Engine fault code scanners

BlueEA · 12-11-2018, 04:33 PM

Hi guys,
OBD-2 Engine fault code scanner for a BA Falcon 05 Mk2 6cyl.

I know this has been discussed sometime back a number of times but not of late as far as I'm aware. In saying that and with respect I would be very interested in peoples thoughts/experiences/recommendations on this subject now that there is more updated ones on the market that members would be familiar with.

I know of the Forscan and it's very good but I'm after an accurate/reliable plug & play without having to upload a program into my computer/laptop if I can help it. There's plenty out there & I've looked at a number of them but this is for a good friend of mine who just wants something that she can check for any fault codes without it being too complicated. Something under say around $50-60 bucks. Your suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm also looking for a OBD-1 for an EA 6cyl Falcon.

Cheers.
Grahame.

**supershifty** · 13-11-2018, 06:36 AM

I use an el cheapo ELM327 OBDII Bluetooth from fleabay via Win7 laptop running Forscan. There is I believe apps available for android and apple smartphones that would be more suitable for you/your friend.

Downside is if you want to run the scanner full time on some cars, you will have to leave part of the dash fascia panel off if the plug socket is not readily accessible from under the dash. I have seen slim adaptors that plug in to the OBD port with a short lead and OBD socket to plug in your scanner and leave it hanging.

Here's some other OBD threads I've bookmarked from the forum that may of use to you:

https://fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11421689

https://fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11326889

https://fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11409173

https://fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11373845

Good luck with finding an OBDI scanner for the EA, I'd love one for my XH - shout out if you find a couple.

Cheers!

Lukeyson · 13-11-2018, 08:22 AM

I run the cheapy ELM327 OBDII Bluetooth unit ($10-15 from memory), with the torque app on my phone ($5). Goes quite well for all i need it for.

BlueEA · 16-11-2018, 04:18 PM

Hey folks thank you for your response to my question & as said before it's greatly appreciated.

With the Forscan Elm327 & Torque, being very good by all reports, I'm surprised someone hasn't set this up as a combined program and incorporated it in a plug & play hand held scanner unit. Going by the amount of praise it gets it would be a no brainer. How good would that be not having to upload the software that some, not many, at times have a few issues with. I may still have to go down the present Forscan Elm327 path if I'm unable to acquire a plug & play scanner as it's still preferable for what we want it for & that is to just check for any error codes should they arise. So if anyone can recommend a P&G scanner that covers a fair amount of fault codes that they are using or have used that would be appreciated.

Cheers
Grahame.