OBD2 scanner from Hong Kong? Should I trust?

**acex008** · 06-01-2009, 04:51 PM

I'm seeing a bunch of very cheap OBD2 scanners on ebay right now that are coming from Hong Kong. Even the bluetooth versions are very cheap. I know the age old saying "you get what you pay for", but honestly, has anyone purchased these direct from China and had luck getting them to perform? I'm basically just looking for a scan tool so I can diagnose my personal vehicles.

**ClockWorK** · 06-01-2009, 07:27 PM

Originally Posted by acex008

I'm seeing a bunch of very cheap OBD2 scanners on ebay right now that are coming from Hong Kong. Even the bluetooth versions are very cheap. I know the age old saying "you get what you pay for", but honestly, has anyone purchased these direct from China and had luck getting them to perform? I'm basically just looking for a scan tool so I can diagnose my personal vehicles.

I bought my knock-off ELM327 from Mo-Co-So.com. It was $50.
http://store.mo-co-so.com/elm-327-usb-p-163.html

It's definitely a knock-off. But it definitely works. I don't know if a true ELM327 device would have a faster interface, but mine refreshes about 7 or 8 values per second. Unless the ebay item is under 20 bucks, I'd try to get one from a real company. And, now that I think about it, if it's under 20 bucks, I wouldn't trust it. :-\

Personally, I wouldn't use bluetooth for this, but that's just because I hate bluetooth.

**colin** · 06-01-2009, 07:47 PM

There's a bunch of posts on this, but yeah, they work. Typically.
I bought an ELM 327 off of a random Hong Kong seller on eBay. It's a very obvious knock off, but it works very well. It it certainly slow, but it's not a big deal since it was only about $20.

**acex008** · 06-02-2009, 08:48 AM

Sorry if it's been covered, I just wasn't sure what to search for. Anyhow, thanks for the replies.

**Aberk** · 06-02-2009, 08:52 AM

I have experimented with several ELM knock offs and real ELMs. The knock offs work, but like you said, you get what you pay for. They often dont implement the full ELM327 command set or have their own subset.

If you do run into problems, getting help could be difficult. I suppose you could just buy another too.

I have had the best results with the elmscan, but its not the cheapest out there.

**Crinos** · 06-02-2009, 09:41 AM

Many members of BMWCCN have had problems with cheap hong kong copies.
Atleast with the combination of CarSoft.
One member aparently got a faulty ECU afterwards.

**acex008** · 06-08-2009, 01:11 PM

Now, onto my next question.

My '98 Chevy Silverado lists as being the VPW (ELM322) while my wife's '03 Chevy Suburban lists as being CAN (ELM327).

If I purchase the ELM327 model from Mo-Co-So.com will it still work on my older vehicle? Or will I need to purchase two seperate devices?

**colin** · 06-08-2009, 02:29 PM

The 327 should work with all the older protocols.

**teo** · 06-14-2009, 11:42 AM

What about serial vs usb ? Is there any serious performance loss?

The one mp3car sells has bluetooth and serial port. If it had the usb and the bluetooth it would be perfect. If the bluetooth doesnt work then switch to usb... but you cant have everything.

The most interesting one I have seen so far is the WLan one. It was 230 euros as far as i can remember.

I am still in the phase of searching for the right tool for me.

**teo** · 06-14-2009, 11:43 AM

Can one use these devices to interface over the can aswell? Just sent and rcv can commands?
Say if you wanted to connect to a later model car wich has CAN.