I am looking for a scanner/code reader that I can use to check the balance on my injectors (and any other info I can get from on board diags). I don't have any reason to suspect I have bad injectors, but would like to keep an eye on them. I don't really want to pop for a Tech 2. Any suggestions? Anyone in Willamette Valley, OR area with a Tech 2?

Thanks!

-DMaxEnvy

I have a computer program I run on my laptop that can read balance rates real-time. I'm in Keizer/Salem ...so not to far away. If you want to read your balance rates sometime let me know. I usually read mine once every month or 2 just to have a history.

tophog what is this program and where can one get it?

DiabloSport Predator reads PCM codes and I believe Quadzilla may do both PCM and TCM codes which is a very nice to have feature. Probably lots of other stuff out such as AutoTap, Auto-X-ray, HyperTech, etc. IMHO the tuners are a pretty good bang for the buck deal.

The program I use is called OBD-2 and a very sophisticated and capable program. There is a special Duramax 6.6L add-on module you download/install with the program that allows reading several Duramax-specific parameters, including real-time balance rates and Allison info. It can read/clear codes, etc. What's nice is you can record snapshot/session data to disk and play it back later for analysis, etc. just like the Tech II. You can buy it with a normal serial cable if you computer/laptop has a serial port ...or spend an extra $25 and get the USB cable which can read data much faster. I use the USB cable on a relatively new laptop and the performance is fantastic. Data can be saved in .csv format and loaded into Excel, etc. which is what I do to record balance rate history and graph data. Lots of possiblities. The program also sports a real-time dashboard where you can display several gauges that can be configured to monitor just about any parameter you wish.

Note, however it's not the easiest/intuitive program to use. You can download it for free, including the Duramax diesel add-on module and play with the program...you just won't be able to activate it and read data real-time. There is a sample data file that comes with the program taken from an S-10 pickup that you can load/playback to get a feel how the program works. there is also integrated help so you can read up on the various features. It's only $125 and a cheap alternative to tuners, etc. if all your looking for is a code reader and something to monitor data ...perfect if you already have a laptop.

http://www.obd-2.com/

here is a screen shot of balance rates on my truck ...

http://home.comcast.net/~tophog/duramax/images/obd2.jpg

The program I use is called OBD-2 and a very sophisticated and capable program. There is a special Duramax 6.6L add-on module you download/install with the program that allows reading several Duramax-specific parameters, including real-time balance rates and Allison info.

Looks like a great product, but I could only find the LB7engine listed on their web site for the Duramax add-on module. Does anyone know if they are working on a module for the LLY?

If you haven't already you might email the author and ask him about a version for the LLY. I completely forgot there wasn't a version for the LLY when I purchased it for my LB7 but remember someone telling me he was working on an LLY version of the Duramax 6.6L plug-in. the program is the same for all make/models ...it's the plug-in/add-on modules that allow one to read specific vehicle data.

Hi TopHog,

Thank you for the info! It looks like a good tool, and not bad at all for the price. Would like to get together sometime and see it in action before I spend the $$. Not far at all from you, so would be a quick trip.

-DMaxEnvy

TopHog,

Good find! I have been looking for a cheap OBD-II scanner which can read the balancing rates etc w/o buying a Predator. This looks like just the ticket.

Thanks,
Tim

Ordered my OBD-2 software! The hardware (including USB cable) will be here later in the week :cool2:

-DMaxEnvy

TopHog,

Good find! I have been looking for a cheap OBD-II scanner which can read the balancing rates etc w/o buying a Predator. This looks like just the ticket.

Thanks,
TimHey, it works great for reading codes and balance rates. I haven't played with the program a lot as I've been primarily just using it to read balance rates once a month or so. As I said earlier, it's not a very intuitive/easy program to use but I'm sure it's very powerful if you know how to use all the features. Here is a list of the GM specific data it's capable of reading.

http://www.obd-2.com/gmpida.htm

You will want to be sure to download the Duramax add-on module and install in the OBD install directory. Once you get the serial number, etc. and activate it ...once you have the program "Connect" to the vehicle it will start recording all data ...and once you disconnect you save the data to a file which you can open later, playback, analyze, etc. In fact, reading codes and balance rates is about the only feature I have used thus far.

The program can be a little tricky to get setup. If you use the USB cable you have to install a special driver and configure the port setting in the program for the port in which your USB cable is attached. Just took me a couple minutes to figure out ... not rocket science by any means.

Can you rest error codes with this tool, or is it a read only application. By the way a friend of mine has the Diablo and I used his to read my codes but that's all it will do on a truck that does not have the VIN registered to the device. I didn't have any to clear at the time, does anyone else know if you can clear codes on a non-registered VIN truck?

Yes, it clears codes.