Laptop as an OBD-I Scan Tool?

[bodega1027]

Hi!

I've heard it was possible to get software for your laptop that replicates an OBD-I Scan Tool, but I can't find anything about it. Has anyone else heard this before? And if so, wouldn't I need some sort of cable to plug into the diagnostics unit?

[dagr8tim]

All about hooking a laptop up to your car:

http://www.a-body.net/forums/showthread.php?t=286

You need to make a custom cable that connects to a laptop via serial (RS-232) or USB. Good luck finding a laptop that was made in the last 5 years with a serial port.

Once you've got the cable, you will need the software.

[bodega1027]

Thanks! I always wanted an OBD1 Scan Tool, but I heard they were expensive. I'll double check to see what the cheaper option would be.

[dagr8tim]

Thanks! I always wanted an OBD1 Scan Tool, but I heard they were expensive. I'll double check to see what the cheaper option would be.

I got a ford OBD-I scanner for like $30 afew years back. It only had an LED & tone generator. You had to count to get the code.

If all you want to do is pull the codes, then you can use a jumper wire and count the CEL.

I personally want to setup a laptop to be able to real time monitor running conditions, speed, tach, ect... Ofcourse I'm also installing a 400 watt inverter, a laptop mount, and wire a GPS antenna on the roof. So I'm kind of getting out there with car electronics.

[bodega1027]

I want to troubleshoot a code 35 (idle air) and run some real time tests on my IAC valve, but apparently I need a scan tool to do it (according to the Chilton chart). This isn't the first time I had to fudge a troubleshooting guide because I didn't have a scan tool... I figure if I'm going to continue to buy cheap cars, I may as well have the proper tools to keep them running ^_^

[dagr8tim]

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=ACN&MfrPartNumber=CP9001&CategoryCode=3389

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=EQU&MfrPartNumber=3123&CategoryCode=3389

I'm not sure if you could use this to connect your car to a computer. You'd still need a computer with a serial port, and the software.
http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=ACN&MfrPartNumber=CP9127&CategoryCode=3389

[LordDurock]

http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_nkwZusbQ20toQ20serialQ20adapterQQ_armrsZ1QQ_ fromZR40QQ_mdoZ