tom-ky
Well-known member
Tried searching without much luck. Any suggestions on a decent scanner?
Code reader/scanner suggestions?
- Thread starter tom-ky
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mrjaw14
Well-known member
Depends on what you need to do. There's 3 classes of scan tools:
1. read and clear codes, view mode 6 data, freeze frame, smog check. no bidirectional controls or function tests. For this there are many options and they're cheap. I have a BlueDriver because I've got apple iphone and tablet. Android guys seem to like torque app with a supported OBDII interface
2. all the functions of #1, plus bidirectional control, function tests, component resets, etc. Autel, Launch, Snap-On, and OTC are popular vendors for this class of tool.
3. Dealer-level functions. This is vehicle make specific, I don't think you're interested in this.
1. read and clear codes, view mode 6 data, freeze frame, smog check. no bidirectional controls or function tests. For this there are many options and they're cheap. I have a BlueDriver because I've got apple iphone and tablet. Android guys seem to like torque app with a supported OBDII interface
2. all the functions of #1, plus bidirectional control, function tests, component resets, etc. Autel, Launch, Snap-On, and OTC are popular vendors for this class of tool.
3. Dealer-level functions. This is vehicle make specific, I don't think you're interested in this.
Nineeightyone
Well-known member
I bought one from Veepeak for like $12 on Amazon, combined with the $5 or so Torque Pro app on Android, it's a nice cheap setup I can keep in the car for basics, and monitoring some data (i.e., my car doesn't have a temperature gauge, so I use this setup to keep an eye on things). I've also got one of the midrange Harbor Freight scanners that's not bad, but all I really do is read and clear codes.
uncwstudent
Well-known member
I highly recommend Autel scanners. They have a big variety based on your needs and wants. I ended up with the AL629 with Airbag and ABS scanning capabilities and I have not encountered a car yet that was not covered by this thing. The interface could definitely use some updating (the interface of Innova scanners is much cleaner) but overall for the money and coverage, you can't go wrong with Autel.
Innova's seem to be very finicky and could not read any codes on my Mazda so I had to move on.
Innova's seem to be very finicky and could not read any codes on my Mazda so I had to move on.
I'm in the same boat, needing to buy a code scanner. I'd like ABS and SRS functionality. Is this a decent buy for the home gamer? And has anyone used it on BMWs? I'm not too worried about using it on my Mercury, but the BMWs can be finicky I figure.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072XH9GLW/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072XH9GLW/?tag=atomicindus08-20
timbitca
Well-known member
I have one of the Bluetooth thingies with the Torque app on my Android phone, don't use it enough to justify having a dedicated scanner (and the price tag that comes along with it).
Pretty sure this is the one I have : https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B009RLB4Z8/?tag=atomicindus04-20
Pretty sure this is the one I have : https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B009RLB4Z8/?tag=atomicindus04-20
when you start looking at ABS/SRS functions make sure you can find a coverage chart that shows your vehicle is supported for ABS/SRS
most DIY level units have pretty much the same coverage... if your vehicle isn't included in a coverage chart for one it's a high probability you'll have to look at very pricey pro level scanners or astronomically expensive dealer units
most DIY level units have pretty much the same coverage... if your vehicle isn't included in a coverage chart for one it's a high probability you'll have to look at very pricey pro level scanners or astronomically expensive dealer units
uncwstudent
Well-known member
That's similar to what I have. You can find Autel's coverage chart here: https://pro.auteltech.com/measurecar-1-1.html
Awesome, thanks! Ironically the BMW is listed but the Mercury is not, probably because it's a dead brand. I can't imagine they'd release a code scanner that can't read what's essentially a Ford Crown Victoria though, so I'll order one and see how it does.
Honestly if you are only supporting one make J2534 pass through cables aren't much more than the mid level Autel. <$500 for certified cables (I personally wouldn't mess with a $2,500 PCM using a $25 eBay cable but many report success so that is also a cheaper option). Combine that cable with a laptop and a $20-50 3 day subscription to the manufacturer's portal and you have all the capability of the dealer.
If you are an advanced DIY and you only own one make, I think that is the cheapest path to full capability. You will even be able to R&R modules (something the Autel can sometimes do but not always).
toolenthusiast
Well-known member
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kelpaso1
MEMBER EMERITUS
Just got my BlueDriver today and diagnosed my o2 sensor code and abs code. Well worth the $100 I paid.
https://www.bluedriver.com/
https://www.bluedriver.com/
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Well luckily PCMs are not anywhere near $2,500
Good then the $30 EBay cables that are reported to work are an even better deal.
I like Autel and have three different units. I also have a Snap-on and a Cardaq-M. For the guy who has nothing but knows or is willing to learn how things work a Mongoose cable with a factory subscription remains the most capability for the least cost especially for module programming which is fairly unreliable with the reverse engineered Chinese tools.
It’s all about the jump between code readers and bidirectional. That gap is almost $1,000 but the pass through solutions cut that gap in half.
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wkndwarrior29
Well-known member
Do you have a laptop? For BMW's there is no substitution for ista+. You can get this and a bimmergeeks cable for under $100. If you are paying them to install it for you make sure to also get ista-p.
If you want a dongle I think Carly is the preferred app, ecs may have other options too.
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