Code Readers/Apps/Software/Diagnostics - Recommendations Please.

[Vx-Man-G]

Hey guys,

I've always done a bit of motoring DIY myself, as such used to have the Op-Com as my cars always used to be Vauxhall's.

I still use OpCom as I have two Vauxhalls, but it doesnt really cater for my current cars (65 Insignia and 17 Astra) as it apparently only works up to 2014 models, but we also have dad's Mercedes and also in the family is BMW and VW.

What im trying to find out is if there is another "Universal Laptop Software/Mobile App" that I can get which will cover all makes/models?

Thankfully, I dont have a need for anything just yet, but what would you guys recommend as code readers, etc?

I have a cheapo Amazon code reader, but this only works for engine management lights ONLY, it doesnt give a read out for Service Vehicle Soon (Vauxhall) or when there is a fault without a EML on.

A few people on other forums I use have mentioned ThinkDiag, but its an annual subscription.
Is there anything available out there as a one off purchase which you guys recommend?

Many thanks.

 

[Wighty]

Icarsoft cr pro might fit your needs ?

 

[DSK]

Icarsoft cr pro might fit your needs ?

Just be careful of the supplier as fakes are about. There was thread on this a few weeks ago.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[LostKiwi]

Autel AP200 is a phone based app that supports multiple models. First brand is free and every subsequent one on annual subscription.

Good for reading stuff but can't code things.

 

[Vx-Man-G]

I guess the way forward would be a Phone based app, its probably the easiest isnt it?

Someone has mentioned ThinkDiag to me also, but its an annual subscription and per car.

 

[Wighty]

I guess the way forward would be a Phone based app, its probably the easiest isnt it?

Someone has mentioned ThinkDiag to me also, but its an annual subscription and per car.

What’s your budget ? The cr pro is £200+ , I also see they do a cr max which is £300+

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

I’ve just bought the iCarsoft CR Pro which is being superceded by the CR Max. It features almost all makes which appealed to me and is currently discounted to £210 by one of the UK distributors UK Parts Direct. I’m very impressed with it

 

[Vx-Man-G]

What’s your budget ? The cr pro is £200+ , I also see they do a cr max which is £300+

Cheap and cheerful

 

[Vx-Man-G]

What’s your budget ? The cr pro is £200+ , I also see they do a cr max which is £300+

Only wanting it for reading and self-diagnosing, so I can potentially repair myself.

 

[Wighty]

Only wanting it for reading and self-diagnosing, so I can potentially repair myself.

I’ve just got the icarsoft MB2 , £100+ stunning for diagnostics, saved me hundreds in the 2 years I’ve had it

 

[Bahnsturmer]

I have been thinking about getting the icarsoft MB V2.0 together with their MB 37pin adapter for my w210 E320CDI. Would this be a good setup?

 

[LostKiwi]

I have been thinking about getting the icarsoft MB V2.0 together with their MB 37pin adapter for my w210 E320CDI. Would this be a good setup?

I would ask the seller if the adapter can read anything other than engine before splashing out.
Every 38 pin adapter I've seen will read the engine and nothing else.
If it can't read ABS, SRS, Transmission etc it's not worth the money.

 

[Bahnsturmer]

I would ask the seller if the adapter can read anything other than engine before splashing out.
Every 38 pin adapter I've seen will read the engine and nothing else.
If it can't read ABS, SRS, Transmission etc it's not worth the money.

Bummer... I thought it might work. I may give icarsoft a call. I think they are based in Belgium. I may need to brush up on my French.

 

[LostKiwi]

Bummer... I thought it might work. I may give icarsoft a call. I think they are based in Belgium. I may need to brush up on my French.

Carsoft are Belgium based I think.

Try talking to the vendor to ask what it will read.

 

[Vx-Man-G]

I’ve just got the icarsoft MB2 , £100+ stunning for diagnostics, saved me hundreds in the 2 years I’ve had it

Is this MB only?

 

[LostKiwi]

Is this MB only?

Yes the MB-II, MB V2 and MB v3 are all MB only.
For multi model ones they're CR prefixed.

 

[Snake Charmer]

I recently bought an iCarsoft CR Max as I currently have 2 Volvos, a Golf and the Mercedes. I am quite pleased with it, far more in depth than the Gendan PC software that has served me well but not quite like the bespoke Op-com I had for the Vectra. There are features that lean towards professional use such as saving customer and vehicle details to print PDF reports with company details on.

I think in simple terms, the more you spend the more features become available over a wider range of manufacturers leading you up to the high end Snap-On etc. I would have spent more if I was likely to use it regularly but most of the vehicles I work on daily have carburettors, very early EFI or stand alone systems with PC software.

 

[Wighty]

Is this MB only?

Yes

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

A quick scan (as I recollect on 40+ modules) with my newly acquired iCarsoft CR Pro found 1 fault (night vision camera needs calibrating) which I can confirm as it doesn’t work which will be due to having the tracking adjusted. Out of adjustment ADAS features in cars like radar and night vision are adding to motoring costs unfortunately, I haven’t enquired about calibration costs but likely to be £££

 

[Snake Charmer]

I delved a little deeper into the sub menus on my CR Max and used the live data. I found 2200mbar boost pressure on full hoof and had a good play with the aircon diverter flaps. I am liking it even more now.