OBDwiz is a diagnostic software that comes FREE with OBDLink scan tools. With all PC-based scan tools sold on this website; Supports all OBD-II compliant. One of the reasons a PC based solution can be better is the software and the ease of reading the interface. There are many free and paid for OBD2 diagnostic software that is constantly being updated. Also is it easy to simply try new software interfaces to see which one fits you.
ATTENTION TO WINDOWS MOBILE 10 USERS! LATEST WINDOWS MOBILE 10 UPDATE HAS A BUG (error Code: 0x8007000B) - YOU CAN'T INSTALL APP, IF YOU HAVE DEFAULT INSTALL LOCATION SET TO SD CARD! PLEASE, SET DEFAULT APP INSTALL LOCATION TO PHONE MEMORY, IF YOU'RE EXPECTING TROUBLES WITH DOWNLOADING CAR SCANNER! See what your car is doing in realtime, get OBD fault codes, car performance, sensor data and more! Car Scanner is a vehicle / car performance / diagnostics tool and scanner that uses an OBD II Bluetooth adapter to connect to your OBD2 engine management / ECU.
And it’s FREE! Car Scanner was inspired by Torque and OBD Car Doctor (PNN software) for Android, and brings best features to Windows Phone / Windows 10 Mobile. Layout your own dashboard with the gauges and charts you want! Add custom (extended PIDs) and get information, that was hidden from you by car manufacturer!
It can also show and reset a DTC fault code like a scantool. Now with Mode 06 - ECU self-monitoring test results. It helps you fix your car and helps keep repair costs down! Works on any vehicle that uses the OBD 2 standard (most vehicles built after 2000, but can work for vehicles as far back as 1996). Car Scanner supports all OBD2-compatible vehicles and provides exclusive extra features for some cars of: Opel/Vauxhal/Chevrolet, Hyundai/Kia, Renault, Nissan, Infinity, Mitsubishi, Toyota, VAZ, UAZ The app needs a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi OBD2 ELM327 compatible adapter to work. The adapter is small and plugs into the diagnostics socket on the car which gives your phone access. If you buy one of the cheap chineese OBD2 ELM327 Bluetooth or WiFi adapters from ebay / amazon, then make sure it’s not marked as v.2.1.
This adapters are supported, but they have lot’s of bugs. PLEASE NOTE: Vehicle ECUs vary in the amount of sensors supported. This app can’t show you something, that is not provided by your car. AND ONE MORE THING: This app is Beta version. It means that it is in development state. Attention 'bad' adapters!
We faced the problem, that some adapters (often Chinese one and marked as v.2.1), can’t connect to the smartphone or the car. Some of them can even make your car engine work unstable, often lost connection, increase time lag when reading data. So, we recommend you to use ELM327 ver. 1.4-1.5 and AVOID USING cheap ELM327 v.2.1. ATTENTION TO WINDOWS MOBILE 10 USERS!
LATEST WINDOWS MOBILE 10 UPDATE HAS A BUG (error Code: 0x8007000B) - YOU CAN'T INSTALL APP, IF YOU HAVE DEFAULT INSTALL LOCATION SET TO SD CARD! PLEASE, SET DEFAULT APP INSTALL LOCATION TO PHONE MEMORY, IF YOU'RE EXPECTING TROUBLES WITH DOWNLOADING CAR SCANNER! See what your car is doing in realtime, get OBD fault codes, car performance, sensor data and more!
Car Scanner is a vehicle / car performance / diagnostics tool and scanner that uses an OBD II Bluetooth adapter to connect to your OBD2 engine management / ECU. And it’s FREE! Car Scanner was inspired by Torque and OBD Car Doctor (PNN software) for Android, and brings best features to Windows Phone / Windows 10 Mobile. Layout your own dashboard with the gauges and charts you want! Add custom (extended PIDs) and get information, that was hidden from you by car manufacturer!
It can also show and reset a DTC fault code like a scantool. Now with Mode 06 - ECU self-monitoring test results. It helps you fix your car and helps keep repair costs down! Works on any vehicle that uses the OBD 2 standard (most vehicles built after 2000, but can work for vehicles as far back as 1996). Car Scanner supports all OBD2-compatible vehicles and provides exclusive extra features for some cars of: Opel/Vauxhal/Chevrolet, Hyundai/Kia, Renault, Nissan, Infinity, Mitsubishi, Toyota, VAZ, UAZ The app needs a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi OBD2 ELM327 compatible adapter to work.
