Thread: OBD2 reader capabilities and choice (350/F150)

Originally Posted by hagar2sail

ok, so I have kind of a complicated issue, and I have done some reading, but I know I don't understand all about obd2 so I'm hoping people on this forum can help.

So I have two vehicles. I have a Nissan 350z which I am going to put a carputer into (this forum has been invaluable). I want to be able to monitor some of the characteristics of the car, which are all within OBD2's capabilities. However, I am not sure if I want to have to deal with some of the larger obd2 readers or their related cables as the foot space is kinda tight. For this reason I was thinking of trying to use a bluetooth reader such as the ones sold at obdkey.com This is decently straightfoward.

The bigger issue is I have just bought a used 2004 F150 (the new body style). This truck is suddenly having some engine issues, and also has thrown a ABS light. I have done some reading, and it seems that the more advanced codes, and capabilities of Ford vehicles are beyond the normal ELM327 type scanners can do (not sure if even the obdkey scanner is ELM compatible). As far as I can tell, the only scanner that would provide all this functionality is an autoenginuity unit. However, these are expensive, bulky (wouldn't fit in 350z very well), and have a different interface, so it would seem from reading on this forum, that it would not be very easily integrated (into the interface) into the 350z computer once I am done with it on the Ford. On the autoenginuity site though they say that other ELM readers dont have the bandwidth to deal with more than a few sensors. I understand that this is the marketing team talking, but is there truth in this?

So basically I am looking for a reader that will do all of these functions and allow me to use it in more than just one of the vehilcles. I should say that although I want the ability to read the ABS code, if I have to have the dealer do that to save a ton of $$ I would. Thanks in advance.

If a different interface than the ELM unit is not a problem, check out www.obd2.com.

Your 2004 is probably CAN (Controller Area Network).