What OBD2 readers are everyone using?

[coop3422]

I have an AC issues in my 2015 S4. It's going into the shop Wednesday to be looked at. They said they'll have to pull the code, and then look over the system. I could be a simple recharge, or worse. Got me thinking, if I could scan it myself, well wouldn't that be handy if it was as simple as a recharge.

So, I started looking at OBD2 readers, and got a bit lost. There's a lot of options, physical unit, Bluetooth dongle and an app, etc. Then I saw a couple that can reset oil change service reminders. My 2015 A6 has had a Service Due message for 5k km because the shop that did the change didn't reset it. So that would also be nice to have, since I plan on doing the changes on my S4 myself.

What units are folks here using. Below are a couple that I saw, but I'm sure there's way more. Bonus if it's got 1 day Prime shipping on Amazon Canada haha.

ANCEL VD500 - $68,can reset oil service, but doesn't say anything specific about AC system

Thoughts?

[shortyolsen2017]

Ross Tech Vagcom

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[Envy187]

The above is the O.G. and ultimate diagnostic tool, but most of us benefit from an OBDeleven or Carista for our needs. It can accomplish most of the what a lot of folks would consider the best possible diagnostic tool (VCDS/VAG-COM) can, but comes equipped with convenient and user-friendly interfaces that are rated "E" for everyone.

[coop3422]

The above is the O.G. and ultimate diagnostic tool, but most of us benefit from an OBDeleven or Carista for our needs. It can accomplish most of the what a lot of folks would consider the best possible diagnostic tool (VCDS/VAG-COM) can, but comes equipped with convenient and user-friendly interfaces that are rated "E" for everyone.

So that would be this one: Carista OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter paired with this app?

Follow up question; can you do VCDS mods with a BT based unit like OBDeleven or Carista? For example, turning off DSR? Or does that require a more complete solution like Ross Tech?

[Envy187]

So that would be this one: Carista OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter paired with this app?

Absolutely, yep! You got it.

Personally, I chose the OBDeleven because I liked the user-interface better than the Carista, but they fundamentally do the exact same thing(s).

Note: The Carista you posted has iPhone/iPad capabilities, whereas the OBDeleven is Android only. There have rumblings that they're working on allowing Apple uses to use OBDeleven in recent months, so that's a plus.

[2by2handsofblue]

I have a obdeleven and so far it's been good. I got it for times when I get codes.
Supposedly obdeleven is working on integrating iphone as well.


we are the borg! resistance is futile.

[Engineer2]

Absolutely, yep! You got it.

Personally, I chose the OBDeleven because I liked the user-interface better than the Carista, but they fundamentally do the exact same thing(s).

Note: The Carista you posted has iPhone/iPad capabilities, whereas the OBDeleven is Android only. There have rumblings that they're working on allowing Apple uses to use OBDeleven in recent months, so that's a plus.

Looks like the Apple version of OBDeleven is already out. From what I understand, it's not as functional as the Android version yet, but that's likely just a matter of time.

https://www.shopdap.com/catalog/product/view/id/804282

[rsfpc05]

In terms of changing preferences (e.g setting Sport mode at start up), is OBD11 better or worse than Carista?

[gj314]

I have the iOS version of OBDEleven and it’s been fine so far. It can do all the adaptions/long coding you need so I’ve been able to mess around with DRL setup, DRL brightness, amber side marker, disabling DSR, turn signal wink, etc.


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[Jellyrollpa]

For the guys with ODBEleven correct me if I’m wrong, but you can also do live data monitoring. I use Carista and it doesn’t have live data logging.

[coop3422]

I have the iOS version of OBDEleven and it’s been fine so far. It can do all the adaptions/long coding you need so I’ve been able to mess around with DRL setup, DRL brightness, amber side marker, disabling DSR, turn signal wink, etc.


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Good to know OBDEleven can do those "mods". Anyone confirm if Carista can too? Looking on Amazon.ca, OBDEleven is significantly more expensive it seems. I'm not opposed to it, just want to be informed I suppose.

[MSq5]

Ross Tech VCDS for deep scan diagnostics, including so-called soft codes that do not trigger a light. It covers every vehicle function that reports data to the OBD2 port. A well-spent $199 for lifetime 3 vehicle VIN license. Windows 10 based.

It also has full tech support for problem solving and recoding. It is capable of generating detailed reports identifying what the code means, the affected module, whether the problem is software or a defective part and which one. It permits long coding of most functions and provides the user many dealer service access codes for many of the modules.

