I would like to buy an OBD2 scanner for my 2005 ION QC 2.2l. There seems to be at least four types of OBD2 (ISO 9141, J1850 PWM, J1850 VPW, and CAN). Which one do I need. The cheap scanners do not cover all of the protocols and I do not want to buy one that does not do what I need.
No idea what your need is. Are you wanting a $2500+ "scantool" that will command the computer to do things or are you looking for a 40 dollar "code reader"? Any OBDII scanner will "read" any OBD II systems. All cars are backwards compatible. Esentially what has changed is the throughput, speed, in which the data is accessed for OBD II systems.
Guess again budrow. The correct answer it that they are migrating to CAN protocol (it allows for more custom diagnostics) so get a scanner that supports CAN. I have the scanner in the review linked below and it has read every vehicle I have plugged it into from 97 up through 06 CAN protocol models. (gas and diesel)
This is the actuall model I have and it can be used as a stand alone or interfaced with a PDA or Laptop.
If you want something you can plug in all the time you might get a Davis Car Chip. Work well on my 06 ion. Here is the link
Aside from reading codes, I want to monitor fuel economy in real-time. I have seen several free windows and linux OBD II software suites that can run on a laptop. You hear so many inflated and bogus statements on fuel economy that if you do half of them you would need to start the day removing fuel from your tank. I have a one-hour commute one way to work, I want to try different things to prove or disprove the claims just for my own satisfaction. From what I have read so far, the programs are not the compatiblity issue, it is the adapter to the computer that makes the difference.
Even if you do not see actual MPG (as mine does not) you can see airflow into engine and manifold pressure in real time and the less flow the less fuel you are using. Also if you want a real surprize, monitor the spark advance (which mine does) running 87 octane and them with 93 and watch the difference. lots of times in hot weather you can improve economy with better fuel because the ECM has to retard the spark a lot with 87 on a hot day and it does this before you hear the knock to limit consumer complaints. The problem is though that this retarding also hurts power/efficency and MPG. Nice thing about mine is that it can be used as a stand alone in text or graphing mode and with a laptop or PDA with free software included/availble from manufacture.
----------------- The SnoMan
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