Craftsman Obd2 Code Reader App

[Baldomero Prado]

Ispent some time researching options, and weighed the choice between a new standalone tool and a Bluetooth reader. Some of auto diagnostic apps are free, at least for basic features, others are paid.

I also researched a couple of modern OBD2 code readers, but they were priced considerably higher if I wanted enhanced scanning. Even if I could find a model that had exactly what I needed, would the same happen as with the Innova/Craftsman scanner I had in-hand, where its usefulness would be extremely limited on future vehicles?

For me, this is a once-in-a-while type of tool. $150 was about the most I was willing to spend for a device and software. Pricier handheld solutions were out of the question, especially given how disappointed I was in Innova and Craftsman.

Modern scan tools and adapters can also open up a world of monitoring features and options beyond troubleshooting maintenance warnings and diagnostic lights, and I might explore those more when I have the time.

Agreed. I use the MX+ with DashCommand, OBDLink, BimmerCode, BimmerLink and FORScan. OBDLink offers extended code access on Ford vehicles which allowed me additional insight to troubleshoot a couple issues on my Transit Connect van. BimmerCode/Link allow customization of certain settings, programming, resetting of service data, battery management system reset etc.

I bought the Bluedriver and have had nothing but problems with it. My 2004 pickup actually freaked out when I plugged it in. Our 2014 minivan did ok, but I was afraid to use it after the truck fiasco. So many more electronics on the van to possibly screw up. I just use a basic wired reader now. I really wanted to see the advanced data the bluedriver should have accessed but I need functional vehicles.

for $22 the Konnwei bluetooth version does everything I need. The community developed app for scanning EV batteries recomends this particular model, and there seem to be quite a number of compatible apps.

I have found that i need to disconnect my bluetooth headset to get consistent data.

If you want to tune I like a wired version but wifi and secure BT works. And with the right software and mx functions you can do things like check compression just by pushing a button. No plug removal no gage.

I probably should have just looked at the android play store before my first post. It pretty clearly spells out what is shared (location, app activity, device and other IDs) and collected (location, personal info, app activity, device and other IDs). I imagine the type of data collected is similar for iOS, however it likely goes through a different gamut of checks by Apple so they can skim their portion of data under the guise of privacy controls or whatever they call it.

What kind of changes? Perhaps you changed tire sizes on a truck, Jeep, or performance car. On a modern car, that impacts a lot more than just the speedo. Transmission shift points, engine programming, even wiper speed may all be wrong unless you adjust programming for the proper tire size.

Or perhaps you want to add some factory options your car didnt come with, say proximity door locks. On some cars that only requires a couple hundred dollars worth of parts, but you need to turn on that option in the computer.

Living in a rural area, one thing we do is reprogram the computer to allow you to keep your factory driving/fog lights on with your highbeams if you want. In the USA, they are disabled with the highs. But on dark rural roads at night, that extra light low and close really improves safety.

Being able to configure your head lights really caught my attention. Are you also able to disable notifications that pop up on the dash each time the car is started stating that a backup sensor is malfunctioning? I have a couple of these that are not worth the cost to replace but would love to get rid of the annoying messages.

I had the mx already for forscan and alfaobd then bought the mx+ so I could use the code reader app with my iphone. I typically use forscan and the mx. The mx+ is annoying because it never links to my laptop, I have to remember that it automatically links to my phone and to turn my phones bluetooth off. It usually takes 5-10 minutes to remember so the mx+ is relegated to back up use or iphone app only. I use the app on newer cars that my autel wont work on.

I also bought the ex when it was on sale, it seems faster. I like the cord connection to laptop so I cant forget it like I have the Bluetooth ones. I hardly use it though, i always grab the mx even though there right next to each other in the computer bag.

I had a $25 basic model probably 10 years ago that I used with Torque free to pull some codes off my cars. I lost track of it a few years back, because *knock on wood* all our cars have been pretty reliable since then. For me the only thing I ever wanted it to do was pull the code so I could research it later elsewhere, and I saw no reason to add an extra screen and whatever associated e-waste versus using the screen I already carry everywhere with me.

Any feedback from a 7.3 Ford diesel owner on the MX+and whether it can read/interact with all of the special sensors and run the tests that can only be done by specialized programs? AutoEngenuity being one of the only consumer-grade ones I am aware of?

I bought the Veepeak OBDCheck BLE OBD2 for $33 and the BimmerLink and BimmerCode apps when I replaced the battery in my Mini with a higher capacity battery. It was unfortunate that I needed to buy these things just to upgrade my battery, and the BimmerCode app is a bit overpriced for my needs (I think it was near $100), it all worked pretty well and saved me a needless trip to the dealership, and who knows what they would have charged me. I imagine with many/most modern vehicles having such sophisticated software integration, these device combos are basically essential to being able to DIY pretty much anything on a car. And I would say the interface of an app will always be much more intuitive than the awkward buttons of a hardware scanner, which seem to always label buttons with weird acronyms or abbreviations of their functions, and have nowhere near the display resolution of a phone screen.

I leave the OBDLink plugged into he OBDI2 connector full-time and have noticed no impact at all on the battery (and I think I would, because my vehicle sometimes sits for fairly long periods). I fairly often run the app while driving to monitor things like transmission oil temps and actual battery charging voltage.

3a8082e126