The adapter is small and plugs into the diagnostics socket on the car which gives your phone access. If you buy one of the cheap chineese OBD2 ELM327 Bluetooth or WiFi adapters from ebay / amazon, then make sure it’s not marked as v.2.1. This adapters are supported, but they have lot’s of bugs. PLEASE NOTE: Vehicle ECUs vary in the amount of sensors supported. This app can’t show you something, that is not provided by your car. AND ONE MORE THING: This app is Beta version. It means that it is in development state.
Attention 'bad' adapters! We faced the problem, that some adapters (often Chinese one and marked as v.2.1), can’t connect to the smartphone or the car. Some of them can even make your car engine work unstable, often lost connection, increase time lag when reading data. So, we recommend you to use ELM327 ver. 1.4-1.5 and AVOID USING cheap ELM327 v.2.1.
What's new in this version: - Nissan Consult II bug fixes: - fixed some bugs - added Mitsubishi MUT-2 (pre-CAN) compatibility and connection profile - Chevrolet, General Motors, Opel and Vauxhall profiles with Extra sensors updated with new sensors. You need to apply this profiles again to add new sensors.: - added new connection profile for MAZDA SKYACTIV engines - added about 250 new parameters for Nissan Constul II protocol - DTC reading bugs fixed ATTENTION TO WINDOWS MOBILE 10 USERS!
LATEST WINDOWS MOBILE 10 UPDATE HAS A BUG (error Code: 0x8007000B) - YOU CAN'T INSTALL APP, IF YOU HAVE DEFAULT INSTALL LOCATION SET TO SD CARD! PLEASE, SET DEFAULT APP INSTALL LOCATION TO PHONE MEMORY, IF YOU'RE EXPECTING TROUBLES WITH DOWNLOADING CAR SCANNER! Features.
First of all – this app is really FREE. Customizable multipage dashboard. Live data mode for advanced diagnostics. Supports multiple ECUs (with CAN protocols). Freeze frame reading and decoding. DTC (Check engine codes) reading, decoding and erasing. Massive fault code database for lookup of fault codes from different manufacturers.
Graph data. Fuel rate / MPG. 0-60 speed timings, brake timing, brake distance (based on speedometer). OBD protocol detection support.
Custom (extended) PIDs! Torque custom PIDs import supported.
ECU self-monitoring test results.
Purpose of this article is to save you time researching reliable professional OBD software for your PC/laptop. Basically we’ve done all the research for you (having used and tested them all extensively) – and will present our 7 top researched OBD2 diagnostic software. Basically last judgement is on you.
See their website, get a feel for it. And get one that makes sense to your unique automotive needs. For this reason, we’ve kept our reviews bullet point short. There’s not much to say, as they’re all basically going to do the SAME thing end of the day, else we would’ve not mentioned them here. What we can tell you about them all is:.
These are not free OBD software. For free OBD2 software (for ELM327 scan tool),. It’s the best “free” you’ll find anywhere. Automotive industry generally only targets Windows.
![For For](http://easescantool.com/images/scantool-setup-j2.png)
There’s luckily two decent OBD2 software for MAC we found and reviewed them below. All reviews are based on totality of our technical and car mechanical expertise with combined experience of 60 years.
We attempted to examine, critique and judge them in a unbiased manner. All software supports ELM327 OBD2, and interface.
You can find ELM327 install instructions. None of these software are bidirectional. For bidirectional, you’ll need high-end OEM scan tool (which are usually in $1000+ range). Also you can search on our blog for “ obd2 scanner” for other detailed reports of high-end workshop grade OBD2 scanners or code readers.
So let’s begin with brief intro guide about scanners / code readers / diagnostic tools Automotive engineering has come a long way since Karl Benz developed the first petrol or gasoline power automobile in 1885. What started off a form of transportation to solely move people from point A to point B has not turn into a luxurious, fast option to transport people from A to B. Before the technological boom, cars were plain and simple and easy to fix. However, as we have advanced in all aspects, cars now are equipped with the most technological items that one can think of, from air conditioner, to navigation, to even autopilot. With the technological advancement, automobiles are becoming increasingly smarter. Today’s cars can collect information navigating the best route available, to adjusting the fluids in the car to fit the driving condition, to lastly, detecting errors in the engine.
