Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: tunnie on 25 January 2016, 18:41:42

Title: What code reader?
Post by: tunnie on 25 January 2016, 18:41:42
Time for me to invest in a decent code reader, not after a mobile based one with a Bluetooth dongle.

Thinking something like this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Autel-Autolink-AL319-EOBD-Reader/dp/B007XE8C74/ref=sr_1_8?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1453747010&sr=1-8&keywords=obd2+scanners+2015 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Autel-Autolink-AL319-EOBD-Reader/dp/B007XE8C74/ref=sr_1_8?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1453747010&sr=1-8&keywords=obd2+scanners+2015)

Recall this one having good reviews here previously?
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 25 January 2016, 18:51:31
Bought one of these Autel Autolink AL519 last May/June does it's job just fine  :y
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: tunnie on 25 January 2016, 18:59:52
Ooo 519 that one is a 319. Googles....
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: Nick W on 25 January 2016, 19:03:33
Get one that displays live data. This will enable you to actually diagnose problems, rather than hope the fault codes are useful.
I don't find the Android/Bluetooth is any less reliable, but it is a lot slower to use.
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: pauls on 25 January 2016, 19:07:05
I have the one in your link. Might not be the most advanced but it seems to cover codes from ecu and gearbox codes also live data. :y
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: 05omegav6 on 25 January 2016, 19:35:50
I have the one in your link. Might not be the most advanced but it seems to cover codes from ecu and gearbox codes also live data. :y
Talking of which...
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: tunnie on 25 January 2016, 20:17:45
I have the one in your link. Might not be the most advanced but it seems to cover codes from ecu and gearbox codes also live data. :y
Talking of which...

Sounds good to me then  :)
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: dbug on 26 January 2016, 00:55:53
For £28 not a big issue if no good - however these Autels not too bad
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: Entwood on 26 January 2016, 10:28:33
Be aware there are a lot of fake chinese Autel clones floating about .. if it is very cheap it is probably so for a reason .. that has nowt to do with luck ..... :)
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: tunnie on 26 January 2016, 11:23:27
I'd get it from Amazon on that link  :y :y
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 26 January 2016, 11:59:47
I have an Autel Maxiscan MS509, kindly given to me by a member here at OOF.

Seems to work pretty well although it has had a couple of 'computer says no' moments.
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 26 January 2016, 12:00:37
Fake or genuine I really can't tell.
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: YZ250 on 26 January 2016, 14:44:24
Fake or genuine I really can't tell.

On some of the Autel's (MS509 being one of them, although no longer sold) you can tell a fake by going in to the settings, scroll down to Serial No. and if it has a number you may be ok, but if the serial number is made up of numbers/hashes/ asterisks etc it is fake.

My first MS509 was purchased from Amazon, from a seller that warned of fake Autel's, and carried a footnote to notify Autel if you came across a fake MS509.
The MS509 delivered to me by them was fake.  ::) ;D

If buying from Amazon just be careful and read the seller reviews first.  :y
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 26 January 2016, 14:57:41
Fake or genuine I really can't tell.

On some of the Autel's (MS509 being one of them, although no longer sold) you can tell a fake by going in to the settings, scroll down to Serial No. and if it has a number you may be ok, but if the serial number is made up of numbers/hashes/ asterisks etc it is fake.

My first MS509 was purchased from Amazon, from a seller that warned of fake Autel's, and carried a footnote to notify Autel if you came across a fake MS509.
The MS509 delivered to me by them was fake.  ::) ;D

If buying from Amazon just be careful and read the seller reviews first.  :y

I'm pretty sure my reader has such a number.

However, as the Omega is so reliable ::) ::) I haven't used it for a while, so could be wrong.
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: TheBoy on 26 January 2016, 17:46:06
Fake or genuine I really can't tell.

On some of the Autel's (MS509 being one of them, although no longer sold) you can tell a fake by going in to the settings, scroll down to Serial No. and if it has a number you may be ok, but if the serial number is made up of numbers/hashes/ asterisks etc it is fake.

My first MS509 was purchased from Amazon, from a seller that warned of fake Autel's, and carried a footnote to notify Autel if you came across a fake MS509.
The MS509 delivered to me by them was fake.  ::) ;D

If buying from Amazon just be careful and read the seller reviews first.  :y
If its Amazon Market place, or "Supplied by XYZ, fulfilled by Amazon", its generally best to give it a wide berth in my (sadly far too extensive) experience.
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: TheBoy on 26 January 2016, 17:47:16
Tunnie, seeing as you have 2 Omegas, I personally would recommend a Tech2, which can obviously do much more than just engine, and if your really lucky, gearbox.
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 26 January 2016, 17:57:37
But aren't the Tech2 something like the price of 20 Omegas?
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 26 January 2016, 18:30:35
But aren't the Tech2 something like the price of 20 Omegas?

Yes.....I can't imagine Mr Tunnie reaching that deeply into his pocket.

