Tested: OBDLink SX + OBDWiz, the fast USB Scanner: OBD4Everyone E21

[@kevinlester]

That was awesome. I had my report next to me following through each section throughout the video. It makes so much more sense now. Thanks for the great video and hard work put into the production and making of these Videos !!. Cheers Frank

[@OBD4Everyone]

Hey Kevin, Thanks for your kind words! The next episode should be out in a few days, where I show how to use the OBDLink SX with an Android phone/device using a $6 "on the go" cable. This gives speed and portability.

[@cmercer555]

Great overview. Thank you for taking the time to do this. I just recently installed OBDWIZ and the Prof Add-on, and to be honest, I was lost (especially when looking at the O2 sensors with nothing to do, and that is what I'm trying to diagnose). Your presentation was fantastic and to the point. I subscribed to learn more.

[@OBD4Everyone]

Hey Craig, Glad to hear it and thanks for subbing!

[@apollomedia7210]

It is been 5 months but I recommend you schrodingers box youtube channel for o2. And af sensors.

[@bobbrothers6802]

Unfortunately when you say just click HERE... I have no idea where you're clicking. But I'm still happy you made the tutorial showing all the different pages/options.

[@OBD4Everyone]

Sorry about that... I try to catch those and edit/fix them before I upload the episodes, but I must of missed it.

[@apollomedia7210]

I see it perfectly

[@bricewillis6577]

I agree.

[@apollomedia7210]

Wow, that was a awesome review. I'm assuming it does not do bidirectional test. Keep in mind that you can only add 4 graphs, after 4 you need to pay 45 dollars for professional add on. But you can add as much strip data as you want. Also is onboard monitoring same as live data? Edit: Sorry I just realized PID Values are live data, I wish they just named it live data. Also keep in mind this scan tool does not work for hybrids. It does not do bidirectional test which is to be expected at this price.

[@OBD4Everyone]

Thanks for the info!

[@OfficialBigStick]

So informative thank you for your time and knowledge. Gonna get this cable and get to work!

[@OBD4Everyone]

Glad it was helpful!

[@aurasbp]

Another great video, Welcome back.

[@OBD4Everyone]

Hey Auras Bahjat, Thanks for your kind words! For the next little while, I am focused on getting caught up on my episode "to do" list. :)

[@kwametwumasi8543]

Nice video very informative and straightforward . Just have a few questions though . Do you need wifi to operate the system . Second of so do you think the hotspot on my Android phone would be strong enough to run it ???

[@geoff3172]

Great to see you back posting videos...will you be doing a video on touchscan pro add on

[@OBD4Everyone]

Hey Geoff, Thanks for your comment. Actually I can, show TouchScan with enhanced diagnostics, but only for Nissan/Infiniti vehicles. I purchased that add-on about 3 years ago. Also as you might of noticed, OBDWiz and TouchScan are the same software, BUT OBDWiz is free and only works with OBDLink products. (OBDLink MX+, OBDLink LX, OBDLink SX)

[@dannyhood-b1f]

does it read fuel pressure and distinguish between fuel pump and other fuel pressure components?

[@rarosarioc11]

Can this be used to know the real odometer value?

[@deebee455]

Does the OBDLink SX run live test on ac components like pressure valves and AC compressor?? I want to trouble shoot my HVAC system but don't know if this is the right tool for that.

[@ryanmahoney5311]

Can you test components with it?

[@jim_merk]

Just got started with this system. Thanks for the overview. My interface is sending data to OBDWiz (logs, general info), but should I expect to see TPMS codes and diagnostic reports for a GM sedan? Can't seem to get those.

[@OBD4Everyone]

Good question! However, I don't have any experience with GM products. OBDWIZ (and most OBD programs/apps) only read emission codes from the ECU/PCM. To read codes from all modules (like ABS, TCM, etc) usually some add-on is required. OBDWIZ does offer a professional add-on, but you will need to verify what it supports on your car. www.obdsoftware.net/software/professionaladdon Good luck!