Most automobiles you on the road today all have an, or an OBD2 port which provides access to all the data from the (ECU). With the data, a technician can determine the car’s problems and see if maintenance is required. Step 1: Connect ELM327 to your car’s OBD port. Step 2: Install ELM327 drivers.
Step 3: Launch OBD2 software, and click “Connect”. It’s that easy! To access the information from the ECU, you would need a computer and software to plug the port and gain access. Because of this trend, more and more companies are now developing and creating software which can cater to the end-users and assist them in accessing the ECU for data. Usually, the product will come with two pieces of equipment, a device, hardware or cord and the software. The hardware/cord connects the ECU to the computer.
The software then reads the data and analyze the data for the end-users. The main goal of this application is to assist with the maintenance of the vehicle as well as prolonging the life of the vehicle.
Below, we have gathered seven different types of diagnostic software from seven different companies which we believe are the best software that you can purchase now for your Windows/Mac laptop/PC computer. ( Note: None of these links are affiliate links. Total Car Diagnostics is not interested in earning commissions on these recommendations. It’s just a sincere write up on our recommended list of scanners we believe will help you fulfill your diagnostic reading or testing needs.) TOAD PRO ® contains advanced, comprehensive and powerful “car-manufacturer-approved” OBD software applications that’ll perform a thorough health-check on your car and diagnose 15,000+ common problems. It can also “hack” car performance and optimize fuel consumption with included ECU remapping software (for geeks). This is the same software that’s usually reserved for registered and acclaimed car repair shops, manufacturers, serviceman and mechanics.
TOAD makes them publicly available. It’s biggest strength, besides wide scope of car compatibility, is that software let’s you to monitor live data with customizable visual graphs. TOAD is suitable for home car owners who’re willing to save hundreds of dollars by finding and fixing it themselves. Or for professional car mechanics/service shops that need the latest cutting-edge detection and analysis software that’ll keep drivers safe on the road.
TOAD is used by law enforcement agencies, franchise car shops, serious car enthusiasts, regular car owners, and car manufacturing companies – in about 80 countries worldwide. Benefits of TOAD PRO:. Check engine light detector: Will display a description of what the problem is so the owner can fix the car accordingly. Extract “Extra” OBD Fault Codes usually unfound by other scanners/software (Yes, we tested them all.).
Save Money On Car Repair because software will tell you about the broken component (Hence can buy it cheap on eBay or negotiate with the mechanics). Software is also optimized for touch input (ideal on Surface PRO for eg). Save Fuel Costs. Increase Engine Life Span. See What Your Car Is Doing In Realtime. Helps You Fix Your Car and Helps Keep Repair Costs Down!.
Drive With Peace Of Mind Knowing Car Is In Good Condition. Display real-time data in a variety of formats including tabular and plotted in a graph AutoEnginuity’s ScanTool offers brand specific options, such as ( BMW, Ford, GM, Chrysler, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Land Rover, Jaguar, Honda, Porsche) and much more! ScanTool is available for Windows and iOS systems. The software allows users to quickly scan the vehicle’s, and IM240 to decide what services are required.
Another attribute which makes ScanTool stand out from the rest is the depth of the coverage. The systems can access ABS, airbag, instrument cluster transmission, and many other controllers. The depth consists of online data, bi-directional controls, adaptive resets and learns, and system test.
Only drawback is high price. It’s clearly focused towards car mechanic workshops that scan hundreds of vehicles a month – and who need OEM manufacturer bi-directional functions. Benefits of AutoEnginuity Scan Tool:. Data: logged in XML for browsers, and CSV for spreadsheets. Customizable sensor data: Users can change how the data is displayed in regards to the sensor’s sampling rate, ranges, units, and scaling value. Ease of use: Display data is concise and easy to understand form instead of raw data.
PCMScan is a fully featured generic OBD-II automotive diagnostic software that supports a wide variety of OBD hardware interfaces. It includes visual charting, logging, viewing and playback of recorded data in real time. It also allows viewing of vehicle Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC’s), Freeze Frame data, and other vehicle information.
