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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,984
Likes: 6,783
From: Bonneville Salt Flats
Nearly any will do the job. Go look at the offerings at about any parts store. I've been perfectly happy with a cheap Autel I bought many years ago and have used on everything. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,761
Likes: 2,332
From: Simi Valley, CA
2022 C8 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I use the ODBLink MX+. I bought it after doing some comparisons of reviews. I've used it to several times to identify and clear codes. Works great, bluetooth easy.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 10,569
Likes: 297
From: A sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10
I have yet to see one that can use the really advanced capabilities. In essence, I'm not sure spending big bucks on whistles and bells is wise. Read/Clear might be all you need right now. If anyone has seen one that will do the DCT Flush, that's kinda my standard right now for spending serious $.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 1,649
From: Poplar Bluff MO
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 7,277
Likes: 1,546
From: Florida
OBD II scan tools only read P-codes, power train codes that generate a check engine light. The C8 like any modern car today, also monitors other systems in the car - Chassis (C-codes), Body,security, (B-codes), and Can Bus, networking (U-codes). Simple scan tools don't/can't diagnose or read these additional areas without additional firmware and additional costs.
If you're just looking for check engine light P-codes, I've seen $15 scan tools that work just as good as a $100 scan tool. But if you are asking for a DEEP scan tool, then you will be at and North of $100.
I have a drawer full of different simple scan tools I've acquired over the years, they all work. For a full diagnostic, deep scan tool, one that I have that works on all codes on several cars is an Autel MS808. It is typically going for $300 to $500 depending where it is purchased, and it needs updates which come out periodically.
If you're just looking for check engine light P-codes, I've seen $15 scan tools that work just as good as a $100 scan tool. But if you are asking for a DEEP scan tool, then you will be at and North of $100.
I have a drawer full of different simple scan tools I've acquired over the years, they all work. For a full diagnostic, deep scan tool, one that I have that works on all codes on several cars is an Autel MS808. It is typically going for $300 to $500 depending where it is purchased, and it needs updates which come out periodically.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 353
Likes: 312
From: Rochester, MN
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,562
Likes: 1,579
I can produce a recorded video of the OBD2 MX+ (OBDLink) software features if that would be helpful.
It does a variety of things like also measuring track performance / 0-60, 1/4mile, etc.
I don't believe you can use it to trigger any of the internal C8 maintenance routines like the DCT servicing functions.
Personally, I wouldn't be messing around with those until long after warranty has expired!
The MX+ uses bluetooth to connect, and I access it via an Android box stored in the center console that displays to the infotainment screen. Very convenient.
The MX+ is also relatively short/stubby. Many other readers are longer (but thinner). Thinner doesn't help. If you want to leave it installed all the time you have to be careful your foot doesn't hit the reader while getting in because it is sloped downward some based on the location of the OBD2 port.
I have been considering looking for an OBD2 extension cable or something that would let me relocate the MX+ under the dash into an area where it can't get foot stomped and then just run it all the time.
It does a variety of things like also measuring track performance / 0-60, 1/4mile, etc.
I don't believe you can use it to trigger any of the internal C8 maintenance routines like the DCT servicing functions.
Personally, I wouldn't be messing around with those until long after warranty has expired!
The MX+ uses bluetooth to connect, and I access it via an Android box stored in the center console that displays to the infotainment screen. Very convenient.
The MX+ is also relatively short/stubby. Many other readers are longer (but thinner). Thinner doesn't help. If you want to leave it installed all the time you have to be careful your foot doesn't hit the reader while getting in because it is sloped downward some based on the location of the OBD2 port.
I have been considering looking for an OBD2 extension cable or something that would let me relocate the MX+ under the dash into an area where it can't get foot stomped and then just run it all the time.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,441
Likes: 793
From: Redondo Beach, California
OBD II scan tools only read P-codes, power train codes that generate a check engine light. The C8 like any modern car today, also monitors other systems in the car - Chassis (C-codes), Body,security, (B-codes), and Can Bus, networking (U-codes). Simple scan tools don't/can't diagnose or read these additional areas without additional firmware and additional costs.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 7,277
Likes: 1,546
From: Florida
The only standard all manufacturers have to use is emissions related diagnostics also known as power train diagnostics or P-codes. The "governments' EPAs of the world insisted on that part and why there are numerous choices for simple scan tools as low as a few dollars.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,562
Likes: 1,579
OBDLink MX+ reads proprietary codes from multiple modules, including the TCM, not just P codes. Not sure where you are getting this info from.
It is also fully supported by tools like FORScan, and can access the CAN bus.(SW-CAN / MS-CAN)OBDLink MX+ Supported modules
Your statement that all it can do is read P-Codes sounds pretty suspect to me.