[@Estoyaca]

Very nice video, thanks for explaining. What is a good software to delete codes or service cars? I have a laptop so I would like to just buy the software instead of having to buy an expensive scanner. Thx!

[@OBD4Everyone]

This is a difficult question to answer... Different manufactures use different software/hardware to read / troubleshoot a problem. As far as I know, there is no single program for every make and model of car.

[@gerstrikwerda4808]

Thank you! Very helpful

[@sunshine542]

can it used on another car like nissan?

[@labradormcgraw]

Very informative. Thank you.😀

[@OBD4Everyone]

Glad you liked it :)

[@manuelrgarcia4409]

Great vid! I'm almost sold on this but still want to know differences or advantages of the OBDLink EX and OBDLink LX and are they worth the extra cost?

[@OBD4Everyone]

Hey Manuel R Garcia, The OBDLink EX (Android & Windows only) is designed to be used mostly on Ford vehicles, using a windows program called ForScan. The OBDLink LX (Android & Windows only) is based on the OBDLink MX+, but can only connect to a single CAN bus. The OBDLink MX+ (Apple, Android & Windows ) can automatically switch between two different CAN buses that are used on GM and Ford vehicles. PLUS it comes with FREE OEM enhanced diagnostics for most vehicles. I hope that this link will help you decide: www.obdlink.com/products/

[@blackchaos97531]

Hello great video, I have a question about the paid professional add-on, does it give you more info about the trouble code?

[@OBD4Everyone]

No... The only place to get the full (and accurate) description is from the factory shop manual. I have seen many times where google gives a wrong or inaccurate description.

[@blackchaos97531]

@@OBD4Everyone Thanks a lot saved me some money! :)

[@mback12000]

So the OBDWiz is used instead of the phone app? And is better? I just ordered an MX+, interested in both educational and troubleshooting purposes.

[@OBD4Everyone]

Overall, OBDWiz is fairly similar in features to OBDFusion or OBDLink. The main difference is the platform it runs on. Sometimes I really like a larger screen :) I think you will be happy with the MX+... It is still my goto OBD scanner.

[@apollomedia7210]

Hey, since you are a OBD channel can you explain obd interfaces and chips. Like when I want to buy a OBD cable I wonder which one should I buy, elm327 chip, STN1110 chip, FTDI chip, TI chip? What is the difference?

[@OBD4Everyone]

ELM327 was the first OBD chip, the STN stuff is an improved version used on OBDLink products. FTDI and TI make many chips, but I am not aware of any OBD chip that they make. FTDI is mostly known for USB to TTL converters that are used in USB OBD readers.

[@Eric-jk8py]

Not necessarily your field but my laptop does not find the scanner dongle on my laptop. The phone app (Torque not the FastlinX that came with the scanner) finds it no problem but it doesn't show up in the "connect bluetooth device" section of Windows on my laptop although I see other devices there. Do I need a Windows driver for the scanner? If I can't connect by bluetooth I guess I'll have to get the OBDLink SX hardware but I'd rather use the wireless dongle. Thanks.

[@OBD4Everyone]

I really don't know... Maybe you could contact the scanner seller and see how to get it working in Windows. Good luck!

[@Eric-jk8py]

I'm new to this tech & I need to analyze my engine so thank you for the tutorial. I am wondering, when you link the scanner & laptop (or phone) does it log automatically to some kind of file that can be shared with a mechanic or other knowledgeable person & what format is it & how would it be shared?

[@OBD4Everyone]

It does! Actually, just about every OBD app does data logging and can save the OBD live data to a CSV (comma separated value) text file. It can be easily graphed and shared using datazap.me Here is a sample from a Infiniti Q50: datazap.me/u/nickdaria/714-log-1?log=0&data=1-2-4 However, it does take some knowledge to be able to read the data and know what is good or bad.

[@bearrh1]

Question, does the check engine light have to be on to detect problems, lets say an engine misfire or bad coil?

