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Hey, I have been building a carputer for my 99 Honda Civic. One of the features that I am trying to include is OBDII diagnostics that provide real time viewing of engine status (rpm, oil press, fuel usage, etc) and also be able to track/resolve OBD codes. Anyways, I have not been able to find software that will work with the cable that I purchased (link below). I would not like to just buy another cable, unless this is the absolutely wrong one. Basically, I would just like to know if this cable will work and if so, how? Thanks.

http://www.amazon.com/OBD2-Diagnosti...4260400&sr=8-4

 
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The cable is for a VAG-COM.
The Ross-Tech VAG-COM is for VW/Audi, not Honda.
The cable has a "language converter" to adapt from the Euro standard used in their cars to a language that your laptop can understand and use with the USB.
There will be a compatibility problem between the different protocols used in the cars' PCMs. Euro standards are totally different from Asian standards.

IOW, the plug you want to use won't work with your Honda.

Just an educated SWAG on my part.
You can hope I'm wrong, but I bet I'm right.

 
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So what would be the correct cable type then? That sucks, at least I only spent like $12 anyways lol.

 
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So would this one work?

http://www.amazon.com/Crescent-OBD2-...PK/ref=lh_ni_t

 
Rep Power: 517

No idea, sorry. I'm not the one to ask.
I really don't get into that stuff.
I have access to OEM equipment.

I have current HDS software on multiple laptops (but it will not work without the MVCI box that belongs to the shop).


Check out what this person did for his Prius:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEkBHIq6uUc

If this guy can do it..... http://priidash.sourceforge.net/



.......

 
Rep Power: 517

Kinda looks like that one is only an OBDII code reader.
No support for anything other than engine codes, and it says nothing about any datalist capabilities (a datalist is what it appears you are wanting).

http://www.amazon.com/ElmScan-Compac...gy_auto_text_c
This looks like (and I only skimmed it) it has some generic datalist abilities and the ability to display a "dashboard" of sorts, but if you read the reviews it is painfully slow.

 
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There is definitely a difference between a code reader and datalist reader? I thought it was reading the same OBDII data but the software would be what is making use of the different points. I would guess you are right though now that I look at it more closely.

 
Rep Power: 517

AFAIK, the differences would be in the software used, and how much the developers paid to gain access to the information available in various cars if it is any better than generic.

Cheapo code readers read generic codes. Generic is only a very basic set of codes, P0xxx type. See the Autozone free scans.

Generic scanners usually read standardized OBDII codes, freeze frame data, and generic data, a very basic set of data parameters....A bare minimum. Not very useful to a seasoned pro.

Generic data is common and somewhat standardized for all vehicles, although there are different communication protocols and methods used.
http://www.obdii.com/background.html
http://www.obdii.com/connector.html#which%20cars
Read this paragraph:
http://www.obdii.com/background.html#Have
There are five basic OBD-II protocols in use, each with minor variations on the communication pattern between the on-board diagnostic computer and the scanner console or tool.
This is why I think the VAG-COM port won't work with a Honda.Read the links though.
The data will be there through the interface since it is using the communication line, but is it enabled in the firmware and software? IDK.

Better scanners can access more powertrain data than generic, meaning generic (P0xxx and manufacturer specific codes P1xxx and higher, also knows an "enhanced data") and works with various manufacturers....but not all manufacturers, in most cases. A significant amount more info, like the majority of engine data, trans data, ABS, and airbag are some of the usual items, and many more are possible depending on how many computer modules the vehicle uses. How much data and how many systems depends on fees paid, and the prices of the tools usually reflect this.

Again, the only data that is standardized is generic powertrain. All other systems can use whatever protocols the manufacturer saw fit to use when they were designed.
Manufacturer specific powertrain data may use different protocol than generic, even with the same scantool.


Dealer/Manufacturer level scanners access all systems on the vehicles they are designed to interface with, usually only one manufacturers products.

Manufacturer engineering level equipment has access to a whole lot more data than dealer level stuff. 99.9% of techs never have a need for that level of information to repair the cars, so we don't get it.


You would really need to see and use the different scantools to really see the differences.

 
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I have a Ross Tech Vag Com and I can tell you that it wil only read the generic OBDII codes. Fine if you jsut need to identify an engine issue but not so good when you have ABS or airbag issues that you want to investigate.

 
Rep Power: 517

On a Honda, right. Nearly useless.
That's because it's a VW family specific scanner.

Plug that Vag-Com into a VW or an Audi and it is a wonderful tool if one knows how to make use of all it can do.

 
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It has been a huge help with my German cars. I would like to have an equivalent tool for my Hondas and Acuras but I have yet to see one out there. I'm sure they exist but my limited search capabilities haven't found it yet. Of course my Honda products don't throw codes and MIL lights every two months like the German ones do.

I have to troubleshoot an ABS light on my civic so the hunt for a good tool is on.

 
Rep Power: 517

Um, if I had no scanner, I'd start with an ohm check of all 4 sensors. One is likely to give an oddball reading.

 
Rep Power: 210

I use an ELM327 knock-off from chinaland and it works fine with my dash command software. The only thing I don't like about it is the refresh rate it offers...I'm not sure if if the baud rate can just be increased, or if I need a newer one for a better rate, but for now it does the job quite well and turns some heads too.