For car enthusiasts and professional mechanics alike, having the right tools can make all the difference. When it comes to vehicle diagnostics, Automotive Scanner Software For Laptops has revolutionized the way we understand and maintain our vehicles. OBDwiz, the software included with every ScanTool.net PC-based scan tool, stands out as a powerful yet user-friendly option in this domain. This review dives into why OBDwiz is a top choice for turning your laptop into a professional-grade automotive scanner.
Minimum Requirements for OBDwiz
Before diving into features, let’s ensure compatibility. OBDwiz is designed to work seamlessly with all PC-based scan tools from ScanTool.net. It’s built for modern Windows operating systems, requiring:
| Operating System | Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 |
|---|---|
| Software Framework | Microsoft .NET 2.0 Framework |
| Screen Resolution | 640×480 or higher |
| Compatible OBD Interfaces | OBDLink MX Bluetooth, OBDLink LX Bluetooth, OBDLink MX Wi-Fi, OBDLink SX |
This broad compatibility ensures that whether you are using a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or USB OBDLink adapter, OBDwiz will function effectively on your Windows laptop.
Key Features of OBDwiz Automotive Scanner Software
OBDWiz is more than just basic diagnostic software; it’s a comprehensive tool packed with features to empower you with in-depth vehicle insights:
- Universal Compatibility: Works with all PC-based scan tools from ScanTool.net, ensuring you have a reliable software regardless of your chosen interface.
- Broad Vehicle Support: Supports all OBD-II compliant vehicles, including European (EOBD) and Japanese (JOBD) models, making it a globally versatile automotive scanner software for laptops.
- Customizable Dashboards: Tailor your display to show the parameters most important to you. This personalization enhances real-time monitoring and diagnostics.
- Fuel Economy Analysis: Calculate and display Miles Per Gallon (MPG) or Kilometers per Liter (km/l), helping you monitor and improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
- Real-time Data Display: Provides a dynamic dashboard view with trip meters and essential vehicle parameters for immediate feedback during operation.
- Interactive Plotting: Graphically visualize Parameter IDs (PIDs) in real-time, allowing for easier analysis of sensor data and vehicle performance trends.
- Data Recording and Playback: Capture and review diagnostic sessions. This feature is invaluable for diagnosing intermittent issues and comparing vehicle behavior over time.
- CSV Data Logging: Export data to CSV format for detailed analysis in spreadsheet programs, enabling deeper dives into vehicle data and performance metrics.
- Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Management: Read and clear diagnostic trouble codes, effectively managing your vehicle’s ‘Check Engine’ light and understanding underlying issues.
- Battery Voltage Display: Monitor your vehicle’s battery voltage directly through the software, helping to identify potential electrical system problems.
- Freeze Frame Data: Access freeze frame data, which provides a snapshot of vehicle parameters at the moment a DTC was triggered.
- Day and Night Display Modes: Optimize screen visibility with day and night modes, and even create custom skins for personalized viewing experiences.
- Unit Flexibility: Switch between English and Metric units for data display, catering to user preference and regional standards.
- Statistical Calculations: Get more from your data with built-in statistical calculations like minimum, maximum, and mean values for monitored parameters.
- Extensive PID Support: Access to over 90 supported PIDs, giving you a wide range of parameters to monitor and diagnose.
- Polling Rate Control: Fine-tune polling rates and priorities to optimize data acquisition and system performance based on your diagnostic needs.
- Vehicle Information Display: Retrieve and display crucial vehicle information including VIN number and calibration ID.
- OBD-II Console: Directly send commands to the vehicle via the OBD console for advanced diagnostics and system testing.
- Multi-Core Processor Optimized: Designed to leverage both single and multi-core processors for efficient and responsive operation.
- Free Unlimited Updates: Benefit from continuous improvements and new features with free, unlimited updates within the same major version.
OBDwiz Screenshots: A Visual Tour
Let’s walk through the OBDwiz interface with screenshots to illustrate its user-friendliness and features.
