(OBDII) Computer Interface, anyone tried it?

[davidk]

Has anyone hooked up a laptop to their Tundra to retrieve the OBDII scan codes?

I'm looking at a piece of hardware (BR-2 that costs $85.00 (software for Windows and DOS is free and included) to run on an old laptop. The BR-2 hooks the serial port of a computer to the OBDII port on any OBDII (post 1996) vehicle. Has anyone tried something like this?

http://obddiagnostics.com/index.html

This site has more info on other products as well:

http://www.batauto.com/technical/scaninfo.shtml

Thanks for your input!

David Kushner

[justagirl]

I've been looking at those too. If you do get one please let me know your opinions.

[davidk]

BTW here's an email exchange between me and the BR-2 manufacturer:

From: B. Roadman <bvrd@usa.net>
To: "David"
Date: 02/28/2003 12:41:49 PM
Subject: Re: [BR-2 (OBDII) Interface (completed unit) question]

Hi, David;

By "codes", I assume you mean diagnostic trouble codes (DTC). If so, it will
retrieve any powertrain dtc that the vehicle sends. These are of the form
Pxxxx. DTCs up to P1000 are generic, that is, they are defined by SAE for
general use. DTCs from P1000 up are defined by manufacturers. There is a
pretty long list of both types of dtcs in the windows help function, but if
you retrieve one that isn't there, usually it can be found with a quick net
search or in a repair manual.

It WILL NOT retrieve other types of dtcs, such as B, C, and U codes which are
related to body, chassis, etc. So it won't be usefull for things like ABS
brakes, ride control or restraint systems. Only usefull for powertrain dtcs.

"David" wrote:
> B
>
> I have a 2002 Toyota Tundra SR-5, is there a way to find out what kind
> of codes your product will pull for this specific vehicle? If you
> aren't familiar with the Tundra do you know anyone who may have tried
> it?
>
> Thank you!
>
> David

Bev
bvrd@usa.net
OBD Automotive Diagnostics homepage
http://obddiagnostics.com/

[davidk]

Well I ordered the BR-3 (OBDII) Interface (completed unit) for PWM, VPW, ISO9141 unit from http://obddiagnostics.com/order.html today. I'll let everyone know what I think when I get it.

I haven't had my check engine light on yet, but my gf's F-250 Superduty's light is on

Dave

[dpeete]

I use Vehicle Explorer to grab OBD-II data... the graphing capabilities are great!

http://www.obd-2.com/

[davidk]

Originally posted by davidk
Well I ordered the BR-3 (OBDII) Interface (completed unit) for PWM, VPW, ISO9141 unit from http://obddiagnostics.com/order.html today. I'll let everyone know what I think when I get it.

I haven't had my check engine light on yet, but my gf's F-250 Superduty's light is on

Dave

The BR-3 is nice because it supports ALL of the standard communication protocols [VPW (General Motors), PWM (Ford), and ISO9141 (Chrysler, Asian, and European), all data defined by SAE J1979] so one single device which costs $85 will work on all cars. Most companies make you purchase a separate piece of hardware for each standard.

It also has software for DOS (nice for old laptops) and Windows.

Can't wait to get it and try it first hand!

[tremo]

Originally posted by davidk
The BR-3 is nice because it supports ALL of the standard communication protocols [VPW (General Motors), PWM (Ford), and ISO9141 (Chrysler, Asian, and European), all data defined by SAE J1979] so one single device which costs $85 will work on all cars. Most companies make you purchase a separate piece of hardware for each standard.

It also has software for DOS (nice for old laptops) and Windows.

Can't wait to get it and try it first hand!

So David, how well did the BR-3 work for your Tundra? The price seems right...are you happy with it?

Thanks!

Jim.

[Alan]

Several months ago I purchased an ISO OBD-II scanner (~$100) from www.ScanTool.net. I wanted to be prepared to troubleshoot, due to the many oxygen sensor failures reported on TS. Today my check engine light came on and I finally tried the product. I’m very pleased; it couldn’t have been easier to use.

1. Connected from the vehicle plug to the ScanTool & from ScanTool to laptop.
2. Ran the ScanTool executable file in Windows.
3. ScanTool immediately began trying to communicate with the vehicle.
4. Started the engine and the ScanTool began displaying realtime data.

Besides all the usual parameters (speed, temp, RPM, MAF, timing advance, etc.), the software displays a couple parameters from each of the four oxygen sensors, so theoretically if you have a bad sensor, you’ll be able to not only see the DTC, but also observe the reading or lack thereof, from the sensor. My code turned out not to be sensor related, so this is still just my theory.

The ScanTool software is extremely simple and easy to use (and allows you to turn off the check engine light, clearing your computer log). Not as comprehensive as some other products, but the interface can’t be beat. VERY intuitive; there are no instructions and none are needed. There are plans to release v2.0 in the next few months, so it could get even better; then again, it’s a one-man outfit, so v2.0 could be vaporware. For now, the software lacks freeze-frame data (to display engine parameters your vehicle records at the time an event is logged), which is the only thing on my wish list. The ScanTool web site is easy to navigate and includes a user forum, to observe actual user/vendor Q&A (always a good sign, IMO).

I would strongly recommend this product for its ease of use, simplicity and low cost (also available in kit form for even lower cost, if you’re handy with a soldering iron).

Stay shiny,

Alan

[davidk]

Originally posted by tremo
So David, how well did the BR-3 work for your Tundra? The price seems right...are you happy with it?

Thanks!

Jim.

Works great, haven't had any check engine light yet on my Tundra. Helped me diagnose my friend's F-250 P.O.S though

It's a simple hand-made box, but it's inexpensive and works on GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, etc. Most only work on one type of system and require you to buy additional hardware for each protocol.

Also it has software for Windows and DOS, so I use an old laptop with DOS for convenience.

http://obddiagnostics.com/index.html

Hope this helps.

David K.