This universal scanner software supports all US, Asian and European automobiles built after 1996. However downside from this winning Windows OBD2 software is it hasn’t been updated for over 7+ years. Meaning it’s lacking at least 500+ new PID’s (sensor data) since that time, which have been added in all other applications tested. Seems they either abandoned the software development – or just delegated effort elsewhere. Benefits of PCMScan:.
Customizable dashboard= User can change to personal preference. Dyno and Drag features.
Data logging. Read stored and pending Diagnostic Trouble Codes. Clear the Check Engine or Service Engine Soon indicator light. Read and clear stored Freeze Frame data.
Supports thousands of vehicle trouble code definitions Worthy Features Tested:. Full support for printing and print preview. All of the different views, including the virtual dashboards, support printing/print preview. For those who possess a knowledge of the OBD-II protocol, PCMSCAN provides an OBD-II Terminal where you can send custom commands to the vehicle. For the power users out there, PCMSCAN has built-in Javascripting support to do custom calculations on OBD-II parameters and data. Configurable alerts system – the alerts system allows you to configure the software to monitor any parameter(s) you like.
When the specified conditions are met, the software will automatically play a sound (to warn you if you are driving) or insert a bookmark for you into the logged data that is being recorded. English and Metric (SI) unit measurement systems supported. Customizable log file data export to.CSV file for easy viewing in other programs like Excel. Export with real-time stamps for easy correlation with external data logs. PIDs can be assigned priorities to speed up the data capture rate. Supports interfaces: Autotap AT1, AT2, AT3, AT123 (v2.x), VIA LDV100, LDV200, LDV300, LDV123, Multiplex Engineering T16, ELM320, ELM322, ELM323 (v2.x), ELM327 (all versions), Any SAE-J2534 compliant OBD-II interface.
ProScan Total Car Diagnostics bought out in 2015. This OBD2 software is now improved for 2018 and beyond – including ability to read newest sensor data to accommodate ever increasing vehicle technology advancements/sensors – and it’s part of TOAD LITE package. ProScan is easily one of most user-friendly Windows OBD2 software on the market. It’s also been around since 2003 – hence it’s biggest strength is consistent stability and development based on thorough know-how of automotive protocols/sensors and PID’s. It’s compatible with any standard ELM327 hardware. Best feature in ProScan that’s somewhat lacking in others – is timing performance 0-60mph (100km). Or at least one of the most accurate implementations of this feature.
Meaning you can conduct live accurate measurements of speed/torque gains after adjusting it’s ECU parameters. Or simple for purpose of testing performance gains after modifying or adding aftermarket equipment. Benefits of ProScan:. Fuel Economy: can adjust fuel economy depending on driver’s habit. Vehicle Connection Manager: The interface when launching the program. Read and display freeze frame data: monitor data from any previous period of time.
Oxygen Sensor Tests: Display all the tests which has been done on the oxygen sensors. Tried EOBD Facile.
VERY inexpensive OBD II software. Serves its purpose well on MacBook air. This is my second try at testing obd software, know they’re not all created equal. Be advised this works on most cars but not all.
It serves my purposes but I don’t use it on Dodge. It doesn’t function correctly on them (then again most scantools have issues with them). Works on 2 Jeeps and a Mercedes, so reading fault codes and or resetting them is a breeze. I DO have a way more expensive handheld that works on all vehicles but this is my go to option due to large screen real estate you have on laptop vs handheld. Quick to read, isolates a problem system so allows you to check micro switches etc – to narrow down where to look and why. Saves throwing money at something before confirming an issue.
Worth the few $$$ for most people’s workshop. Hope this review helps make an informed choice on which scanner you need. For most DIYers this will suffice. Tried TOAD and it’s a great Windows software, that’s clearly putting mobile apps to shame! I used TOAD lite version (bought on eBay but no longer available there) for years before finally getting the Advanced version on the website. The paid “PRO” version is definitely worth the money. I have toad-scan paired with a cheap ELM 327 adapter (about $15 on eBay) and it works great on my Surface PRO 3.