It is also fully supported by tools like FORScan, and can access the CAN bus.(SW-CAN / MS-CAN)OBDLink MX+ Supported modules
- Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
- Anti-Lock Brake / Traction Control Module (ABS)
- Hybrid Electronic Cluster (HEC)
- Left High Intensity Discharge Lamp (LHID)
- Right High Intensity Discharge Lamp (RHID)
- Vehicle Dynamics Module (VDM)
- 4X4 Control Module (4X4M)
- Air Conditioning Control Module (ACCM)
- Audio Control Module (ACM)
- Audio Control Unit (ACU)
- Alternative Fuel Control Module (AFCM)
- Adaptive Front Lighting System / Auto Leveling Module (AFS/ALM)
- Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
- Auxiliary Heater Control Module (AHCM)
- Audio Interface Module (AIM)
- Auto Leveling Module (ALM)
- Amplifier Module (AM)
- Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM)
- Automatic Ride Control (ARC)
- A-STOP System (No Idling System) (A-STOP)
- All Terrain Control Module (ATCM)
- All Wheel Drive Module (AWD)
- Battery Charger Control Module (BCCM)
- Body Control Module (BCM, BCMiim BdyCM)
- Body Control Module / Generic Electronic Module (BCM/GEM)
- Body Control Module B (BCMB)
- Battery Energy Control Module (BECM)
- Body Electronic Module (BEM)
- Bluetooth Phone Module (BPM)
- Security module (CSM)
- Blind Spot Monitoring (Left) (BSML)
- Blind Spot Monitoring (Right) (BSMR)
- Remote Climate Control (RCC)
- Cruise-Control Module (CCM)
- Circuit Deactivation Ignition Module (CDIM)
- Compact Disc Player (CDP)
- Instrument cluster (INST)
- Column Lock Module (CLM)
- Camera Module Rear (CMR)
- Connectivity Master Unit (CMU)
- Cellular Phone Module (CPM)
- Central Timer Module (CTM)
- Convergence Telematics Module (CTMii)
- Digital Audio Broadcast Module (DABM)
- Digital Audio Control Module C (DACMC)
- DC to DC Converter Control Module (DCDC)
- Driver/Dual Climate-Control Seat Module (DCSM)
- Reductant Control Module (DCU)
- Driver Door Control Unit (DFDM)
- Drivers Door Module (DDM)
- Deployable Hood System (DHS)
- Driver's Seat Module (DSM)
- (Audio) Digital Signal Processing Module (DSP)
- Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (EATC)
- Rader Brake Support (EBS)
- Electronic Crash Sensor (ECS)
- Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
- Electronic-Controlled Power Steering (EPS)
- Anti-Lock Brake / Traction Control Module (ESOF)
- Front Body Control Module (F_BCM)
- Fuel Additive Control Module (FACM)
- Front Control/Display Interface Module (FCDIM)
- Front Controls Interface Module (FCIM)
- Front Display Interface Module (FDIM)
- Front Distance Sensing Module (FDSM)
- Transmission Control Module (TCM)
- Fuel Fired Coolant Heating Module (FFH)
- Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS)
- Front Electronic Module (FEM)
- Fuel Injection Control Module (FICM)
- Fuel Indication Module (FIM)
- Fuel Injection Pump (FIP)
- Front Lighting Control Module (FLM)
- Fuel Operated Heater (FOH)
- Forward Sensing Camera (FSC)
- Fire Suppression System Module (FSSM)
- Folding Top Control Module (FTCM)
- Generic Display Module (GDM)
- Generic Electronic Module / Smart Junction Box (GEM/SJB)
- Generic Electronic Module (GEM)
- Generic Function Module (GFM)
- Global Positioning System Module (GPSM)
- Gear Shift Module (GSM)
- Gateway Module A (GWM)
- Headlamp Control Module (HCM)
- Headlamp Control Module 2(B) (HCM2)
- Headlamp Leveling Module (HD_LVL)
- Instrument Cluster (IC)
- HVAC Integrated Module (HIM)
- Heated Steering Wheel Module (HSWM)
- Head Up Display (HUD)
- Heated Steering Wheel Module (HV)
- Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC)
- Integrated Air Bag Module (IABM)
- Smart City Brake Support (ICA)
- Intelligent Cruise Control Module (ICCM)
- Information Center Module (ICM)
- Injector Control Unit (ICU)
- Interior Lighting Control Module (ILCM)
- Instrument Panel Control Module (IPC)
- Intelligent Power Distribution Module (IPDM)
- Image Processing Module A (IPMA)
- Image Processing Module B (IPMB)
- Lighting Control Module (LCM)
- Left Power Sliding Door Module (LPSDM)
- Liftgate / Trunk Module (LTM)
- Message Center (MC)
- Multifunction Steering Wheel (MFSW)
- Multi-Information Display (MID)
- Motor Pretensioner Module (MPM)
- Navigation Controller (NAV)
- Air Suspension (4WAS)
- Air Conditioning (AC)
- Cruise Control (CCM)
- Steering Column Locking Module (SCLM)
- 4 Wheel Steering (WS4)
- Next Generation Speed Control Module (NGSC)
- Battery Control Module (OBD_BCM)
