randallb

These products are manufactured by Davis Instruments, and use the OBD II connector on 1996+ cars, monitoring various functions, and storing OBD II error codes. Anyone ever purchase or use these products?:

http://www.davisnet.com/drive/produc...ive.asp?grp=c1

UCSBgeek

I'm not sure anybody has any particular experience with these... If you don't mind me asking, what were you looking to do? Are you monitoring somebody who's driving your car? Or are you looking to get tuning information out of the car? Because it doesn't look like it'll save enough info to really be useful in that regard.... a dyno run is probably better for getting info...though I don't know the cost.

randallb

I have another vehicle in the family, a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan, that often has the "check engine" light coming on, and that's what I really had in mind. 1996 was the first year that all cars had to have OBD II installed. This OBD II reader would of course work on the Proteges (but not the Mazda6!). Other devices I have looked into in the past typically required a laptop computer be connected to the interface, and were also more expensive. I figured someone on this board might have experience with the CarChip reader just for general performance logging. The Carchip products start at about $100 (available at discount off list from other web sellers).

Randy

Mxyzptlk

Ive seen these and also "Hypertech" tuners. The only thing useful I have noticed is checking & clearing error codes. Also setting shift points and removing limiters. But they are mainly for domestic car I have seen.

UCSBgeek

I don't think this is exactly the device you want for pulling the "check engine" codes. This is a logging device, which the ECU is already doing, at least when it comes to those check engine lights. The codes will be stored in the computer. If you go to pep boys or a similar store, you will probably see an OBD-II reader, you might even be able to rent it for about $6 / 48 hours, plus deposit of the cost of the unit.