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Which OBD2 reader should I buy

Posted: May 12th, 2008, 10:01 pm
by Daninski
Ok I see lots of the OBD2 code readers on Ebay but which one do I buy. I do have access to a laptop if thats a better route to go. Any advise here. Thanks in advance

Re: Which OBD2 reader should I buy

Posted: May 13th, 2008, 4:02 am
by umcamara

Re: Which OBD2 reader should I buy

Posted: May 13th, 2008, 10:37 pm
by Daninski
I assume you connect it to a Laptop? How is the software?

Re: Which OBD2 reader should I buy

Posted: May 13th, 2008, 11:40 pm
by Ukrman
i know newer cars have it for emissions and stuff, what do you guys use it for? for check engines lights and stuff?

Re: Which OBD2 reader should I buy

Posted: May 14th, 2008, 1:23 am
by umcamara
There's 3 different protocols for OBD-II. The MX-3's protocol is ISO 9141-2, that's the only protocol that reader will work for, and yes you connect it through your laptop. You can get all kinds of software for it, but the freeware that it comes with is sufficient for me. It allows you to read check engine codes, as well as monitor a whole bunch of different sensors. It's actually really cool.

Re: Which OBD2 reader should I buy

Posted: May 14th, 2008, 1:46 am
by shameem
Before you buy - make sure you have the right protocol -
https://www.scantool.net/support/index. ... =3&nav=0,1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: Which OBD2 reader should I buy

Posted: May 14th, 2008, 2:47 am
by umcamara
shameem wrote:Before you buy - make sure you have the right protocol -
https://www.scantool.net/support/index. ... =3&nav=0,1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Did you read my post right above yours? :wink:

Re: Which OBD2 reader should I buy

Posted: May 14th, 2008, 5:02 am
by shameem
umcamara wrote:
shameem wrote:Before you buy - make sure you have the right protocol -
https://www.scantool.net/support/index. ... =3&nav=0,1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Did you read my post right above yours? :wink:
hmmm must have missed it somehow. Anyways its good to check since i have seen some mazdas (proteges) this side of the border use the Ford protocol.....

Re: Which OBD2 reader should I buy

Posted: May 14th, 2008, 10:37 am
by Custommx3
Just an FYI to newbs reading this, only 96+ cars can use this. Dont go buy a obd2 scanner for your 92, it wont work!.

http://www.obdpros.com/product_info.php?products_id=133" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Thats what I have for my MS6. I use it w/ my carPC. Has double buffering to help with the dataflow.

Re: Which OBD2 reader should I buy

Posted: May 14th, 2008, 7:10 pm
by Daninski
Thanks Guys, I had no idea about protocol. I'll need one of these once I get my ZE in. I'm kinda going slow because being OBD2 I want things to work the first time. Again thanks.

Re: Which OBD2 reader should I buy

Posted: May 15th, 2008, 3:06 am
by JoshVK
Daninski wrote:Thanks Guys, I had no idea about protocol. I'll need one of these once I get my ZE in. I'm kinda going slow because being OBD2 I want things to work the first time. Again thanks.
what are you planning to do for tunning? i have my KLZE in the 96, with all reg sensors and je50. but i dont have VIRS vacume hooked up anymore as points were off....

Re: Which OBD2 reader should I buy

Posted: May 16th, 2008, 9:48 pm
by Daninski
I've read the low RPM is right on it's the higher RPM point that's out by about 1,000 RPM too high. I was also told to use the KL02 VAF (check out an earlier post by me on this). I've re Emailed someone who's done a lot of 96 swaps to try and clarify sensors. He did say use all the K8 cooling system sensors if your running the curved neck. MDS window switches would fix your VRIS issue. Check out this link; http://www.bcpoc.ca/TechInfo" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: Which OBD2 reader should I buy

Posted: May 17th, 2008, 2:58 am
by JoshVK
i have a straight neck tho... :)

Re: Which OBD2 reader should I buy

Posted: May 17th, 2008, 8:54 am
by Daninski
My ZE was a srtraight neck but had the intake changed to curved for fitment. I'm doing all the work myself so I'm taking this slow. I ordered the same headers as nightfire, good deal. They're stainless steel back to the cat, got mine for $156. delivered. I'm still looking for a reasonable place to buy O2 sensors, with these engines running rich I figured the ECU needs all the help it can get. I suspect MDS windows switches will be a future purchase to take care of the VRIS issue. Can you tell me if the process to set the TPS is the same for the 96 as it is for 95 on back models?

Re: Which OBD2 reader should I buy

Posted: May 27th, 2008, 11:27 am
by Daninski
I was told to use a KL02 VAF that it works better in the 96. Nitefire just did his 96 and even though he didn't install the lower two sensors in the exhaust his engines running great. There is an issue with wandering idle but I thought I heard something about the coolant to the throttle causing that. Any comments?