Experience with best OBD2 code reader for Honda Civic & Ford

Car models: couple of Honda Civics and a Ford and they all have OBD II ports.

User: the first-time user

Code readers to recommend:

1. Bluetooth dongles and the torque app running with mobile phone.
2. Hondas HDS scanner software
3. Mastertech scanner
4. NGS scanner

Reviews one-by-one:

1. Bluetooth dongles and the torque app running with mobile phone.

I bought a cheap one, well, cheap back then ($60 in 2007) and it's been plenty useful. With the aid of mobile Google machines, you can easily and quickly begin to troubleshoot CELs. The only I bought only shows you the code and allows you to delete them. Fancier ones actually give readouts and stuff. There's also cheap ones you can plug into the OBD2 port and get readings on your phone via Bluetooth, so there's that.

2. scangauge

You can get dongles that you plug into the port and it bluetooth all the data to your cell phone. and clears codes as well.
I prefer scangauge or similar so i can check many more things iat the dash instead of a hidden phone in my pocket. better temp gauge, MPG, etc.
I have a code reader that reads SRS and Honda specific codes as well.

3. Hondas HDS scanner software, Mastertech scanner, NGS scanner etc

A code reader is a tool just like anything else in a tool box. Its effectiveness is up to you.
Some codes are easy, read code and throw a part at it....other codes aren't so simple and some people can waste a lot of money by not doing their homework first.
Sometimes people post with codes that can't exist in their car, that means some code readers aren't 100% accurate at reading the codes.
80% of my entire career has revolved around your pesky warning lights LOL
I have:
Hondas HDS scanner software (on two of my personal laptops)
Mastertech scanner (mine, pretty much obsolete now)
NGS scanner (mine, obsolete now)
Still considering getting a $20 engine code reader/eraser just for speed
Our shop has a scanner from Matco that gets a lot of use too.
My car has an Ultragauge on the dash, displays quite a bit of live data and can read/erase codes if needed

Advices and experience sharing:
Advice 1.
the reader gets obsolete with new cars
as long as you own an old car, does not matter much.
select it more for if it reads Honda specific codes (fords were not that fickly, most readers should do the job)
I chose mine for Honda codes, got a newer one for the SRS Honda codes)

Advice 2.
I have an older version of that $70 reader, I got it for $20 on clearance. You can check and clear codes, look up the vin (on newer cars), and check the readiness monitors.
The $180 one will also do freeze frame and live operating data which is handy for diagnostic purposes. And it will apparently do abs codes but iy might not work on all cars.
Or you can save $150 and get a $20 dongle and $5 app. You just won't be able to do abs codes, which with the multiple different vehicles I've owned (2 Fords and 5 Hondas) I have never needed abs scanning. You can always get partsource (or another parts store) to scan it for you if you do have the abs light come on.
You do what you want I'm just trying to save you money.
Honda HIM Picture share from the customer


www.obdexpress.co.uk
Source:http://blog.obdexpress.co.uk/2020/01/16/best-obd2-code-reader-for-honda-civic-ford-reviews/

How to reset Honda Civic Gen 7 SRS light on?

If Honda Civic Gen 7 SRS light has been on for a while, Pull the code to be sure. Here's how to do it.


All credit goes to user R3dline on ClubRSX).
How it do: (READ THE ENTIRE THING BEFORE PERFORMING. It'll help. I promise)
1) With the engine/car off and key out of ignition, jump pins 4 & 9 on the OBD connector with a paperclip, length of wire with the ends stripped, etc.


2) Turn your key to the "on" position. Don't start it, but just turn it on.
3) Your SRS light is gonna blink. Pay attention to the pattern! Luckily, the SRS light illuminates for 6s (bulb check), shuts off for 3s, then it starts the main code. After the main code, you get a 2s break to relax your eyes, then the sub-code. I'm not 100% sure on what happens after the 3s pause after the sub code, but it likely goes straight into the main code again.


The first set of blinks (after the bulb check) is gonna be the main code. Could either be slow blinks (1.2s between blinks) or super fast blinks (0.1s between blinks)
Count each slow blink as 1
Count each set of 4 super fast blinks as 10
Add them all together, and you get the main code


Second set of blinks is gonna be the main code. Remember, you get a 2s break to compose yourself. lol.
These are gonna be about 4x as fast as the slow blinks from the main code (0.3s between blinks)
Count each blink as 1
Add them together for the sub-code.
After you do all that, you should end up with a [main code]-[sub code] pairing. Match it to the list below, fix whatever issue instead of spray and pray with the parts cannon.