Upon launching OBDwiz, the Connection tab is your starting point:
Here, you can select your scan tool’s COM port and baud rate manually, or use the “Auto Detect” feature for a quick setup:
Clicking “Connect” initiates the connection process. If set to “Automatic” protocol detection, OBDwiz intelligently cycles through OBD-II protocols until it establishes a link:
The PID Monitor is a powerful tool for optimizing software performance and ensuring efficient data flow:
PID Setup allows you to choose the real-time parameters you want to monitor, customizing your diagnostic view:
The General tab is your control panel for customization: switch between metric and English units, toggle Day/Night modes, manage custom dashboards, and adjust user preferences:
Configure fuel economy parameters in the Fuel Setup tab to accurately track MPG or l/km:
The Info tab provides a snapshot of your scan tool and vehicle details:
Find software version and copyright information in the About tab:
Manage Diagnostic Trouble Codes in the Trouble Codes tab, where you can view and clear stored, pending, or permanent DTCs:
Examine Freeze Frame data for a snapshot of parameters when a DTC was set:
The Monitor Tests tab displays the status of continuous and non-continuous monitors and the MIL status:
View parameters in a straightforward table format in the PID Values tab:
Use the Console to send direct commands to your scan tool for advanced operations:
The default dashboard provides an immediate, customizable view of essential vehicle parameters:
Night Mode offers a darker interface for better visibility in low-light conditions:
Custom dashboards allow you to personalize your diagnostic experience:
Plot single or multiple engine parameters for graphical analysis:
Log data for playback or export to spreadsheet programs for in-depth analysis:
The Stats screen provides statistical summaries for selected parameters:
Supported PIDs in OBDwiz
OBDWiz supports a wide array of PIDs, giving you access to critical vehicle data. Here is a table of supported PIDs:
| PID | Description |
|---|---|
| 0x00 | Supported PIDs 0x01 to 0x1F |
| 0x01 | Number of trouble codes, MIL indicator on/off, and available onboard tests |
| 0x02 | Freeze frame DTC |
| 0x03 | Fuel system status |
| 0x04 | Calculated engine load value |
| 0x05 | Engine coolant temperature |
| 0x06 | Short term fuel % trim – Bank 1 |
| 0x07 | Long term fuel % trim – Bank 1 |
| 0x08 | Short term fuel % trim – Bank 2 |
| 0x09 | Long term fuel % trim – Bank 2 |
| 0x0A | Fuel pressure |
| 0x0B | Intake manifold pressure |
| 0x0C | Engine RPM |
| 0x0D | Vehicle speed |
| 0x0E | Timing advance |
| 0x0F | Intake air temperature |
| 0x10 | Mass air flow rate |
| 0x11 | Throttle position |
| 0x12 | Secondary air status |
| 0x13 | Oxygen sensors present |
| 0x14 | Oxygen sensor voltage, Short term fuel trim (Bank 1, Sensor 1) |
| 0x15 | Oxygen sensor voltage, Short term fuel trim (Bank 1, Sensor 2) |
| 0x16 | Oxygen sensor voltage, Short term fuel trim (Bank 1, Sensor 3) |
| 0x17 | Oxygen sensor voltage, Short term fuel trim (Bank 1, Sensor 4) |
| 0x18 | Oxygen sensor voltage, Short term fuel trim (Bank 2, Sensor 1) |
| 0x19 | Oxygen sensor voltage, Short term fuel trim (Bank 2, Sensor 2) |
| 0x1A | Oxygen sensor voltage, Short term fuel trim (Bank 2, Sensor 3) |
| 0x1B | Oxygen sensor voltage, Short term fuel trim (Bank 2, Sensor 4) |
| 0x1C | OBD standards this vehicle conforms to |
| 0x1D | Oxygen sensors present 2 |
| 0x1E | Auxiliary input status |
| 0x1F | Run time since engine start |
| 0x20 | Supported PIDs 0x21 to 0x3F |
| 0x21 | Distance traveled with malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on |
| 0x22 | Fuel rail pressure (relative to manifold vacuum) |
| 0x23 | Fuel rail pressure (diesel) |
| 0x24 | Oxygen sensor 1 equivalence ratio (lambda value) |
| 0x25 | Oxygen sensor 2 equivalence ratio (lambda value) |
| 0x26 | Oxygen sensor 3 equivalence ratio (lambda value) |
| 0x27 | Oxygen sensor 4 equivalence ratio (lambda value) |
| 0x28 | Oxygen sensor 5 equivalence ratio (lambda value) |
| 0x29 | Oxygen sensor 6 equivalence ratio (lambda value) |
| 0x2A | Oxygen sensor 7 equivalence ratio (lambda value) |
| 0x2B | Oxygen sensor 8 equivalence ratio (lambda value) |
| 0x2C | Commanded EGR |
| 0x2D | EGR error |
| 0x2E | Commanded evaporative purge |
| 0x2F | Fuel level input |
| 0x30 | Number of warm-ups since codes cleared |
| 0x31 | Distance traveled since codes cleared |
| 0x32 | Evap system vapor pressure |
| 0x33 | Barometric pressure |
| 0x34 | Oxygen sensor 1 equivalence ratio (lambda value) |
| 0x35 | Oxygen sensor 2 equivalence ratio (lambda value) |
| 0x36 | Oxygen sensor 3 equivalence ratio (lambda value) |
| 0x37 | Oxygen sensor 4 equivalence ratio (lambda value) |
| 0x38 | Oxygen sensor 5 equivalence ratio (lambda value) |
| 0x39 | Oxygen sensor 6 equivalence ratio (lambda value) |
| 0x3A | Oxygen sensor 7 equivalence ratio (lambda value) |
| 0x3B | Oxygen sensor 8 equivalence ratio (lambda value) |
| 0x3C | Catalyst temperature (Bank 1 Sensor 1) |
| 0x3D | Catalyst temperature (Bank 2 Sensor 1) |
| 0x3E | Catalyst temperature (Bank 1 Sensor 2) |
| 0x3F | Catalyst temperature (Bank 2 Sensor 2) |
| 0x40 | Supported PIDs 0x41 to 0x5F |
| 0x41 | Monitor status this drive cycle |
| 0x42 | Control module voltage |
| 0x43 | Absolute load value |
| 0x44 | Command equivalence ratio |
| 0x45 | Relative throttle position |
| 0x46 | Ambient air temperature |
| 0x47 | Absolute throttle position B |
| 0x48 | Absolute throttle position C |
| 0x49 | Accelerator pedal position D |
| 0x4A | Accelerator pedal position E |
| 0x4B | Accelerator pedal position F |
| 0x4C | Commanded throttle actuator |
| 0x4D | Time run with MIL on |
| 0x4E | Time since trouble codes cleared |
| 0x4F | External test configuration #1 |
| 0x50 | External test configuration #2 |
| 0x51 | Fuel type |
| 0x52 | Percentage of alcohol fuel mix |
| 0x53 | Absolute evap system vapor pressure |
| 0x54 | Evap system vapor pressure |
| 0x55 | Short term secondary oxygen sensor trim bank 1 and bank 3 |
| 0x56 | Long term secondary oxygen sensor trim bank 1 and bank 3 |
| 0x57 | Short term secondary oxygen sensor trim bank 2 and bank 4 |
| 0x58 | Long term secondary oxygen sensor trim bank 2 and bank 4 |
| 0x59 | Fuel rail pressure (absolute) |
| 0x5A | Relative accelerator pedal position |
| 0x5B | Hybrid battery pack remaining life |
| 0x5C | Engine oil temperature |
| 0x5D | Fuel injection timing |
| 0x5E | Fuel rate |
| 0x5F | Emission requirements for this vehicle |
This extensive PID support makes OBDwiz a powerful automotive scanner software for laptops, capable of providing deep insights into your vehicle’s operation.
Technical Support for OBDwiz
For any questions or support needs, ScanTool.net provides a dedicated forum for OBDwiz users. Visit the OBDWiz forum board to connect with other users and get assistance.
In conclusion, OBDwiz offers a compelling package for anyone seeking reliable and feature-rich automotive scanner software for laptops. Its ease of use, comprehensive features, and broad compatibility make it an excellent tool for vehicle diagnostics, maintenance, and performance monitoring.
