Read somewhere that it's possible to purchase software that will run on your laptop and diagnose your car: or maybe interface with the car's electronic system. Where can I get into on this?? Thanks John Hewitt, Malaga, Spain
Diagnostic software.
Sep 19, 2006
5 Replies
I suspect the software is car specific and I doubt if it can easily be bought by a non authorised dealer. OTOH, speak sweet words to a mechanic who works for the main dealer and he may make you a copy!
AIUI some of them are dongle protected, so a copy would be no use in that instance.
Dave
Is this something like you are after
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there are quite a few free software applications for interrogating your cars obd facility but often you require the interface £40 +
Gio
Stuff seems to becoming available for OBD compliant cars after about
2000 for around the £250 mark. I've had a couple of mailshots. Thats for plug in lead PC to OBD and software. Before 2000 its hopeless as every manufacturer used different plugs and software. So I suppose we have something to thank the Yanks for.Al
The Americans made OBDII compliance compulsory from Jan 1st 1996. In Europe we tinkered with the standard, eventually coming up with E-OBDII from 2001.
Some European cars older than this will still be compliant, but with no guarantees.
Chris
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