auto code scanners- what's the scoop?

[rfuerst911sc]

I think I want to buy a OBDII scan tool just to have as part of the tool arsenal . I have a 1997 GMC truck and a 2007 Toyota RAV4. I see that the newer cars are using CAN protocol. So for the average shadetree mechanic that will only use it once or twice a year what to buy? I see fleabay has all kinds ranging from $20.00 to $125.00 plus. And yes I know local FLAPS will read the codes for free but I want my own. So what are you guys using?

[Rick Lee]

Can't remember the brand I have, but I got it on eBay for $70 and use it a few times a year. Wouldn't own an OBDII car without it. It was especially helpful when my 993 failed emissions in VA and then in AZ a year after it passed in VA. I was able diagnose and DIY each fix, get readiness monitors reset and pass without paying a dime to a pro.

[masraum]

Not exactly the same, but for me, much more useful. I bought a Scan Gauge II.

It does a ton of stuff. It'll read codes including the data from the ECU from the time the code was set (I think they call it the FRZ data). It's got a nice trip computer that will tell you lots of info, max speed, max water temp, max rpm, etc...., for the tank, the trip, the day, and yesterday. It also allows you to display up to 4 different gauges from ECU data simultaneously. And it'll let you reset codes and tell you when the ECU is ready to be checked (you can't reset a code and then immediately get your car inspected).

Yes, it's more expensive ($170 on their website), but it does a ton of other stuff. I really like mine.

I have mine always in my car mounted at the bottom of my dash.

http://www.scangauge.com/

Trip Computer

» Maximum Speed
» Average Speed
» Maximum Coolant Temperature
» Maximum RPM
» Driving Time
» Driving Distance
» Fuel Used
» Trip Fuel Economy
» Distance to Empty
» Time to Empty
» Fuel to Empty

Scan Tool

» Reads Trouble Codes
» Reads conditions that set the Trouble Code
» Clears Trouble Codes
» Turns off "Check Engine" light
» Tells you when vehicle is "Ready" to pass OBDII testing
» Make and store up to 10 rewritable special codes
to send to the vehicle compute

Digital Gauges

» Fuel Economy
» Fuel Rate
» Battery Voltage
» Coolant Temperature
» Intake Air Temperature
» Engine Speed (RPM)
» Vehicle speed (MPH and KM/H)
» Manifold Pressure
(not available on some vehicles)
» Engine Load
» Throttle Position
» Ignition Timing
» Open/Closed Loop

[Don Plumley]

I had a PC based scanner, but waiting for the machine to boot, connect to OBD was way too long.

Bought an Actron from Amazon - $140. Many models, make sure yours reads readiness indicators. Mine has live sensor reading which is handy for diag. Innova and Equs are other good makes.

[kaisen]

I have a couple Actrons and love em

[rick-l]

Originally Posted by Don Plumley

I had a PC based scanner, but waiting for the machine to boot, connect to OBD was way too long.

I have the PC based Autoenginuity from Pelican. Takes a long time to connect and the ECU seems to boot it after it has been connected about 5 minutes.

It does work to retrieve codes and look at strip charts of OBD parameters for a short period of time.

[mikester]

I've got an actron - used it today in fact to diag a check engine light.

http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16298

[porsche4life]

My dad has an actron that I use. It's pretty simple to work that's what I'd get if I were buying

[MBAtarga]

+1 actron

Got mine a while back on an internet special through Amazon - I think around $50.

[Zeke]

Amazon had a special, I saw it. Turned out it was a company nearby; Costa Mesa CA. Is that the same? I'd like to be able to get local service should the thing die.

That having been said, Consumers Reports gives a high rating to AutoXray. Anyone have one of those? MSRP is $150, but I see them for $100. They don't say much good about the "pocket" readers.

[berettafan]

on off on off on off on....

haven't found the need for a scanner yet but i could be missing something.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by berettafan

on off on off on off on....

haven't found the need for a scanner yet but i could be missing something.

What are you talking about? Getting the CEL to blink? I think that works on OBDI, but not OBDII.

[Zeke]

I had an OBDII Chevy that could be reset by flooring the gas pedal 3 times with the key on but not started. I have yet to find anyway to get the Boxster to tell me anything on the display. The CEL light has been on most of the time since I've had the car, about seven years. It's the damn seat belt deal. There should have been a recall on that since most do this at one time or another.

[berettafan]

dunno obdI from obi wan kenobi but in our '01 Jeep it shows the codes on the odometer. similar on an '01 caddy i assisted with (would never own that piece of ****) but not sure on my '06 toyota.

no computers in the rest of my stuff.

[Zeke]

Yeah, a lot of cars will shoot codes in the display if you know the secret handshake. Porsche isn't one of them.

[lm6y]

Milt, I've had a couple of Auto Xray scanners, and they work well. They are easier to set up than my Snap-On Solus. If someone just wants a quick scan, I always grab the Auto Xray. It's just quicker. For more in-depth stuff, I use the Snap-On. I don't think the Auto Xray scanners do Airbag, or ABS codes though. I know mine doesn't anyway.

[azasadny]

I have the ScanGauge that Steve refers to and it's worked well on our 2 Mazda's.

[rfuerst911sc]

Yesterday in the mail I received a Harbor Freight ad. They had a scanner for OBDII and with CAN protocol on sale for $42.99 regular price $79.99. I went over to the store today and bought one. I figure if it's crap I'll take it back but if it works it's good enough for me. I'll try it tomorrow as I have a service engine soon light currently lit on my GMC pickup. I had it read last week and the local FLAPS said it was O2 sensor # 1 bank. I'll see what this scanner tells me.

[Aurel]

If my 911 had OBDII capability, I would buy the wireless transmitter for my ipod touch. Very cool concept: http://www.innovatemotorsports.com/products/ot2.php
And I think that device would be the scoop !

[Joeaksa]

Look in the Sunday newspapers. Almost always several on sale at the car parts places for $50 or less.