So I went on the hunt to find an OBD II tuning program for a laptop. HOLY CRAP is there a lot of BS out there.

After a few days of looking through stuff I tripped over this: http://www.totalcardiagnostics.com/toad/ . I would like to hear your opinions on it. It almost sounds to good to be true, but I'm almost willing to take a chance on it.

It looks like you could do all of your own tuning with it, which would save a lot of cash if you're trying to get a custom tune dialed in, or even just adding some pep to the work horse.

Any ways, let's hear what you think about it.

(Edit: trying to make link active)

 

Well, that certainly looks interesting...... I have seen software packages for a bit more money, that promised the same things, but, for tuning, they were tied to just ONE vehicle. (vin locked)

One thing I have NOT been able to determine though, is if additional hardware is required to be able to actually tune your own PCM, it says it has that capability, but, I see it mentioned (very briefly) about 'additional hardware'........

Now, if nothing else is required, aside from the software, and their cable, and it will actually do everything it says, then yeah, that is a VERY good deal. But, before I spent the money, I would want to chat with someone, and verify the hardware question.

 

I bought the software about a year ago but haven't had my Jeep running to use it yet. So I can't tell you if it works worth a darn or not. I guess I could install it and hook it up to my truck and see what I can do with my diesel.

 

That would be great if you're willing. Looking forward to more input.

 

I need to see if it is locked to one vin or if you can use it on more than one rig. I bought it for my Jeep with a 5.9 in it so if I can only use it on one rig I'll have to wait. But if I can use it on more than one rig then I'll try it out.

 

Did you have to buy a special interface cable for the program, or is it a universal fit? I can't remember if OBD II pin outs are the same across the board.

 

OBD2 is the same on all US made. I can't say for sure on other makes.

 

Thank you for the reply. That's what I thought, but I didn't trust my expert opinion from myself :-D

 

Frankie,
After reading back thru what it can do and then looking at the vehicles it will work on I would say don't waste your money. The only thing it might do is allow you to set the fuel sync but until I have my Jeep running I won't know. It is a good code reader and diagnostic tool but you are not going to be able to tune a Dodge PCM with this software.
If it was this easy people would be talking about it on all the forums.

If you're really interested in trying it out take a little off the price and I'll sell you mine.

 

Figured it was too good. I appreciate you time on this. I'll pm you about pricing.