Recommendation needed - OBDII data-logging software for CRDs

kapalczynski · **Posted:** Fri Apr 30, 2010 6:34 pm

Just curious what is out there that works well for our CRD's OBDII system. I have been using a friends setup that came with connector and software for ~$80. It works suprisingly well for realtime temps, etc, but does not allow for saving graphs/data, just realtime data & graphs. I have heard of people having problems with the CRD's OBDII system and the scangauge, etc so has anyone tried any data-logging software and had any issues, or had anything that works great to recommend.

I was hoping to stay on the cheaper side, cheaper the better as it is more for pleasure than business, but willing to spend a bit if I have to.

Features I'd like to have:

- real time temps/pressures/etc of sensors.
- data-logging capability to look ad data after disconnection (graphing ability would be nice, but can always export to excel for a graph)
- ability to read/reset codes
- more of a nice feature that I probably won't get cheaply, but ability to reset airbag lights, etc.

Please post your recommendations or bad experiences you may have had.

- Mark

kapalczynski · **Posted:** Fri Apr 30, 2010 7:29 pm

Might have just found the answer.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/V1-3-OBD-2-OBDII-USB-Interface-Scanner-tool-CAN-BUS-B03-/300421885120?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item45f28a2cc0

It comes with this software:
http://www.easyobdii.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=6

Says it does data-logging, anyone ever use this program or know if it can display all sensor data or just some?

**EDIT**

Hard to pass up. $16.98 shipped...just ordered it.

geordi · **Posted:** Fri Apr 30, 2010 8:25 pm

If that doesn't do it for you (I'm hopeful but skeptical at the price) shoot me a PM. I have the enhanced connector from AutoEnginuity that we might be able to work something out. :juggle:

TJ2 · **Posted:** Sun May 02, 2010 2:30 pm

I hope it works. Keep us posted.

I did notice the seller 'likes' five star replies and does not like 'neutral or negative' feedback. It almost reads like a threat.

There must be something between $20 and less than $1700 available for consumer use.

racertracer · **Posted:** Sun May 02, 2010 2:57 pm

It's worth the trouble ....... I just bought one and it's on its way home.

kapalczynski · **Posted:** Wed May 05, 2010 1:23 am

racertracer wrote:

It's worth the trouble ....... I just bought one and it's on its way home.

Couldn't wait to try it too? lol Me either.

Hopefully it works great

dirtmover · **Posted:** Wed May 05, 2010 5:01 pm

kapalczynski wrote:

It comes with this software:
http://www.easyobdii.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=6

Don't get your hopes up, I couldn't get easyobdii to work with the CRD but it does work fine with my Caravan.

This scanner probably comes with the demo version of the SW that has a number of features disabled including logging.

kapalczynski · **Posted:** Wed May 05, 2010 10:14 pm

If I spend another 20.00 on the data-logging capability it's still worth it. 40.00 total is still a deal.

Hydraulic Jack · **Posted:** Wed May 05, 2010 11:35 pm

I guess it would give me an excuse to buy a laptop.....LOL.......HJ

dirtmover · **Posted:** Thu May 06, 2010 6:39 pm

kapalczynski wrote:

If I spend another 20.00 on the data-logging capability it's still worth it. 40.00 total is still a deal.

I would be happy to spend the extra $20 for the full version but the reality is that it won't connect to the vehicle - non-compliant OBDII.

I got another couple of demo packages that manage to read TPS & RPM but nothing more. Not even the CEL

that is currently on.

Now, my interface isn't exactly the same as the one you ordered but my money is on it being the same design built around the same knock-off ELM327.

kapalczynski · **Posted:** Thu May 06, 2010 10:32 pm

Have you tried that specific software with our OBDII since the OBDII was updated to work with aftermarket scanners? I think our jeep had a recall to allow functionality with the scan-tools. have you had that sone yet? I have used a similar program of a friends on my CRD with no issues other than taking 30 sec to a minute to get a connection, which I can only assume is normal. His software did not log, just instantaneous readings of the various sensors, rpm, throttle position, etc. Anyway, I will at lest get the connector for the port for under $20...if none of the software it comes with works properly ( i think it mentioned it came with 3 different programs) with our OBDII I will use my friends software (though I can't data-log with it). I'll have to get the name of the software he uses that worked for me and let you all know.

dirtmover · **Posted:** Fri May 07, 2010 7:34 am

Yeah, I would be very interested to know what your friend is using? ELM interface? Real or clone?

