Check Engine Lights Don't Scare Me...

Kinja'd!!! "Boxer_4" (Boxer_4)
06/26/2015 at 15:33 • Filed to: None

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...at least not now. I got my OBD/II Cable in the mail today, so I was able to try out my “more than a code reader” setup. I should be able to check codes for both the engine and transmission, clear codes for both, do real-time monitoring of some system parameters, run some self-diagnostics, and change a few settings. All of this is accomplished using FreeSSM, a freeware Subaru specific solution.

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I haven’t tried most of these features yet, but I did verify I can communicate with my ECU and TCU. (First try, I might add...)

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The best part? I only spent ~$3.50 for the cable (plus a $5 amazon gift card). The laptop was free (one of my many spare computers), and so was the software.

I’m almost looking forward to a Check Engine light now. Almost.


DISCUSSION (10)


Kinja'd!!! SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Boxer_4
06/26/2015 at 15:37

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Why is your brake pedal so wide and where’s the clutch?


Kinja'd!!! R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > Boxer_4
06/26/2015 at 15:37

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any clue where I could get similar software for a land rover?


Kinja'd!!! Boxer_4 > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
06/26/2015 at 15:39

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Very funny...


Kinja'd!!! Boxer_4 > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet
06/26/2015 at 15:49

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I found out about FreeSSM (Subaru Select Monitor) on one of the Subaru forums. Maybe you will have luck on a Land Rover forum? I can see what I find later if you would like...

I imagine you would have more use for something like this than I would (Land Rover and all...)


Kinja'd!!! R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > Boxer_4
06/26/2015 at 15:51

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lol


Kinja'd!!! TrickJos > Boxer_4
06/26/2015 at 15:59

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Nice set-up and sweet price! I’ve been considering a vag-com system made by Ross Tech now that I have a VW under my care. $350 is a step price but I’m sure it would payoff in no time.


Kinja'd!!! HammerheadFistpunch > Boxer_4
06/26/2015 at 16:09

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Thats good, now you will know.


Kinja'd!!! MM54 > Boxer_4
06/26/2015 at 23:00

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This is the next step up from my bluetooth OBDII scanner that I use with my phone - unfortuneately I don’t know of any universal softwares for the laptop setup like my phone has so I could use it with any car.


Kinja'd!!! Boxer_4 > MM54
06/29/2015 at 11:28

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A search on Google shows that there are a few free universal software readers around, but they all appear to have that “freeware” feel to them. I have no idea if they are any good.

I will probably look into a few at some point, since it would be nice to have a more flexible setup.


Kinja'd!!! RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Boxer_4
01/24/2017 at 17:10

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I wish I could find free software like this to check our family’s cars...I’ve got a lot of spare laptops around.