Recommend a good fault code +OBD reader

After having decided to ditch our old 306, the car we're looking at getting should have OBDII (it's an 05 model petrol Focus). I thought that it would be good to invest in a fault code reader early on, rather than have to panic buy (and wait for delivery) when we actually need one.

When I asked before (regarding one for the 306), Steve B recommended the UifTech U581. Seems a good price (around £65) and looks rugged etc. Has freeze frame which I understand is useful.

However, I was also considering getting a Bluetooth enabled one. I have a PDA I use for sat nav which I could use for it, and I have a Bluetooth enabled laptop I can use. I like the wire-free idea (could keep it connected permanently).

I like the idea of being able to get a bit more graphical information, including real time display which is easily visible whilst driving (I'll have a mount for the PDA). You can also display more than one thing at a time.

Has anyone used any of these Bluetooth enabled OBD tools such as the Bluetooth OBDKey

Here's some of the features OBDKey claim for their PC application:

  • Read sensor 'live' data * Read engine management diagnostic fault codes * Display engine management diagnostic fault codes in plain text by decoding the standard "P" codes. * Clear engine management diagnostic fault codes * Read vehicle information data (e.g. VIN) * Read vehicle freeze frame data * Clear vehicle freeze frame data * Read vehicle oxygen sensor parameters * Clears the "check engine" light

What benefits would something like the U581 give over OBDKey (or vice versa)?

Thanks

David

Reply to
David Hearn
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Does no-one have any thoughts on OBD readers?

Rugged robust handheld reader vs bluetooth device + PDA/laptop? Features to look for, ones to avoid, known issues?

Thanks

David

Reply to
David Hearn

Mac Tools do a couple of good ones.

Reply to
Pete M

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