Some of the S/W out there is really quite impressive and I know you guys would love it if we could find a working combination.

I didn't try that specific software because I don't wish to pay for a license when the demo doesn't work. I have, howerver, tried the following and a few of them can read rpm and tps but nothing else. None of them can see my CEL is lit or read the code or associated freeze frame data:
- EasyOBDII_Viewer2_3_0 (demo)
- ScanTool.net (open source)
- ScanMaster ELM (demo)
- OBD2Spy (free)
- wOBD (free)
- OBD_DIAG (full version)
- PCMSCAN (full version)

This is the interface that I have http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.28528. I've no reason to believe it's bad since it works fine with my Caravan. My ELM version is reported as 1.5a even though the real ELM device has only just been released at 1.4 :lol:

. Who knows, this alone may even cause some software compatibility issues.

I did have the PCM updated for the OBDII fix and I have been able to use a ScanGauge up to a point (locks up) and my Innova reader is able to grab the current code and freeze frame - pesky glow plug again

There's some info out there indicating that the ELM clones are based on a very early and slightly buggy version of the real ELM. This info from the Palmer site http://www.palmerperformance.com/downlo ... _notes.txt may give some clues:
" * Work around buggy ELM327 clones that don't support the response count byte."

...but I don't have access to this software and don't wish to drop that sort of money on something that may not work.

Given my Innova is OK I'm beginning to think that this may be simply be an incompatibility with the interface. It may simply be a case of buying a real ELM device http://www.elmelectronics.com/obdic.html#ELM327 or there may be a software workaround. I believe my friend's ELM interface is the real thing so I'll try and borrow this to compare.

Squeeto · **Posted:** Sat May 08, 2010 12:33 am

Here is another option to try. The free (lite) version data logs.

OBD 2007
http://www.glmsoftware.com/Downloads1.aspx

Joe Romas · **Posted:** Sat May 08, 2010 10:08 am

kapalczynski wrote:

Have you tried that specific software with our OBDII since the OBDII was updated to work with aftermarket scanners?

A little clairification is needed here :lol:

Only those that got a flash released sometime in late May or early June, BEFORE THE FINAL F37, would not talk to third party scanners and therefore required F-31 that was a RECALL. The flash in question, I recieved it, gave us all the "features" of the F-37 :wink:

Those that did not recieve that flash had no problems communicating with third party scanners. As far as data logging goes I wish you luck as as our kludged data buss does not like outside interogation when it's busy :dizzy:

dirtmover · **Posted:** Sat May 08, 2010 11:02 am

Squeeto wrote:

Here is another option to try. The free (lite) version data logs.

Thanks, just tried it. Same problem, works fine with my caravan but not with the CRD.

Joe Romas · **Posted:** Sat May 08, 2010 1:21 pm

dirtmover wrote:

Thanks, just tried it. Same problem, works fine with my caravan but not with the CRD.

If you have any VW buddies that have a vag-com setup my HEX+CAN works with my CRD's but like scan guage II and I'm summing the rest it dropps off after a short while :seuss:

dirtmover · **Posted:** Sun May 09, 2010 8:33 am

Joe Romas wrote:

As far as data logging goes I wish you luck as as our kludged data buss does not like outside interogation when it's busy :dizzy:

But there must be a way to avoid bus contention. The Chrysler tool does it - one would hope?

Joe Romas · **Posted:** Sun May 09, 2010 11:40 am

GMTCD started a thread in the Tec section but I don't think there has been many new postings.

Recommendation needed - OBDII data-logging software for CRDs

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