I don't know if this is the kind of thing you're looking for... -- but I have one permanently slotted into the ODB slot of my Mk2 Punto. As long as you're aware of its limitations (and US bias), then it's very handy to have. (Their tech support is also instantaneously wonderful...!)
For more complex stuff, I use MultiECUscan and a Windows NT-based notebook (even though I'm usually a Mac man...).
Mate, that looks amazing!! What do you mean by limitations and US bias? Does it do airbags? Does it do other makes/models?
I found one on the bay for £60 from the US. But the MultiECUscan lead is only £8!
Thanks!
MES is great for FIAT group cars.. but useless if you work on french,
ford ,etc,
decide what you are going to do with it..,
Charlie
Well I want to work on other makes ideally, but for 8quid it must be worth it.
What extra will it give me compared to that bluetooth thing?
Thanks
most things you'll ever need,
BUT on Italian cars only..!!
OBD2 is the industry standard OnBoardDiagnostics ,
1 plug fits all units in passenger cars since @year 2000 , and they all read BASIC stuff,
however there are lots of "manufacturer specific" codes.. so that's where the MES comes in for Fiat / Alfa group cars,
should read all basic car engine codes..possibly some airbag, PAS too,
but not on all cars / faults,
I hope that helps.. as you say for less than a Tenner why not..!!,
I still want one for the iPhone though. This is cheap, will it work on the Fiats?
For that sort of money, it's probably worth getting, and then finding out...! Again, compared to MES, the functionality will be very limited, I would guess....
Can't remember what OBD2 software exists on for the iPhone -- but check the reviews carefully before trying: I seem to remember that quite a large proportion of it is junk...!
I'd also have a search for reviews of WiFi-based dongles in cars... -- not as robust as Bluetooth, supposedly; but, as I haven't tried any, can't really comment....