Can't find ANY INFO bout my question ANYWHERE. Hope u guys can help!

Does anyone know what component in scan tool cables gives them the ability to perform bidirectional tests (with software on a windows laptop)?

I've researched scan tools & cables to the extent that I'm 99% sure the answer to this doesn't exist online!

I already own a Bluetooth ELM327 (likely a clone but it's always functioned perfectly) but I want to reset my throttle & test body control stuff (which is part of multiplex control unit in my 05 Acura TSX) and ABS.
I jumped into buying a cord too quickly b4 I knew Forescan was a program for Ford (I assumed it was just the brand name of co.) i'll It claimed to do all sorts of things (& even reviewers talked about reprogramming PCMs and other modules, changing BCM ll controlled default settings etc. After it got here and I went to install Forscan on my computer I realized it was Ford specific.

Ford seems much more allowing of DIYers than Honda but I can't seem to figure out why its (supposedly) possible to perform so many functions with just an elm327 & rs232 chipped cord on Ford's when Honda seems to require all this extra stuff as far as the hardware to perform the same diagnostic and programming functions?!
I've drifted off the subject actually so allow me to drift back...
Ok I'm mainly talking about the cord type tools..not the ones with a screen..just USB on one end and obd2 port adapter on the other. I'm assuming there's a certain chip or chips that these cords need to send commands to a Honda but if so does anyone know what it is?
Also I realize that ELM327 devices are supposedly just one way communicators but how is it that there are certain apps in Google play that (say they can) do injector coding, throttle reset etc just using a simple Bluetooth dongle?! And how can Forescan software along with a USB-OBD2 cord be able to do practically everything a Ford dealer can?

Also what makes a cable J2534 compliant? I've read contrasting info about J2534..some saying it gives the ability to do reprogramming AND advanced diagnostics while others say it's strictly for reprogramming. Which of these is true?
Since all manufacturers had to conform to this ONE standard then why are cables claiming J2534 compliance marketed "for BMW", for "Toyota", basically having a certain vehicle manufacturer in their description? Seems like they should work with any brand car. I'm guessing its got to do with firmware? maybe each car manufacturer uses a slightly diff code in terms of commands..or a small diff in wording for car parts?

Im off subject again!! It's just hard to explain what I'm trying to figure out...

The only way I know how to put it is..What is it that makes a diagnostic cable able to perform active tests on an Acura (ISO 9141-2 protocol)?! And im also curious what the difference is in cords labeled for certain car brands..why won't they work with ANY car that has obd2?

I really hope someone knows about this here!!

I'm no engineer, scan tool or otherwise. :silly: But it's my experience that most of what you're asking about comes down to software. That's how Forscan is as capable as it is with a cheap vehicle interface. Speak of...

fr33spirit wrote: And how can Forescan software along with a USB-OBD2 cord be able to do practically everything a Ford dealer can?

It can't. There's still functions missing from Forscan that other scan tools are capable of.

Let's take a '14 F-150 as an example. My Snap-On will do the EVAP Service Bay test. My Launch and Forscan won't. Same for the relative compression test. The Snap-On and the Launch will test injector balance, but not Forscan. Forscan and Launch will allow for As-Built changes, but not Snap-On.

That's how it goes with aftermarket scan tools. Variations in software result in varying capabilities.

If you're intent on using a laptop based scan tool for your Acura (that is certain to have the capabilities you want), why not consider the HDS? The interface itself is relatively cheap, and the subscription is very reasonable compared to other manufacturers.

AutoEnginuity is another laptop based option. I haven't used it, but I've heard great things. Their coverage for specific manufacturers is clearly laid out on their website:

www.autoenginuity.com/products/oe-level-...onda-and-acura-ei08/

If you're not married to the idea of a laptop scanner, there are some fantastic options available. Both the Autel MX808 and Launch Diagun IV are less than $1,000 and very capable on Honda/Acura.

A most of one make laptop based tools were originally developed by hobbists and most of the ones I have used are fully bi-directional using ELM327 or VW KKL adapters. The OBD standards were originally poorly written although a standardised 16 pin socket was specified 1996 the pins used and the protocols used were not. For instance to read the ABS. SRS, LCM, IPK and a few other modules on older BMW although this can done a cheap USB VW KKL usb dongle not only do you need the correct software you need to physically connect Pin 7 to Pin 8 using a slower than standard baud rate ISO 9141-2 . Another example is for Fiats to use Fiat MultiECUscan you need to be able to connect 4 or 5 different pin combinations on the adapter dongle --- in addition some cars work with the KKL dongle some only work with 100% Elm327 compatible.

I don't any PC software that is specifically Honda but I can endorse the Launch Diagun IV has the functions you n