hey guys, picking up a new '15 RDX tonight and been browsing around this board trying to get some info. Been a while since I've had an Acura (had a 98 Integra GSR for 5 years then got into Audis, with an S4 as my primary driver now... the RDX will be the wife's), so I don't know much about what's been happening on this side.

I've tried some searches on this board but haven't found anything, so apologies if I missed threads on it.

Anyway, with Audis and VWs in general, you can buy a $350 cable that you plug in to the OBDII port, and with proper software that's free to download from the maker of the cable, you can read all the diagnostics, make changes to settings for the car, and do some other useful stuff, especially when you're doing some DIY work.

Is there a comparable thing you can buy for Acuras? i googled and found a Honda Diagnostic Software that costs $2k for the cable and some other ridiculous amounts for the software license. Are there other solutions? I also found some Chinese version for $25 that i can only assume is hacked and will probably be disabled if you run it wrong or have your computer connected to the internet (that's what happens with their Audi cables).

 

the honda diagnostic tool is the one that they use at the dealer to change specific parameters, usually stuff that is more advanced than the regular DIY, like SRS, CKP, etc.

Common DIY work wouldnt really need the HDS, unless you're like changing ignition keys, etc.

 

that's what I figured... can't seem to find one that's more reasonably priced that would do what I want though.

 

^what are you wanting to do?

 

Primarily be able to check diagnostic codes (more than just get the code number, but actually see a module that has info on what's wrong), so if something goes wrong i can at least do a little trouble shooting before dropping it off at a mechanic/dealer.

Also, i don't know if Acuras have this, but with Audi there are features you can enable/disable. For an easy example, on this car i believe you can lower windows with the remote, but you can't close them. To change that so you can close them with the remote.

stuff like that.

 

^gotcha.
the HDS does indeed tell you more information than your standard OBDII code reader.
butt, I'm not to sure that you'll need all that extra information, as a standard OBDII reader will get you pretty close in detail to help you trouble shoot problems.

there is an aftermarket module called the "KP technologies window roll up module"
that will allow you to use your stock key fob to automatically roll up the windows

 

I came from the VW world as well and to my knowledge there isn't anything similar to the RossTech stuff we had on VW

 

VW/Audi are in a league of their own when it comes to diagnostic software. I have yet to find anything that offers similar functionality at a similar price point for other brands. When the software/cable is available, it costs to much for a shade tree mechanic or other DIYer. Most times, the software isn't available, or isn't as fully featured if it is. Ross-Tech needs to make VCDS for more makes...