code checking ODB 2 laptop/palm VPM interface

[xenon2000]

Edited title, discussion is now about using a laptop/palm for scantool. This first post is left as my original question.

I have a 2001 Grand Am SE V6. ODB-II of course. And I know they have code checking computers. but...

I have searched this forum up and down and only see people using the code checking tool to get the codes. Is there any way to make the SES light blink the codes like early 1996 ODB2 and pre-1996 ODB1 codes? Fiero I had was obviously not ODB2 and so I was able to easily jump a connector and get the codes. And similar method on my GEO and other pre-1996 cars.

So is there no way to do a similar thing with ODB-II cars? Do I HAVE to have a code checking tool?

And please don't tell me to just go to Autozone or some other place that does free code checking. I already know that option is available. I am assuming that I will need the diag tool. But I wanted to check before buying one. Thanks.

[xenon2000]

I read on another forum that ODB2 REQUIRES an interface to read the codes. No blinking SES light to get the codes. So unless the GA is an exception, I guess I have to use the tool....


or, my laptop.

Anyone here use a laptop to interface to ODB2? I obviously need a serial cable with interface connector and electronics, as well as the software.

http://freediag.sourceforge.net/

This is a freeware Linux app scantool. Which I would like to try with my laptop. But I still need the cable interface. Anyone have any sources they use for a cable? Hopefully someone here has interfaced a laptop to ODB2. Thanks for any help.

[RocketFast321]

cool i have to look into freediag. but if you look on the net (I forgot the site) their is a place that sells the cable

[xenon2000]

Yeah, I have seen several places for cables and the VPM (GM) interface. But I was hoping that someone on this board had already been down this path and might have some other sources and/or tips. I am planning on using an old Palm V that I have sitting around with a serial connection. And I can technically make the cable on my own after buying the ODB2 connector. But $110 for 2 cables, the GM interface and commercial software isnt' a bad deal either.

[JayDoc]

Below are a few that I looked at before I settled on Car Code. Couldn't be happier. Don't know if something like that would meet your needs because it's not available for hand helds.

Auto Enginuity (http://www.autoenginuity.com)
AutoTap (http://www.autotap.com)
Scantool (http://www.scantool.net)
Car Code (http://www.obd-2.com)
Auterra (http://www.auterraweb.com)

[xenon2000]

Thanks for the list, I have already seen the first 4. I keep finding many places that deal with commercial software. And I even find several freeware apps for both windows and Palm. But trying to decide on who to buy the interface and cables from.

I think I have settled on:
http://www.scantool.net/products/elmscan_vpw.htm $99

there was also another one, but not finding the link right now. But it was the same kit but with commercial software for windows for the same $99 price.

Either way, I plan on using
http://www.qcontinuum.org/obdgauge/screens.htm
for Palm V.

$99 plus shipping doesn't seem too bad for 2 cables and the interface.

[xenon2000]

Order and just received my scantool interface from scantool.net They are slow to reply to emails, but fast shipping. I ordered and paid for it on Friday and got it on Monday. I also bought the ISO model for my grandmothers 1996 Chrysler Concorde that has the light on after a recent recall repair for leaky injector seals.

Anyways. I just hooked up the interface between the car ODB2 connector which is located just under the drivers' side dash, can feel it with your left hand, and my laptop.

Pulled code P0440, which I have seen many times here as usually a loose gas cap and poor/dirty gas. Since Oregon doesn't let me pump my own gas. It's more than likely loose since gas attendants around here are super lazy and don't care. Sure enough it felt pretty loose. So I cleared the code and hopefully that is that. But I will run some cleaner though as well.

I couldn't get my Palm Vx to work with OBD Gauge software. I think my Palm serial cable is the issue there. But I hope to get that working soon because I just want to keep the interface, cables and my Palm in a case for quick scans if needed and also realtime driving scans.

Awesome device. Got a discount for buying 2 whole units. $75 each instead of $100. And since my grandmother is buying for her's, it was a good deal for sure.

Very cool scan tool, even for the regular $100 price. And a new ELM327 scantool is coming out end of the year or so. Does all the OBD2 protocols and is supposedly faster at realtime data. I will probably get that too.