Obd scanner options?

[Snert]

I am looking for a Bi-directional scanner for personal use. I see options from a bunch of companies, topdon, gear wrench, launch, icon etc.

A lot of people here refer to AlphaOBD, which I have questions about, But will get to that shortly.

What I am looking for is a unit that is as close to dealer abilities as possible.
My current situation is my 2019 Ram 1500 has a P0440 code. I would like to be able to test things to narrow it down properly. I prefer to not just swap out parts in hope of making the issue go away. Want to fix it d be do e with it.

Just recently had the Wife's jeep grand cherokee have a battery/charging issue. After replacing the alternator found it was the fuse Block by the hood hinge.

My local dealership is unfortunately not trustworthy. Most of the mechanics that were there left due to issues with the dealership management.

If I were to go with the AlphaOBD, what else is needed for it to work properly. Doing some searching, there is mention on different color coded cables and Bluetooth transponders.

Will the AlphaOBD work with other brand vehicles or is it a brand specific only in the Bi-Directional options.

Anyone running other systems that they would recommend?

Need to get something, but the technology since last time I worked with a old scan tool was on cars from the mid 90's...
Time for me to grasp the new fangdangled technology.....

 

[1791]

i have alpha and i got this and it works. i have even been able to make changes to the bcm

Amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C1YGJ96S?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

 

[kbonnel]

Alphaodb is great for making changes to your trucks config, such as adding or changing a feature/function/option that your truck didn’t come with, I haven’t read much about it being used as a diagnostic tool though.

I got the ottofix d1 lite off of AliExpress for around 240 and I like it. It is basically an autel scanner and comes with 2 years of updates included.

Since you have a 2019 I believe all you need a Security Gateway Bypass cable to let the scanner perform all the takes vs just reading codes. You can find those on Amazon.

 

[1791]

 

[Snert]

Watched the video, seems to be all programing features available to upgrade.

Would bot mind having the option, would love to upgrade mine to memory seat...

Anyway back in topic.

Was in hope of someone with a aftermarket set up like launch, topdon, icon, innova to give feedback.

I don't mind spending the money. But don't want to buy something that won't do what I need it to do.

 

[Grape_Ape]

OBDLink MX+

The OBDLink® MX+ is the top-of-the-line OBD II scan tool to use with forscan and comes with bluetooth. Get one here today and gain access to your vehicle!

www.obdlink.com

I have this and love it. I've got an iPhone so I've used it with jscan without issues. I also really appreciate the fact that I can download OEM codes for free. Came in handy a few weeks ago. Instead of just having an ABS fault I was able to read the OEM code telling me that it was the driver's side speed sensor.

 

[1791]

Watched the video, seems to be all programing features available to upgrade.

Would bot mind having the option, would love to upgrade mine to memory seat...

Anyway back in topic.

Was in hope of someone with a aftermarket set up like launch, topdon, icon, innova to give feedback.

I don't mind spending the money. But don't want to buy something that won't do what I need it to do.

it's bidirectional if it was not you could not program it would just read. i used it with alpha on my wifes town and country van i was able to access live data. read the o2 sensor voltages and show real-time graphs and clear codes. what do you have to lose that scanner is cheap duz the job + works with alpha and if it don't just return it to amazon. no matter what you get you have to do the gateway bypass

 

[LouNY]

Any good code scanner will read your codes when they are set or active.
I have the OBD link MX+, with alfaobd, it works quite well and I used it to set up the trailer tow brake in my 2019.
I also have;

This will read codes quite well and is quicker for me to use then Alfa OBD.
That said NONE of these will clear or reset the codes in a 2018 or newer RAM without a SGW bypass (security gateway bypass). I had the kaodteck one in my 2019 and now I have one in my 2022.
Products | KaodTech

 

[Snert]

Well for the price, I will try the AlphaOBD. I see on their compatability list they recommend using the OBDlink MX+.
Would I also need the 12+8 security bypass harness as well?
Their list does not mention it, just the OBDlink MX+.