cowboyway

I have a 2001 Forester with both a check engine and ABS warning light lit up. I would like to purchase a code reader that would read codes for both if possible and prefer one of the USB cabled units that you use with software and a laptop. Any recommendations? I know the regular code stuff is OBD2 but what about the ABS light? If i'm shopping around i see there are various protocols supported... which ones are needed for my car?

Thanks!

Bentisto

First: welcome to the forum!

About your OBD reader question, I hear good things about the Scangauge II.
It's a standalone reader and trip computer etc.

ScanGaugeII - Trip Computers + Digital Gauges + Scan Tool

__________________
'00 Forester (sold) - '03 Forester (sold) - '06 Forester (sold)
Current Subaru: Outback H6 3.0R

ShortCut

This will read the code and clear the computer:

Amazon.com: Actron CP9125 PocketScan Diagnostic Code Reader for OBDII (Post-1996) Vehicles: Automotive

northstarsts

Check out plsdevices.com who have some really interesting obd / gauges

__________________
Jon
2004 Forester XT 4EAT
Java Black Pearl

dwmoss

First Welcome!!
Next most autozones will scan your vehicle for the OBD2 codes for free, so that's an option to find out your code before you pick up your own unit.

The scangages above are decent options but there are a few others.

An option I've used for a while with my 02 wrx is obd2.com, cable and software for reading/reseting codes. I picked this up originally with a group buy years ago and it's done well for me over the years. Here's the website OBD-2 Vehicle Explorer Scan Tool Browser I originally got a serial port connection (7 years ago), I believe usb options are now available but it's a solid solution. Over time I wanted to ability to back up my stock ecu and do ecu upgrades without the stealer and went with the next option.

Another option is to look at picking up a tactrix cable and some free software such as ecuexplorer. This would give you the ability to read the codes and reset them.

For more information you can look at tactrix cable
ecuexplorer-v3025 software to read / reset codes
Scoobypedia | Trusted knowledge for everything Subaru | Knowledge / Reading ECU Fault Codes
romraider tuning and all around great resources


good luck

dm

cowboyway

Thread Starter

Thanks for the responses. I prefer a USB style cable but didn't see that option. Any ideas? Also is CAN support a big deal if you want to future-proof the investment? Thanks again.

Dan

We just picked up this one last month for my brother: Innova 3100 CanOBD2. We found it locally for under $100. Worked fine and it handles CANBUS, too.

__________________
SHIFT_to_Subaru
Formerly '04 XT, 5spd
Now '09 OB SE, 5spd

eRazor

I have an ElmScan5 USB that works well. It supports virtually all OBDII protocols (in fact maybe all of them). It comes with an OBDII cable, the ElmScan5 unit, and a USB cable. It works with most the available OpenSource software.

ScanTool.net - Products

__________________
.

Scooby: MY10 2.5X Touring 4AT NBP

sicko

I know in my area AutoZone will go out to your car and pull your code for you. If you ask nice the worker will usually clear your codes for you too, so if you pull a code and then fix the problem you can have it cleared and see if it comes back.

Also Advanced Auto in my area will let you leave your drivers license with them and then take the reader out to your car (you're not allowed to leave the parking lot with it) and you can use the reader yourself. Which is also helpful if you're trying to pull or clear codes

yotboy

I have an intermittant ABS fault on my late 2002 Forester S-turbo (facelifted mk 1.5). Sometimes no light during a drive, sometimes it comes on and latches. After looking at the forums & buying a e-manual on fleabay I when hunting for my ABS diagnostic socket.

I found this:

Clipped to the drivers footwell heater outlet where I would have expected to find a 6 connector plug plus 2 wires.

I had a good look round but can't find anything else under the dash.

I want to self diagnose if possible as going to the main stealer is a 100 mile round trip plus £££. Manual suggests six conn' plug & 2 wires is common to all models, anyone encountered this type of 10 pin plug before?

harmoN

sorry to dig up an old thread, but i am looking for a OBD2 scanner, reader, tool whatever! for my 1999 forester....will any one work?

would post some ebay links of what i am looking at..but have not made enough posts yet!
just looking for a confirmation before dropping any dime on it..
Any help greatly appreciated!
Thanks

PRFB25

I wonder if I can use my Dash hawk on my new FOZ?

harmoN

Thinking of te obd-ii to wifi adapter for reading on my iPhone...
Take it any standard 16-pin obd2 should work on my 1999 forester... correct?
Thanks!

casm

In theory, any of them should work. If you've got an Android phone, take a look at this thread - the Torque app and a $30 no-name Bluetooth ELM327 OBD2 adapter from eBay gives you what the more expensive dedicated units do and more. Had mine for a few months now and love it.

__________________
'99 S. 4EAT, leather, lifted.

harmoN

thanks for your replys! Think im gonna go with a wifi option, quite a bit more expensive but best software for the iPhone (Rev) only supports wifi...
and it can do ALOT!

gonna buy i on dealextreme, saw it for 85$

anyone tried it?