After recently acquiring the Cen-tech Obd Scanner 98614, a user shared their initial experiences, highlighting both setup and in-car testing. This review offers valuable first-hand insights for anyone considering this popular diagnostic tool.
The user reported a smooth software and driver installation process on a Vista Home Premium 64-bit system. The unit connected seamlessly via COM5 and printing functionality was confirmed without issue right out of the box. The device’s burn date was noted as November 25, 2009, with software version V2.10, hardware V1.50, and LIB V2.60, indicating a relatively recent build at the time of review (March 4, 2010).
Moving to in-vehicle diagnostics, the Cen-Tech OBD scanner 98614 successfully connected to the car and performed a series of tests. The user provided detailed results, offering a glimpse into the scanner’s capabilities. The data output included information on the Control Module, specifically mentioning “$10 SAE J1850 VPW Vehicle Info.” Notably, the scanner reported “No Data,” “No codes are stored,” and “No pending codes,” indicating a clean bill of health in those areas at the time of testing. Freeze Frame data was also reported as “Not Stored.”
Diving deeper into live data, the O2 Monitor Test for Bank1 Sensor1 showed various readings, including Rich-Lean and Lean-Rich Threshold voltages, and values for parameters $70, $71, $83, $84, $85, $86, and $87. However, Bank1 Sensor2 was reported as “Not Supported Or Sto-red No Data.”
Further On-Board Monitoring Tests ($02) revealed a mix of “OK” and “Fail” statuses for various Data IDs. For example, Data ID 04, 66, 36, 60, 62, 72, and 21 showed “OK,” while IDs 06, 50, 30, 40, and 11 indicated “Fail.” Tests $05 and $0E were reported as “Not Supported Or Sto-red No Data,” suggesting limitations in the scanner’s test coverage.
A key question raised by the user was the meaning of the “$10” designation associated with several readings. This could refer to a specific OBD-II Mode or Parameter ID (PID) but without further context or the vehicle’s make and model, it remains somewhat ambiguous. Consulting the Cen-Tech OBD scanner 98614 manual or additional OBD-II resources might shed light on this.
The user’s concluding remark about the “lame” manual is a common point of feedback for many entry-level OBD scanners. Users often find themselves needing to supplement the provided documentation with online resources and community forums to fully understand diagnostic data and troubleshooting procedures.
In summary, this initial user review of the Cen-Tech OBD Scanner 98614 presents a positive first impression regarding setup and basic functionality. While some test results and the “$10” designation require further investigation, the scanner appears to be a functional tool for basic OBD-II diagnostics, especially for users comfortable with supplementing the device’s manual with external information. For DIY mechanics and car enthusiasts looking for an affordable entry point into vehicle diagnostics, the Cen-Tech 98614 remains a viable option, albeit one that may require some additional research and learning to fully utilize its capabilities.
