I'm not sure if this is the correct Forum for this question, but it does apply to my current Caravan problem.

I have the AudiVW version of an OBD II reader on my laptop that is called VAGCom. It uses a USB cable and adaptor to plug into the vehicle, reads and resets codes, etc. I would like to get something like it for my non- Audi-Vw vehicles ie Caravan.

I'm trying to figure out which drive cycle monitors haven't run on my 2002 Caravan, but would like to do all the other Geeky OBDII things.

I was searching the internet and found something from OBDCOM.com that looks interesting because they claim to interface with almost all vehicles from Acura through Volvo with Ford, Chrysler, and GM products listed.

I also see some stuff on Ebay -cables and software - that is a bit less expensive. Does anyone have experience -good or bad - with any of these?

 

You could also ck with a snap-on dealer. They may have some information for software. But i haven't used the laptop for OBD2 systems. I have only used the DRB3 scan tool. You could send tizzy1 a pm, he may know something.Also post in the computer section too, and you may also get an anwser.

 

I sent tizzy1 a PM but he seems to be busy. Also checked the computer section and found nothing.

I am hopeing someone has experience with the USB OBDII stuff -especially OBDCOM - and can help with some insight.

 

I have a friend that uses his laptop to do PCM stuff, he's into building Japanese cars, adding turbos and the like and needs to reprogram the fuel curve, timing and stuff. I know it does regular scan tool things also. I will check with him to see what he uses but probably won't see him untill the weekend.

 

OK -- Thanks --

 

I talked to my friend and he said he uses "car code reader" software and that you can buy it online. He say's it should do everything you need it to do. I've used it on a neighbor's Mazda and it seemed to work really well.

 

LOL The "Car Code Reader" shows up online at Ebay for $9.79 with shipping of $9.65 for a total of $19.44. It looks as if it does almost everything. A few of the forums mentioned that it sometimes has trouble with OEM specific codes and that it sometimes is DOA from China, but that might be from anti-Asian folks.
You can't argue with the price!

After a lot of searching I decided to go with the ElmScan 5 Compact ($60) with upgraded Touchscan software ($20) with $10 shipping -about $90.00 delivered because it has a 90 day money back gurantee and 3 year repair or replace warrantee. The standard software will probably do everything I need but the upgrade only cost about 4 cups of Starbucks coffee and I'm a big spender. Furthermore they have a user forum where you can get help if you have a prorblem or question.

I'll keep you updated as I gain experience.

Although I have laptop VAGCom for my Audi, I'll see if the ElmScan works there also.