Automotive Scan Tool

[Tscott]

I am having some issues with my 1999 dodge truck and I want to be able to pull trouble codes. I figure now is the time to invest in an automotive scan tool. I know Little about them and would like to know if anyone has experience with them and can suggest a good model or manufacturer.

I would like to be able to use it on as many makes, models and years as possible.

Thanks,
Tom

 

[Bender78]

I've got an Innova 3100; it has worked extremely well for me.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EVWDAK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This tool will not scan OBDI, but I have little need for that these days.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Any OBDII code reader will work with a vehicle 1997 and newer. The generic codes are available but the maker's vehicle specific codes you will have problems with unless you invest a lot of cash in a higher end scanner. I have an Actron CP9180 code reader that works well for what it does but there are times when the Modis needs to come out and play.

 

[the spyder]

Subscribed= I am looking for one myself.

 

[Ezzie]

Me too. I have heard good reports about the software based tool from Auto Ingenuity but haven't pulled the wallet out of my pocket yet for it.

http://www.autoenginuity.com/

 

[mikevango]

I have the actron $120ish one from advanced auto. I went to go buy one and it happened to be 50% off. So for 60 some dollars it is a nice tool.

 

[Auzivision]

I bought an OBD II scanner at Harbor Freight for $40. Has worked flawless are three times I've used it.

This plus a 20% off coupon:

http://www.harborfreight.com/can-obdii-code-reader-with-multilingual-menu-98568.html


another source of inexpensive scanners:

http://www.diydiagnostics.com/

 

[memento]

I have a kiwi wifi OBD code reader that sends wireless data to my iPod touch (or iphone or ipad). You can attach it to your dashboard and it will track performance based on both the OBD and it's own accelerometers.

http://www.devtoaster.com/products/rev/

If you're looking for cheap, I have seen actrons that just give you a code, then you can go look it up and know. something like $35 if I remember. I used one of those for a while before upgrading. It worked well enough for me.

 

[coppermouse]

I have the nicer model from Harbor freight (like $80 on sale)
The good thing is it prints out the errors in text not just a number

 

[RAYJAY]

just bought a Innova 3160 will let you know how it works as soon as i get it

Jeff

 

[zwhitaker]

99 may be too old for this trick, but for some Chrysler's turning the ignition from off to accessory 3 times will pull the codes and display them in the odometer display.

Here's a random youtube vid on it:

I've got a sightly newer dodge ram and it works great.

 

[Tscott]

Ok got few to look at and research.

Do these devices only read codes? Are there any that allow you to do things like perform diagnostic checks on the engine? Things like firing injectors and monitoring engine performance.

Tom

 

[RAYJAY]

Got my 3160 today works fast on pulling the codes

works great really have to read on the data logging and such

looks like for price vs feature its going to be a good addition to my tool box

got it from amazon for 199.00 plus 2 day shipping needed it for wifes car

used to use my laptop before this digitmoto and was having problem with it

Jeff

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Ok got few to look at and research.

Do these devices only read codes? Are there any that allow you to do things like perform diagnostic checks on the engine? Things like firing injectors and monitoring engine performance.

Tom

Tom,

You will need something like the Modis that I have or a Solus Pro or Verus (these are all Snap-on models) or similar to do bi-directional testing. OTC also makes several models. Other than diagnostic machines similar to those, you will need the factory tools to do what you need.

Just a word of warning, have a nitro pill pill handy when you look at pricing....

 

[jethro29]

if you want a tool that does bi-directional testing,such as firing injectors as you mentioned,then you are going to have to go high end,theover the counter tools don't do much more than read and erase codes,some have ok code definitions and some have live data,but unless ypu know what your looking at the data is useless.also remember that in many cases the code you get is not the problem,it's a symtom of the problem,so don't jump into replacing parts because you have a code for that part.

 

[nexum1919]

If you have a laptop, you can get and USB-OBDII adapter on ebay for around 20 bucks (it's shipped from china or taiwan) and install one of many free software available all over internet to pull codes and monitor standard OBDII parameters live. (like throttle position, coolant temp, rpm, mph, fuel trim short/long term, O2 sensor values etc)

if you have a laptop with an usb port and running windows) this is definitely better than paying $100 for a scan tool that just read codes.

also you can use the same adapter and purchase scan tool software from palmerperformance.com and you'll have access not only to standard OBDII parameters but if you get an extended add-on package from them, you'll also access enhanced GM and Ford and mazda parameters. and their software is superior in terms of logging, graphing, customizable display etc...
the software is called ScanXL, it's $150 for generic OBD access, another $100 for each add-on package.

but again, if you don't need the fancy logging, graphing, add-on manufacturer access, you can use one of many free software programs to use your USB-OBDII device. for $20, it beats any other scan tool that just reads codes.

 

[bondsman]

I have the AutoEnginuity. You can get whatever make "enhanced " bundle. I have abot 7 powerstrokes so I bought the Ford enhanced bundle. This thing is awesome. No more guessing what is wrong. The only thing is that you have to know what you are looking at and what the parameters should be. You can find tons of info on various forums specifically for your vehicle. $350 and I can look at anything on my trucks. It will tell me what any sensor is reading. Even the amount of brakes, accelerator applied. You can do cylinder contribution tests, injector buzz tests. You name it. Best investment I have ever made. I bought mine from Rifraff diesel. Free shipping.

