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billymade

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 2, 2008
Messages
7,461
Location
New Mexico
At Sears and many other auto parts stores; Actron seems to be very popular and relatively affordable; CAN BUS is something you probably should buy for the future and see if the unit you buy has a upgradable software download feature; you don't want to get something that will be a dead end and can't be upgraded for future compatibility and newer cars as they come out! I have not used any of them however; my brother has been using a AutoXRay brand (been ok, except for OBDII cord breaking with use) and the mechanic in our shop has been using Matco/OTC branded scanners for years (he keeps upgrading to the next unit and is about to upgrade for the 3rd time) and has been happy with them but those are pro grade; these would probably be cost prohibitive for you.
A good way to research thing is amazon.com here is a link to Actron and some other scanners with allot of reviews from people who have purchased and use them... http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=actron+scanner&x=0&y=0
Actron's official website: http://www.actron.com/

I think just like with any tools; the more you spend the more features the tool has. Some of the scanners out there will give you a ton of info; from real time readings of sensors, to Data logging /graphs based upon a drive down the street you do with your car under load; just think about what you want the tool to do for you. If you are just scanning for codes and clearing them; you can pick something up like that pretty cheap, if you are trying to get something that will replicate a GM TECH II and get all those capabilities, you are going to have to spend some dough!

Here are some links that might be helpful:

http://www.obdii.com/obdii.html
http://www.auto-facts.org/automotivescantoolreviews.html
http://autorepair.about.com/cs/troubleshooting/a/aa030902a.htm
http://www.aa1car.com/library/2003/ic10318.htm
http://www.aa1car.com/library/ic10318.htm
http://www.autoservicetech.com/scantoolchoice.html
 
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Fedwrench

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Dec 9, 2007
Messages
14,952
Location
Valley of the sun
CatfishXpress said:
I'm not sure what you mean by "bi-directional control".
Click to expand...

Bidirectional control allows you to turn actuators on and off and run more complex tests with the scantool.
If you only want to have access to codes alot of shops use this tool for quick on the drive diagnosis.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947216000P

Shop around as you can get them alot cheaper. Scan tools are a bit of a slippery slope. If you don't do alot of diagnosis, they may not be worth a large investment. However, aftermarket scanners are a compromise at best when compared to factory level tools. There are decent laptop installations you can get such as autoenginuity that are cheaper than a regular scantool but, may be more than a DIY would want to spend. Getting the DTC is only an early step in trying to fix a late model car. Datasteam is important when figuring out what the module is seeing. Good luck in your quest:beer:
 
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DiStOrTiOn

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 19, 2007
Messages
279
Location
Clifton/Centreville, Virginia (NoVA)
I've got an Innova Equus obd II that I bought off amazon about a year ago. I've only had to use it twice, but for what I needed, which was to grab a code and turn off a check engine light, it worked fine. I believe mine is the 3030 unit. It does more than what I've used it for, but it might be fine for you as well. Only costs 60 bucks, which is less than getting the code read at a shop, at least around here.
 
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J.A.F.E.

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 25, 2008
Messages
1,745
Location
Formerly Area 49 now Area 52
I, too, have an Equus, the 3120.

http://www.iequus.com/

I have used it quite a bit and have only good things to say. The web site lists almost $350 but all the vendors I saw when shopping sold it for less. I paid less than $200 off ebay for a new unit.

Part of the reason I chose this unit is because it does OBD I and can be upgraded for CAN. I am not a professional mechanic so my needs are limited. It, like all low cost units, will only do P (powertrain) codes. Sears sells both Actron and one model Equus Innova. I have several Actron testers (not a code reader, though) and am happy with their stuff also.

I just chose the Equus because the features seemed to meet what I thought I would need.

~Steve
 
H

Hoot

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 12, 2007
Messages
238
Location
Huntsville, Al
I bought an Equus 3140 this summer. I have OBD1, OBD2, and CAN vehicles, so I figured it would work well enough for me. Amazon had it for just over $200 and I had gift cards that needed to be used.....

