[jvan20p]

I like the Autel TS601 unit I picked up to reset the TPMS. It does a lot of other stuff, too... I use it on two Subarus and my F150. One of the best tools I've ever owned.

 

[cayankee]

Love him or hate him, here's is an inexpensive scan tool that Scotty recommends:

Amazon.com

 

[JS4269]

@nopeda
Nothing on your dash will indicate a difference between a don't drive and don't worry problem type.

If the Check Engine light is on steady and no drivability issues are noticed, then, generally, continued driving should be Ok. However, if the Check Engine light is flashing, it indicates the potential for damage and the vehicle should only be driven conservatively (such that the check engine light is no longer flashing) or should be towed. Continued driving with a flashing Check Engine light can cause the catalytic converter to be destroyed.

All OBD-II vehicles conform to this requirement on the Check Engine light flashing or not.

 

[dazzaa]

Looking at getting the BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro scanner. Seems like it has pretty good live data functionality. Any recommendations?

BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool for iPhone & Android : Amazon.com.au: Automotive

BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool for iPhone & Android : Amazon.com.au: Automotive

www.amazon.com.au

I'm not after garage grade tools, only for general DIY use and chasing some issues. Doesn't specifically need to to be BT.

 

[Hestheone]

I have had pretty good luck with the Vgate iCar Pro Bluetooth 4.0 (ebay) running Car Scanner ELM OBD2 (iPhone - repurposed my old iPhone and works great)
I never pay for software but I liked it enough to buy the lifetime Pro version ($7) when the free trial all access expired. The free version is still OK, but I wanted tranny temp, etc.
Not a sponsor.

 

[boureesub]

I'll second @Hestheone 's recommendation. It has the nice feature of graphing/recording data which can then be displayed on the iPhone screen, or downloaded to a spreadsheet. The sample rate isn't as fast as a high-end garage unit, but a few times a second is plenty good enough for looking at something like a cat sensor voltage going through its cycle.

 

[Hawkaye]

I’m curious what most people here use, thanks for any response!

 

[bman400]

Obdlink x but only works with droid. They make another model for ios

 

[200kWJ]

My youngest son and I bought an Autel which has become a great asset for several vehicles. MrSubaru likes the Topdon units. I'll add to this...My youngest learned an important lesson on quality scanners. Especially on two communications. He bought an inexpensive Bluetooth unit and within weeks was chasing DTC's popping up on his WRX. Once I found out they were communication DTC's I told him to remove the Bluetooth unit and use my handheld to remove the codes caused by the Bluetooth unit.

 

[donkpow]

I think it depends on what and how much you want to do. I use Ultragauge OBD Monitor full time. I have an Autel device for when I work on the car. It stays in the cabin full time. An OBDLink Mx+ for it's excellent ability for real time monitoring, graphing, and recording.

 

[dz302]

I have an old ScanGaugeII...

 

[PeterfromOz]

I thought even the cheapest scanner will clear codes but they don't give any of the in-depth diagnostics that the pros on youtube use. My El Cheapo found my O2 sensor faults.

 

[blush]

I have a 2011 Forester that I bought with 160,000km on it. Soon after, I replaced the head gaskets, water pump, etc.
18 Months later I am now getting intermittent set of engine/traction/cruise lights.
When on, the cruise light flashes. When off, perhaps a month until the set is on again.
When on, the start/idle/run are normal for motor and traction, but cruise is unavailable.
I use an ELM327 bluetooth adapter and I can read/clear codes with my phone, $30.
When these lights are on, the codes are P0301/P0302/P0303, which are all ECU Misfire Detected. As mentioned the engine is smooth and quiet.
I am close to having an Arduino OBD2 logger, to capture CANbus data for review.
I am looking at the Xtools D7S bidirectional scan tool, but it is expensive.

 

[PeterfromOz]

Possible coil pack fault. I own a 2004 & 2011 Forester. When I purchased the 2004 I researched the forums and found persons had issues with the alternator, starter motor and a number with the coil pack. As such, I purchased a second hand one of each and carry them if I go on an extended trip. I reconditioned the starter & alternator with new bearings & brushes which was not expensive.

 

[J_Westy]

I just have the dumbest of dumb scanner, but MrSubaru on YouTube showed this Gear Wrench bi-directional scanner recently. He didn't endorse it (yet) because it was new to him, but it's pretty compelling -- free software updates and US$150 on Amazon. It's on my wishlist.

GWSMARTBT Professional Bi-Directional Diagnostic Scan Tool - Gearwrench

Count on GEARWRENCH to get the job done. Get the GWSMARTBT Professional Bi-Directional Diagnostic Scan Tool here.

www.gearwrench.com

 

[Pasquale]

Hi guys,
I'm looking for recommendations for a code reader to use on a 2002
Forester. The ones I've tried cannot deal with my model.. I suspect it's the usual fault with the O2 sensor but I'd like to confirm it before stripping things out. Hope somebody can point me in the right direction. Thanks in anticipation.. Pasquale.

 

[sijia4806]

Hey everyone,

I drive a 2017 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium, and the check engine light came on recently. The car still drives fine — no rough idle or hesitation — but I’ve noticed the gas mileage has dropped a bit.

I used a basic Bluetooth OBD2 adapter with Torque Pro, and it pulled code P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold). I know this is a pretty common Subaru code, and it could be the catalytic converter, but I’ve also read it might just be an O2 sensor acting up.

I’m thinking of getting a better diagnostic tool — one that can read live data, show freeze frame info, and maybe even support Subaru-specific diagnostics. I've looked into tools like the Autel ML629 on the obdprice.com, ANCEL AD530 Pro, and even some higher-end ones like the Autel MaxiSys or Foxwell units.

Has anyone here used any of those on a Forester? What scan tools do you recommend that work well with Subarus?

Appreciate any input or experience you can share!

 

[bman400]

FYI, Catalytic Converter are covered under US Federal Emissions Warranty depending on time/. mileage.

 

[sijia4806]

FYI, Catalytic Converter are covered under US Federal Emissions Warranty depending on time/. mileage.

Good point, thanks! My Forester might still be under the 8yr/80k emissions warranty—I'll check with Subaru. Still want a scan tool to double-check if it's the cat or just an O2 sensor.