 

[Poncho Villa]

Has anyone tried AutoTap? It sounds like it will provide quite a bit of feedback for your vehicle but I'd like to know how it compares to other software / hardware.

 

[ovilla]

Has anyone tried AutoTap? It sounds like it will provide quite a bit of feedback for your vehicle but I'd like to know how it compares to other software / hardware.

That's what I have. I bought it with the enhanced parameters bundle so I'm set for all of the cars that I work on. Anyway, the coolest thing about www.autotap.com is being able to set up gauges, tables, graphs, etc. and do data logging in real time. You can also set up audio or color alarms that go off at whatever limits you set. Like if you want your coolant gauge (on the monitor) to turn red or beep when it goes over a certain temp range. I also like to run the self diagnostic check that makes sure that all sensors are working properly and comes back with a pass or fail. I also use it a lot to view (in a graph) how my primary and secondary 02 sensors are working in real time.

There's so many choices out there now to choose from. Personally, I like the software based units since a lot of times you're going to want to do further research anyway on the codes you just pulled so why not already be on the laptop so you can look up parts and costs or google the code. This way your codes are in one window, and you have other windows open that talk about how to replace whatever sensor/part you need to swap out. Plus, the software based units allow you to save off recordings for each car under different file names so you can play them back later on, which helps a lot when you need to research things further.

 

[Fudge0514]

Check out a ScanGauge II, about $160. I have one in each of my cars and love it!
www.scangauge.com

 

[e30 Memorial]

This works great with a laptop,

http://obdcom.com/

 

[solo20]

I been useing a Genisys scanner for along time to work on cars is there anything out there better then the Genisys scanner or should i just upgrade to 4.0

 

[Bojans]

Check out a ScanGauge II, about $160. I have one in each of my cars and love it!
www.scangauge.com

I just looked at this site, device looks very cool, I didn't see anything for monitoring trans temp, is that an option?

 

[RAYJAY]

I just looked at this site, device looks very cool, I didn't see anything for monitoring trans temp, is that an option?

yes all the new scangages come with scangage x ,I'm going to use one in my 06 silverado for a trans temp gage

 

[SILVERPLATE]

I picked up one for my son-in-law at Costco a couple of weeks ago for less than 30 bucks. I had bought a few months eralier. Reads and displays codes and erases them perfectly.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

If you have a laptop, you can get and USB-OBDII adapter on ebay for around 20 bucks ...and install one of many free software available all over internet....

Can you make a recommendation and do you have links?

 

[shovel]

Ive got an Actron 9190 that has paid for itself already. If I had it to do over again, I'd save some money and get the 9175 or 9180. I think Advance Auto puts these on sale a couple of times a year. I know some of the parts stores will read codes for free but aren't allowed to clear them. I'd rather do it in my own garage. Its worth a couple hundred to do so. By the way, the Actrons are Chinese made so what the hell, try one from HF and save lots of dough!

 

[ovilla]

Ive got an Actron 9190 that has paid for itself already. If I had it to do over again, I'd save some money and get the 9175 or 9180. I think Advance Auto puts these on sale a couple of times a year. I know some of the parts stores will read codes for free but aren't allowed to clear them. I'd rather do it in my own garage. Its worth a couple hundred to do so. By the way, the Actrons are Chinese made so what the hell, try one from HF and save lots of dough!

A lot of the stores will tell you that by law they aren't allowed to delete the codes but just tell them that you will go ahead and do that part (with their machine). Just say that you installed new parts and need to see if the code comes back or not. I did this for many years until I finally bought autotap last year.

 

[Fudge0514]

I just looked at this site, device looks very cool, I didn't see anything for monitoring trans temp, is that an option?

yes all the new scangages come with scangage x ,I'm going to use one in my 06 silverado for a trans temp gage

Can also depend on year/model of vehicle. Both of my automatics are able to have transmission fluid temperature displayed, however I know not all automatics are able to have it displayed.

 

[shovel]

I got a flyer in the mail today. Advance Auto has a couple of their Actron units for 50% off.

 

[sharpe427]

I bought the AutoIngenuity and installed it on an older Toshiba Portege tablet. Works GREAT! And has much more functional use than just scanning P codes. I used it to check the airbag system on our old Mk VIII (the dearly departed), and used it to run down FAULTS rather than error codes. Well worth the $, and the system specific platforms are outstanding. Cheers!

 

[ddawg16]

I have an old Autoxray EZ Link OBD I unit....it displays real data....payed for it's self the first time I used it....helped me figure out that the temp sender was not making a good connection and causing me to run rich...

 

[keflaman]

Another Autoenginuity user here. I bought the domestic, Asian and European Pro Package a few years ago when I was working out of my home garage. It was the best bang for my buck and the diagnostic capabilities far exceeded my capabilities as a shade tree mechanic! May be too pricey for what you are looking for.

I also picked up a Snap-On MT2500 for a decent price and gradually upgraded to the black programmable cartridges. I haven't paid any attention to what prices are going for these days, but I think it's worth mentioning.

I have a '99 Jeep Wrangler and I usually grab the "brick" first when I need to diagnose something as it's a little more "user friendly" for me.

 

[customcab]

but unless you know what your looking at the data is useless.
also remember that in many cases the code you get is not the problem,it's a symtom of the problem,so don't jump into replacing parts because you have a code for that part.

Boy that's great advice to heed. It really helps to have a service manual (OEM or good aftermarket), so you can actually test the suspect component before replacing it needlessly.