PC based Scan tools

[sled_dog]

Does anyone have a PC based scan tool or experience with one?

www.obd2.com

I'm looking at the products that company has. Seems like I could put together a PC based Scan tool setup for cheaper than buying a quality scan tool. That would also allow me to look stuff up online or in computerized service programs instead of just referencing from a scan tool to a pc or book.

 

[originalspanksta]

i dont have experience with pc based stuff but i will say that we have a scan tool that I sell at work, for 150 retail, (i get a substantial discount) and it is AWESOME. takes 5 minutes to use, it's all self containedin a small package, tells each code (comes with a book with close to 4000 different codes in it, make specific or not) and allows you to erase the codes and turn off the light if neccessary. 1/2 the time it gives more details than the 2500 dollar snap-on scanner/computer that my machanic has. As far as Im concerned it's well worth the $$ and lack of hassle.

 

[sled_dog]

I truly doubt its anything like I want or need. Does it read TPS signal? Fuel Trim? A/F Ratio? MAP signal? RPM? Does it let you know if engine monitors have been run(OBDII self diagnostics)? I don't want something that just tells me what code was tripped.

 

[ryoken]

why not just use Winaldl? pretty sure that gives you all that for the cost of a $30 cable and a laptop...

 

[sled_dog]

ALDL is GMs OBDI setup, I am talking OBDII(all brands, national standardization, blah blah blah). A friend has one from www.obddiagnostics.com they are like $95 shipped, though hes had issues with his so far. need to try it on someone elses car, he has a Toyota so who knows.

 

[1985K20]

The best one you could get i think is the OTC Genesis scan toll kit but its pricy...well un less 1200$ is cheap for you!


http://www.usedcartools.com/classifieds/html/english/mshopequip.235.html

And that's OBD2 compliant

 

[sled_dog]

Sounds like a really good price. I guess I should note, I'm not talking weekend warrior usage here guys. I am at school to learn to be an Auto Tech and though I don't really wish to be solely or forever an auto tech, I expect I'll have to do my time and want some tools to go with it.

For the price I am going to try the OBD Diagnostic setup. Just need to find a cheap laptop to go with it.

 

[K5MONSTERCHEV]

I love the Ease products. Thats one brand we use at school. I bought a pocket PC for the purpose of getting the ease setup for it (There is only OBDII for the pocket PC scan tool). It is quite in expensive and a good product, much better then the Strap-On scanner.