What's the best OBD2 scanner for Mazda?
 

I have recently purchased a Mazda 3 and would like to know what is the best affordable OBD2 scanner for these cars.

From my research I can see that the dealer uses the IDS software but that doesn't make sense for owners like me. What I am trying to find is a scanner that will be able to read and clear codes from:
-ABS
-SRS
-Engine
-Transmission

Those are the main systems that I am concerned about. I know that generic OBD-2 code readers won't work.

What are your recommendations?

In case you were wondering this is a 2014 Mazda.

Bump^ No one has any recommendations? Which OBD II scanner have you used? Were you able to clear ABS SRS codes?

Snap-on

what are abs and srs codes and how are they different from normal codes? -_- If you are looking for statistics, it needs specialized software so pony the big bucks. If you wants fault (CEL) codes, it should go in the same bin as the rest.

ABS ( Brakes & stability controls) and SRS ( Airbags) are both separate modules, most budget code readers will only read PCM/ECU codes.

UPDATE!

First, thank you all for your replies. I have spent countless hours researching a good OBD2 scanner for Mazda that will be able to read and clear codes from transmission, ecu, abs and srs. Yet still need to be within my budget.

There are a couple of options out there that can do this. There is a great article that talks about several Mazda scanners that are able to do in depth troubleshooting. Do a quick search for: Best OBD2 Diagnostic Scanner for Mazda | YOUCANIC

I was able to net a bluetooth scanner that works reasonably well at BAFX Products BAFX3127 Bluetooth OBD2 Diagnostic Scan Tool for Android Only-Newegg.com

Its a $23 clone but well reviewed and I had no problems getting it to work with torque on my 2016 mazda3.

I have used that same Bluetooth adapter too. That's not able to diagnose anything else than the engine. I was in hunt for a scanner that could diagnose SRS, ABS and transmission problems as well.

Ah yes, you know I scanned this thread and didnt see my previous post. ^^ Yea srs/abs is specialised. Don't know the logic behind common readers not accessing it but... until they do, big bucks you will spend.

There are a couple of iCarsoft and Launch scanners mentioned in this article, that will reset the srs, abs, transmission codes and cost less than $200.

The thing is that by saving one trip to the mechanic, the scanner pays for itself.

Hello everyone. I am looking for cheap OBD2 Scanner (Under 40 bucks will be great). Which brand and which model will be suitable for that price? Although, I am seeing in the effective guide website top 5 lists. But, I do not want to buy any junk product. If i get any quality scanner name then i may increase my budget.

I currently have a ScangaugeII installed in the car. It's neat, but I want to learn more about the engine parameters (the refresh rate is slow, so it's hard to see what's going on in real time during transient events), as well as be able to log data, in preparation for my turbo in the near future.

The cheap option on my list is a bluetooth OBDII interface ($24 on Amazon) https://10carbest.com/best-obd2-scanner and the Torque app for Android ($5). It seems this option would do ~60% (?) of what I want, and for a total price of 30 bucks, I may just grab one and start poking around and logging stuff to see what's going on with the stock engine.

One option is ScanXL (or ScanXL Pro) for $90 (or $130), plus maybe the Mazda specific add-on ($75) if you want access to specific stuff like ABS ECUs, etc.

I was looking at MazdaEdit software:
http://www.epifansoft.com/mazdaEdit-...ns-prices.html


The mazdaEdit software appears to be the most powerful and fully featured option without a doubt, but also most expensive.

Talking to Joe from Dynotronics, he says that buying a tune from him basically gets you a copy of mazdaEdit. My understanding of how he described it to me is that he basically uses mazdaEdit for his tuning, and when he sells the tune to a customer, the tune is installed using mazdaEdit software that is licensed to the customer with the purchase of the tune (Joe buys mazdaEdit licenses in bulk, he's not pirating the software). The version of mazdaEdit that comes with a tune is slightly different than the off-the-shelf version, as it is designed to "hide" some particular unique aspects of how Joe does his tuning trickery (understandable, as that's his trade secret that makes him money) but still has the ability to edit tables and all the data and logging capabilities of the stock software.