Rumour has it he is as tight as a ......... ::) ::) ::) ;)
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: TheBoy on 26 January 2016, 18:36:09
But aren't the Tech2 something like the price of 20 Omegas?

Yes.....I can't imagine Mr Tunnie reaching that deeply into his pocket.

Rumour has it he is as tight as a ......... ::) ::) ::) ;)
Nope, don't be so unkind on a duck's arse. Tunnie is far tighter ;D.
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: tunnie on 26 January 2016, 18:48:32
If I had the cash for Tech2, I'd buy a better car with the money instead  ;D
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 26 January 2016, 18:51:18
I don't think you would have to pay a couple of grand for one these days. More like £500 - 600 if your lucky.  ;)
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: Kevin Wood on 26 January 2016, 18:55:17
Certainly worth getting something PC based that you can store a data log with. Fault codes and a couple of live data parameters is all you'll get out of a handheld, and it's of limited use, IMHO.
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: tunnie on 27 January 2016, 18:38:16
I don't have a suitable Laptop these days to run software for car work, only have MacBooks now. So hand held is best option for me.

Ordered the Autel 319, reviews look good, has live data.
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: TheBoy on 28 January 2016, 17:47:42
I don't have a suitable Laptop these days to run software for car work, only have MacBooks now.
*sigh*, I thought you were over this style/badge over functionality stuff, or are you still hankering for a Merc :P
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: krabi_one on 28 January 2016, 21:43:12
I got that auto 319 and does the job, reads the gearbox and engine , and all the cars without problem :)
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: tunnie on 28 January 2016, 21:56:34
I don't have a suitable Laptop these days to run software for car work, only have MacBooks now.
*sigh*, I thought you were over this style/badge over functionality stuff, or are you still hankering for a Merc :P

Must have a MacBook for work reasons  :y

Merc yup, CLS 320 or E Class Estate or newer shape Jag XJ. But that ain't happening, I suspect my next car purchase will be a 7 seater Zafiria or Galaxy ::)

So unlucky for you lot I'll be running an Omega for some time yet.  :

I got that auto 319 and does the job, reads the gearbox and engine , and all the cars without problem :)

Good to know. Should be arriving Saturday. Looking forward to getting it :)
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 28 January 2016, 22:07:20
I don't have a suitable Laptop these days to run software for car work, only have MacBooks now.
*sigh*, I thought you were over this style/badge over functionality stuff, or are you still hankering for a Merc :P

Nothing wrong with Mercs.














As long as they are at least 20 years old.  :)
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: aaronjb on 28 January 2016, 23:18:14
Merc yup, CLS 320 or E Class Estate or newer shape Jag XJ. But that ain't happening, I suspect my next car purchase will be a 7 seater Zafiria or Galaxy ::)

How many sproglets are you planning on having!? :o
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: Lazydocker on 29 January 2016, 08:11:34
Merc yup, CLS 320 or E Class Estate or newer shape Jag XJ. But that ain't happening, I suspect my next car purchase will be a 7 seater Zafiria or Galaxy ::)

How many sproglets are you planning on having!? :o

Indeed... We manage with ours and a dog :y
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: raywilb on 29 January 2016, 08:53:46
I have one, bought it after reading tunnie,s post. Iv,e not tried it as yet, but thought it would be handy regards a 2.2dti which a paper-clip is no good. it comes with a disc that is,nt compatible with windows 8, 8.1 or windows 10  :-\
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: tunnie on 29 January 2016, 13:33:32
Merc yup, CLS 320 or E Class Estate or newer shape Jag XJ. But that ain't happening, I suspect my next car purchase will be a 7 seater Zafiria or Galaxy ::)

How many sproglets are you planning on having!? :o

Indeed... We manage with ours and a dog :y

Talking 3 or 4 years down the line  ;)
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: aaronjb on 29 January 2016, 13:41:07
Clearly, because if you need five seats for kids that's at least 36 months from now :P
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: 05omegav6 on 29 January 2016, 14:40:57
Merc yup, CLS 320 or E Class Estate or newer shape Jag XJ. But that ain't happening, I suspect my next car purchase will be a 7 seater Zafiria or Galaxy ::)

How many sproglets are you planning on having!? :o

Indeed... We manage with ours and a dog :y
Do you mean the car, or the one and a dog :D
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: TheBoy on 29 January 2016, 17:47:37
Must have a MacBook for work reasons  :y
I *NEVER* use my works laptop for anything other than work. All my other laptops are mine :)

I suspect my next car purchase will be a 7 seater Zafiria or Galaxy ::)
Life is obviously over. Dignitas/

Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: 05omegav6 on 29 January 2016, 18:20:14
Shooting would be cheaper and more efficient :D
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: tunnie on 29 January 2016, 21:23:50
Must have a MacBook for work reasons  :y
I *NEVER* use my works laptop for anything other than work. All my other laptops are mine :)

I suspect my next car purchase will be a 7 seater Zafiria or Galaxy ::)
Life is obviously over. Dignitas/



