What dongles are the best for reading ALL of the C7 codes and maybe live data? Tech2 is not usable on C7.

 

I bought HP Tuners a while back for my '08 and so far with updates from their web site It still does a great job on my '14! Some of the tables I would like are not available such as individual tuning for each mode. I wanted my auto to be like the manual cars for AFM/DOD only work in Eco mode.

 

I've been thinking about buying one of the OBD2-CAN tools at Harbor Freight, as they go on sale regularly. Anyone else use one of these? They have several with varying levels of functionality, and I'm not sure which would be best for a C7. What's the difference between a scanner and a code reader. I know that a code reader will pull codes, but what else--and what else does a scanner do?

Also, the recent A8 software update requires a scanner to perform step 2 of the procedure (fast learn). Can this be done with one of these aftermarket tools?

 

I have a 2015 C7 Z51 M7. And a Harbor Freight Cen-Tech Can OBDII reader item number 98568.

It read the codes on my C7 sort of.

Due to some Inaccuracies in another thread here about the Eparking Brake, I needed the scan tool. The inaccurate thread said that you can set the EPB and remove it just by driving off. Not!! this attempt caused a warning light to come on and stay on. The EPB was also stuck on for a while. The manual; tells how to reset the EPB warning light etc. Did not work to remove the EPB warning light. I did get the EPB to release eventually.

I used the HFT scanner to look for codes. Found only one, and it stated that the gear ratios were incorrect for first gear.. ?????????????

I did get the EPB warning light to go out by using the scanner to erase the codes, even though there was no code showing the EPB problem.

Anyway, all is good now.

 

Thanks for the input. They have two more expensive models with more features. I wonder what practical features would be gained with the other two.

Basic (98568):

This OBD II & CAN code reader reads your car’s computer to find out what your problems are when the “CHECK ENGINE” light pops on. Get the information about the detected malfunction in English, French or Spanish and save money by diagnosing your auto issues yourself. This code reader reads and clears trouble codes in all OBDII compliant vehicles from 1996 and newer.

-Read and clear trouble codes in all OBDII compliant vehicles from 1996 and newer
-Supports all OBD II protocols and the Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol
-Multilingual menu and Diagnostic Trouble Code definitions (English, French, Spanish)
-Resets Check Engine light
-Reads Power Control Module and Transmission Control Module data
-Views freeze frame data
-Reads O2 sensor data
-Easy-to-read backlit LCD display

Deluxe (#62119 and 60693):

This handy ODB II scanner uses next-generation OBDII technology to quickly diagnose engine problems using your vehicle's onboard computer. Easy-to-understand troubleshooting code tips help you get to the cause of trouble codes faster, saving time and money.Read and clear trouble codes in all OBDII compliant vehicles from 1996 and newer

-Supports all OBD II protocols and the Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol
-I/M Readiness Key for quick drive cycle verification and state emissions readiness check
-Retrieves generic codes (P0, P2, P3, U0), manufacturer codes (P1, P3, U1) and pending codes
-Provides Code/Cause/Solution tips for easier troubleshooting
-Retrieves vehicle information (VIN, CIN and CVN)
-Views freeze frame data
-Trilingual menu and DTC definitions - English, Spanish, French

Pro (#62120 and 60694):

Here's an advanced OBD II & CAN code reader that supports all 10 modes of the OBD II protocol. This handy code reader uses next-generation OBD II technology to quickly diagnose engine problems using your vehicle's onboard computer. Easy-to-understand troubleshooting code tips help you get to the cause of trouble codes faster, saving time and money.

-Graphs data for 1996 and newer vehicles
-I/M Readiness Key for quick drive cycle verification and state emissions readiness check
-Retrieves generic codes (P0, P2, P3, U0), manufacturer codes (P1, P3, U1) and pending codes
-Provides Code/Cause/Solution tips for easier troubleshooting
-Displays live 02 sensor data
-Retrieves vehicle information (VIN, CIN and CVN)
-Views freeze frame data
-Trilingual menu and DTC definitions - English, French, Spanish

 

Smartphone + bluetooth or wifi OBD II module + Torque app.

1. Read codes, clear codes

2. Live data of many different things, and data log them also.

 

Has anyone tried the BlueDriver? It is supposed to see enhanced codes like abs, etc. And is only $99 on Amazon.

 

WTH is a dongle?

 

I posted here a year ago and ended up buying the BAFX ELM327 Bluetooth reader and the Torque Pro app for my Android phone. I've had it about 10 months and it works fine at a good price point ($24 + $5 for the app). Some on-line vendors sell numerous brands of these BT dongles at lower prices, but none seem to have any feedback and I decided to go with a better-known brand at a higher price.

Here's the Amazon listing with about 6800 feedbacks, so it seems well-vetted.

It shows fault codes, which is mostly what I'm interested in, plus some diagnostics and gauges that are displayable on your smart phone. It's an ODBII device and won't give any info on ABS, stability, SRS, etc.

 

Search this forum for "TunerPro RT". The software is free but you have to buy an cable. A little tinkering on the front end for setup and you can read codes and monitor the whole system. Just an option. I own an Auto X-Ray 5000 series which works fine but I really like TunerPro RT also because I can setup monitoring while driving around.

 

wow,,,, 9 years old.

 

Not only that but the tools referenced are typically for a late C4.