Cherokee is 1st OBD vehicle I've owned (save for one 2002 GTI that I bought new and sold before I had to worry about such things)

should I buy a scan tool? If so which one?

or is there an economical package for a laptop that is more useful? I have a decent laptop dual boot Vista/Ubuntu (would prefer to run Linux if I can)

thanks for any opinions! I'm not having any problems yet, just like to play. And if there's any way I can see live data as I drive that'd be a giggle too.

 

Own an Android phone/tablet by chance? if so search ELM327 on ebay, I love mine, $26ish, I use the the torque app, there is a free version, I used it first but bought the full version, $4.95 IIRC,

 

http://www.scangauge.com/

 

Pretty interesting device. Never seen that before. Do you know if they make them for other models of vehicles? The couple I looked at didn't list any jeeps in the compatible vehicle listing.

 

It's compatible with any car that has an OBD2 port which is 99% of every car made after 1996.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/V1-4-ELM327-...item256ba8b656

Get this or something similar - It'll do far more than any other handheld junk.

First you need the data link and cable, then the software to make it work.

Lots of software available for cheap.

Some of them you can even reprogram fuel and timing curves. You can see how the PCM really works including adaptive memory.

 

Do they have programs like power or economy or do you have to go and alter codes yourself? I think I may end up with one of these.

 

+1 on the scangauge.While the ebay software is nice,what you going to do when your 1500 miles from home? I throw the scangauge in any car I travel away from home with,it does not take up any room,and in the Jeep I have the rearview mount so it's always in it.

 

thanks for the ideas guys, any more? yes, I do have an android phone, although it's already playing music and running Trapster any time I'm on a road trip so asking it to be my auxiliary gauge panel might be a little much I like the scangauge thing, I never even knew that such a thing existed. I'll have to look into the other options as well. So many choices!

I guess I better get at and get caught up on my maintenance and get my headlight setup worked out, I'm getting tempted to buy more stuff now... that's what happens when the weather is bad and you don't have a garage to work in!

 

I don't think there's any "pre-programmed" things for the laptop.
Once you get into the innards, you can see how the computer works.
You can change the curves all you want, then save them. They'll stay in it until you change them again.

But - remember that the computer is programmed to work under most conditions - sub freezing to 140 degrees. When you change things you are sacrificing some of the ability to to enhance another.

If you don't understand fuel and timing - you'll probably just make things worse.

In that case, it's best to use one of those toys.
Remember - it's not legal for them to change anything that may affect emissions except at WOT - so they don't. You'll find it's just something to play with.

If it's codes you want, a $10 hand held scanner will get them.

 

Do you know any to work with Jeep 2000 2.5TD? I can't get any info off this vehicle with an ELM327 usb-cable.

 

Also look at a ultragauge. I have 2 one in my 98 Cherokee and the other in wife's 06 Escape

works as a code reader/clear codes and a trip computer for about $70.00

www.ultra-gauge.com

you tube video

 

X3

I put mine in my 98 as soon as I bought it. Use it to monitor MAP, TPS engine temp and my AW4 temp