[@OBD4Everyone]

No, the CEL can be off and you can detect problems. You can use the live data view to see what each sensor is doing, but this means that you need to know typical values for each sensor. It is a good idea to record the live data of all sensors when the car is running well. Then you have "know good" data for each sensor. For example, if you look at the fuel trims and they are VERY positive, that means the engine is running lean (too much air / not enough fuel) This could mean a dirty mass air flow sensor, unplugged/cracked intake hose, bad fuel pump, just to name a few. Also, in order for the check engine light to turn on, the fault must happen TWICE, the fist fault is stored as a "pending code" Whe/if the fault happens again, then the CEL is turned on. If the fault is catalyst damaging, then it only requires the fault to be detected ONCE, and the CEL is turned on. TL;DR: Yes, but you need to know what is a normal and abnormal sensor value.

[@jerrettoakes8435]

Just curious will this work on Honda and Toyota or is this just for American vehicles?

[@OBD4Everyone]

This will work any any OBD-II complaint vehicle (which is 1996+ for North America) You can use this list to check you vehicle: www.scantool.net/blog/how-do-i-know-whether-my-car-is-obd-ii-compliant/

[@dylansirois8768]

would i need the enhanced diagnostics to look at the wheel speed sensor outputs?

[@OBD4Everyone]

Good question! Your best bet is to contact OBDLink support and tell them your year, make and model to see if they provide individual wheel speed.

[@AutomotiveChris]

But are you able to see live pid data for per cyl misfire?

[@OBD4Everyone]

Not live misfire counts, but the diagnostic report does show a misfire count by cylinder in the mode $06 section.

[@chrisl2431]

So obd 2 to usb will work just fine and i wont need the amazon product

[@OBD4Everyone]

Correct, with the OBDLink SX and a Windows laptop, you don't need a tablet.

[@fredastaire6156]

Wait? Did you just say that we would have to pay extra to clear codes?

[@OBD4Everyone]

With the included OBDWiz software, it can read and clear codes on the engine computer (ECU/PCM/DME) With the paid "professional add on" you can read and clear codes in all modules. (as long as your vehicle is supported)

[@TuningLovers]

Wonder if work for Renault MeganeIV? And can read Gearbox, ABS and Airbag faults/data?

[@OBD4Everyone]

I am located in North America, so I have no idea (or ever seen a Renault since the 80s) You could try the OBDLink support forum: www.scantool.net/forum/index.php?board=52.0 Good luck!

[@dereklacy]

I have an Amazon obd2 cable that I bought a few years ago and used with vagcom lite. Do you think that cable would work with obdwiz? It looks like the red cable, just mine is blue

[@OBD4Everyone]

I don't think so... The VAGCOM cables use a different chipset and are not compatible with the ELM327 AT commands

[@NETW0RT]

could you peform a DPF regen using this software and if not, what pc software allows to do DPF regen

[@OBD4Everyone]

Sorry, but I don't have any experience with diesels, so I don't know the answer. :(

[@superdupergrover9857]

Distantly related question. I work at a major auto parts retailer. When scanning for codes, I've noticed that my store's scanner (actron cp9690) takes forever to do the initial module present search and the like with late 90's and early '00 Japanese cars. Sometimes it's an honest 2 minutes, usually 60-90 seconds. But American makes from the same era is 20 seconds at the worst, usually 5. What's up with that?

[@OBD4Everyone]

I think I have an idea why... Starting in 2008 all OBD diagnostics were mandated by the EPA/CARB to use the "CAN bus" which normally runs at 500,000 bits per second. The older Asian/Chrysler vehicles use ISO-9141 which is runs at 12,500 bits per second... so it will take longer to read the data.

[@superdupergrover9857]

@@OBD4Everyone Wow, cool. I had been wondering about that for years. The numbers even line up with my memory after you account for a few seconds for the scanner to process. Thanks!

[@Yoggee143]

can i use this cable on all commercial vehicles like Bus and trucks all models ?

[@OBD4Everyone]

I don't think so ... As I understand it, trucks / buses are not OBD compliant, so these car devices won't work.

[@RecordnRtist]

Good stuff here!

[@OBD4Everyone]

Glad you like it!

[@sokhannhem51]

will this read ABS and airbag data. is obd wiz compatible with anything other than OBD link?