- Fuel Injection Control Module (OBD_FICM)
- Occupant Classification System Module (OCS)
- Overhead Trip Computer (OTC)
- Parking Aid Module (PAM)
- Park Brake Control Module (PBM)
- Passenger Climate-Control Seat Module (PCSM)
- Passenger Climate-Control Seat Module 2 (rear) (PCSM2)
- Passengers Door Control Unit (PDM)
- Power Running Board (PRB)
- Power Steering Control Module (PSCM)
- Passenger Front Seat Module (PSM)
- Rear Body Control Module (R_BCM)
- Rear Audio Control Module (RACM)
- Remote Anti-Theft / Personality Module (RAP)
- Rear Air Suspension Module (RASM)
- Rear Air Temperature Control (RATC)
- Restraint Control Module (RCM)
- Audio Rear Control Unit (RCU)
- Rear Electronic Module (REM)
- Remote Emergency Satellite Cellular Unit Module (RESCU)
- Rear Seat Entertainment Module (RETM)
- Remote Function Actuator (RFA)
- Rear Gate/Trunk Module (RGTM)
- Retractable Hard Top (RHT)
- Rear Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (RHVAC)
- Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
- Rear Lighting Control Module A (RLCMA)
- Rear Left Door Control Unit (DRDM)
- Right Power Sliding Door Module (RPSDM)
- Rear Right Door Control Unit (PRDM)
- Tire Pressure Monitor (RTM)
- Rear Vehicle Monitoring (RVM)
- Steering Angle Sensor Module (SASM)
- Smart Brake Support/Mazda Radar Cruise Control (SBS/MRCC)
- Steering Column Control Module (SCCM)
- Steering Column/Instrument Panel/Lighting (SCIL)
- Seat Control Module E (SCME)
- Seat Control Module G (SCMG)
- Seat Control Module H (SCMH)
- Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)
- Satellite Digital Audio Receiver System (SDARS)
- Steering Effort Control Module (SECM)
- Secondary OBD Control Module A (SOBDM)
- Secondary OBD Control Module C (SOBDMC)
- Side Obstacle Detection Control Module - Left (SODL)
- Side Obstacle Detection Control Module - Right (SODR)
- Speech Recognition Module (SRM)
- Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
- Smart Start Unit (SSU)
- Trailer Brake Control Module (TBC)
- Energy Management Module (EMM)
- Tracking and Blocking Module (TBM)
- Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM)
- Telematic Control Unit Module (TCU)
- Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)
- Transmission Range Control Module (TRCM)
- Trailer Module (TRM)
- Variable Assist Power Steering (VAPS)
- Vehicle Emergency Messaging System (VEMS)
- Virtual Image Cluster (VIC)
- Vehicle Security Module (VSM)
Your statement that all it can do is read P-Codes sounds pretty suspect to me.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,562
Likes: 1,579
Here's a list of enhanced PIDs for Ford that OBDLink MX+ supports:
https://www.obdsoftware.net/software...ncedparameters
It's also recommended by TouchScan, and can do amazing stuff with realtime PID data gathered via MX+. (if you want to haul a laptop with you)
https://www.obdsoftware.net/software/professionaladdon
Looks like it does a lot more than just reading P codes to me.
https://www.obdsoftware.net/software...ncedparameters
It's also recommended by TouchScan, and can do amazing stuff with realtime PID data gathered via MX+. (if you want to haul a laptop with you)
https://www.obdsoftware.net/software/professionaladdon
Looks like it does a lot more than just reading P codes to me.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,839
Likes: 2,165
From: Kelso, Wa
In another car I had, I made sure that the OBD II scanner had bluetooth capability so that I could use the TORQUE app,. This was years ago, Post #5 mentions Blue Driver which should do just that.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,562
Likes: 1,579
https://www.obdlink.com/mxp/vs-bluedriver/
https://www.obdadvisor.com/bluedriver-vs-obdlink/
If you want to use windows based software, in addition to iOS/Android, plus you want a high PID sampling rate, MX+ is the way to go and it is also bluetooth based.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 126
Likes: 77
From: Webster, NY
I have yet to see one that can use the really advanced capabilities. In essence, I'm not sure spending big bucks on whistles and bells is wise. Read/Clear might be all you need right now. If anyone has seen one that will do the DCT Flush, that's kinda my standard right now for spending serious $.
From another discussion on this forum
http://blog.obdii365.com/2024/01/22/...-system-flush/
Can be found here: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...tem-flush.html
