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OBDII reader / scanner recommendations?

88to21bronco

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Disclaimers:
1. Yes I have searched this forum. There are several threads that mention OBDII readers, and this one is extremely interesting.
2. Yes I know they are all over Amazon.

So my question: Which readers would you recommend? For quality, value, ease of use (I'm an IT guy, but new to auto stuff), and versatility. I want to access onboard stuff to change, as in the above link. And calibrate speedo once I upgrade tires/wheels, read codes, etc...

And I know there are app options for phones. Any guidance there would be appreciated, too.
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JesseS

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I have the port adapter and app from FourStroke for my iPhone, seems to work well for data read out and resetting error codes. It is not a programmer as those are much more expensive (I also have a SCT to tune my Ford V-10)
 

IDyeti

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Been using a Scangauge II for 14 years on my current rig. It does almost everything I need it to other than trans temp due to the way Nissan locks it out, I believe they have cleared this hurdle though with x-gauges now. It does adjust for larger tires which was my key need other than reading codes. I am in IT too and its totally plug and play. Doesn't have the prettiest of displays but the thing just works.
 

Razorback

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Inquiring minds want to know. 👍 I've been researching and FIXD makes one that looks pretty cool.
 

jalexa27

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Disclaimers:
1. Yes I have searched this forum. There are several threads that mention OBDII readers, and this one is extremely interesting.
2. Yes I know they are all over Amazon.

So my question: Which readers would you recommend? For quality, value, ease of use (I'm an IT guy, but new to auto stuff), and versatility. I want to access onboard stuff to change, as in the above link. And calibrate speedo once I upgrade tires/wheels, read codes, etc...

And I know there are app options for phones. Any guidance there would be appreciated, too.
Depends on what you want to do. I just downloaded Forscan and use the OBDLink EX cable. It gives you the ability to unlock since hidden features. May be a little more expensive than other options.
 

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JesseS

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Depends on what you want to do. I just downloaded Forscan and use the OBDLink EX cable. It gives you the ability to unlock since hidden features. May be a little more expensive than other options.
I just did that myself after reading up on it, got the OBDLink EX on Amazon for $50, already have a Macbook Pro with dual-boot and Win 10. Will have to spend some time learning the layout but looks simple enough.
 
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88to21bronco

88to21bronco

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Thanks for the responses everybody. I'll try it out when (if) I ever get my Bronco.
 

2Jeeps&PatriotX1

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Have had the OBDLink MX Bluetooth and its done everything I've needed the last 3 years.
 

Greasyfingers429

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Been using a Scangauge II for 14 years on my current rig. It does almost everything I need it to other than trans temp due to the way Nissan locks it out, I believe they have cleared this hurdle though with x-gauges now. It does adjust for larger tires which was my key need other than reading codes. I am in IT too and its totally plug and play. Doesn't have the prettiest of displays but the thing just works.
I just plugged in my ScanGauge II for the first time in my 2021 Bronco, after having used it since my 2006 F-350 and ‘13 Jetta TDI. The standard gauges mostly work by default. I have decided this device is mostly obsolete. Everything from mileage, temps, boost, etc are mostly available right in the dashboard gauges screen, if you turn it on.
What I can’t figure out are any of the customizable ScanGauge X-Gauges. So far, there is zero support on the ScanGauge website or web search results for the 2021 Bronco. I might look into one of the more modern devices listed here in this thread, hoping to get engine torque, torque converter slip, and especially EGT pre- and/or post-turbo.
The one feature ScanGauge should be able to report is adjusted speed if you run larger tires, but I bet there’s a more elegant solution to reprogram the actual speedometer for that too.
 
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Jsullivan

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