I need a automotive scanner that does ABS

[westcoastkevin]

Hi,
I need to find an automotive scanner that does ABS.
I am not a commercial user.

My immediate use is a 2005 Honda Accord.
I need to read the ABS codes, then of course fix it.

I have had a selection of code readers for years and more recently use bluetooth enabled ones with my smartphone.

What should I be looking at?
I want to read the codes.
Clear/Reset the codes.
Clearing the "Maintenance Required" would be a bonus.

 

[mrvm]

Check out the Zurich brand sold at HF for an inexpensive scan tool.

 

[westcoastkevin]

I thought about that but the Zurich reviews on Amazon are pretty bad. Lost of issues with connectivity. It makes me nervous, especially with the return policy on electronic items.
At the moment, I am inclined to avoid that brand.

 

[sweet victory]

My favorite scan tool (for this price point) I've come across so far is BlueDriver. It's probably the best bluetooth dongle/app on the market. It's only $99 and have loved it for quick and easy trouble shooting.

For instance, after repairing a vacuum leak, I plugged this in (paired with an iPad), went for a drive, and was able to graph throttle position and fuel trims to verify the leak was fixed. The live data features on this tool are pretty sweet for something at this price point.

I personally haven't tried to read ABS codes, but it is listed as a feature.

https://www.bluedriver.com/products/bluedriver-scan-tool

 

[Bonsai]

I have the Zurich branded one from HF, I believe ZR-13 is the model, basically I bought it for this same reason. ABS code on my 2003 Yukon XL. It functioned perfectly fine, and told me what the code was, which then was able to look up for fixes. It was also able to clear them of course, along with the MIL. I want to see it even had the function of clearing maintenance indicator. I’d have to double check. I don’t know if any of the issues for connections are due to different manufacturers, but I have not had any problems. I do like the idea of the BT dongle sweet victory mentioned though. And cheaper too.

 

[Git]

A couple of years ago, I bought the 'BlueDriver" to try to diagnose a problem with the ABS on my 2002 S10. It was worthless - couldn't narrow down the problem at all. After reading various forums, I took a chance that it was the actual abs module that went bad (soldered joints failed over time) and bought a used one off of eBay

Maybe it has improved, but if you buy it from Amazon like I did, it is very easy to return

 

[Bretny]

I have had good luck with the "launch" brand of code readers/scanners. Although i have never used ABS on a honda. I have used SRS on a GM.

 

[Professional Tool User]

I would try out the Launch or Autel scanners in the $200 range.

 

[Psychwarfare]

I've been using an Innova 3040 from auto zone for the past couple years and it has been fine...cant recall what I paid...but it was affordable at the time.

Has ABS and live data...not sure how great the fix look up function is online as I've never used it

 

[protegeV]

I would try out the Launch or Autel scanners in the $200 range.

+1 Im a fan of autel. I have an MD802. I think I paid around $130 for it.

 

[theoldwizard1]

ABS system are kind of a "red haired stepchild". Many changes from different vendors and no government requirement to standardize. GOOD LUCK !

 

[Fedwrench]

ABS and SRS systems are manufacturer specific and proprietary information. Unlike, generic OBD II powertrain information that is required to be standardized and accessible by the Government.

I would recommend visiting the various websites for the scan tools your interested in and see if want you want to do is done by a specific tool model for your make/model/year of vehicle.

PTEN puts out an annual scan tool comparison guide that might also help you.

 

[Caparris]

Have used the ZR13 on a 2012 Honda and it worked fine on SRS and ABS codes..

 

[frank001]

I have an iCarSoft CR Pro that covers many models. So far it has worked on all my vehicles. About $200 at amazon.

 

[westcoastkevin]

Update: I ended up getting a Foxwell NT510 with the Honda/Acura database.
It did tell me I have a right rear Sensor problem.
I will dig into that and see what happens.
Thanks for the opinions.

 

[Showkey]

I have the AUTEL 802.
It gives the exact same data list as the factory scan tool for engine, trans, ABS and SRS.
There is one variation of the 802 that does body modules as well.

AUTEL sells “tools” from $20-$3000 over at least 200 models and sells through dozens of outlets or vendors some with warranty and support others with out. That’s pretty much the norm in clone scan tool industry.

 

[sweet victory]

My favorite scan tool (for this price point) I've come across so far is BlueDriver. It's probably the best bluetooth dongle/app on the market. It's only $99 and have loved it for quick and easy trouble shooting.

For instance, after repairing a vacuum leak, I plugged this in (paired with an iPad), went for a drive, and was able to graph throttle position and fuel trims to verify the leak was fixed. The live data features on this tool are pretty sweet for something at this price point.

I personally haven't tried to read ABS codes, but it is listed as a feature.

https://www.bluedriver.com/products/bluedriver-scan-tool

Scanned all modules on my girlfriend's lexus yesterday. