Decent inexpensive code scanner.

[ryan_289]

After taking my wifes 05 Mountaineer in to have a CEL and ABS code read ive been thinking about getting a code scanner. Are there any code scanners that are ABS compatible as well at a decent price. I definatly dont need one every day but as inexpensive as some ive seen on ebay ive been cosidering one.

Any suggestions? Are new vehicles still using obdII?

 

[Buckgnarly]

Innova 3160 is what I have for ABS codes. Can find them on Ebay for under 200, gives live data also.

Otherwise Advance has sales on Actron scanners quite often. I had Actron before my Innova, good brand just needed the live and ABS.

 

[Up And Down]

The Innova 3150 does ABS codes and freeze frame data as well. I am not sure exactly what you lose from the 3160 model, but it is about $35 cheaper.

 

[LawnDart79]

I was planning to start a similar thread today. I'll be interested to see what fellow GJ members have to say.

As a former auto technician, I was spoiled by using the top of the line diagnostic scanners on a regular basis. Now that I only work on cars occasionally, spending that kind of dough just isn't practical. For awhile, I was considering buying the AutoEnginuity system, but even that costs significantly more than what I would like to spend.

Me personally, I would like to keep my cost under $300 if possible. I found this code reader at HF, and it appears to do all I would like it to do for the price, but I'm not sold on the fact that it's the best deal for the money.

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

 

[DrkMtnDew]

check with Matco. they just brought some out that are under $100. should be good ones.

 

[bobcatdan]

This is maybe more then you want to spend, but I have a mac taskmaster, made by OTC. I Paid $900 five years ago for it, obd 1 and 2, abs, freeze frame. If I would get the update, body codes. Very good scanner, maybe overkill for the weekend warrior, but a vey good tool. Please excuse any errors, been at the bar watching NASCAR.

 

[joshthedieseltech]

If you already own a laptop autoenginuity is going to be the best for the money, for $450 you get a scanner that will read all computers engine,trans,abs,airbag. you can read live data, graph it if needed. Even bidirectional controls such cylinder cutout and egr testing.

That $450 cover tool and software for all ford products, for $650 total you can also cover all chrysler and gm products, I work at a shop and its probally the next best thing to a $2700 factory ford tool.

Plus tech support is right out of arizona, small company, no voice prompts a human being answers the phone.

And say you sell your ford and buy a toyota you only pay about $200 to add toyota cover to your scanner, plus to update it its only $50 a year, not the $1250 snap on
costs.

Ok, I'm all done sounding like a salesman.

 

[Joelfke]

If you already own a laptop autoenginuity is going to be the best for the money, for $450 you get a scanner that will read all computers engine,trans,abs,airbag. you can read live data, graph it if needed. Even bidirectional controls such cylinder cutout and egr testing.

That $450 cover tool and software for all ford products, for $650 total you can also cover all chrysler and gm products, I work at a shop and its probally the next best thing to a $2700 factory ford tool.

Plus tech support is right out of arizona, small company, no voice prompts a human being answers the phone.

And say you sell your ford and buy a toyota you only pay about $200 to add toyota cover to your scanner, plus to update it its only $50 a year, not the $1250 snap on
costs.

Ok, I'm all done sounding like a salesman.

I would go with the Innova stuff. I know people who swear by the autoenginuity software and others who hate it. Ive seen it freeze a computer up (maybe due to poor hardware, idk) but when it works it works GREAT. Peronsally id rather not devote an entire laptop for a scanner. Handheld devices seem to be easier

 

[joshthedieseltech]

I would go with the Innova stuff. I know people who swear by the autoenginuity software and others who hate it. Ive seen it freeze a computer up (maybe due to poor hardware, idk) but when it works it works GREAT. Peronsally id rather not devote an entire laptop for a scanner. Handheld devices seem to be easier

you don't need to dedicate a laptop to it, you can install it on 10 laptops if you want, in fact the same netbook I do all my truck stuff on (cummins,caterpillar, ford IDS and Autoenginuity) is the same one i am typing on now and use at home.

Thats one of the other good things is if your laptop takes a ****, all you do is reinstall the software on another PC, the licenses follow the connector now the pc.

Plus not sure the last time you used AE but I have 9.0, it hooks up fast, has never froze up and is just about idiot proof.

 

[Joelfke]

you don't need to dedicate a laptop to it, you can install it on 10 laptops if you want, in fact the same netbook I do all my truck stuff on (cummins,caterpillar, ford IDS and Autoenginuity) is the same one i am typing on now and use at home.

Thats one of the other good things is if your laptop takes a ****, all you do is reinstall the software on another PC, the licenses follow the connector now the pc.

Plus not sure the last time you used AE but I have 9.0, it hooks up fast, has never froze up and is just about idiot proof.

ahh good point sir, but most normal people only have a laptop or two around the house. Like i said some people swear by it, and ive seen it work and it does work well

 

[joshthedieseltech]

ahh good point sir, but most normal people only have a laptop or two around the house. Like i said some people swear by it, and ive seen it work and it does work well

I think a lot of my opinion comes from the "technical I do it everyday thinking" if I guess for a DIY a dedicated tool makes sense, I tried to talk my father inlaw into getting AE and he got his actron but he's happy and can use it with out calling me for tech support and thats a plus, because over the phone tech support with him usually leads to a house call

 

[6530]

I have this Actron that I picked up at Autozone for $40. Works well for me as a DIYer.

 

[ryan_289]

Thanks guys. I just need to decide if I want abs and live data or just a code reader.

 

[LawnDart79]

Thanks guys. I just need to decide if I want abs and live data or just a code reader.

Both freeze frame and live data are important pieces of information to use to diagnose problems.

I know whatever tool I pick will need to offer both, even if it costs more $$$.

 

[Ohio Auto]

I bought a snap on ethos off craigslist for 500.00.

You can get them on ebay and craigslist often for that price.

Does US and asian,........ abs, trans, and engine

 

[Damian]

Me personally, I would like to keep my cost under $300 if possible. I found this code reader at HF, and it appears to do all I would like it to do for the price, but I'm not sold on the fact that it's the best deal for the money.

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

That is a damn good scanner for the price. I bought one on an impulse buy a little while back and keep it as a back up. Not sure if it does ABS though.

I also think you can use a 20% coupon on that too and get it for under $100.

EDIT: LMFAO at some of these reviews on the HF site...

I hooked this reader up to my 2009 Weiner and it quickly reported what was wrong and what was causing the performance problems. After a new sensor and a few adjustments my Weiner it running like a champ!

Went to the store they had it in stock at the sale price. I had read the reviews on line. I even read the manual before I bought it. (I really like being able to download manuals) So, I was able to use the scanner right there in the parking lot. The scanner told me the state of my vehicle while the president of the United States told me the state of the union on the radio.
But unlike the union I was able to reset the error codes and my problem was solved.
Well pleased with my purchase.

 

[antinym]

I say go to your local auto parts store and have them read and clear the codes for free.
Look the codes up online and you'll probably find the answer quickly.
Spend your money on the factory shop manual.

 

[Steen27]

Sears has this special of the day - not sure if it is something you might like or not...

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00987702000P?adCell=W1

on sale for $99 from $125