Hope this helps your troubleshooting.
However, if you can't troubleshoot in the above method.
The easier way is to have one HDS HIM Diagnostic Tool







Source:http://blog.obdexpress.co.uk/2020/01/04/diy-how-to-reset-honda-civic-gen-7-srs-light-on/

Free Download HDS 3.103.023 3.103.017 for Honda HIM

Offer sources of HDS 3.103.023, HDS 3.103.017, HDS 3.102.051 for Honda Acura diagnosis, running with HIM or GNA660.

1. Source of Honda HDS 3.103.023 + ECU Rewrite [11.2018] FULL

FULL Pack
Dealer diagnostic software for Honda & Acura
Region: USA + Canada
Language: English
Version:  HDS 3.103.0234
Platform: WinXP, Vista, Windows7, WIN8, WIN10
Year: 2018
Date of update: 11.2018
**Credits to auto-epc.org
Dealer diagnostic Honda & Acura. Includes versions for PC, HDS Pocket Tester. Contains a calibration Honda and Akur USA + Canada.
CM Update ECU Rewrite
Diagnostic System
Device manger
OBD Scantool
Teradyne Wireless Card Manager
Screen Capture
Unit Conversion Tool
Communication Interface:
HIM / GNA660
NOTE: this program works only with the diagnostic interface GNA600 or Honda HIM.

[caption id="attachment_23636" align="alignnone" width="900"] Hds 3 13 023 For Honda 04[/caption]

2. Source of HONDA HDS 3.103.017 [Credits to @ nhanas (MHH)]

- HDS 3.103.017
- i-HDS 1.004.055
- J2534 Rewrite.
- Bosch Immobilizer Setup Tool.
- Support account online.
Price : 50$

-> account online: support via Teamviwer

->works well both offline and online

->with account online, support Honda immobilizer on continental tcm

-> support tactrix open port cable

3. Free source of HDS 3.102.051

Link: https://share.weiyun.com/5h7sg4W
Password: ntadgm
Thanks to www.obdexpress.co.uk engineer


Software Version: V3.102.051
No need activation
Security: 100% safe!

Supports Multi-language: English, Chinese, French, Spanish, Thai, Portuguese, Turkish, Korean, Vietnamese
Works with Windows XP/Windows 7 32/64-bit

Markets:
USA
Canada
Europe
General
Japan
This software turns your laptop or desktop computer into a functional diagnostic system tool capable of reading OBD diagnostic codes.

Compatible with Honda HIM China clone.


Works with Honda / ACURA vehicles from 1992-2017 year
Test coverage: Dynamical, Body, Chassis, ABS, SRS, Anti-theft, etc.
HDS supports CAN BUS system, and it can re-program the Auto ECU.

HDS is the copied software load on a third-party HIM firmware.
You need an RS-232 port on your computer. If your computer doesn’t natively have one, you’ll need a USB->RS-232 adapter. Software updates frequently.


Honda HIM has capabilities:
• DTC reading and clearing
• Snapshot function (capture data relative to a trigger event)
• Vehicle data display (value, line graph, or bar graph formats)
• DLC locator diagrams
• Data list display (real-time display of ECU parameters)
• Onboard tutorial
• Generic scan tool runs basic tests on non-Honda/Acura vehicles (HDS Tablet and Pocket Tester only)
• Control module update functions (HDS Tablet and Pocket Tester only)

HDS 3.102.004 Win7 installation:


Hardware and software requirements:

• PC or laptop with either Windows 2000 Professional (SP4 or later) or XP (SP1 or later)
  •Hard disk drive with at least 400MB of free space
  •CD-ROM drive (if a high-speed Internet connection is not available)
  •Type II PC card drive (HDS Tablet only)
  •RS232 port required to connect PC to HIM (PC version software only)
  •Monitor capable of displaying in VGA mode or above (1024 x 768 recommended)
  •Internet connection (high-speed connection recommended)

Thanks.

http://blog.obdexpress.co.uk/2019/11/21/free-download-hds-3-103-023-3-103-017-for-honda-him/

Honda HDS HIM Review: Works Good

My Honda HDS clone setup lately so I thought I would do a bit of a review. HDS is a general term for Honda’s Diagnostic System. HIM is the specific tool (Honda Interface Module). Honda has had several tools, the HIM is two or three generations old, but the newer ones are not cloned yet (GNA600 & MVCI).

