Crescent USB OBD2/EOBD Multi-Protocol Car Diagnostic Tool Auto Scanner

by Cresent

• Works with all 1996 and newer cars & trucks that are OBD II compliant
• Read diagnostic trouble codes, both generic and manufacturer-specific, and display their meaning (over 3000 generic code definitions in the database).
• Clear trouble codes and turn off the MIL ("Check Engine" light)
• Menu system on CD makes installation easy with dedicated buttons for driver and program installation.
• Supports multiple protocols including CAN BUS

Product Description

The included CD's menu system makes it easy to install the cable's driver and OBD-II Software which allows you to use your PC and the hardware interface to get the information from your car's computer. The program is very user-friendly, and easy to learn. The package includes software for reading and resetting codes. Also included is Gnet's DigitalDash 5, a front end software for a CarPC that includes OBD functionality when the device is connected to your carpc. Several 3rd party commercial demo programs are also included to allow you to explore other software available. The Crescent USB Car Diagnostic Auto Scanner is truly a versatile device! The Crescent USB Car Diagnostic Auto Scanner supports all OBD-II protocols listed below. The processor is compatible with the AT command set for the widest compatibility with freeware and commercial programs written for the ELM series of interface chips from Elm Electronics. The connection to the computer is USB via a built in USB to serial converter. Protocols supported: SAE J1850 PWM (41.6 kbaud), SAE J1850 VPW (10.4 kbaud), ISO 9141-2 (5 baud init, 10.4 kbaud), ISO 14230-4 KWP (5 baud init, 10.4 kbaud), ISO 14230-4 KWP (fast init, 10.4 kbaud), ISO 15765-4 CAN (11 bit ID, 500 kbaud), ISO 15765-4 CAN (29 bit ID, 500 kbaud), ISO 15765-4 CAN (11 bit ID, 250 kbaud), ISO 15765-4 CAN (29 bit ID, 250 kbaud), ISO 15765-4 CAN (29/11bit ID, arbitrary baudrate), SAE J1939

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

61 of 63 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars It just works and well. October 8, 2009

By James Horn

Amazon Verified Purchase

There are many programs out there that expect to use a particular OBD II connection design. This cable provides it. When my 2003 Chevy Venture van's "service engine soon" light came on, I had no way to find out what was wrong save a very long drive to someone who would charge much more than this to tell me. So I ordered it.

It worked right off, telling me of a minor problem (somewhat flakey coolant thermostat) - an easy fix.

Regarding complaints that the LEDs face down - the label peels off easily, exposing four screws. Removing them lets you pop the top off, rotate the OBD II connector and reassemble. Then they will face up for you.

As far as the LEDs - you don't ever need them anyway. And there's no documentation as to their function. But if you want to know, they are (left to right):

Yellow - OBD II TX
Green - OBD II RX
Yellow - RS-232 TX
Green - RS-232 RX
Red - Power

The TX/RX pairs flash when data is being transferred between the cable's microprocessor and the vehicle (OBD II) or your computer (RS-232). The Power LED lights when the cable has power, either from your USB port or from the vehicle's OBD II connector.

So it does what it claims, it is as future-proof as you could ask (all the software runs on your PC and can be upgraded), it's inexpensive, it's small. Pretty hard to beat!

Jim Horn, Electrical Engineer for 34 years

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome April 23, 2009

By M. Montana

Amazon Verified Purchase

Very happy with product, works exactly as intended... included CD came with source code to make your own OBD2 scan application (C++).

Only downfall is you need a OBD2 extension cable if you need to drive the vehicle and read sensor data. (At least in my vehicle, 2002 ford explorer xlt - the sensor when connectoed to the port, hangs striaght down, right in front of brake pedal.)

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Works as advertised, Elm327 v1.3a hardware, basic software August 17, 2010

By Woody

Amazon Verified Purchase

As a network engineer with a background in automotive research and development, I have a little experience in engine communication systems, albeit with systems that cost in the range of $10k - $200k. When it was time to take my new/used 1997 Kia Sportage for its first emissions test, I decided to communicate with it at home. A little research turned up a few options, and this one came in at the low end of the cost spectrum so I got it. It works as advertised, and you get what you pay for - I recommend it, and here is my guidance on having a successful experience with this tool.

First step: download the latest software. The vendor ships a mini-cd with the package that contains the software; on the outside of the cd envelope they place a label with the web link to download the latest version of the software, here:

[...] yes, that is the correct URL, and downloading this software is the best approach. Worked like a charm when I installed it following the instructions in the "QuickStart Guide"; it is important to follow the instructions precisely.

By the way, my laptop uses Windows 7 Ultimate, and during the install process you will be informed of the proper "com port" to use for connecting to the hardware, take note of it. Use the AutoDiscover button, then save the settings.

My research revealed that the manufacturer has been shipping hardware version 1.4, but I received hardware version 1.3a from the vendor, which, while disappointing, it's working just fine - as stated earlier, you get what you pay for, and the Amazon item pages never specify the hardware version being shipped. Meh.

This system works fine with my 1997 kia Sportage 4x4 EX. I anticipate purchasing the newer version 1.4x as well as purchasing software which offers a bit more polish, with functions such as printing, dashboard guages, and chip programming. Ultimately I will be converting the Kia to flex fuel and primarily buring ethanol, and I want to document the experience carefully.

I recommend this product, it's worth $45.