It has a very good user board for registered owners. It regularly updates its software free of charge. It also can real time data log and record the logs in common .csv spreadsheet format.

I also carry in my glove box a little simple hand-held Bosch scanner that can read and clear basic codes. You still have to look us the code. I think it was less than $50. It can only read and clear codes, but is useful in its own way.

[BecksA3]

I have OBDEleven and I’ve done a lot of the popular mods. The pre-coded apps are nice and long coding is easy.
They have a forum for users to post stuff. It’s ok, but you can find better info on here and google.
I’ve seen that their customer service isn’t great, but I haven’t needed it yet.


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[coop3422]

Ross Tech VCDS for deep scan diagnostics, including so-called soft codes that do not trigger a light. It covers every vehicle function that reports data to the OBD2 port. A well-spent $199 for lifetime 3 vehicle VIN license. Windows 10 based.

It also has full tech support for problem solving and recoding. It is capable of generating detailed reports identifying what the code means, the affected module, whether the problem is software or a defective part and which one. It permits long coding of most functions and provides the user many dealer service access codes for many of the modules.

It has a very good user board for registered owners. It regularly updates its software free of charge. It also can real time data log and record the logs in common .csv spreadsheet format.

I also carry in my glove box a little simple hand-held Bosch scanner that can read and clear basic codes. You still have to look us the code. I think it was less than $50. It can only read and clear codes, but is useful in its own way.

Thanks for the detailed response. This is why I wanted to ask because the car has no lights on, so I didn't want to get a cheaper reader that couldn't read a code for air conditioning. I'm not opposed to spending more if it's worth it. Is this the product you are talking about https://store.ross-tech.com/shop/vchv2_ent/

[KAMP]

I have the newest OBDeleven paired with my iPhone and it works flawlessly. Very quick and easy to use. For now, I only used it a few times to make some small changes to: lighting, headlight re-leveling after coilover install/lowering and extra gimmick features like video in motion. I’m sure it’ll come in handy for a future rear brake pad install and what not. Honestly, it’s much more than I’ll need with my use, but then again, I should probably play around with it more to get a few more benefits out of it.

[BR11S4]

OBDELEVEN pro. Works great. iPhone support has really improved last couple of months. Android is still much better though.

I had a dead battery today. Left a power invertor plugged in and it drained the battery. Very poor timing. Was hoping in the car for vacation. 470 mile trip.

Jumped the car with battery charger. EPC light was on. Opened up OBDEleven on iPhone and had 26 faults. Cleared them and was on my way. Not sure what I would have done without OBDEleven as EPC light was on


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[BR11S4]

Thanks for the detailed response. This is why I wanted to ask because the car has no lights on, so I didn't want to get a cheaper reader that couldn't read a code for air conditioning. I'm not opposed to spending more if it's worth it. Is this the product you are talking about https://store.ross-tech.com/shop/vchv2_ent/

OBDEleven will read everything Vcds can. Soft codes and hard. Including all car systems. Engine, hvac and electrical. Plus can do long coding and apps. Great device but it will not log like Vcds.

I have cleaned AC codes and even get speaker codes. Have one speaker that might be blown or have a bad connection. Will fix eventually


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[coop3422]

OBDEleven will read everything Vcds can. Soft codes and hard. Including all car systems. Engine, hvac and electrical. Plus can do long coding and apps. Great device but it will not log like Vcds.

I have cleaned AC codes and even get speaker codes. Have one speaker that might be blown or have a bad connection. Will fix eventually


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Will Carista work about the same way? I ordered that one and should be here today. OBDEleven was much longer shipping, so I figured I'd give Carista a chance. If it doesn't work, I can always send it back.

[gj314]

Will Carista work about the same way? I ordered that one and should be here today. OBDEleven was much longer shipping, so I figured I'd give Carista a chance. If it doesn't work, I can always send it back.

I was deciding between OBDEleven and Carista, I decided on OBDEleven because it doesn’t require a subscription. I paid $100 here: https://www.shopdap.com/nextgen-obde...-scantool.html and it comes with the pro license which means you have access to scanning/long coding/more forever for free (I believe). Credits are only used for pre programmed apps (which aren’t completely necessary, you can still do everything through long coding, and you can get free credits pretty easily).


