ODB2

consumers_revenge

Hi,

I'm going to be using this with a Mk1 Focus.

Whats the recommended free ODB2 software you can download please?

Thanks.

Goudy

There are a few free to download, most are pretty limited though.
It all depends on what you are trying to do.

I find Torque Pro is pretty useful for all the engine ECU readings and codes.

born_again

consumers_revenge said:

Hi,

I'm going to be using this with a Mk1 Focus.

Whats the recommended free ODB2 software you can download please?

Thanks.

Use for what?

consumers_revenge

Sorry I mean Ive got an ODB2 dongle connected to my car ( A focus)

Now I want to download some scanner type app for looking for faults/live data etc

Does anyone know a good one thats free?

TIA

GrumpyDil

Torque lite is free and does the basics but anything more than that would likely need a paid for version. 

Krakkkers

i used "car scanner" on my Mk3 Focus, did everything i needed it to do.

forgotmyname

Depends if its petrol or diesel and which OBD2 dongle you have.  I use torque and forscan.

Shedman

If you have a suitable OBD2 reader (not one of the cheap clone ELM327 ones off Ebay) then Forscan is one to definitely try as I found it accesses more functions than Torque or Car Scanner for a Ford. You can try a free version on mobiles which has some limitations but if you have a laptop with bluetooth then you can get the full version for free.  

Fords use the MS-CAN bus as well as the regular OBD and HS-CAN bus so ideally you need a OBD2 reader that can access them all to be able to read more items and to perform certain service and reset functions.  One of the OBD2 reader recommended for Forscan and the one I have is vLinker (but you may be lucky and find your current one works fine anyway).  Just a word of warning...be very cautious if you do go into service and reset modules as you can brick your ECU if you choose the wrong one.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/vLinker-FD-Bluetooth-Diagnostic-Scanner/dp/B0BLJM5QJH/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2N4E9BFQL7WKT&keywords=Vlinker&qid=1698491655&sprefix=vlinker%2Caps%2C75&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

sevenhills

Shedman said:

If you have a suitable OBD2 reader (not one of the cheap clone ELM327 ones off Ebay) then Forscan is one to definitely try as I found it accesses more functions than Torque or Car Scanner for a Ford. You can try a free version on mobiles which has some limitations but if you have a laptop with bluetooth then you can get the full version for free.  

Fords use the MS-CAN bus as well as the regular OBD and HS-CAN bus so ideally you need a OBD2 reader that can access them all to be able to read more items and to perform certain service and reset functions.  One of the OBD2 reader recommended for Forscan and the one I have is vLinker (but you may be lucky and find your current one works fine anyway).  Just a word of warning...be very cautious if you do go into service and reset modules as you can brick your ECU if you choose the wrong one.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/vLinker-FD-Bluetooth-Diagnostic-Scanner/dp/B0BLJM5QJH/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2N4E9BFQL7WKT&keywords=Vlinker&qid=1698491655&sprefix=vlinker%2Caps%2C75&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

I have used an eBay one with Torque. My problem is a spanner 🔧 on the dashboard. Torque does not find any faults, but if I clear the faults, the spanner 🔧 disappears for around five seconds and then comes back.
Not sure why that is.

forgotmyname

Because Torque cannot read manufacturers fault codes. Most codes sub P0100 for example may only apply to the vehicle
your testing.

P0027 could be a braking issue on one car and a fuelling issue on another.

Forscan can read the manufacturer codes on Fords.

Goudy

sevenhills said:

Shedman said:

If you have a suitable OBD2 reader (not one of the cheap clone ELM327 ones off Ebay) then Forscan is one to definitely try as I found it accesses more functions than Torque or Car Scanner for a Ford. You can try a free version on mobiles which has some limitations but if you have a laptop with bluetooth then you can get the full version for free.  

Fords use the MS-CAN bus as well as the regular OBD and HS-CAN bus so ideally you need a OBD2 reader that can access them all to be able to read more items and to perform certain service and reset functions.  One of the OBD2 reader recommended for Forscan and the one I have is vLinker (but you may be lucky and find your current one works fine anyway).  Just a word of warning...be very cautious if you do go into service and reset modules as you can brick your ECU if you choose the wrong one.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/vLinker-FD-Bluetooth-Diagnostic-Scanner/dp/B0BLJM5QJH/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2N4E9BFQL7WKT&keywords=Vlinker&qid=1698491655&sprefix=vlinker%2Caps%2C75&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

I have used an eBay one with Torque. My problem is a spanner 🔧 on the dashboard. Torque does not find any faults, but if I clear the faults, the spanner 🔧 disappears for around five seconds and then comes back.
Not sure why that is.

Clearing codes from the any of the cars ECU's doesn't fix problems, you are just resetting the system.

If the problem that is causing the Diagnostic Trouble Code and EML is still apparent, it light up again when the system detects it again.
This could be a soon as the engine has restarted or later on in the drive cycle, depending on what problem is being detected.
Some issues/DTCs are pretty much working or not working, but some other issues/DTCs might require the fault to be detected 3 times in the same drive cycle to light the EML and set a hard code (though could set a pending code with not EML before that happens).

I am not sure what vehicle your car is but generally, the "Spanner" light is the service interval light.
One of the cars ECU's has worked out, usually via the number of days since it was last reset, that it's due for a service.

It depends on the manufacturer/model, but you don't usually need a diagnostic tool to reset the light on most cars.
Service intervals are usually in a setting within the cars trip computer rather than the Powertrain module, so that allows you to reset it, obviously after a service without any code reader/software,

The manufactures don't shout about how to do this but you can usually find it on the internet somewhere.
It's often hidden deep in the setting and requires a bit of a press and hold of a button or two.


Going back to the OP, Torque will work OK for live data and reading most generic powertrain (engine) trouble codes.
It's basic version is fee but you can configure different data streams in various graphs, dials gauges or values.

Anything none generic like manufacturer specific codes, chassis codes (ABS and Traction Control) or body codes you will need something far more advanced than free basic software and cheap ODB2 dongle.

You usually need a full copy of the manufacturers software or a very expensive diagnostic tool with the proper connection plug and cables to read all the cars ECU's.
Years ago manufacturer software was on discs that were easily copied, these days it's all hidden behind passwords online.

There are sometimes third party software that someone has developed that does the same thing, but again it's not usually free. It usually works from a Laptop and you still need to buy the correct connection cable.