recommend a good scan/diagnostic OBD tool
 

I recently posted about our Volvo XC90 having a SRS warning light come on in the dash . It was mistakenly caused by me :( not thinking when I removed the positive lead to the fuse box . I have a cheap hand held code scanner and it found nothing . Had a friend who is a professional mechanic scan with his 3K scan/diagnostic tool and it found all kinds of electrical faults which were caused by my stupidity :rolleyes: . He cleared all the faults , the SRS warning light turned off and so far life is good :D

This got me thinking ( oh boy ) how would I diagnose without his help ? I like to be self sufficient as much as I can . I have a Durametric for the Porsche and it is user friendly and a " good enough " tool for what I do as a DIYer . So I started looking on the net and WOW there are tons of code readers/scanners/diagnostic tools available !!! So for this conversation let's set a price point of $200.00 or around there , what would you suggest to purchase ? I want the ability to do a deeper dive than the cheap scan tools and be able to clear/reset most fault codes . I do not want anything Volvo specific but want more generic to be more useful in the future .

Being able to access engine/transmission/ABS/SRS at a minimum and anything above that would be gravy . I prefer a stand alone unit but a system that utilizes a laptop/tablet/Android smart phone would be considered . My oldest vehicle is a 2001 GMC diesel dually for reference . It appears many offer lifetime free updates as they become available . So what would you buy ? Or what have you used that thought was a good piece of equipment ?

I recently purchased an Autel Maxysis ms906 bt. I think I paid $1300.00. This is a really nice scanner for the $. It has coding functions, and can access all systems on all domestic and imports. Porsche/Volvo,Audi, etc.. It rocks
I like it far more than the Snap On unit that I paid 10x more for . It is my basic go to scanner in the shop now .
Really capable little unit .
You can add all sorts of extras if you like , like a lab scope, pressure tester , pass thru for programming .

Fred that is good info but way more than I am willing to spend . I am looking for a great DIY scanning tool but I also realize I may only use it once a year .

Thats the hook. Buy the $50 version and it wont do anything vendor specific. No dice on abs, airbag... good to ID a bad coilpack. You'll need a tool with the right software for each model/make, or a combo unit like fred mentioned.

I am looking at online info and reviews of the Launch # CRP123E scanner . For $179.00 it sure looks like it does what a DIYer needs . Looks like it covers all vehicles and can access engine/trans/ABS/SRS to diagnose and reset or clear issues . What am I missing ?

I bought Rheingold when I got my 335d and it SUCKS! I think it is bootleg, it only works sometimes.
I think for some manufactures you can't get the "good" reader without spending a lot. A generic reader will tell you a code and then you look it up. If you need to program or code a part you are out of luck.

I bought a Launch CRP123 specifically for our 2005 V70... I have a $15 Amazon special that worked on everything BUT the Volvo. The Launch has no trouble reading the Volvo’s CAN Bus and while not as sophisticated as a professional tool will reset an SRS light and has some basic live data streaming capabilities.

Probably the only thing better for a Volvo besides a professional tool like FastFred mentioned is VIDA Dice, or whatever Volvo calls it but I didn’t go that route because I didn’t want another proprietary scan tool (I have Durametric for the Porsche’s and BMW DIS)

I am not pushing this brand or model but in my limited online research it appears to be a lot of bang for the buck . I also don't want a Volvo specific/only tool as I already have that with my Durametric . Being able to amortize the cost over multiple vehicles makes sense to me as a DIYer . I also like this particular model because it can do WIFI system tool updates vs. having to be hooked up to a computer . I don't need one right now but I have this one bookmarked as a possible future purchase .


https://www.amazon.com/LAUNCH-CRP123E-Transmission-Diagnostic-Report-Free/dp/B07QW18S12/ref=sr_1_12?hvadid=77653062525075&hvbmt=bp&hvdev=c &hvqmt=p&keywords=launch+crp123&qid=1566735045&s=g ateway&sr=8-12#customerReviews

Just bought the top rated one on Amazon. $70 delivered. Surely AL539. Will report back.