OBD-II for a newbie

Jenyus425 · 09-26-2007, 02:15 PM

This is probably a dumb question but i cannot find the answer on the forums. I have an OBD-II to serial cable. Do i need a scanner to be between the OBDII cable and serial port of the computer? or can i just plug it straight in to the pc?

TonyWare · 09-26-2007, 07:49 PM

First of all there are no dumb questions. Second, yes, plug it in. Third... look for software.

underwaterdan · 09-26-2007, 07:53 PM

Is there an ODBII to usb cable around?

joeyoravec · 09-26-2007, 10:05 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Jenyus425

I have an OBD-II to serial cable. Do i need a scanner to be between the OBDII cable and serial port of the computer? or can i just plug it straight in to the pc?

Vehicles have special networks (CAN, K-Line, J1850, etc.) which aren't the same as serial, usb, ethernet, or anything on standard laptop. At a minimum there will be some electronics to convert the voltage, but usually quite a bit more. They might be in an adapter-box, they might even be hidden in the shell of the connector, but the electronics definitely need to be somewhere.

Companies use 9-pin connectors because they're cheap -- it doesn't necessarily mean that you should plug the cable directly into a serial port. The best idea is to telephone the company that sold you the cable.

BiG K · 09-27-2007, 03:25 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by joeyoravec

Vehicles have special networks (CAN, K-Line, J1850, etc.) which aren't the same as serial, usb, ethernet, or anything on standard laptop. At a minimum there will be some electronics to convert the voltage, but usually quite a bit more. They might be in an adapter-box, they might even be hidden in the shell of the connector, but the electronics definitely need to be somewhere.

Companies use 9-pin connectors because they're cheap -- it doesn't necessarily mean that you should plug the cable directly into a serial port. The best idea is to telephone the company that sold you the cable.

Yup I second that! The cable may actually short circuit the serial port on your laptop and cause it to fuxxor up! So don't plug it in, as it most likely does need a scanner! What I think you bought was the cable that goes from car to Elmscan5 scanner.

TonyWare · 09-27-2007, 06:12 AM

Oooops, sorry, thought he said he had a scanner with a serial cable.

Jenyus425 · 09-27-2007, 11:56 PM

okay thanks! so, would you guys recommend a certain brand of scanner? one thats cheap, preferably.

muldrick · 09-30-2007, 06:14 AM

I think it'd be best to show us what you have first, what brand, from who?

michbound · 09-30-2007, 08:23 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Jenyus425

okay thanks! so, would you guys recommend a certain brand of scanner? one thats cheap, preferably.

There are a number of PC based scantools available, one that we make can be seen at www.obdpros.com. Supports all protocols found on vehicles after 1996. 100% compatible with the tons of OBD II software out there for the ELM chip sets.

Thanks
Paul
www.obdpros.com

Jenyus425 · 09-30-2007, 03:33 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by muldrick

I think it'd be best to show us what you have first, what brand, from who?

not sure. i got it on ebay for like $8.00

Jenyus425 · 09-30-2007, 03:34 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by michbound

There are a number of PC based scantools available, one that we make can be seen at www.obdpros.com. Supports all protocols found on vehicles after 1996. 100% compatible with the tons of OBD II software out there for the ELM chip sets.

Thanks
Paul
www.obdpros.com

thanks! ill check them out for sure!