster]

@TrailMaster do you use the bluetooth version and do you keep it plugged in all the time?

USB version for Windows, only plugged in when I'm doing Forscan.

 

[SLJ]

Don't use Forscan but I use a ScanGaugeII plugged in that I have set to show engine temp, transmission temp, and charging voltage when I'm towing my camper.

 

[HeyBales]

Required OBD2 plug in location hasn't changed much since mid-90's on vehicles.

Cheaper may mean more limited.
This list gives good start, to allow extra capability later even if you don't use it initially.
(though Forscan Lite is pretty cheap and worth it to me)

https://forscan.org/home.html

 

[bgn]

Yes. I have two: one wireless for road trips where I want to see what's going on if a code is thrown and to watch my battery state of charge and the other is wired for Forscan.

 

[Cocobean]

Very handy to have if your engine light comes on... I had a 2006 Ridgeline with 265K and found it helpful to read the fault and call my mechanic and ask if ok to clear it.
Saved a couple few trips to the shop. He was cool with it, saved his time and mine

 

[Enchalada]

Oh, it's useful alright. What do you plan to use yours for?

If you're thinking Forscan, I'm using the vLinker FS. Others prefer the OBDLink EX. Both great options.

these ones on Amazon?
Vlinker FS: https://a.co/d/0X3P216
OBDLink Ex: https://a.co/d/hK0hbcW

Looks like the Vlinker is BT and OBDlink is a cable.

Others I seens for OBD2 is the NEXAS NexLINK (https://a.co/d/5F3dASY) but its looks like its only a reader.

 

[Darnon]

Vlinker FS: https://a.co/d/0X3P216

There is a corded version of the vLinker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0952P4MLP

 

[Gullzway]

Yes. I have two: one wireless for road trips where I want to see what's going on if a code is thrown and to watch my battery state of charge and the other is wired for Forscan.

Same for me, I use this cheap Bluetooth one occasionally.
https://a.co/d/azVEDGB


And the V-Linker if I want to change something with Forscan

 

[Enchalada]

Same for me, I use this cheap Bluetooth one occasionally.
https://a.co/d/azVEDGB


And the V-Linker if I want to change something with Forscan

What app is that?
Pretty cool to be able to get it displayed on the screen while driving around.

Looks like if i want to just buy one for both applications (monitoring and forescan) the ideal one to get it the vlinker (https://a.co/d/8SoLYhx)?

 

[Gullzway]

What app is that?
Pretty cool to be able to get it displayed on the screen while driving around.

Looks like if i want to just buy one for both applications (monitoring and forescan) the ideal one to get it the vlinker (https://a.co/d/8SoLYhx)?

Torque Pro
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torque

And AATorque for Android Auto.
https://github.com/agronick/aa-torque

 

[Enchalada]

for the VLinker FS, you downloaded the Forscan Lite from forscan org to your android phone?
been also looking at what android app is best available to see -
Torque Pro, AATorque, etc... there are so many.

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