diagnostic software?

[themadness]

i was thinking about getting something to hook to my laptop to scan for codes and ran across this.......

http://www.amazon.com/1-5a-OBD-ELM327-C ... B002WICZMO


would that be sufficient for pin pointing issues basically to keep me ahead of the game if a mechanic is required. or to help find things i may be able to fix myself if a problem should arise.

are there any open source programs? suggestions welcome.

[DUBS28]

Looks as if that would work as long as you have OBD II in your car. Very few Berettas had OBD II if any from what I understand. You probably need an OBD I scanner but really to get the check engine codes all you need is a paper clip, patience to count blinking lights and a Haynes manual.

[themadness]

is it possible to have codes if the ses light is not on?

i think i read somewhere that one of you guys had a laptop hooked up with diagnostic software that gives tons of info. pretty sure its pricey but is their an open source version?


i have a 94 base but it was manufactured in 93. that should mean it is obd 1, correct? i have been reading there was a "transition" version that needs a special connection.

[woody90gtz]

94-95 are the transitional "OBD1.5" years. You can read them with a traditional OBD1 scanner, it just needs the OB2-style plug if I remember right.

[themadness]

so if i bought one of the cheaper readers i would need 2 cables?

[ErichZ26]

That works with devices like desktop or Android. Its useless for most Beretta's. I want to be able to program my radio's without a TECH 2. Still working on this.

[3X00-Modified]

94-95 are the transitional "OBD1.5" years. You can read them with a traditional OBD1 scanner, it just needs the OB2-style plug if I remember right.

No not for our cars, its all OBDI ready for reading. You need a Code pulling tool though, NOT the ones listed online that flash a light to show the code, that still doesn't work. I have an old Actron unit that I found on Ebay.

Only on the Grand Prix's or something like that had a OBDII plug but OBD1.5

[themadness]

would there be any codes if the check engine light isnt on?

[3X00-Modified]

There could be stored codes, but that all depends on when the last time the light was on and if you've disconnected your battery since it was on. But nothing will be there active if the light is not on, it will just state that it happened at one point.

[indyyellow]

Pepe boys was able to read my 1990 Beretta though other car parts places say they could only read 95 and up. FWIW

[Alxsmt]

check out www.moates.net they have the obd1 cable for a laptop, they get tunerpro rt (free, just google) along with the correct file and you can see trouble codes and all the sensor readings too