Cen-Tech Code Scanner from HF, Any Good...?

[kevin47]

I'm looking at a Harbor Freight Ad for a Cen-Tech CAN OBD II Code Reader/EOBD Scanner for $84.99...The Question is: Has anyone bought one and do they like it...? Does it get the job done...? If not...What's a good scanner to get...?

 

[sselander]

It is a code reader and it gets the job done. My friend was constantly borrowing my Actron, so I got tired of that and went to HF to find him one. He bought the 98614, (the most expensive one) It came with a case and a cable. I have used it several times and have no complaints.

 

[TheGrooveking]

I bought one of these at Harbor Freight when my Ford F250 Super Duty died in front of the store, of course! I pulled up so that we could load the 2 ton engine crane because the **** manager would not allow his employee or me to roll that cart that it was on out into the parking lot. It turned out to be my fuel pump, but of course didn't know what was wrong, my Matco scanner was at home, my wife was at the hospital with her father so I was like what the hell.

I was fortunate that I got the truck started one time after waiting 1/2 hour and drove it home, where I then determined it was the fuel pump based on fuel pressure along with using a Power Probe 3. But after that I determined that I will always keep a scan tool in the glove box of each of my vehicles. Figured between a scan tool and my smart phone I can look up codes, find prices/availability on parts and call for a pizza.

TheGrooveking

 

[allinon72]

They look exactly like my Autel so it might be a rebadge.

 

[mrjaw14]

I've been looking at the more expensive one, the one with live data. I too am wondering if it's any good, or what other competitive options

 

[kevin47]

Great stories guys...A scanner in every glove box...I love it...I didn't know they have a more expensive one...? I 'm thinking I do need to scan while I'm driving the car...Is that's what the "live data" is about...? I'm new to this...The car does this "stall" number on me once every few days and I need to pin-point what is going on...So, I was going to run the scan tool until it does it...Any thought's...?

 

[kevin47]

I'm looking at the ad...It is the 98614, that's on sale w/coupon for $84.99...And that's supposed to be the expensive one...? Thanks, Kevin

 

[sselander]

that is the one - 98614. You can view the manual online also.

http://www.harborfreight.com/can-obd-ii-code-reader-eobd-scanner-98614.html

one of the flyers had a comparison of features between the three of them.
With the coupon, it is a no-brainer to get.

 

[oldtools]

I bought these two HF scanner for my brother and brother-in-law. We used them about 10 times and it seem pretty good. Don't go to their website and update to their latest software. There is a bug and cause the scanner to not function. Difficult to get help. The HF scanner is just rebrand Autel.

http://www.harborfreight.com/can-obd-ii-code-reader-eobd-scanner-98614.html

 

[kevin47]

Well...I guess I'm SOLD...lol I read the reviews at the HF site and everyone loves this Scanner...One review I did read says to go to the AUTEL Web-site for the up-dates...

And, I see I can use it while driving...That's when this problem rears it's ugly head...lol

Thanks, Everybody...You's guys is great...Thanks, for the help...Now, if they only have some left in stock....lol

 

[diggerrick]

I looked into this last summer:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2363637#post2363637

Amazon's price now appears to be down to $51.99 w/ free shipping.

HF 90 day warranty vs. Autel 1 year warranty???

 

[Coach James]

.....the **** manager......

Not sure why that made me laugh so much, but it did.

Coach

 

[2000JIMMY]

I bought one at Harbor Freight and it will not connect to my 2005 GMC Safari. I get some message about "linking error". I take the vehicle to Auto Zone and they can read the codes. I returned 1 st one and the second one does the same thing. It works on my other GM vehicles, but not the 2005 Safari. I Emailed Harbor freight and below is their answer. This is Model # CEN-TECH 60694.

HARBOR FREIGHT:
"This unit is designed to work on all OBDII vehicles and will work with the majority of vehicles and codes, but it will not necessarily work on each specific vehicle for each code. You will need to test for your specific application as we have not tested the unit for each car that has been built. It will not work with all vehicles, as many manufacturers keep their OBD information proprietary to ensure that you need to bring the car to them or a qualified tech or dealership when necessary.

