Point me towards a scan tool.

[Buck_nekid]

I am in the market for a scan tool. I've been tossing around a few items and going back and forth. I would LOVE to have a Verus but isn't even close to my budget nor do I need that much tool. I think I want graphing ability so that I can see the output of sensors, etc but do I really need it, also is the speed of the capture fast enough to see a glitch? <- Yes, I know it's not a scope. Live data is a must, tech support seems to be hit or miss on the cheaper units with the $2000+ ones getting the attention. Airbag is not a necessity, ABS could be useful but could live without. Rather have a solid tool that will do what I want and need rather than bragging that I can trouble shoot a airbag on a Fiat. The ones I am looking at are:
Autel US703 Has: Graphing, ABS, Airbag, Transmission. US703 for USA, EU703 for European <- Don't want to buy two tools. I know the US/EU is for the airbag, Transmission and ABS systems.
Autel AL510 Can't find much info. (older model?)
Actron CP9580L Has: Graphing, ABS (This is in the lead right now.)
Equus 3160 No graphing, Has: ABS

Any input from anyone that owns any of these or have a scan tool not on my list that would work for me.

 

[MD11]

I have the Equus 3160 and love it, but then I'm not a professional mechanic and don't need more. I'm pretty sure mine does had ABS codes however, so maybe it's a different version.

Build quality is ok... and comes with decent case and user manual.

 

[richfinn]

You might want took at this Autel, I dont know what its like on USA cars but its getting good reviews from mechanics who repair European vehicles and updates are coming thick and fast

http://www.aeswave.com/products/Product.asp?i=1131&mi=53&sa=Y

 

[ptschram]

If you want something that graphs, the Vantage is the best there is.

I had both a Modis and a Veris, they both went back to Snap-On as they didn't do enough for me.

What manufacturers are you looking to work on? Might give some more guidance.

 

[Crow Horse]

I have the Equus 3160 and love it, but then I'm not a professional mechanic and don't need more. I'm pretty sure mine does had ABS codes however, so maybe it's a different version.

Build quality is ok... and comes with decent case and user manual.

X2.... I'm just a weekend warrior and the 3160 has paid for itself many times over....

 

[trboxman]

3130 here, it's basically the 3160 without ABS and if you want you can upgrade it to get ABS codes. It's saved me a ton of money as well.

 

[regguy1]

The Autel MS510 is a newer model released for the US market.

Search for the Autel MS609 it does ABS

Here's the link: http://www.auteltech.com/ms609.htm


You can buy the MS609 here:
http://www.dhgate.com/wholesale-aut...ories/p-ff80808132c9ca1801330fb47f4927f9.html

I bought my MS509 from this vendor and it was shipped quickly and arrived in good order

 

[richfinn]

If you want something that graphs, the Vantage is the best there is.

I had both a Modis and a Veris, they both went back to Snap-On as they didn't do enough for me.

What manufacturers are you looking to work on? Might give some more guidance.

The Vantage/Vantage pro are graphing meters/scopes not scan tools.

There is considerable discussion on iATN that the Autel maxidas DS708 has already made Snap on Diagnostic equipment redundant as its half the price.

 

[wreckercologist]

I know the OP is asking about four certain tools, but I recently bought a OTC Genisys, 3.0 updated to 2008 US and Asian with many accessories including the OBDII smart cable for $375 used. Might be worth looking for a used scanner. Just saying..........

The Innova 3150 I had was OK.

 

[MattT]

Autel US703 Has: Graphing, ABS, Airbag, Transmission. US703 for USA, EU703 for European <- Don't want to buy two tools. I know the US/EU is for the airbag, Transmission and ABS systems.

The US/EU might not just be airbag, ****** and ABS. Could also be the manufacturer specific P codes too. Do you need both domestic and euro capability?

Also check out the 1 star reviews for that thing. All that capability for $150 sounds too good to be true......................

Actron CP9580L Has: Graphing, ABS (This is in the lead right now.)

I've got an older Actron, CP9180 IIRC, which doesn't have graphing or ABS. I haven't had any problems with it on domestic vehicles. It's read, and cleared, codes no problem and reads generic PIDs fine too. I've never plugged it into an import.

If I wanted to upgrade a small step I wouldn't be scared to buy the one you're considering. That said if/when I upgrade I'll likely go with Autoenginuity. That appears to be the best value for "near OEM" level for domestics.

Equus 3160 No graphing, Has: ABS

Not sure about that one. Their "enhanced SAE datastream" is a bit suspicious. They might be using a reference to the expanded generic PID list to imply it'll do OEM data. If the thing will do OEM data it's a steal at that price though.

