MG/Ford - OBD diagnostic scanner recomendation

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Tue 25 Mar 2025 18:53
MG/Ford - OBD diagnostic scanner recomendation - crowncd

I've been thinking about getting one of these scanners to give me a bit of information prior to taking family cars in for servicing.

I'm no mechanic so I shan't be doing any repairs.

I'm looking for a fairly basic, reasonably priced model and hope that someone here can give me a recommendation.

I assume the unit would be able to be plugged into any fairly modern car but have read that with some you have to pay an annual subscription to keep using it and that they are restricted to one make of vehicle.

Thanks for any advice.

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Tue 25 Mar 2025 19:08
MG/Ford - OBD diagnostic scanner recomendation - elekie&a/c doctor
What age vehicles are you looking at?
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Tue 25 Mar 2025 23:31
MG/Ford - OBD diagnostic scanner recomendation - crowncd

The MG is 5 years old (HS Auto) and the family have 4 Fords which are about 7/8 years old. We do also have a Nissan Note that is 16 years old but it was the other cars I was more concerned about.

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Tue 25 Mar 2025 23:39
MG/Ford - OBD diagnostic scanner recomendation - elekie&a/c doctor
Cheap obd scanners generally only read engine data . If you need to read other electronic systems , then you’ll need something with more capabilities. It’s all down to budget. The more you spend the more systems can be accessed with increased functionality.

Edited by elekie&a/c doctor on 25/03/2025 at 23:40

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Tue 25 Mar 2025 19:17
MG/Ford - OBD diagnostic scanner recomendation - Mike Lyons

I used the Vgate ICar OBD reader from Amazon for @ £22.

Vgate iCar Pro Bluetooth 4.0 (BLE) OBD2 Fault Code Reader OBDII Code Scanner Car Check Engine Light for iOS/Android : Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

It does come with its own app, but I use 'Carscanner' for Iphone (free download) which was recommended for Landrover. No annual subscription required for reader or app.

The app also has various 'profiles' to suit different manufacturers including MG & Ford.

It took me less than 20 minutes to get it all working.

I use it to monitor Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) occasionally & I've also cleared some error-codes on one-off basis.

Edited by Mike Lyons on 25/03/2025 at 19:20

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