So at this point I'm looking to buy the Dynotronics tune sooner rather than later, since learning that buying a tune will also get me the editing software and ability to datalog. I may still buy the bluetoothOBDII interface and the Torque app, since I don't plan to have the laptop in the car 100% of the time. Having the BT adapter and the app on my phone would let me connect and read codes and/or log data whenever and wherever, and could be worth the $30.
There are a lot of cool YouTube videos on this subject. Good Luck

Your question is asking for a high end user mostly by Auto Technicians. and there are no inexpensive Diagnostic tools for all you wish you access.The main reason why you will not see these in most Dignostic tools is that the require a greater experience level generally from having credentials like ASE or Dealer Auto Tech certifications or attending some auto diagnostic class to learn how to repair those vital area's of a vehicle . That said the Diagnostic choice for me for all asked to view is a Snap-On Solus. I paid $2000 and additional 400 for all the modules. Updates are still available and cost range are 100-175.

FORScan
 

If you already have the bluetooth OBDii reader, you might try FORScan: https://forscan.org/download.html - I recently came across that while trying to find something to help diagnose random morning alarm system activation (it's for Ford and Mazda vehicles). I believe it has the various additional modules you want (ABS, SRS). They have a complete list of the modules here: https://forscan.org/modules_list.html . And, no, I don't work for FORScan, just thought you might find it useful.

Can I bump this... its 2022 almost 2023 in a few months.
I am looking for an OBD2 Scanner for a 2015 and a 2017 Mazda 3 ( not that there should be huge difference there, but I got two Mazdas to deal with.)

What do you want to be able to do/achieve? This will dictate what level & cost you require.

I guess something similar to Techstream for Toyota cars, since thats my only experience with code readers.

Not sure if its true or not - Mazda doesn't play well with many, many code readers.

A code reader that can tell me the error codes in a logical format and easy to read quickly - that I dont have to remember another code to remember how this code reader is spitting out what its putting on the screen.. that makes no sense? like I dont want some dumb code reader for example:
The Rainbow colored ones are current codes, but the ones with the blue border are pending error codes, the triangle yellow icons mean something else - completely unimportant. All while having a terrible button system to navigate horribly.

I have no experience with bluetooth odb2 readers and apps that work with them. So I dont know whats overkill or just complete horse**** wrapped up in a tuxedo.

I have an obdlink MX+ that I paired with FORscan lite on my mazda 5. It's not the prettiest thing in the world but it get's you a lot of access. Able to read all of the DTCs and you can even stream some live data from the car albeit only one module at a time on the app. The MX+ is expensive but I believe I got mine on sale for ~$80 and it has worked on 5+ different cars now.

Also currently testing out a couple other apps and will try to update if any of them are better than FORscan lite

Welcome to the forum

I just looked up the MX+ you mentioned and it just looks like an overpriced ELM327 adapter that can diagnose the engine control unit. You can do almost the same thing with a $15 OBD2 bluetooth adapter and Toruqe app. My issue with these is that this does not provide anything close to what the dealer level scanners can do. I have been using the YOUCANIC full system scanner on my Mazda and other vehicles and it provides dealer level functionality to all vehicle systems. Not just the engine like the MX+ does. You can clear codes from any module and view live data. Plus it has a number of other function for example such as releasing parking brakes, or ABS bleed and many other functions that you don't get with a lot of scanners. It's an investment but yet worth it as if you can avoid one trip to the dealer you probaibliy paid for it. And it has the same full system coverage for almost every other car out there. I have used it on my Mazda, MBenz, and family and friends Hondas and Toyotas.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.maz...4073112b40.jpg

I have Bosch KTS and Launch Master.
KTS is not good.
Launch is OK ( flash module, add key, adapt module )

This is nice unit!
I use a Snap-On Solus myself as I posted earlier in this thread.
But if I were only a DIY the KTS would have been a strong consideration!

I just ordered the Veepeak Mini Bluetooth OBS scanner for Android from Amazon for $15. A highly rated free Android app I installed is shown below:
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.maz...39fe6ab7a1.jpg
I'll report back about how well this combo works by the end of March.

The Veepeak Mini Bluetooth OBS scanner for Android plugged into the jack on the left side under the dash. The app booted up perfectly and all readings showed up on the app within a few seconds. 90% of the functionality is available with the free version. For $5 you can lose the ads and get some additional functionality. I noticed that even individual tire pressures are accessible. Faults get linked to internet sites for more explanation of diagnostic and solution info.

It depends on what job, it depends on what year the Mazda is...
I have a classic OBD interface in every car, based on the ELM chip.
I use the Car Scanner app and it's ok for me, for first aid.
But, on a newer car, I had a problem with a cheap OBD ELM reader.
But I bought the V-gate Vlinker and it's a great OBD interface.
For the older Mazda, I have FORScan and Ford Focom.
On new cars, the Pass-Thru protocol is also a problem, and in such situations the new KTS Bosch is useful.