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Garethw

Member

Registered: 2025-08-23

Posts: 6

Code reader / Computer recomendations

Hey Team Dispatch / Expert / Scudo,

As mentioned in a previous post, I'm no stranger to tinkering with vehicles but my "golden age" was well before ECU's were a thing and I keep finding that I'm stuck wanting / needing to see what the ecu thinks is going on.

I'm sure this is a wide question and probably starts with "how much do you want to spend" but I wondered if anyone could give me some pointers on what code reader would be a good option, either in general or for my Dispatch.

I have a cheap and nasty no name one that I acquired from a friend but wondering about other options.

RegW

Member

From: Bristol

Registered: 2024-04-21

Posts: 334

Re: Code reader / Computer recomendations

Its bit of a can of worms but have a look at my attempt to get a discussion going on this subject with virtually no response
so I don't bother any more

https://dispatchexpertscudo.org.uk/foru … hp?id=2083

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When all else fails, RTFM  - 2006 Expert 2.0 HDI/110

Garethw

Member

Registered: 2025-08-23

Posts: 6

Re: Code reader / Computer recomendations

Seems you may be a man after my own heart  @RegW.

I like the idea of having a OBDII cable plugged into an ESP32 or something similar (low power for obvious reasons) that is just sitting there logging / monitoring things generally. I plan to fit a second battery and a DC -> DC charger so thought I might monitor state of charge on that for example.

In your testing have you found any free (FOSS?) software that does a reasonable job when using a OBD to USB cable or one of the OBD to Bluetooth dongles? I think I have a couple of those kicking around somewhere but never found any decent software so they were always useless to me.

Garethw

Member

Registered: 2025-08-23

Posts: 6

Re: Code reader / Computer recomendations

Anyone with any comments on this tool? Seems to be getting a bit of love elsewhere on the interwebz;

https://www.easydiagnostics.co.uk/

RegW

Member

From: Bristol

Registered: 2024-04-21

Posts: 334

Re: Code reader / Computer recomendations

If all you want is to get fault codes then the Delphi knock offs will do that
the VCI is available on AliExpress and they usually come with knock off software
that worked on mine and my neighbours Audi TT
It also let me cycle the fuel pump and coolant fan on the Expert
Lexia should allow you to get further 'under the hood' but having to install VMware and Windows XP
( windows XP? FFS!) to use it was a bit of PITA.
The may be some basic BT/USB VCIs that will allow you to do this for all I know.
Hondas PGM/FI system is great I can get fault codes with paper clip!.
I have a dedicated laptop for all my car and bike OBD stuff but these modern units with all in one VCI adapter,
screen and buttons are obviously very convenient to use.

IF THEY WORK !
Before buying I suggest you make sure there is a cast iron returns process just in case.

As for real time monitoring, there are already plug in modules on the market for this
but as above, buyer beware.

Most modern vehicles have OBD/OBD2 but regulations only seem to insist on a basic comms layer
and anything beyond that can be tricky to get at without substantial expenditure

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When all else fails, RTFM  - 2006 Expert 2.0 HDI/110