OBD2 scanner value?

[someday]

Just picked my truck up at the dealer service department. One of the issues I brought it in for was a CEL I saw a few weeks ago that went away when I turned the ignition off and on again. I haven't seen it since, but I figured while it was in for some other issues I'd have them check to see what if any code was set that morning and maybe there'd be something to fix. They found no code in the computer, but I got hit with a diagnostic fee.

Discussion of diagnostic fee aside, I'm wondering if a cheap OBD2 scan tool might be worth buying to avoid a fee in the future when I see a one time CEL? I certainly could have bought one for less than the fee.

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[JerseyGlock]

For what's worth, get yourself a OBDlink MX+.

 

[HammaMan]

FWIW your codes can be read remotely via the PTS system as your truck calls home pretty much every time you turn it on. Given modern vehicles being fully computerized, you should at least have a MX+. Forscan's basic code reading is completely free.

 

[JerseyGlock]

FWIW your codes can be read remotely via the PTS system as your truck calls home pretty much every time you turn it on. Given modern vehicles being fully computerized, you should at least have a MX+. Forscan's basic code reading is completely free.

You can read / clear CEL with MX+ and Forscan is not needed, unless you want to start change BCM settings.

 

[HammaMan]

You can read / clear CEL with MX+ and Forscan is not needed, unless you want to start change BCM settings.

Cheapie BT modules and phones can read and clear codes. Forscan has a far more features than simply changing BCM settings.

 

[JCsTruck]

Cheapie BT modules and phones can read and clear codes. Forscan has a far more features than simply changing BCM settings.

Hi Hammaman,

I need to do the brakes on y wife’s 2022 Kia Telluride so I need a scan tool that can put the rear calipers in service mode (retract pistons) so I can service the pads. That being said, I would also like to start to learn about Forscan and be able to see data on my 2024 F-150 5.0. I think you have good experience with this, or maybe someone else does here, but what would you recommend I get. I was thinking of this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081VQVD3...BYYND0VM&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it
but I might need a laptop to connect to it unless there is a way I can use my iPad pro with an app?

Any help/advice would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[HammaMan]

forscan is for FORd vehicles. Never tried w/ other vehicles, there may be similar apps out there that can do such things.

 

[Ricksc]

Here you go. You should be able to use iPad. Not sure with the app if there’s a limitation on what you can do.

 

[JCsTruck]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I forgot Forscan is Ford only. I’m doing my research now on scanners. I might just retract the EPB manually with a battery and jumpers but need to do my research before I jump into that.n

 

[Fordphanatic]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I forgot Forscan is Ford only. I’m doing my research now on scanners. I might just retract the EPB manually with a battery and jumpers but need to do my research before I jump into that.n

https://a.co/d/hC6uJHV

Might be time to make the investment. You will pay a shop about this in labor to do your brakes. You could spend the same money and buy the tool you will always have.

 

[JCsTruck]

https://a.co/d/hC6uJHV

Might be time to make the investment. You will pay a shop about this in labor to do your brakes. You could spend the same money and buy the tool you will always have.

Thanks, I’ll look into that to see if it supports EPB on 2022 Kia Telluride.

 

[Hogan]

Thanks, I’ll look into that to see if it supports EPB on 2022 Kia Telluride.
[/QU

Actually...to do this job on any e-brake thats electronic you can just remove the module form the back of the caliper..most are held on with 2 torx or Hex bolts..simply remove from caliper..leaving plugged in and while pressing piston inwards..use a pair of pliers to either turn the nub left or right that goes into the module.or sometimes the nub is a female..in which case put a flathead screwdriver into the back of the caliper and turn either left or right till fully seated..while pressing on the piston to fully collapse.
I do this at work.. all the time so that I dont have to break out the scan tool to put the car/truck into maintenance mode. so much easier this way..then when your done..with the brake job..just engage the ebrake from the cab button..on and off a couple times to ensure its working. as shown in this youtube video(not mine)

 

[Je1279]

I have a laptop with an OBDLink MX+ and Forscan for my truck and I absolutely love that combo. However, if you want an inexpensive OBD II scanner that works for all brands, I have had good luck with the BlueDriver. The first one that I purchased ultimately crapped out after a couple of years, but the company stepped up and sent me a free replacement at no charge. Since it is Bluetooth scanner, you will need a compatable smartphone or tablet, but I tested mine on my truck and it even read ACM DTC's which really suprised me.

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