Good code scanner for DIY guy

[kossuth]

Saw some of the more expensive ones at Sears today and was wondering if there were any better tools out there for the DIY guy.

 

[devoncoolman]

The launch crp129 http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00FTSQ7WI
If your willing to spend a few dollars buy that one. That will do transmission, abs , and airbag as well as realtime data readout. Worth the extra money if u plan on actually doing diagnosis not just pulling codes

 

[Tarheelgarage]

ESI Code buddy pro
Has mode 6 data....

http://www.esitest.com/903.html

 

[scaron]

i have a craftsman 20890 and i'm plenty happy with it... several of the craftsman scanners are rebadged equus innova units; they're pretty nice and the cost seems reasonable to me.

 

[roketa36]

Got the professional series from harbor freight and tried if worked good on my dodge and kia. My fiancés chevy wouldn't read until I update the program. Works great now for under a 100 bucks. Over all from what I read it's will do everything minus programming

 

[roketa36]

Oh yeah and the hf one has a code look up feature

 

[signcrafter]

The launch crp129 http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00FTSQ7WI
If your willing to spend a few dollars buy that one. That will do transmission, abs , and airbag as well as realtime data readout. Worth the extra money if u plan on actually doing diagnosis not just pulling codes

That looks like a nice scanner. Does it do bi directional for bleeding ABS and retracting electronic parking brakes on newer cars? Any clue what updates cost?

Seems like there is a big gap in between DIY scanners and PRO scanners. Would be nice if there was a middle ground scanner, one that will do most of what an extreme DIYer would need but not cost more then a car. Updates are another thing that you have to watch out for. Some scanners charge a ton for updates each year.

I've been holding off getting a nice scanner. There have been a lot of improvements and they have been coming down in price. I'm hoping in the next few years there will be a nice one for extreme DIYers for a decent price. Although I'm not holding my breath.

 

[cyberslick188]

Get a usb scanner attachment and then get some free software for your laptop.

 

[Wangstang]

Torque does a pretty decent job for as cheap as you can get in on it, especially if you install the PID plug in.

Wes

 

[nicksnothereman]

Saw some of the more expensive ones at Sears today and was wondering if there were any better tools out there for the DIY guy.

Just for codes? You can get a scanner off of ebay for 20 bucks but it won't help with diagnosis...just codes. But remember; just knowing the obd2 codes popping up won't fix your car for you and few if any of these will cover body or air bag codes or tcm codes (if applicable) (at this price range).

For emissions, which is why the bulk of people want a scanner (to pass emissions tests), those other modules don't really matter as long as the check engine light (no obd2 codes) is off and the requisite readiness tests are completed. Yeah you don't want an airbag or abs light on but if there is no safety check requirement in your state, it pretty much doesn't matter as long as it passes emissions. Depends on the state though.

 

[bowlofturtle]

Torque does a pretty decent job for as cheap as you can get in on it, especially if you install the PID plug in.

Wes

Where can one get the pid plugin

Sent from my BN NookHD+ using Tapatalk

 

[Wangstang]

Where can one get the pid plugin

Sent from my BN NookHD+ using Tapatalk

Look for additional apps from the developer, particularly "TorqueScan"

Wes

 

[t4runner]

I have an Auto x-ray, works well for me

 

[CHADD]

I have been using torque on android with a bluetooth elm327 obdii module. Under $20 invested.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

 

[Caconman424]

Launch code readers are pretty good. I believe they use the same software that was designed for the snap on scanners.

Anyways, they make a variety of scanners from the basics to the pros. A good one to go for that is under $100 is the Launch C-reader V or VI. Both are very cheap, work great, and read codes, data stream, ect. Its what I use a young professional that is just starting the field. Gives more than enough for the diy'er and just enough to get by for semi-professional work.

 

[dankicksass]

Launch code readers are pretty good. I believe they use the same software that was designed for the snap on scanners.

Launch doesn't have jack squat to do with Snap-On. The other tool truck companies rebrand Launch and charge premium prices, but you can buy Launch at import store prices. Take from that what you will. It's an adequate product with better update support than OTC.

 

[Jeeper]

I have been using torque on android with a bluetooth elm327 obdii module. Under $20 invested.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

I have this and the autoenginuity. Hard to beat the price of torque if you already have an Android device. Pull codes, decent data graphing.

 

[LEVE]

Do you want a "OBDII scanner" or do you want an "Hand Held Tester"? There is huge difference. If you could afford it, a Hand Held Tester is the way to go. They're pricey, and often make specific. But in modern cars they let you exercise various systems of the vehicle for test/reset/diagnostic purposes. As example, I have a good "Scangauge II" for resetting and codes, watch engine temps, etc. But that's not going to let me turn on the ABS pump to bleed breaks. So what do I do? I go to the dealer and drop a few hundred dollars to have them do it, or spend the same amount on a Hand Held Tester that will let me do the job. If I do the job more than once, myself, I've more than paid for a tool that will get me out of a multiplicity of problems. Pricey? Yes, but IMHO, well worth the cost.

 

[quattroJoe]

If by chance you are working on VWs and/or Audis, check out VCDS made by Ross-Tech. It can do 99% of what the dealer tool does.

 

[Jeeper]

Do you want a "OBDII scanner" or do you want an "Hand Held Tester"? There is huge difference. If you could afford it, a Hand Held Tester is the way to go. They're pricey, and often make specific. But in modern cars they let you exercise various systems of the vehicle for test/reset/diagnostic purposes. As example, I have a good "Scangauge II" for resetting and codes, watch engine temps, etc. But that's not going to let me turn on the ABS pump to bleed breaks. So what do I do? I go to the dealer and drop a few hundred dollars to have them do it, or spend the same amount on a Hand Held Tester that will let me do the job. If I do the job more than once, myself, I've more than paid for a tool that will get me out of a multiplicity of problems. Pricey? Yes, but IMHO, well worth the cost.

What "testers" do you have? Factory specific or something else?

 

[LEVE]

I do have a Scanguage It can be programmed to specific Toyota codes. However it does not exercise specific devices such as the pumps, nor does it let me clear some warning lights, etc.. I'm looking into buying Factory Specific tester this week. I need to get the Prius off the jackstands back on it's tires and out the garage door.

Here's the one I'm looking at:

Newest Toyota Intelligent Tester IT2 2013.08V for Toyota and Suzukir

I've got and Email going to the seller to see if it will work for my needs.