OBD-2 Reader

[Gad-Westy]

Cheeky request. I'm thinking of buying an OBD reader as my girlfriend has got herself a self-destructing renault that likes to illuminate a 'warning of the day' alert or sometimes several. Anybody got one I can borrow to have a play with before I shell out my hard earned?

[SeanyD]

Looked into this a few month ago - seems cheapest solution is a serial/usb cable connected to a laptop (available on ebay for about 15 quid or so IIRC), and some freely available software from the net. Do some google'ing and if you're stuck let me know. Far cheaper than a dedicated reader.

[Gad-Westy]

SeanyD said:

Looked into this a few month ago - seems cheapest solution is a serial/usb cable connected to a laptop (available on ebay for about 15 quid or so IIRC), and some freely available software from the net. Do some google'ing and if you're stuck let me know. Far cheaper than a dedicated reader.

Unfortunately I have a Mac and there doesn't seem to be any software knocking about for it. Its still possibly an option though becasue there may be some old laptops kicking about at work that would be up to the job. There is a stand alone unit on Ebay for about £20 as well.

[SeanyD]

If you're absolutely stuck for a lappy, giz a shout, I've got several, and a Nokia palm, if its just spending a couple of hours scrabbling around to soft-reset a parameter or something, I could lend a hand on a weekend.

[Gad-Westy]

Sean, I may well take you up on that. I'll keep you posted. Much appreciated.

[WorAl]

Jesus christ they're only £20 or so on ebay, just buy one, they take no working out.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/U480-OBD-2-SCANNER-CODE-READ...

had one for my subaru to knock the warning light out when i removed the CAT

[TOENHEEL]

Im not sure where my dad bought ours but you dont need a laptop it comes with a book and the codes relating to where the problem lies. I think it was only about £30 as well.

[Gad-Westy]

WorAl said:

Jesus christ they're only £20 or so on ebay, just buy one, they take no working out.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/U480-OBD-2-SCANNER-CODE-READ...

had one for my subaru to knock the warning light out when i removed the CAT

That's the one I was looking at. I'm a little worried that some may offer more functionality than other's but yeah, for £20 its got to worth a punt.

[OlberJ]

Nah mate, they just read and come up with the codes.

Then clear the log and read again.

[PeteG]

http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/S... - might be decent, I've only ever read the box.