[@OBD4Everyone]

OBDWiz is the the free software that only works on the OBDLink SX. As for ABS and airbag data, typically a generic OBD scanner doesn't do that. ABS/Air bag is VERY specific to a year/make/model. For details you may want to post a question at the OBDlink SX forums.

[@reimt600]

Can i remove permanent codes with obdwiz ?

[@OBD4Everyone]

No scan tool can remove/clear a permanent code. The required drive cycle must be completed 2-3 times and then the PCM/ECU will clear it.

[@garywelsh8168]

I have to cable but I am wondering if this cable is compatible with other obd2 software on the market and if yes, can you suggest a few please. Thanks in advance

[@OBD4Everyone]

Any OBD software that supports an USB connection should work. The OBDLink SX cable is compatible with any program that supports "ELM327" devices. ( and that is just about all of them)

[@monalisarizea130]

@@OBD4Everyone hello MAN u have renolink 1.87 soft?chines clone.thx

[@jannadrielcervo7753]

Help! I have a VAG-COM OBD2. Is it compatible with OBDWIZ?

[@OBD4Everyone]

Nope! It only supports ELM327 commands.

[@yesbro110]

Hi, will any obd diagnostic tool work on obdwiz as long as it’s elm 327?

[@OBD4Everyone]

No... OBDWiz only works with OBDLink products. However, TouchScan (www.obdsoftware.net/software/touchscan) is the same as OBDWiz, but works with any ELM327 scanner.

[@thogevoll]

Can the console mode be used to enter commands to turn thing on and off as you can do with vi-directional scanners if you know the data yo enter to accomplish it?

[@OBD4Everyone]

If you know what data must be sent to the CAN bus for bi-directional control, all you would need to do is convert that into ELM327 commands, and then you could use the console to send them. Or you could buy/make an Arduiono based CAN bus device, and just send out the CAN bus data.

[@MrGHOSTMAXX]

Does this scanner/software read TCM codes? More specially Chrysler TCM codes

[@OBD4Everyone]

Sorry, but I don't know, as I don't have easy access to a Chrysler to test.

[@jairoguerra9924]

Hey thanks for the video, can this read A/C , ABS , etc ?

[@OBD4Everyone]

It does for my 2011 G37. BUT I have no idea what year/make/model you are asking about. You might want to ask OBDFusion support obdsoftware.my.site.com/s/contactsupport

[@jairoguerra9924]

@@OBD4Everyone thanks for the response, mine is a jeep liberty 2002 3.7 V6, I wanted to know if this could diagnose AirBag issues, ABS

[@tomcc9935]

Does it allows to VIN Write on dodge BCM module?

[@OBD4Everyone]

Nope... it's just a basic generic OBD scan tool.

[@giwrgosmoulas1666]

hi can we check the real kilometers with this software obdwiz?

[@OBD4Everyone]

No, that requires a dealer/expensive aftermarket tool, IF the car stores the mileage in multiple modules on the car's network. Some do, some don't. Anything that is called "OBD" is a generic tool that doesn't into the other parts/modules on the car's network. Only special and expensive tools do that.

[@avatarstore]

i am having misfires and how do i get that if=nfo from my scanner

[@OBD4Everyone]

If your scanner supports OBD mode $06 (like OBDFusion) you can just look at the misfire counters to see which cylinder it happens to the most. Then start to troubleshoot in that bank or cyclinder.

[@thogevoll]

What is the typical cost of those mfgr specific add-ons?

[@OBD4Everyone]

It looks to be $45 USD. Details are here: www.obdsoftware.net/software/professionaladdon

[@boujwa1981]

Can it show engine misfires per cylinder?

[@OBD4Everyone]

Yes it does... That is part of the "Diagnostic Report" and you can see it at this point in the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6iXm6uHhs-Al8k

[@juancarlosfernandesdacosta1120]

Hola dear friend, is bought El obdlink sx.I need to know how to activate El obdlink to use El producto,

[@OBD4Everyone]

This should help. Here is a link to the OBDLink SX support forum: www.scantool.net/forum/index.php?board=52.0

[@holycownonames]

can it alter can ecu? ie edit in or out evap or egr codes or change their value to a non mil

[@OBD4Everyone]

No, that requires a the engine computer to be "tuned" for those to be turned off. Just in case you are not aware, turning off EVAP/EGR codes is illegal in many parts of the work.