I have not come across any vehicle that TOAD can’t communicate with. It has saved me money on repairs on my truck and car as well as made money by diagnosing problems with other peoples vehicles. Would purchase again, even for twice the cost. Have bought Movi OBD app and using on Macbook pro 13. So I took the ZS 2.0 TD out for a blast to test the software.
Bearing in mind it’s the 118 with decat, SDI injectors, boost increase (physical boost gauge showing 23Psi). Why was my maximum Bhp 93.4, and my max torque 177 and boost only showing 17.8?? Am I doing something wrong? Is it the ELM327 reader or the Movi obd2 app? And the car is fine btw. It pulls exactly like you would expect a car that’s producing around 134-145bhp with all the mods.
Oh, and regarding the max bhp, I took the car right up to the redline with foot nailed to the floor in 1st, 2nd, 3rd and still the app showed a max of 93.4?? I own a Windows-10 laptop. The obd software by TOAD supplied, installed without problems. Update the diagnostic obd software according to the instructions, and all went well. The last update appears to be 1 week old, so I’m glad Total car Diagnostics is active in software development. Successfully determined what was causing my SES Service Engine Soon lamp on my 2006 Saturn VUE with 3.0L V6 it was a thermostat dtc fault code P0128. Very sad, the thermostat is buried inside of the engine under the intake manifold and intake spreader.
This will be an expensive fix 6.1 hours of shop time plus about $50 for the part– yet another thing that was made by monkeys. OBD software also cleared the code just fine, but in this winter weather in Vegas, NV, I suspect it will come right back because the engine is not warming up to specs = 179F in 14 minutes, and the thermostat is instead regulating at 169F-181F. I used the “Live Data” feature of the TOAD software to watch the engine temperature while driving to work. The thermostat is initially closed, but it appears that it is opening too soon and regulating at too low of a temperature. Nevertheless the temperature sensor is almost never the cause of this failure. Will attempt to test and/or replace it anyway, because that is a lot cheaper than replacing the thermostat.
NO regrets about the obd software purchase. I also like very much the instant check to see if the vehicle is ready for a smog test it’s a one-button test.
Will use this test before I smog the vehicle next year. You don’t have to be a mechanic or get a technician to resolve simple problems of your car – which you can do yourself with some courage, time and a obd diagnostic tool. Thats why finally decided to buy of the OBD software on this page, together with ELM327 unit.
My friend told me about the obd2 software and scantool he was using to diagnose problems of his car everytime they popped up. Especially because he does lot of offroading. Therefore I am glad to have used the software.
Also it’s affordable rather than going back and forth to the auto repair shop to have the vehicle checked. I purchased TOAD because of an engine light that was on, in less then five minutes it had detected the culprit and erased the code, and the light was shut off. I didn’t even get my hands dirty!
Superb product, very handy and easy to use by click or tap on your laptop touchscreen. My check engine light MIL came on the other day so I dropped by the local parts store and ask it they could verify it. Man behind the counter said we don’t do that anymore, was suprised by the statement. I have always had them check the code and 90% of the time I buy what sensor or what ever and replace it myself.
I’m an industrial mechanic so most of the time I can handle these types of fixes. Well I went to another place I don’t frequent as much same story, we do not do that anymore. Don’t know if this is a local thing or if this is trending across the country but in any case it was the perfect excuse for me to get a hold of a good scanner myself and check this myself. Did a little research, came to this page, bought one of the obd2 software and elm327 wifi device.
Install the software, plugged WIFI into vehicles obd port, and connected to Windows. Took right off and magic within 5 sec I had the output showning the problem. Seems my coolant valve opened prematurely one cold morning and it was a flow sensor fault. I reset fault went away and has not returned. If it comes back, I’ll be armed with solution, and may have to replace that thermo valve, but now I’m always informed. I purchased PCMscan obd software to use in a 1999 VW, what a life saver. The only thing I would fault, if anything, is GUI is slightly outdated.
The graphs and data layout itself is perfectly intuitive and will give you vehicle DTC’s and the description/explanation of those codes, very useful. It’s instantly downloadable. The instructions are actually very good and comprehensive directions are included to tell you exactly what every function does and how to use it in the software.
This scanner software does not allow you to operate sensors or solenoids or actuators you will need a $1500+ unit if you need to do that. Tried most of these software. They’re idiot proof. Except part for rookie Pc users installing ELM327.
