OBD / CAN - software or physical reader?

[eltax91]

Hi all

I have a CAN cable for my 2006 e61 5 series, which I run in conjunction with INPA on my laptop. It reads and clears codes just fine.

The wife has a qashaqi, an 08 plate, which I assume is also CAN? I tried reading it ages ago with generic obd software and my obd cable that I used to use with VAG COM, but with no success

I also have a mk2 mx5, 98 plate which I assume has no obd at all??

So, my question really is two fold:

1. Is an 08 plate car going to be CAN rather than obd? And if so, which software would you use with the CAN cable to read codes and reset service indicators on the qashqai?

2. Would I be better buying a physical code reader than trying to work with software and a CAN cable? Of so, what is a good brand to look out for?

Cheers in advance

[bearman68]

Your BM probably has the CAN enabled in the diagnostic port, whereas the Nissan does not.
Both of then ought to connect to a generic OBD code reader available on ebay for £20 or so.
Your Mazda may or may not have an obd, and if it does may or may not connect to a generic code reader. As you will know, only cars after 2001 (petrol) needed to be OBD compatible.

If you want to do code reading, you need to spend some decent cash doing so, but if you just need to lift codes and clear every now and again, the generic may be OK - depends on what you want to do.

[mjhamilton]

Try a generic cable with easyobdii which has a free version

This will work on pretty much any car

Also if you have an android device try torque and a bluetooth obdii module this is also a very cool solution

I have tried both and they work on pretty much any car to do the basics that you are wanting