[@Yaboi-xw9ds]

can someone tell me if the OBDlink SX comes with the downloadable OBDWiz software? or where do i download OBDWiz

[@OBD4Everyone]

www.obdsoftware.net/downloads/obdwiz/current

[@SandeepKumar-br6qm]

Does this work for toyota hybrid and honda hybrid scanning

[@OBD4Everyone]

I have no idea, as I don't have access to those models to test.

[@chucklemberg4968]

What computer did you use for this video?

[@OBD4Everyone]

I used a 9 year old MacBook Pro, running a Windows 10 virtual machine.

[@chucklemberg4968]

@@OBD4Everyone Then the difference between the samples per second on this video and the one using a galaxy tablet is due to the processing capabilities of the two computers? I was getting ready to order the OBDLink SX after viewing your two videos about it, but decided to get the OBDLink EX instead, since it is optimized for FORScan. Do you know if the two cables would have similar speed capabilities?

[@OBD4Everyone]

I don't think the cables make any difference... It all depends on the car's OBD protocol used, the factory programming of the ECU/PCM, and if the car has an OBD gateway. Generally, the newer cares are slower due to the OBD gateway and more data on the car's networks.

[@josephjackson989]

Can I set vehicle timing with this?

[@OBD4Everyone]

Sorry, but it is read only.

[@todopic]

Does that scanner read hyundai accent 1997?

[@OBD4Everyone]

It depends on where the car was sold. In the US, all cars sold from 1996 must be OBD compatible, in Canada it was 1998. Other countries have a different year when OBD was mandated. You may want to ask your question here: www.scantool.net/forum/index.php?board=53.0

[@SOLDbyYOU]

Oops per comment below… 2000 and 2010 RAV4

[@devilg37]

Teach me oh wise one! 😁👍

[@OBD4Everyone]

Hey DevilG, Your funny! I'm just a car geek that is fascinated by all of what the OBD port gives us access to :)

[@devilg37]

@@OBD4Everyone lol You are awesome, I've learned so much from both of your channels. You're not a geek but A saint of the G37 community, Never stop man. 😌 🍺

[@OBD4Everyone]

Wow... thanks for your kind words!

[@prstyoray]

Is this obd compatible with android realdash app ?

[@OBD4Everyone]

I'm not sure sure... Does RealDash support USB OBD devices?

[@prstyoray]

Thankyou for replying, if its possible can you do the experimental using this obd with android RealDash . That would be great if you make that kind of video thankyou

[@veeray1]

Does this work for my toyota 86 gt ?

[@OBD4Everyone]

If your car was made for the North American market, yes it will work as your car is OBD-II compliant. I'm not sure about other markets. To verify, look under the hood for the emission compliance label. It will say something like "OBD-II Certified"

[@vgoates8879]

is there a video that shows how to add pids for climate control or other areas not shown in the default pids?

[@OBD4Everyone]

Not that I know of. Typically to view data PIDs from other modules (like climate control) it requires more expensive/professional tools. Most consumer level OBD tools do a good job of providing information from the ECU that are emissions related.

[@FitriAni-ub9jj]

Tested obdlink ex, review

[@OBD4Everyone]

Maybe next year... I am way behind on reviews on products I have already purchased and need to focus getting those out.

[@onehundredpicks5531]

This doesn't work with Volvo

[@Jonjs99]

My obdlink reads as elm

[@OBD4Everyone]

That may be referring to the command set being used, not the actual hardware. Anyways, it is nothing to worry about and should still work.

[@trevorosborn9572]

Who else watching this for vehicle hacking purposes?

[@OBD4Everyone]

Hacking you say??? For that I use a $5 ESP32 dev kit and a $2 SN65HDV230 CAN bus transceiver to receive/send data on the CAN bus via Wifi using a fantastic (and free) program SavvyCAN.