But once you get the drivers installed, plug it in underneath your dashboard just to the left of your steering wheel. Turn on your car. Only then load up the obd2 software (not before). From then on, they all basically work the same. Bunch of tabs. Each offers functions like Freeze frame, dtc’s, monitoring. Nearly all give you 2 choices about fault.
One is to look it up (takes you to online site), and other is to clear it. I have a Subaru 2009 Outback, and they all actually read vehicles codes successfully.
I noticed TOAD-Scan read 2 more codes then ‘OBD Auto Doctor’ which isn’t reviewed nor mentioned on this page, yet another worthy long time software which I think should be included to make this a fair comparison. I ended up buying a handheld Autel obd2 reader from Amazon, as software is too complicated for my hands-on type. Anyway, always wanted to be able to see for myself when the Check Engine light goes on, what does it really imply and ask of the car driver. I’ve now used the tool (more like a code reader) on a few different cars now and it works quite well and is pretty easy to use. I was able to scroll through the menus pretty easily and I REALLY appreciate that I can disable the beeping sound of button clicks. The Autel MD802 software is a must install so you can easily print out your data.
In addition, you can update the software on your device with a click of a button. The more I play with it the more I’m learning about my cars. It can be a little overwhelming because there is much data to assimilate.
I’m not a mechanic, so I just take my time for anything that wish more details on. Again, I find handhelds simpler to navigate through the menus and it’s cool to see live data, just like these mentioned auto repair software. My Ford passes successfully smog, but the O2 sensor triggers the MIL malfunctioning check engine light which is an automatic fail. However, now I am able to turn of the light and they won’t try to up sell me on service.
![Obd2 Obd2](http://www.auterraweb.com/images/AnalyzeWindows.gif)
This is money well spent on this code reader. I know about car software options, but to me, I makes sense to save time by avoiding the painful installation. With these handheld obd2 tools, just plug it in, turn on car, and instantly the data shows. No need to install anything. This is probably my first review, so I’m not gonna go full out. I’m as clueless on vehicles like most average drivers. The only lights I could read without a book are the oil change, seatbelt & open door.
I bought ProScan when I saw a light turn on and didn’t want to get cheated by mechanic for overwhelming fees. Didn’t know what to expect, but watched some YouTube videos on obd tools/software, used ProScan as directed and couldn’t be happier. I’m active duty military and took it to my base the next day and practically telling anyone that wanted to hear to purchase it. They could have sworn I am getting a commission because of how I advocated the software. It worked for me and I feel like I have an honest pocket carry on mechanic. In overall TOAD (Total OBD & ECU Auto Diagnostics) is an excellent diagnostic software that “just works”.
Of course TotalCarDiagnostics has superior customer service. Besides that, I got this up and running TOAD (Total OBD & ECU Auto Diagnostics) within 10 minutes. I’ve had a few hand-held devices and Wow!! Haven’t tried others on this page, but happy with what I’ve got. I wouldn’t trade this in for any of my old sets. It only took about 2 minutes to get this hooked up to the port of my 2005 Chrysler and I am by no means a computer whiz being middle-aged and probably took longer than I needed to in getting it set-up. Thanks to great support this is the best OBD2 diagnostic software and scanner I’ve ever used to date.
My car’s check engine light once again turned on-just in time for the vehicles yearly inspection. The local lube/inspection workshop ran a diagnostics on it, (car flunked the inspection since MIL light was on). The diagnostic showed code P0171, “running too lean”.
Same code I got 2 years earlier, same vehicle, which ultimately cost me over $450, to be repaired by a local supposedly “honest repair shop”. It turned out the $450, was to clean injectors and change filters.
I was committed this time I could do something about the issue and definitely save some money. So I Googled, came to this page, and purchased TOAD obd software with it’s included connector. Ran the diagnostics, received the same code. I manually changed the air filter-was needed, and added Lucas 10020 Upper Cylinder Lubrication & Injector Cleaner 5.25 oz. To petrol tank-spent less than $20.
