Upgrading scan/diagnostic software
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 509
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From: Edmonds WA
Upgrading scan/diagnostic software
I have ELM327 hardware and am looking to update my software (it's years old) so that I can do better diagnostics on my GM Truck that has OBDII. If I could do some data logging and analysis, that would probably be handy, too.
I'm not paying for some good software, but also probably am not into investing hundreds on the software. I'm not tuning with it, just troubleshooting.
I've done some online research and found several different choices, but there's nothing like first-hand experience.
What software do you recommend as a solid diagnostic tool that's compatible with ELM?
Thanks in advance!
I'm not paying for some good software, but also probably am not into investing hundreds on the software. I'm not tuning with it, just troubleshooting.
I've done some online research and found several different choices, but there's nothing like first-hand experience.
What software do you recommend as a solid diagnostic tool that's compatible with ELM?
Thanks in advance!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 509
Likes: 5
From: Edmonds WA
Sorry, meant to say "I'm not against paying for some good software, but also probably am not into investing hundreds on the software. I'm not tuning with it, just troubleshooting." One of those important words that makes a big difference if you leave it out 
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Edmonds WA
On the chance that this is helpful to others down the road, here's an update. OBDWiz looked promising from screenshots I found posted online, but it's only available if you buy the hardware at the same time, so I tried TouchScan, which is supposed to be the same code base (???).
TouchScan really didn't seem to make it very easy to monitor, compare, and record the two things I think I need to pay close attention to for diagnosing misfires: fuel trim/block learn and O2 sensors. I'm bummed because it was highly touted and is a reasonable $35.
So, on to another software tool.
TouchScan really didn't seem to make it very easy to monitor, compare, and record the two things I think I need to pay close attention to for diagnosing misfires: fuel trim/block learn and O2 sensors. I'm bummed because it was highly touted and is a reasonable $35.
So, on to another software tool.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I don’t think many people know what ELM327 hardware is. I know I didn’t..
I bit the bullet and purchased EFI Live Tuning Software. Yea,, it was expensive but, it is VERY VERY useful and I have several close friends who can help me TUNE if I need it. You say that you don’t need to tune BUT, in the right hands, you can get your LS engine tuned to run SOOOOO much better performance wise and economy wise! You can't beat the stuff it monitors and the parameters that it can change. HP Tuners is just as useful. Just depends on which one you like.
Look into Predator Hand held. It is less expensive it tunes and data logs. Ask the same question in the SCAN & TUNE Section.
I bit the bullet and purchased EFI Live Tuning Software. Yea,, it was expensive but, it is VERY VERY useful and I have several close friends who can help me TUNE if I need it. You say that you don’t need to tune BUT, in the right hands, you can get your LS engine tuned to run SOOOOO much better performance wise and economy wise! You can't beat the stuff it monitors and the parameters that it can change. HP Tuners is just as useful. Just depends on which one you like.
Look into Predator Hand held. It is less expensive it tunes and data logs. Ask the same question in the SCAN & TUNE Section.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 25
www.autoenginuity.com - it nice for the $$$-data logging and 2 way communication with many modules. I have the GM and Ford modules and the Generic OBD and CAN stuff will work for most vehicles.
Doubt it's this since the State connected to read the code. My money is on the bulb!!
Doubt it's this since the State connected to read the code. My money is on the bulb!!
Last edited by dougbfresh; Mar 8, 2011 at 02:44 PM.
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 95
Likes: 4
From: Santa Fe, NM
On the chance that this is helpful to others down the road, here's an update. OBDWiz looked promising from screenshots I found posted online, but it's only available if you buy the hardware at the same time, so I tried TouchScan, which is supposed to be the same code base (???).
TouchScan really didn't seem to make it very easy to monitor, compare, and record the two things I think I need to pay close attention to for diagnosing misfires: fuel trim/block learn and O2 sensors. I'm bummed because it was highly touted and is a reasonable $35.
So, on to another software tool.
TouchScan really didn't seem to make it very easy to monitor, compare, and record the two things I think I need to pay close attention to for diagnosing misfires: fuel trim/block learn and O2 sensors. I'm bummed because it was highly touted and is a reasonable $35.
So, on to another software tool.
I use OBDWiz, but TouchScan looks similar. It sounds like you gave TouchScan a try. If so, does it have a page similar to this one from OBDWiz?
You can add or remove items to plot and record as well as how often those readings are made. It looks like Fuel Trim and O2 sensors are in the list.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 509
Likes: 5
From: Edmonds WA
www.autoenginuity.com - it nice for the $$$-data logging and 2 way communication with many modules. I have the GM and Ford modules and the Generic OBD and CAN stuff will work for most vehicles.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 25
I bought their connector for my laptop. They also have stuff for handheld devices but the laptop seems like the way to fly.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 509
Likes: 5
From: Edmonds WA
I use OBDWiz, but TouchScan looks similar. It sounds like you gave TouchScan a try. If so, does it have a page similar to this one from OBDWiz?
You can add or remove items to plot and record as well as how often those readings are made. It looks like Fuel Trim and O2 sensors are in the list.
You can add or remove items to plot and record as well as how often those readings are made. It looks like Fuel Trim and O2 sensors are in the list.
