I paid $90 for a OBD II scan tool for my 2017 scan tool but I thought it was a bit expensive for what it does. I thought I had seen someone post that they could also get the oil level for the electronic dip stick. Does any one have a recommendation for a blue tooth plug in OBD II scan tool that also measures the engine oil level?
Best OBD II scan tool for Volvo S60 using blue tooth
Ilovedoughnuts
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I paid $90 for a OBD II scan tool for my 2017 scan tool but I thought it was a bit expensive for what it does. I thought I had seen someone post that they could also get the oil level for the electronic dip stick. Does any one have a recommendation for a blue tooth plug in OBD II scan tool that also measures the engine oil level?
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For something that also interfaces with the full suite of computers on a modern car you're going to need to spend around a hundred dollars. A $13 bluetooth ELM 327 dongle and a phone app aren't likely to cut it because it's not designed to read non-OBDII systems and oil level isn't part of OBDII data (there are OBDII codes if the oil level sensor is throwing bad values, but they won't give you oil level). The VeePeak site is very clear that all of their models are limited to only OBDII scanning.
To do what you want requires a tool that can interface with the non-OBDII communications in the car like the VIDA/DiCE combination does.
I believe that at the very lowest end you'd be looking at something like Autel's DiagLink, which runs $90-$100. The downside to the DiagLink is that it will work with ONE brand of car. That's it. You get one "free" brand-specific software for the unit (which you have to download from Autel and install on the DiagLink before you can use it). If you want to use the advanced non-OBDII functions with another brand of car, you have to buy additional software from Autel. On the positive side, if you only have one brand of vehicle and don't expect to change it for a long time, the DiagLink is very cost effective for what it can do since most devices at that price point cannot do things like reset oil change lights or put electric parking brakes into service position like the DiagLink can (for the one brand you program it with, anyway). I believe that additional brand software is about $10, so it's not a huge problem to add another brand if you want to, but it's something to be aware of.
If you want something that can read non-OBDII data for multiple brands, you're looking at something like Autel's MD806, which runs about $200. Internally, I think it's the same hardware as the DiagLink, but the software it uses allows multiple brands without having to download separate brand software for each one and it has free software updates for "life." Though it's important to remember that in cases of computer software "lifetime" updates really only mean the expected support lifetime of the tool. In 15 years you probably won't still be able to download new software because they probably won't be making updates for an older unit. Still, for what you get, I think this is among the best values in scan tools. It can do everything that most home gamers need and it's not agonizingly expensive, especially if you'll use it often.
To do what you want requires a tool that can interface with the non-OBDII communications in the car like the VIDA/DiCE combination does.
I believe that at the very lowest end you'd be looking at something like Autel's DiagLink, which runs $90-$100. The downside to the DiagLink is that it will work with ONE brand of car. That's it. You get one "free" brand-specific software for the unit (which you have to download from Autel and install on the DiagLink before you can use it). If you want to use the advanced non-OBDII functions with another brand of car, you have to buy additional software from Autel. On the positive side, if you only have one brand of vehicle and don't expect to change it for a long time, the DiagLink is very cost effective for what it can do since most devices at that price point cannot do things like reset oil change lights or put electric parking brakes into service position like the DiagLink can (for the one brand you program it with, anyway). I believe that additional brand software is about $10, so it's not a huge problem to add another brand if you want to, but it's something to be aware of.
If you want something that can read non-OBDII data for multiple brands, you're looking at something like Autel's MD806, which runs about $200. Internally, I think it's the same hardware as the DiagLink, but the software it uses allows multiple brands without having to download separate brand software for each one and it has free software updates for "life." Though it's important to remember that in cases of computer software "lifetime" updates really only mean the expected support lifetime of the tool. In 15 years you probably won't still be able to download new software because they probably won't be making updates for an older unit. Still, for what you get, I think this is among the best values in scan tools. It can do everything that most home gamers need and it's not agonizingly expensive, especially if you'll use it often.
Free Car Scanner ELM OBD2 app for iOS and Android will show engine oil level in 4-cylinder Drive-E (VEA) engines in Volvo P3 platform.
It works with generic elm327 adapters, like Veepak, iCar Vgate, etc.
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That is awesome too hear; I honestly would not have expected that. I stand corrected!
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I didn't expect it either, but as soon as someone posted on here a few years ago about the very cheap combo, I bought it and was pleasantly surprised at all the things it could get from our cars' computer.
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Wow, hey thanks you guys. I didn't expect so much information. Hope others can use it here as well!
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What are you looking for specifically? A bluetooth scanner paired with a smartphone gives you live data.
well as an example I own multiple vehicles my wifes truck has the abs symbol on sometimes and a flashing wrench I beleive it may be a wheel speed sensor. My scanner only reads one speed not the individual speed sensors. I was thinking instead of spending the money to have Ford diagnose it I should put that money to get a decent scanner. I might go with the
MD806
pro
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Generally scanners that will read ABS and airbag (SRS) codes need to be a step up from the basic OBDII readers. The MD806 Pro should be a good option for almost everything a home user will need.
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Hi Peter1234,
I took your advice and got the same elm 327 adapter and it works great as you indicated. I was wondering if you can have the engine running when your using the OBD reader or not? The reason I asked that was that there is a large battery drain that happens when all the dash lights are on.
I took your advice and got the same elm 327 adapter and it works great as you indicated. I was wondering if you can have the engine running when your using the OBD reader or not? The reason I asked that was that there is a large battery drain that happens when all the dash lights are on.
Free Car Scanner ELM OBD2 app for iOS and Android will show engine oil level in 4-cylinder Drive-E (VEA) engines in Volvo P3 platform.
It works with generic elm327 adapters, like Veepak, iCar Vgate, etc.
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Of course, Car Scanner and similar apps work best with engine running and while driving to diagnose live parameters. Ignition position II quickly drains the battery, indeed. Probably only DTC errors should be deleted when engine is off.
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Well, I can't thank you enough for your advice. This app and tool is really great! Thank you again, Peter1234!
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I've had luck clearing DTCs with the engine running; it's really just switching off a flag so it shouldn't affect how the car is running. If I recall correctly, it's only when you get into full diagnostic tools (usually $200+) that some things can only be done with the engine off and ignition II.
I played around with this and if I create a Profile with a 2014+VEA engine(not SPA) selected, I can see the Battery Reset Days parameter but the SPA vehicle does not seem to read that data. So, in short, it will not work.
I bought a Foxwell NT530 and it does read and reset the Battery Days parameter.
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With the help of the SwedeSpeed community, we put together an article on this very topic. What is the Best Volvo OBD2 Scanner for the DIY Mechanic?
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