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OBD II scanners, what do you use?

SUBFAN

SUBFAN

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I might be in the market for a scanner to help with reading all the codes and fixing problems that ALWAYS occur with our Olds Bravada.

What have you all used, and what are your likes/dislikes?

It would be handy to have one that can also read the OBD I codes as well....

One brand that is common around here is the Actron brand....
 
I'm just about to phone Summit and order an Actron reader. Just trying to pluck up the courage!! :o
 
I see the 9145 version on E Bay going for $189....This is the type that will give you the parameters while the engine is running, and allow you to look into OBD I problems too....

What is the one Summit has going for?
 
so are you looking for a scanner ONLY, like just a code reader? or a obd-II diagnostic scanner (i.e. control air/fuel ratios and read off everything that's kept track of through your vehicles computer, all sensor and stuff)?? cuz the scanner is a couple hundred, and the diagnostic is a couple grand... and if i remember correctly all obd II can also do obd I.. i dont know about scanners, but Mastertech i believe is the best diagnostic tool..
 
Just a generic scanner that tells just a bit more than just what the code is.

For use on my vehicles....

If I could afford the Snap On one, I'd of just bought another vehicle.... :haha: :haha:
 
I have a Auto X ray scanner. I like it It reads OBDII and also OBD 1 Ford, Chev, Dodge, It also does a 30 second snapshot of the engine operating info that i can download to my PC or laptop. it makes charts and graphs of all operatimg data taken during the scan. Also get all free updates to download online.
http://www.autoxray.com
 
i dont really think there is a 'good' or 'bad' one unless you go into diagnostics. it's just whichever one has all the doo-dads you want at the price you can afford, the one mentioned by Thunder sounds kinda nifty..
 
SUBFAN said:
I see the 9145 version on E Bay going for $189....This is the type that will give you the parameters while the engine is running, and allow you to look into OBD I problems too....

What is the one Summit has going for?
Click to expand...
Damn...nearly double that and I've ordered it yesterday! :mad:
Oh well........ :o
 
I like Snap on. It seems to be the most universal. The shop I work in just picked up the Snap On Modis. It's awsome. I figure a used snap on scanner with updated up to about 99 would be pretty cheap now. A lot of guys have upgraded.
 
I got the actron that they sell at autozone... $150....
however I have a pda.. compaq ipaq.. and if I can find a serial cable for it... then they sell odb1 & 2 cards... i can use the ipaq to monitor and read codes :wink1:
 
I have an Actron and I really like it. I dont remember the model name right offhand but I got it about 3 years ago. It will scan any domestic up to 2000 and can display engine stats while its running. I think it was about $300, but it came in a little plastic case and has plugs for all makes and models.
 
These look like code readers, not scanners. A scanner will give you codes, a data stream or PID's so you can moniter the sensors, injectors ect and usually have some diagnostic aids. A code reader reads codes. I could be wrong but these seem too cheap and I've never heard of most of the brands. I would recomend finding a used scanner over a code reader.
 
sope said:
These look like code readers, not scanners. A scanner will give you codes, a data stream or PID's so you can moniter the sensors, injectors ect and usually have some diagnostic aids. A code reader reads codes. I could be wrong but these seem too cheap and I've never heard of most of the brands. I would recomend finding a used scanner over a code reader.
Click to expand...

well i have been playing with my ipaq alot lately... getting more software and making more of an automotive unit out of it.... yeah i think what i was refering to is a code reader.... I am most likely going to sell mine.... paid $150 for it and fairly new so should still catch a good penny... as the odbc unit for my ipaq is about $150 too... but that one will show live data, record data, etc....

will work with palm too...
http://www.qcontinuum.org/obdgauge/
 
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