If you are dissatisfied with your purchase and you have made the purchase in the last 90 days and all warranty conditions are met, you can return the item to your local Harbor Freight retail store for a refund.

Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.

I GUESS IT WILL ONLY WORK ONLY ON CERTAIN CARS.

Now what do I do?

 

[Whalersfan]

where do i get the initail software to install on PC. had to get new pc, cannot find installation disk. Centech 60694

 

[Bogey won]

got one,its working,not the 2k scanner my pard has,but hey,it knocks the check eng light off and tells me that a ford v8 has issues,like we dont know that.

 

[greasemonkey44]

I bought one at Harbor Freight and it will not connect to my 2005 GMC Safari. I get some message about "linking error". I take the vehicle to Auto Zone and they can read the codes. I returned 1 st one and the second one does the same thing. It works on my other GM vehicles, but not the 2005 Safari. I Emailed Harbor freight and below is their answer. This is Model # CEN-TECH 60694.


Now what do I do?

replace your cigarette lighter, aux power supply fuse
the AZ unit is self powered, the HF requires power from the obd2 connector

 

[bcradio]

.............

Are you Kevin54's little brother?

 

[Vegas Painter]

I have one. It works great on my Tacoma and Caravan. For some reason there are a few vehicles that it won't link up to. It won't work on my neighbors caddy. I have also read it not linking up to other vehicles.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ClineWrench]

I have a couple of these scanners. Gave one to my brother and kept one myself. Never had an issue with it linking to my vehicles, and it's always pulled codes,accurately and had no problem clearing them.

I give it a thumbs up.

 

[sselander]

software updates are on the HF website

Here is the one for the Cen-Tech - Item#60694
http://www.harborfreight.com/obd-ii-can-professional-scan-tool-60694.html

The software is called Maxilink II, same as an Autel
http://www.autelscanner.com/

 

[corvairbob65]

software updates are on the HF website

Here is the one for the Cen-Tech - Item#60694
http://www.harborfreight.com/obd-ii-can-professional-scan-tool-60694.html

The software is called Maxilink II, same as an Autel
http://www.autelscanner.com/

this is a bit old but i went to this autel site and they do not have this ad the guy said they never die. i copied some conversations for this site and they denied they rebadged there unit for harbor freight. and when i copied the link it came up a few times some ladies clothing. so does anyone have any new info on this 60694 scanner? or by now is it so outdated that nothing works. for the most part is still works for me but i would like to get an update if one is around so it might work better. also when i clicked the harbor freight links i get batteries not the scanner. thanks for any updated help

 

[Ign]

REVIVAL

It's looking like HF's relationship w Autel is dwindling, or maybe they just wanted to simplify. I can only find one reader on their website now, the 62119

https://www.harborfreight.com/can-obd-ii-deluxe-scan-tool-62119.html

I kinda wish they still offered the ABS/SRS one.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I have an older versin, works good for me

 

[corvairbob65]

REVIVAL

It's looking like HF's relationship w Autel is dwindling, or maybe they just wanted to simplify. I can only find one reader on their website now, the 62119

https://www.harborfreight.com/can-obd-ii-deluxe-scan-tool-62119.html

I kinda wish they still offered the ABS/SRS one.

i wonder if this one is actually any good. it looks different than mine but that is not to say all scanner have to look the same, but hf scanners a few years ago all looked the same.

my scanner seems to work but i tired to update the software because hf site said it had an update but it did not take. luck i did not damage mine, by the sounds of the topic here hf has a bad reputation for getting the correct updates to the customers. what they don't care they made the sale correct after all you have the scanner. the update is free.

 

[kctyphoon]

I have the highest model before the tablets, with the black and white screen.. works great, granted I only use it at home or for family so it doesn't get used much.. does more than I'll ever need..

The other models are still on some shelves.. I'd say HF is gonna continue it trend and release a new brand of scanners soon...