Quote:
Originally Posted by bawareca
Absolutely!
Generic reader will give you a code for O2 sensor, but which one it is? Or cam sensor code, but is it electric fault or timing problem? Or a fuel trim problem, what could that be?
ISTA/D can be downloaded for free from many places and K+Dcan cable is $25.
|
No disrespect to you other others that commented, about generic OBDII tools.
Tens of thousands of vehicles are repaired each day using generic OBDII tools. Additionally EVERY state emission inspection station uses generic OBDII to verify the engine performance.
You has a generic OBDII will give you a code for an O2 sensor, but which one you ask, the generic OBDII tool will CLEARLY give you the exact Bank and sensors number without a problem.
A cam timing code, will it be electrical or a timing problem. Generic OBDII tools can CLEARLY give you information if the problem is electrical, it may or may not help with timing, however, specific timing problems are few and far between and you can usually get a good idea if there it a cam timing problem.
OBDII can clearly give you Fuel Trim info and based on other data, assuming you have any experience you can easily figure out or rule out problems.
Oh, and BTW can does BMW specific software actually Log PID's, I doubt it.
Does BMW specific software CLEARLY show Fuel System Status, usually not.
Does BMW specific software REQUIRE you to have a laptop in the car at all times, yes.
Does BMW specific software output in .CSV file format, not that I have seen.
Does BMW specific software support Emission Readiness Monitors, many do not!!!
I find manufacturer specialized software or tools is rarely needed for typical driveability problem. Almost anything that can trigger the SES/CEL/MIL can be resolved with a generic OBDII tool and some use of ones brain. Rarely will a manufacturers specialized software or tool give you a silver bullet and tell you what part is bad, few tools do this. Matter of fact, many of the European manufacturer specialized software or tools are very misleading due to language translation errors or general semantics. The "is the glass half full or half empty" type of point of view, I see this ALL the time with BMW related code descriptions.
What continues to get under my skin all day long is the fact how so many people discount generic OBDII tools. They DO support manufacturer specific codes as well as generic or standard OBDII codes. Matter of fact standard and manufacturer specific OBDII codes are consistent and far less confusing then some of the manufacturer proprietary codes.
I have PLENTY of manufacturer specific software and tools as well as a number of very expensive Pro level scan tools, almost as much as most people have tied up in their car, but I ALWAYS start with my smart phone App and unless the problem goes beyond driveability. I resolve almost EVERY problem that triggers a SES/CEL/MIL with OBDFusion for less than $10 and a wireless interface.
So before everyone kicks a generic OBDII tool of any sort to the curb, they need to LEARN about what tools are available and what they can do. You might just be surprised if you open up your mind and actually learn about Apps like OBDFusion and learn how powerful they actually are and what they can actually do.