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[coop3422]

I was deciding between OBDEleven and Carista, I decided on OBDEleven because it doesn’t require a subscription. I paid $100 here: https://www.shopdap.com/nextgen-obde...-scantool.html and it comes with the pro license which means you have access to scanning/long coding/more forever for free (I believe). Credits are only used for pre programmed apps (which aren’t completely necessary, you can still do everything through long coding, and you can get free credits pretty easily).


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That's a good deal. OBDEleven Pro on Amazon Canada is $200 CAD, Carista was $35 with 1 month free. Annual membership is $55, so it would take 3 years to break even. Carista was next day shipping vs a week for OBDEleven, and we're going to the cabin Friday so I wanted it asap as before my Wednesday appointment. We'll see, if it doesn't help I can send it back. Fingers crossed it shows me a code that it needs an AC recharge. That would be best case and would pay for itself right there. Doubt I'm that lucky, but here's hoping lol.

It'll also be nice to clear services reminders when I change my oil, that reminder drives me nuts haha.

[proxemus]

Get obd11, it does more. It does live data. And it's technically vw specific. And yearly subscriptions can eat shit.

[coop3422]

Get obd11, it does more. It does live data. And it's technically vw specific. And yearly subscriptions can eat shit.

Live data isn't of interest to me. My goal is to be able to pull codes, reset service reminders, and VCDS mods. Is there a comparison between OBDEleven and Carista? I've seen generic "one is better"comments, but still feel lost haha.

I do appreciate everyone's input though!

[EIAlfonso]

That's a good deal. OBDEleven Pro on Amazon Canada is $200 CAD, Carista was $35 with 1 month free. Annual membership is $55, so it would take 3 years to break even. Carista was next day shipping vs a week for OBDEleven, and we're going to the cabin Friday so I wanted it asap as before my Wednesday appointment. We'll see, if it doesn't help I can send it back. Fingers crossed it shows me a code that it needs an AC recharge. That would be best case and would pay for itself right there. Doubt I'm that lucky, but here's hoping lol.

It'll also be nice to clear services reminders when I change my oil, that reminder drives me nuts haha.

Are they both one vin or multiple vins?
OBDeleven may be better if you can sell it after a few years of ownership since theres no monthly fee

[proxemus]

Things I like. 1 payment. U will have it longer then 3 years. Obd11 u can do long coding and gives u access around 85% of vcds. I only used carista once and i wasn't impressed. If u have other cars that arnt vw based. Then get carista. U can scan the basics for free but won't get the advanced shit with out a subscription. There's a way to hack it too. But if all u have is vwaudiporsche then vcds>>>obd11>>>>bluedriver>>>>carista. Blue driver is also no subscription and does samething carista does. Carista is just marketed well. But I use obd11 80% of time and vcds20% for those hard codes. Like if u need to recode injectors. Or you changed your steering rack and need to recalibrate it. Shit like that. Other then that obd11 gives me all my codes and does my resets on my service and any small code that pops up. I just leave mine jammed in the obd port in my s5. Hopefully this helps.

[Jayz691]

Obdeleven pro, love it. And Carista ya gotta pay for a subscription, obd11 is $80, one time.

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[coop3422]

Damn, Amazon Canada seems to be gouging. OBDeleven Pro is $199 CAD. Our dollar is low, but that really doesn't equate conversion wise from $80. It seems to ship from the US too so my Prime account doesn't help. Carista was next day and $35, which was why I chose it as it includes a free month. Think I'll use it since I have it, then return it and order OBDeleven directly from them if that's where it's $80 USD. If Amazon had been $80 + conversion (call it 40% on the high side), I'd have gone that route. Ross Tech sounds baller, but way more than I need.

edit: Where is the best place to order from? I looked on OBDeleven's site, and it looks like it's $99 Euros. Plus whatever shipping would be to Canada.

[KAMP]

OP, the OBDeleven PRO (if you want the newest/iOS compatible version) is not $80, it’s over $100 and currently on sale at ECS. Just to be clear.

[proxemus]

Ya I paid like 65$ for my obd11. Canadian. Black Friday or something

[coop3422]

OP, the OBDeleven PRO (if you want the newest/iOS compatible version) is not $80, it’s over $100 and currently on sale at ECS. Just to be clear.

Thanks, I see they have it for $105. I anticipate they'll get me on shipping to Canada, so probably worth seeing if there's any other "reasonably" priced items I should order from them while I"m at it.

1 question not covered in this thread; credits. A lot of talk about OBDeleven is a 1 time cost, yet I read you have to buy credits for these things. And a lot of people seem upset about this. How does that differ from paying for the Carista membership?

