Do you have recommendations for the best and inexpensive OBD2 Scanners for the Corvette C8?
BlueDriver
BlueDriver OBDII Reader is fully functional, plain language descriptions as well as codes, possible causes, possible fixes, smog readiness, real time scans, free updates, more. It interfaces through a smartphone app. You can use it on iPhone but there is an Android app, too. Very compact, simple and convenient to use. Small enough to keep in your glove box.
It reads a large number of codes and can give you real-time information, as well. You can also see if you will have any issues passing a smog inspection. It’s very compact and works via Bluetooth with your iPhone or Android phone. Code updates are free.
OBDLink MX+
I tried my OBDLink MX+ Bluetooth adapter on my C8 and it connected fine and reported lots of data. I didn’t have any codes but it searched and told me I didn’t have any.
The OBDLink app and Torque Pro both worked.
Torque Pro is probably the best out there for regular apps. One time purchase (about $10 as I remember). The OBDLink included with the MX+ is pretty good also. If you get the MX+ try it first.
There is a learning curve compared to the Plug & Play scanners. You have to get the adapter setup. And all the options can be overwhelming.
The MX+ has some bi-directional capability. It will be interesting to see if anyone develops something for the C8.
If you are new to Bluetooth apps, here are some handheld scanners for reference.
Autophix 3210
I used an Autophix 3210 to monitor the I/M for the O2 sensor to turn ready for registration in CA.
It has other reader stuff in it which on a sample basis worked with the C8.
nt630 plus
I had it for resetting airbag codes and SRS codes. Works fine for C8 showing stored codes, pending codes, and permanent codes.
PC based scanner: GM MDI2
If someone is looking to buy a global B platform car, and needs a tool that will work on both it and the older cars, it really is the ticket. As for right now for a C8 and “B” platform cars, the GM MDI2 has you covered.
OBD2 code reader only addresses things related to emissions. It’s a standard that hasn’t been updated since 2008, so pretty much any basic tool will work for that.
To get to the deep, proprietary stuff like body and suspension systems, you’re going to need GMs tools. So an MDI2 interface and a subscription to their GDS2 software.
the MDI 2 clones are out, running about $180, but only really needed for the 2020 and future cars that will be running the future global B platform.
The MDI 2 clones will data transfer faster than a MDI 1/ VX GM nano (since its a MDI1 clone), but software is not as easy to install instead. Hence installing the needed software to get everything to run can be almost brain damage if you are not tech savvy, and because of this, There is the MDI 2 clone with cracked free type software already loaded on a Hard drive for $260.
here is a link for MDI2 and HDD
I have a mdi2 along with GDS2, GM’s own programming software, you can adjust parameters on some modules and its the best diagnostic tool you can buy but as far as programming modules, you have to log into the GM TIS website, type in the VIN and all the files for your car will be listed. For the casual user you buy a two day pass to the website for only 40 dollars.