Remind me, what is your 3rd car?  ::)

Anywho code reader arrived today. Just tried it, will read codes. But it won't read live data, says not supported.  :-\

For those with this reader, did you have to update it first via USB cable to get live data?
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: tunnie on 29 January 2016, 22:17:59
So it reads live data on the 3.2 fine, does the I/M Readiness thing, but no worky on the 2.2  :(
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: TheBoy on 30 January 2016, 17:48:32
Remind me, what is your 3rd car?  ::)
The way I feel, life is almost over. Drowning in your own snot is not as dignified as Dignitas :(


You may find the older car is not entirely compatible with generic readers.
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: Andy H on 30 January 2016, 18:29:37
Merc yup, CLS 320 or E Class Estate or newer shape Jag XJ. But that ain't happening, I suspect my next car purchase will be a 7 seater Zafiria or Galaxy ::)

How many sproglets are you planning on having!? :o
The sproglets don't take up much space - it's all the stuff that simply must go everywhere they go.

We got a cheap Galaxy so that 4 adults and 2 toddlers could have a family holiday touring Ireland. We left one of the seats at home but it was still a squeeze getting the luggage in...........
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: TheBoy on 30 January 2016, 18:38:29
Merc yup, CLS 320 or E Class Estate or newer shape Jag XJ. But that ain't happening, I suspect my next car purchase will be a 7 seater Zafiria or Galaxy ::)

How many sproglets are you planning on having!? :o
The sproglets don't take up much space - it's all the stuff that simply must go everywhere they go.

We got a cheap Galaxy so that 4 adults and 2 toddlers could have a family holiday touring Ireland. We left one of the seats at home but it was still a squeeze getting the luggage in...........
As an extended family of 10, we toured Europe on our way back from Cyprus to the UK when I was very young. So everything we needed for the several weeks had to be packed into the cars.  How many cars did we use? 2.

One was a Fiat 850 Sport Coupe:
(http://allfotocars.com/data_images/gallery/01/fiat-850-sport-coupe/fiat-850-sport-coupe-02.jpg)

Other was a Citroen DS Safari (only a pukky green):
(https://www.shannons.com.au/library/images/auctions/I9E0Y7P4074Z816A/full/1973-citroen-ds-23-safari-wagon.jpg)
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: TheBoy on 30 January 2016, 18:41:03
Can you tell I'm not into all this namby pamby mollecodalling of our infants.
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: Andy H on 30 January 2016, 18:55:09
Can you tell I'm not into all this namby pamby mollecodalling of our infants.
;D ;D

SWMBO is one of 4 sisters. MIL had a mini traveller.

3 sisters on the back seat. 4th sister in the boot in her carrycot. The door latches aren't great on traveller rear doors so one day they swung open and the carrycot slid out and landed on the road. MIL went back and collected the carrycot. No harm done apparently  :)
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: tunnie on 30 January 2016, 19:29:40
Remind me, what is your 3rd car?  ::)
The way I feel, life is almost over. Drowning in your own snot is not as dignified as Dignitas :(


You may find the older car is not entirely compatible with generic readers.

Bugger. Trip to Brackley needed then?
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: TheBoy on 30 January 2016, 20:00:05
Remind me, what is your 3rd car?  ::)
The way I feel, life is almost over. Drowning in your own snot is not as dignified as Dignitas :(


You may find the older car is not entirely compatible with generic readers.

Bugger. Trip to Brackley needed then?
I vaguely recall putting latest ECU firmware on. Or have I dreamt that? If we haven't, that *may* help with live data.
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: tunnie on 30 January 2016, 21:13:27
Remind me, what is your 3rd car?  ::)
The way I feel, life is almost over. Drowning in your own snot is not as dignified as Dignitas :(


You may find the older car is not entirely compatible with generic readers.

Bugger. Trip to Brackley needed then?
I vaguely recall putting latest ECU firmware on. Or have I dreamt that? If we haven't, that *may* help with live data.

Perhaps with 3.2, not sure on 2.2  :-\
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: TheBoy on 31 January 2016, 08:17:08
Remind me, what is your 3rd car?  ::)
The way I feel, life is almost over. Drowning in your own snot is not as dignified as Dignitas :(


You may find the older car is not entirely compatible with generic readers.

Bugger. Trip to Brackley needed then?
I vaguely recall putting latest ECU firmware on. Or have I dreamt that? If we haven't, that *may* help with live data.

Perhaps with 3.2, not sure on 2.2  :-\
More likely with the 2.2 I guess, based on the fact the 3.2's future was uncertain when it was parked up in your garage.
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: TheBoy on 31 January 2016, 08:17:59
But given how many I see, particularly back then, and how they all look alike to me, I might be talking billy 'dangle berries'
Title: Re: What code reader?
Post by: tunnie on 31 January 2016, 12:07:48
Let's schedule a trip back then, that means I need to bring both back home at some point!