Keep in mind that most of the lower end scanners do not retrieve codes for ABS, transmission, or airbag. They are pretty much engine only. At least, that's the way I understand it. No practical experience as of yet.....

When I was researching it, the OTC Nemisys seemed to be a favorite for a lot of people. It does a lot, but has a big price tag too. And you have to purchase updates if you want stay current and cover the newer makes and models.
 
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olds88

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 15, 2008
Messages
466
Location
New York, NY
I use a MT2500, v6.2, works with most cars 1980-2005/2009 for global, OBD I, OBD II, CAN, bi-directional actuator tests, data, troubleshooter, etc.

You could get a MT2500 with a 'red' or 'clear' cartridges up to early 2000s (perfect for your m/y 2000 application) very cheap (+/- $200). With the upgradeable 'black" carts it will be more expensive (+/- $800).
 
M

Mystique_96

New member
Joined
Jul 19, 2008
Messages
4
Check this code reader

I've been using it since 2006 and it is great.
 
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billymade

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 2, 2008
Messages
7,461
Location
New Mexico
d_92.jpg

Actron CP9175 AutoScanner Diagnostic Code Scanner with Freeze Frame Data for OBDII (Post-1996) Vehicles
http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16309
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FJS8O6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Looks like it is internet upgradable with optional USB interface cable and is CAN BUS capable as well for the newer vehicles....


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Actron USB Internet Update Cable CP9137
http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16334
 
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Terry Kennedy

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 4, 2008
Messages
80
Location
Northern NJ
CatfishXpress said:
I'm in the market for a scanner, I need some recommendations.

What is everyone else on the board using.

I want something that will do the job, but I don't want to pay an arm and a leg.
Click to expand...
The Actron units are good for the basic stuff (reading codes and clearing the check engine light). I have one of those, but for more complicated stuff I use an AutoEnginuity tool that plugs into a PC (I have a notebook PC dedicated to the garage). The basic tool is $250, but you can add advanced features. In addition to specific brands, there are package deals available. Software updates are free and the vendor is very responsive. I use this because I have a BMW which has lots of proprietary codes and features, and also a race car with a modified LSJ engine. This tool can control many of the engine / car functions.

If you are into software, there are a number of other OBD to PC interfaces supported by open source software.
 
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jwith68

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 10, 2006
Messages
1,639
Location
EC Missouri
+1 on Actron. I was patient and got a smokin' good deal on a CP9185 on eBay, less than "regular price" for a CP9175. It can do a lot, including recording and graphing the output from specific sensors and/or monitors, and transferring that data to a PC for printing. It's fully OBDII capable, and also OBDI capable, but you have to have manufacturer-specific cables for OBDI. I would like to get a laptop and Auto Enginuity setup as well, but this one does the trick for now.
 
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autoace

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 20, 2008
Messages
3,440
Location
Maine,USA
I have high end scanners, but for quickie results I grab my SPX AutoXray equiped with datastream and OBD1 and OBD2 capability, does the job most of the time. It does not do Asian OBD1 or ABS/airbag codes/data. It's a good scanner for about 300 bucks these days.
 
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alohavw

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 10, 2007
Messages
321
Location
Washington State
I have a '05 GMC Sierra Z-71 and my check engine light just came on. Would like to know what would be a good all around engine code scanner/reader for under $150. I see above that the Actron CP9175 is recommend and priced resonable but is there anymore out there that would be recommend for my truck?

(sorry for the hijack but I didn't want to start another thread about this subject)

Thanks!
 
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Uncle Buck

Banned
Joined
Mar 7, 2005
Messages
9,120
Location
Kansas
CHECK OUT THIS SITE, TOTALLY DEDICATED TO CODES AND SCANNERS. IF I AM NOT MISTAKEN I THINK THERE ARE SOME REVIEWS OF DIFFERENT BRANDS OF SCANNERS AS WELL. AT LEAST I THINK THAT WAS WHAT I WAS READING THERE A FEW MONTHS BACK. CHECK INTO IT, HERE YA GO!

http://www.obd-codes.com/
 
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jay50

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Oct 28, 2007
Messages
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