[BecksA3]

Thanks, I see they have it for $105. I anticipate they'll get me on shipping to Canada, so probably worth seeing if there's any other "reasonably" priced items I should order from them while I"m at it.

1 question not covered in this thread; credits. A lot of talk about OBDeleven is a 1 time cost, yet I read you have to buy credits for these things. And a lot of people seem upset about this. How does that differ from paying for the Carista membership?

Credits are for the pre-coded apps. Long coding is free. Also, you can get 1 free credit for opening the app and 5 more for letting ads play for 6 credits per day.

Pro usually comes with 200 credits, and most of the mods are only 10, so credits aren’t really a big deal.


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[proxemus]

Credits are for the pre-coded apps. Long coding is free. Also, you can get 1 free credit for opening the app and 5 more for letting ads play for 6 credits per day.

Pro usually comes with 200 credits, and most of the mods are only 10, so credits aren’t really a big deal.


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U don't need credits tbh if u do long coading

[KAMP]

Basically what BecksA3 said.

You get 200 credits automatically when purchasing the PRO version. These credits are used for the preset ‘apps‘ which allow you to make a few customizations with a click of the button. What you should do is download the OBDeleven app on your phone now and see what’s available for the B8.5 specifically. That’s what I did before my actual OBDeleven dongle came in the mail.

Otherwise, I’m fairly positive that you won’t use up the 200 credits completely. I didn’t.. and like BecksA3 said, you get 1 free credit each time you open up the app and 5 more by watching their short ads. Their original OBDeleven did not come with 200 credits, so I see why people would be frustrated. Over time, you can get a ton of credits like I did by viewing the ads.. and still haven’t used them at all. Otherwise, you can do the long coding to makes adjustments. I haven’t done so yet but plan on playing around with my OBDeleven a little more.

[coop3422]

When googling, a complaint I read was they increased the cost of these "mods" from 10 to 100. If that's true, then that would be a significant impact. I was on the site earlier and saw all the mods they had, but I'll download the app and see if it shows the actual cost.

As for long coding, is that essentially the same as just selecting one of these mods for credits, except you have to enter the actual code vs it being preset in the app? If so, are you able to just copy and paste? On the C7 board they have a thread that lists out most of the mods, and some have the coding too.

Thanks everyone.

[KAMP]

When googling, a complaint I read was they increased the cost of these "mods" from 10 to 100. If that's true, then that would be a significant impact. I was on the site earlier and saw all the mods they had, but I'll download the app and see if it shows the actual cost.

As for long coding, is that essentially the same as just selecting one of these mods for credits, except you have to enter the actual code vs it being preset in the app? If so, are you able to just copy and paste? On the C7 board they have a thread that lists out most of the mods, and some have the coding too.

Thanks everyone.

Most are still 10 credits, I used maybe 3-4 of those. The only one that is 100 that I can remember off the top of my head is the Video In Motion, which I also used. Now I’m back to well over 200 credits because I watch the ads here and there. Just to be clear, you get to do this one time every 24 hours... 1 free credit for opening app and then up to 5 if you watch the ads. 6 total a day, nothing else to it. I don’t really see the need for purchasing any more, unless you’re looking to do this in a bunch of cars right from the beginning. I doubt most will.

As far as long coding, from my understanding; yes. I really haven’t done much of that except re-adjusting my headlights to factory level after I lowered my car on some Bilstein PSS10 coilovers (most may not even know this re-adjusting exists). I used a How-To video on YouTube for that, which was done by DAP.. and the coding/process worked flawlessly. Such a relief, since my lights were initially pointed too far down.

Otherwise, I do want to look more into long coding. I want to turn off the door chime when car is on with the door open(most annoying feature), which I recently found out is possible. I just haven’t done so yet myself.

[BecksA3]

When googling, a complaint I read was they increased the cost of these "mods" from 10 to 100. If that's true, then that would be a significant impact. I was on the site earlier and saw all the mods they had, but I'll download the app and see if it shows the actual cost.

As for long coding, is that essentially the same as just selecting one of these mods for credits, except you have to enter the actual code vs it being preset in the app? If so, are you able to just copy and paste? On the C7 board they have a thread that lists out most of the mods, and some have the coding too.

Thanks everyone.

Not really able to copy and paste, but there’s click by click directions on how to do what’s in the apps and much more involved stuff that I’ve had varying degrees of success with.


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