ODB Interface

**Golfboy** · 30th September 2010, 14:07

I want to purchase a fault code reader for my 2004 Vectra-C diesel but I am confused about what type I need. I tried a friends RAC fault code reader (from Argos I believe) which is ODB2 compliant and it seemed to work, but was very basic, although it did show that I must have the ODB 16 pin interface under my cigarette ashtray.

I have spoken to a few people and they've recommended that I need one that supports VAUXCOM/OPCOM and someone else said tech2 ... but then there are ODB and ODB2 type units!!

Any thoughts on which one I need? I would like to read the fault codes but it would also be nice to pick up on other data from the car. I'm looking to spend about £50 max ideally for one off ebay.

Thanks!

**roswell** · 30th September 2010, 14:14

dont have one myself but i have been lookignat ms509 from acutel looks a nice bit of kit, it all depends what you want do you want to read fault or do you want to be able to turn off airbag lights etc if you want airbag lights etc you need op-com or tech 2 which are very costly.

**Golfboy** · 30th September 2010, 14:21

Roswel, thanks for your reply, that ms509 is one I had also been considering!
My main aim is to be able to read fault codes (ideally with translation into english!) but also it would be useful if you could find out other sensor information from the car, for instance I've seen a mechanic use a handheld device that told him the throttle position, fuel temp, aircon pressure etc, so it would be useful for a bit of fault finding. I don't want to go as far as turning anything on or off as such.
Also it would be useful if the device is compatible with other cars I might have in the future, hence the ODB2.
Do you think the ms509 will provide any of those features i'm after?

Thanks.

**Keif** · 30th September 2010, 16:20

If you have a Laptop. OpCom is your friend.

Can be had from eBay for around £35.

**bigmac** · 30th September 2010, 16:38

Originally Posted by Keif

If you have a Laptop. OpCom is your friend.

Can be had from eBay for around £35.

Thats the cheap Chinese copies legit opcom is around £600

**Golfboy** · 30th September 2010, 16:38

Keif,

Thanks for the feedback there ... is OPCOM short for "Opel COM"? I presume that will be a very in-depth tool, but sounds good for the price!
Will I be able to get much information from my car with an ODB2 tool (i.e. reader and diagnosics) or is it a case that on Vauxhalls you need OPCOM/VAUXCOM to get any decent fault code info out?

BTW, like your 2nd car, the Lotus... always loved the look of those.... "yes constable, it's a sensible family car ..." *hehe*

**Keif** · 30th September 2010, 16:54

Originally Posted by bigmac

Originally Posted by Keif

If you have a Laptop. OpCom is your friend.

Can be had from eBay for around £35.

Thats the cheap Chinese copies legit opcom is around £600

Still works tho, and as the OP budget is £50......

Originally Posted by Golfboy

Keif,

Thanks for the feedback there ... is OPCOM short for "Opel COM"? I presume that will be a very in-depth tool, but sounds good for the price!
Will I be able to get much information from my car with an ODB2 tool (i.e. reader and diagnosics) or is it a case that on Vauxhalls you need OPCOM/VAUXCOM to get any decent fault code info out?

Dunno what OpCom stands for/means.

I've found my OpCom (the cheap version) very useful reads and clears all the codes and can change some functions.

I bought a reader, and struggled to get it to do anything.

**hoochydady** · 30th September 2010, 19:44

a obd 2 code reader will display codes and old stored codes some will let you look at sensors this is mostly the good spec 1s and will let u clear the codes some will display vin numbers some wont the good 1s will let u save live readings etc to be honest op=com is prob your best bet as its more indepth and will let u read your dash miles your ecu miles test sensors etc

**boundy** · 30th September 2010, 20:56

I currently use opcom, vcds lite, fiatecuscan and easy obd. I use opcom the most as I own a vaux but the others come in handy if people need there car looking at, it's cost me less than £50 for the 3 interfaces

**I cdti** · 30th September 2010, 21:10

I've got a scangauge 2, works nicely gives various ECU data in real time + code reader + mpg etc etc. Fits perfectly in the space under the radio and you can totally hide the wire to it in this position so you can have it connected always.

Must be a 1.9 cdti for it to work though.