Differences between the ODBII and DRBIII scan tool

The amber ABS light in my 2002 T&C came one today. From what I have read in
the service manual, even if the condition that caused the light to come on
is no longer present the light stays on for 3,500 miles. I was hoping I
could get an affordable code reader and see what turns up or erase the code
and see if it returns.

Can anyone tell me the differences between the ODBII and DRBIII scan tool in
the types of things that can or can't be reported with each? Based on price,
it seems obvious the DRB has much greater capabilities.
tia,
tja

 

How much money do you have?

The cheapest reader I've seen is $49.95 at Harbour Frieght. Doesn't do much
but display an error code, which you then look up on the accompanying
manual.
It will reset the MIL lamp. See
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=46030
(Note, it goes on sale once in a while)

For a couple of hundred dollars, you can have software to run on your
computer, that will display the codes in graphical format (dials, gauges and
bar graphs), will store the results for later play back, and will also reset
the MIL. http://www.autotap.com/. This is one of many companies offering
this product. Engine control for testing, is generally NOT allowed

For a few hundred to a few thousand dollars you can get dedicated hand held
devices that will read the codes and reset the MIL. Some will let you do
minimal testing of portions of the engine.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?Group_ID=16815

Want to read up on OBDII and OBDIII,
http://www.aa1car.com/library/us796obd.htm.

Bottom line seems to be that the differance is that OBDIII will broadcast
you engine performance to the nearest scanner using a transponder. OBDII
requires a hard connection. Otherwise the codes and functions are the same.

 

You will be able to do more trouble shooting with a OBCIII and read much of
the data stream such as sensor input/output it does more than codes for
newer vehicles. Each model differs in capability and it is all what you
actually need. I have and OBC-II code reader, the MFG shop manuals and a
Fluke hand held true RMS 90 series meter with NIST certificate it costs
more the OBC scanners. That is all I need the code readers get you to point
A and then the O&M manuals get you through the rest along with your trouble
shooting.

Coasty

 

OBD2 is an emissions protocol. Just because a device is labeled
OBD2 capable does not mean that it has the ability to read ABS
codes.

You'll need to do some careful shopping to make certain that the
device in question has ABS capabilities -and- that it has those
capabilities on -your- specific vehicle.

Most of the high end scan tools offered by Snap-On and OTC with
current enough software will fit the bill, there may be some PC
based products that will work also.
Read the fine print! i.e., the tool linked in nirodac's post
makes _no_ mention/claim that it has ABS diagnostic capabilities.

 

ABS capabilities -and- that it has those
capabilities on -your- specific vehicle.

True, not all readers will read the vendor specific codes. The first 1000
codes are industry standard, after that they are OEM "standard".
All ODB readers will read the first 1000, because all the error codes are
the same for all vendors. Not all readers will work on all manufacturers
vehicles (Ford, GM, Chrysler all use a different interface). You may need a
different interface if your going to work on different makes of vehicles.

Read the fine print! i.e., the tool linked in nirodac's post
makes _no_ mention/claim that it has ABS diagnostic capabilities.

By all means, read the small print. When you think you found a scanner that
will meet your needs, post your results here for feed back, before you by
it.

Also consider what you'll be doing with the code reader. Will you only be
resetting the MIL after reading the code, or will you actually be trying to
fix your vehicle. Probably the best scanner for your car, is the one the
manufacturer sells to their dealers (big bucks).

Personnally I want two readers. One simple one to through in the glove box
for those long road trips (just so I have some idea what that old mechanic
in Armpit AL is trying to charge me for fixing, and one to use at home for
fixing my car).

You may want to get together with your buddies and buy one really good
scanner that'll work for everybody, it'll save you some money on a tool that
likely won't get used much.

 

Isn't the Chrysler PCM like the only one that will display codes with
out a reader, by using the key on - off method. ?? so for a road
trip a print out of codes is all that is required


Now I'm still trying to get up to speed on what the current 2005
Sebring PCM will display as far as what are called body codes. I
understand that in 2002 the transmission computer was incorporated
into the PCM so those codes will be displayed. I've had SKIS related
codes displayed by using the key on off.

What's left are ABS codes that might need a higher end scan tool????


now when a couple hundred $$$ tool comes out that will flash the PCM
, write VINs and milage to a new PCM, that I would be interested in !