After 2-3 days of driving with the injector cleaner in my tank and changing the filter, I cleared the MIL indicator lamp with this software. Did a full drive cycle (what entails a “drive cycle” is listed in the service manual for your vehicle) returned to the inspection place, and passed. The mechanics there asked me where I went to repair the issue, (they had nicely recommended an outfit), told them I did it myself! They were impressed, and I was thrilled with being able to take care of this issue alone. Couldn’t have done it without this handy obd (obd2? What’s difference?) software. Very easy to use on Windows lappy.
Highly recommend for anyone! Got the Toad obd2 software seeing this page on Google. 1 week later, it’s an incredibly powerful OBD software to have in your tool box, for both self repair, and regular checkups. It’s dongle is small enough to tag around where you need it (and easy to monitor on test drives once software is loaded). I would have paid a couple hundred more for this. The software is very stable and up to date.
Scans EVERY engine module available in the car and displays data PIDs for the modules found. Perfect for do it yourself diagnosing. Only thing it doesn’t do is bi-directional testing and programming. Which is when you buy a seperate tuner kit. MOst however will never both car-tuning.
Basically a must for any competent technician. Without doubt TOAD obdii software is the “Rolls Royce” of the Elm327 scan tools per my research. The obdii software is jammed packed full of innovative features as compared to the other Elm327 obd software. Specifically where Toad shines is with the following 3 unique functions, although others users may not agree: Support for very high speed baud rates. Double buffered message queue. Remote upgrade capability.
High Speed Baud Rates and Double Buffering The first two functions are primarily concerned at the high speed CAN protocol, the protocol used by all new vehicles manufactured since 2008. When the CAN protocol was first introduced in vehicles during 2004/05, many Elm327 chipped diagnostic tools suffered from BUFFER FULL messages, as a result of the high speed CAN networks of the vehicle over running the small internal buffer of the Elm327 chip. The Toad obd 2 software, with proper Elm327 genuine hardware, overcame this limitation with its unique double buffer support, so that BUFFER FULL messages were eliminated even at low speed baud rates. Anyway, just some technical contribution.
I have been using most of these listed obd 2 software to monitor my advance timing and knock Retard, thinking it was accurate. I was incorrect, and lucky I have not blown my motor. I think there are other parameters that this is monitoring pretty close to right on like engine temperature, RPM’s and Air Intake Temperature. When I did some data logging with the total car diagnostics obdii diagnostics software and there logging software, I found trusting it to be accurate based on common sense observation.
It’s a very cool application running on my lappy. But do not run above 91 octane, like 94-100 octane thinking this will let me know weather I’m getting knock retard.
This obd 2 program was showing me.5 to -3.0 Knock Retard all the time, and what I was really getting was +1.0 to +4.0 knock retard, timing being pulled back 6-7 deg. This is not good, so just a heads up, don’t us this to monitor race gas.
I say again my bad for trusting software. Hence for some things, you’ll need proper advanced tool and no obd scan tool software or some android app can read. Hence be smart before buying. Don’t expect it to replace a pro $2000 tool. Most of these mentioned OBDII software are similarly equipped with a complete array of vital features like built-in dynamometer to determine the horsepower and torque rating of the vehicle. Car owners can run basic scans to diagnose fault and error codes (DTCs and PIDs) but are unique in its ability to effectively store discovered fault codes on a vehicle’s ECU. I all the OBD2 software on this page more or less copy each others features.
For example they all automatically clears the DTC fault code to return to the original state after you’ve addressed issues with the fault codes. I mean, you can’t have a obd software for laptop, or for Android without this basic function. Other uses for these aformentioned OBD 2 software is to generally assist vehicle owners in significantly reducing repair and maintenance costs to self-diagnose and pinpoint car issues and error codes. After reviewing dozens of OBD software on Google and unconvinced by free demos available, I finally came to this page which confirmed my suspicious about various OBD2 software (for both MAC and windows laptops).
Bought TOAD from totalcardiagnostics.com/toad. At first didn’t like it.
Just another software with a fancy GUI. But grew to like it more due to it’s quantity of features (if you start exploring) – and settled on it finally. In overal, the software is a confident performer in 20 days of using it And would depend on it if had no choice elsewhere.
It’s price is high, but definitely justified for unlimited support. They gotta eat bread man! The multiple graphical reports I’ve run and insights received have been invaluable to the car repair business. For example, learned that one of vehicle’s turbo charger’s might be incorrectly performing and may require replacement. There is plenty of info our shop has access to via this application which puts Android apps to shame. I have just scratched the surface digging through all of TOAD’s features (like many customization live graphs as mentioned on top). I have used several obd 2 software’s in the past, but I have not liked them as much as I do TOAD obdii software.
