How about it? As I understand it, any laptop with USB will work. You just need the Acura/Honda software and a special cable. Anyone own this stuff?

You can find links for the cable by googleing this term: VCM GNA600
You can find links to the software by googleing this term: acura hds

Cable looks to be $250 and the software is $80.

 

to what end?

 

Gives you the ability to read your own error codes. I have a friend who owns one for GM vehicles and have made use of it several times over the years for my other car and my wife's car (both of which are older and thus not covered by the factory warranty).

The Pontiac dealership here charges $69 just to read the code and tell you the problem! My TL is under warranty now, but am still interested in knowing if anyone has these for Acura/Honda.

 

You don't need special Honda software is you just want to read/clear codes. I have a scanner that I paid about $150 for that covers all the current standards plus the new CAN standard. It should be able to scan any make/model OBD2 car.

I personally think it's not a bad idea to own your own scanner.

 

something like this?

 

I'm wondering what more the Honda/Acura software + laptop offers... is there an ability to write data (i.e. alter shiftpoints, adjust speedo, etc.)?

 

hmmm, I should look into this.
Got a CEL light this morning.

 

Or you could go to autozone/pepboys or anything like that and they can read the codes too and they wont charge you money for doing it.

 

fish008 - I dunno man, pepboys here charges $69 to read a code. I dunno about autozone.

 

i have a code reader and i can read/clear a code from your car no problem. the connector is universal (OBD2) so there wont be any issues.

 

This discussion really belongs in Car Talk. Since we can't move threads there, feel free to restart the discussion there. Thanks.