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Which OBD should I get?

Hmm.. The 3130 doesn't have either of those two features, but it's $60 cheaper! 😀

Any reason not to get that one?
 
IMO I'd rather have the ABS testing functionality myself, so if you don't own any OBDI vehicles or feel that being able to get OBDI codes isn't important, go for the Equus 3160. It bites that the ABS functionality isn't available on a code reader that is also OBDI-capable.
 
for personal use just get a cheap one from Harbor freight or better yet buy the OBD cable from eBay and D/L the software on a laptop/netbook.
 
You are better off with the Model 3160 ... OBD I is very old (1982 to 1995) and odds are you won't encounter that very much. The other one has more features and can do ABS which is becoming more of a necessity.
 
bruceb said:
You are better off with the Model 3160 ... OBD I is very old (1982 to 1995) and odds are you won't encounter that very much. The other one has more features and can do ABS which is becoming more of a necessity.
Click to expand...

3 out of 6 of the cars in my family are OBDI. Just sayin'.
 
I'd go with the 3160 still. OBD I doesn't give you the most info to begin with, I would just blink the light and get the code that way on those. The ABS features for OBD II on the 3160 would be better to have IMO. It sucks when a wheel sensor goes and knocks out any traction control and ABS and you have to figure out which wheel it is with no scanner.
 
Yeah, you're all comparing the 3140 and 3160 .. which I appreciate..

But what about the 3130 vs the 3160? It does have OBD 1 or ABS, but it's only $130 vs $200. ABS really isn't worth that $70, is it?
 
Ruger22C said:
Yeah, you're all comparing the 3140 and 3160 .. which I appreciate..

But what about the 3130 vs the 3160? It does have OBD 1 or ABS, but it's only $130 vs $200. ABS really isn't worth that $70, is it?
Click to expand...

bruceb, IcePickFreak, and I all agree that having an ABS diagnosis tool is the overriding feature. The (hopefully cheaper) alternative would be to see if you can do something with a cable+laptop+software.

If you don't care about being able to record when trouble codes occur, the 3150 is $155 on Amazon and has ABS testing functionality.
 
The Harbor Freight one looks like a pretty good deal. I bought an Accton at AutoZone when I needed it. Cost me about a hundred bucks. I don't think it does CAN though.
 
Ruger22C said:
Morpheus, what's the difference?
This does live data recording, and allows connection to PC.
Click to expand...

It's easier to set up (you're working with a keyboard and mouse, not a series of buttons on a handheld), you can pull data directly, not just trouble codes.

I've got the enhanced diagnostic pack with mine, which means that I can look at every parameter on this list (at least, all of them that are relevant to my car, if I look at 4x4 stuff there's no data):

http://www.palmerperformance.com/support/supported_vehicles/ford_enhanced.php

For instance, if I'm concerned about whether my torque converter is locking properly, I can log the output shaft speed of the transmission and the RPM of the engine - anywhere I don't see a constant ratio means that the torque converter is not locked. If I'm trying to figure out why it's slow to shift, I can log the values returned by various pressure sensors in the transmission. I can also do things like look at the fuel-air mix as a function of throttle position or engine RPM if I'm trying to track down why the car threw a lean fault code.
 
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If doing OBDII and you have a iPhone or Android device get one of the blue tooth connectors and the app for your device.
I tried the cable connectors and laptops in cars before and it's a huge pain in the ass. Go wireless.
 
Ruger22C said:
Fenix, I'd like one that's compatible with basically all... The equus is, I assume??
Click to expand...

OBDII is generic, if i recall correctly (so basically any reader will get you the info from any OBDII car). vagcom is VW/audi specific and offers much more detail/ability than your standard OBDII reader.
 
Scangauge only gives basic trouble codes.

These have graphing tools, etc. that help you diagnose even more problems and get an idea of the condition of the engine.. and will allow you to disable spark on a specific cylinder for diagnosing engine problems, I believe.
 
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