I have another handheld, more expensive and professional (in shop use) scanner (not obd software for laptop) – that I have been using. Which is similar in Total Car Diagnostic’s TOAD’s features but seems will be using it a lot less as starting to favor obd2 software on computer as it’s real estate is more pleasing and easier to see. The graphic user interface for example is coherently arranged in tabs, makes sense. It’s appreciated the software can can erase pending codes (which usually aren’t picked by Android obd applications like Torque), unlike the other scanner I have. The obd 2 software allows you to monitor the engine while it runs and see what the sensors are doing in real time.
Add to that, can monitor up to 10 data values in graphical visual mode, seeing charts. The software also allows you to test oxygen sensors, plus type in codes to get an explanation of what the code is. In general, the software does a confident car review. One I feel I can trust.
Which is vital in any OBD2 software whether for laptop, obd scanner, or OBD2 app for mobile. I originally bought Total car diagnostics OBD software for my Win 7 laptop, about 5 years ago, and never thought about reviewing it. The included obd2 software worked great up until recently when it wouldn’t connect to my wife’s vehicle. However, the obdii software would connect to my car just fine.
I sent an email to Total car diagnostics – asking them if there had been any updates to the adapter and obd2 software, since the one i originally bought. About a day later Gary wrote me back and said there were no updates to the software.
He had me do some tests and then offered to check my interface/adapter if i sent it to them. I sent it to them and a few days later they sent me a brand new one. I was not expecting this kind of support from them for a device that was 4+ years out of warranty. Sorry for the long review, i just thought i should share my experience. The new elm327 adapter works perfect on TOAD-Scan obd2 software for my Pc. The Mac obd 2 software is poor compared to Windows equivalent. EG: TOAD-Scan has tons of measuring graphics, and customizable GUI while reviewing the others, it’s all static, and doesn’t give much flexibility with monitoring multiple PID’s along side.
I’m using Dell XPS 13 PC/laptop with Win 10, and ELM327 Bluetooth works fast. However USB cable is about 4x faster, which is important for car mechanics. Finally, if you’re a mechanic, none of the reviewed obd software on this page would be sufficient, as none do proper job of OEM scans like electronics, Dash, ABS, Airbag, etc.
However for generic OBD 2 diagnostics, I only recommend to colleges TOAD software from totalcardiagnotsics, as they’ve been ACTIVE in this game for over 8 years far as I know. Thanks for the numbers. I have owed a light and medium duty truck repair company for over 22 years. We use many different scanners in our arsenal for trouble shooting, most are bi-directional. So, I was not overly impressed with TOAD obd software on my laptop, but it will serve the purpose that I purchased it for (accurate obd 2 scans). Mostly?for laptop ability and large screen display when test driving.
So it alone was worth the money. I too am an information junky. The information you provide at your website is OUTSTANDING. Very good information! That alone is worth what you charge for the package deal.
I look forward to purchasing some more of your products in the future for remapping, tuning, flashing and reprograming. I am always interest in any Mode$06 Information from any obdii software, especially on Fords. We also work on a vast amount of light duty diesel engines, Ford (Power Strokes) G.M. (Duramax), Dodge (Cummings) and International (466 etc.). If you have more information on these motors, feel free to shoot me an email for what you have to offer. My two Diesel Techs are both very knowledgeable, but I like to be on top of my game at all times.
We also work on gas engines, Ford, G.M. Anyway wanted to show my gratitude for TotalCarDiagnostics and offering these objective non-biased reviews of various obd 2 software. About Us Total Car Diagnostics helps fellow home car owners, mechanics, technicians, garage shops, engineers, ECU programmers and auto repair centers — to significantly cut down on maintenance, repair costs, time, money, energy and all other frustrating headaches involved with dealing with vehicles — by providing cost-effective advice, tools and recommendations. Address: PO Box 1315, Byron Bay, NSW, 2481, Australia. Support phone: (+61) 401 605 241 © Copyright 2018 by Total Car Diagnostics. All Rights Reserved.