Affordable scan tool

[lazywater]

These engines share a common J1939 communication protocol with heavy diesel truck engines. Most heavy truck scanners can pull DTC codes from these engines if you purchase the correct cable adapter. I can confirm that an inexpensive Autel AutoLink AL529HD does work. It will display all of the engine data. Strangely, it does identify the module as J1939 diesel when in fact it's a gas Volvo Penta model V6-200-J (2017) in my case. You will need an OBD cable adapter for your engine harness. For my engine, the correct plug is OBD2 Female to Marine 6-pin Male Adapter. The lowest cost source for the adapter is https://obd2allinone.com/products/obdmobd.asp.

 

[Donald0039]

I think I would be worried if the code got interrupted correctly.

The Diacom scanning tool is not inexpensive but not crazy high priced either.

 

[lazywater]

These engines share a common J1939 communication protocol with heavy diesel truck engines. Most heavy truck scanners can pull DTC codes from these engines if you purchase the correct cable adapter. I can confirm that an inexpensive Autel AutoLink AL529HD does work. It will display all of the engine data. Strangely, it does identify the module as J1939 diesel when in fact it's a gas Volvo Penta model V6-200-J (2017) in my case. You will need an OBD cable adapter for your engine harness. For my engine, the correct plug is OBD2 Female to Marine 6-pin Male Adapter. The lowest cost source for the adapter is https://obd2allinone.com/products/obdmobd.asp.

I think I would be worried if the code got interrupted correctly.

The Diacom scanning tool is not inexpensive but not crazy high priced either.

Agreed. It does accurately show the code history on the boat as it identified faulty coil #6 (fixed under warranty). I used the capture live data function and it shows a ton of info. I have proprietary tools for my cars and wanted to buy Diacom for the boat but it's very expensive for just a dongle and some software. The one nice thing about this cheap scan tool is that I can leave it on the boat. It also can read cars and trucks. It doesn't have any programming features like more advanced tools. It did introduce a new code for SPN639, FMI 12 bad intelligent device on J1939 vehicle network, when I tried to connect via the "auto" connect option instead of the OBD connect option. Not a big deal.