obd2 scanner

[colin all]

Hi, I've noticed there are some fairly cheap obd2 usb scanner cables on ebay, it connects to a laptop and comes with software, anyone had any experience of these units
colin

[Krusher]

sorry mate but what is obd2?

[colin all]

hi, a obd2 scanner allows you to read fault codes and turn off engine management light etc (obd2 is the protocol ?? I think)

colin

[Road Hog]

THIS ONE does not recognise 3.2 v6

[Krusher]

Thanks Colin, Please excuse my dumbness

[Andyoz]

Colin,
I bought this one for £65 inc p&p http://tinyurl.com/bjnxwd .
It's the best £65 I've ever spent. It's saved me 5x it's cost in two months.
I have the cable you referred to but the software did not work on my Vista operated laptop and as my need was urgent I bought the all in one scanner.
If you do buy it it'll work on 2.2 and 3.2's, I've also done readings on two volvo's. Sometimes it fails to link so I connect it to another car to link up and it resets itself and then will link to the one you want it to.
There are other all in one scanners available for about £25 on ebay but I think this one is worth the money as it reads the code and tells you exactly what caused the code to appear. For example I had the EML light come on on my 3.2,it told me the code number and also that it was a misfire on cyl 4 after I'd cleaned the plugs. I found out that I had one coil to plug connector that was the wrong part number and was too short, just needed to be connected in a different way to ensure both ends were in contact and everything was fine.
Hope this is helpful

[colin all]

Hi,
Thanks for that info. I would prefer a handheld reader to be honest, I think it would be worth the extra cost and a lot more convenient. just not sure which one if any would definitely work with my frontera. he just has'nt got any for sale at moment (according to his Ebay page)
many thanks
Colin

[Andyoz]

Colin,
Here's another vendor with the same model at the same price
http://tinyurl.com/ct8x2r
I hope you have better luck with this one
Andy