So if you don’t know there are all kinds of clones of Honda’s HDS HIM diagnostic system out there on the internets. I made a leap of faith and picked one up on DHgate.com about two years ago to reprogram my TPMS sensors (I hate you Honda for this TPMS crap system). I was hesitant because it did not state that it supported my 2011 Fit. The cracked HDS software version that came with it did not cover my car, but I was able to find a newer version (V2.024.05) on the internet that worked. I have successfully used the TPMS features, CKP relearn, idle relearn, ECU reset, and cleared DTS faults. I belive this thing can data log, reprogram gauge clusters, and reprogram the immobilizer for new keys, but have not tried these things yet.

Here is a pic of mine if it helps.

It came with various connectors for self-verification testing too.

So the HDS only has a RS232 DB9 serial port (no usb),and most laptops don’t have them anymore. The adaptor will plug into your laptops usb and replicate a RS232 port. You will probably need a RS232 to USB adaptor too. I have always had good luck with FTDI adapters. Future Technology Devices Intl – UC232R-10 The HDS will only connect to com port 1. So you may have to change your com port assigned number when you use a usb adapter. I have only used the HDS on a windows XP laptop so I cannot confirm this works on newer Windows.

Here is another possible option I have not tried yet, but would love to because it is much cheaper and uses USB! Looks like it uses the same HDS software!

http://www.obdexpress.co.uk/wholesale/honda-hds-him-diagnostic-tool-new-double-board.html

And if you are going to do TPMS you might want to look at triggering tools, if not you have to deflate and re-inflate a wheel to trigger the sensor. Our TPMS sensors only only transmit when they are spinning over ~26MPH, detect a rapid pressure change, or are triggered with a 125Mhz signal. I bought the trigger tool. It’s Foxwell made: http://www.obdexpress.co.uk/wholesale/foxwell-nt1001-tpms-trigger-tool.html

Overall this is a very powerful tool that lets you do about everything the dealer can!

The factory service manual pretty much explains how to use the HDS in all of Honda’s trouble shooting procedures. All of the things I have used have matched up, like TPMS and CKP relearn.

This is how i used Honda HDS HIM to Memorize Honda Civic2008 TPMS sensor ID

NOTE:  make the vehicle sit for at least 5 munities to allow the tire

pressure sensors to switch to sleep mode. The vehicle with the new

tire sensor must be at least 10 ft (3m) away from other vehicles

that have sensors.

Step1: Connect the Honda diagnostic system with vehicle via OBD

port on the driver’s side under the dashboard.

Step2: Turn ignition ON.

Step3: Make sure Honda HIM HDS Diagnostic Toolis well communicated

with TPMS control module.

Step4: Enter vehicle information in HDS program.

Step5: Select “Honda Systems” from Mode selection menu

Step6: Select“TPMS” control module

Step7: Select “Sensor ID Learning” from the Mode menu

Step8: The Honda HDS software will display Tire pressure sensor

ID, follow the screen prompt to turn on the TPMS Trigger Tool.

Step9: Hold the TPMS tool (A) near the valve stem of one wheel, and

memorize the tire pressure sensor ID by following the screen prompts

on the HDS. (If you turn the ignition OFF before memorizing all

four sensor IDs, the memorizing sensor ID will be canceled.)

Step10: Write down the 4 tire pressure sensor IDs.

Step11: Exit the Honda HDS software and disconnect Honda HIM tool.

Job’s done!

Here are a few more things it claims to do:

Honda functions include:

• DTC reading and clearing
• Snapshot function (capture data relative to a trigger event)
• Vehicle data display (value, line graph, or bar graph formats)
• DLC locator diagrams
• Data list display (real-time display of ECU parameters)
• Onboard tutorial
• Generic scan tool runs basic tests on non-Honda/Acura vehicles (HDS Tablet and Pocket Tester only)
• Control module update functions (HDS Tablet and Pocket Tester only)

Source:'

http://blog.obdexpress.co.uk/2017/10/28/honda-hds-him-review-civic2008-tpms-ok/