 

[Schurkey]

Before you can select a scan tool, you need to decide WHAT VEHICLES you're going to use it on.

I don't own anything newer than '03, and I'm not planning to buy anything newer any time soon.

Therefore an older Snap-On "Red Brick" MT2500 works perfectly well for my purposes; and inexpensive, too, for a PROFESSIONAL GRADE tool. I think there's support up to at least 2008; but the best plan is to buy a used one having software included that suits your purposes.

IF (big IF) "your purposes" include 1996--2001 domestic vehicles, (and of course generic OBD II newer than '01) I've got a deal for you in the For Sale section. http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=127858

 

[p_mori7]

I have an Autel MS509, works great for my needs. Paid $60 for it on eBay, came from Hong-Kong in about 2 weeks. Same model they sell at HF for $129.

 

[bobcatdan]

For me, the mac taskmaster which is made by OTC was the best bang for the buck. OBD I and II, and ABS, exactally what I wanted. The newer updates also cover body and I hear ther are some fast fix now too. Like the other said, what are you looking to do? I bought mine for home when I did a lot of side work and the taskmaster has done everything I ever need to do. The one thing to watch though is updates are expenisve and you can't skip years. I last updated in '05. I saw no reason in '07 to update and when I looked into it in '09, I have to buy both, close to $600 to do so. I'm at a cross road right now of updating of trading. You need to keep in mind there is additonal cost to keeping a higher grade scan tool functional for the useful life of the unit.

 

[ptschram]

I think I want graphing ability so that I can see the output of sensors, etc but do I really need it, also is the speed of the capture fast enough to see a glitch? <- Yes, I know it's not a scope.

The Vantage/Vantage pro are graphing meters/scopes not scan tools.

No ****! The OP did however say that he wanted something that would graph sensor outputs and IMO, the Vantage cannot be beaten if one wants to graph a sensor output but doesn't want to buy a Veris/Modis.

There is a reason the Vantage is often referred to as the Swiss Army knife of automotive meters.

 

[ptschram]

You need to keep in mind there is additonal cost to keeping a higher grade scan tool functional for the useful life of the unit.

Depends upon from whom you buy the tool.

One of mine came with lifetime upgrades for free.

 

[richfinn]

No ****! The OP did however say that he wanted something that would graph sensor outputs and IMO, the Vantage cannot be beaten if one wants to graph a sensor output but doesn't want to buy a Veris/Modis.

There is a reason the Vantage is often referred to as the Swiss Army knife of automotive meters.

No **** Sherlock!! but graphing live data through a DLC and taking parallel measurements with a graphing meter are two completely different things entirely.

Hope that helps

 

[greasemonkey44]

i had autoenginuity for about a year
i really liked the mode 6 pids; made ford misfires a breeze
and the pids are generally function
however i got sick of having to turn on a laptop and load the car into the software...some cars didnt talk to my proline connector; and there were limited to no bidirectional controls
i sold it for what i had in it; looking into a solus ultra now, i want bidirectional controls

 

[bgott]

I just bought a Solus Ultra, so far I like it. No flippin' keys!!! I like the troubleshooter, I can pull the codes and look 'em up while sitting in the car, it saves going into the office and kicking someone off of the computer. Troubleshooter doesn't cover everything, of course, but it can save you a few steps most of the time. The Ultra graphs everything when you set it for graphing, my Solus would just graph four at a time.

 

[VinDSL]

3130 here, it's basically the 3160 without ABS and if you want you can upgrade it to get ABS codes. It's saved me a ton of money as well.

Heh! 3030 here. Love it!

Totally inappropriate for what the OP wants to do.

Just saying...

 

[Tjc]

I cant help. But if your single theres a member who would love your pro pic

 

[Buck_nekid]

Thanks for all the input. 90% of what would I use it for is the Domestic big 3 and Honda. Toyota and Nissan would be a once in a while thing. European is almost unheard of in my area. I would like to stay around the $200 - $250 range. These two fit my needs: Actron CP9580 and Autel MS609. Actually leaning towards the MS609 just because of the wider ABS coverage. ABS isn't a deal breaker but if my two choices have it would get the one with wider coverage. Not actually buying it from Amazon, just using it for reference.

regguy1, thanks for the link to the MS609

Tjc, yep single. The raccoon was a orphan that I rehabbed. Very smart animals they are. They are still a raccoon so no matter what they still do what they do. I described her as a two year old on speed that can climb walls.

 

[regguy1]

Let us know what you decide

 

[gnx547]

I like the Autel, looks like a good scan tool to get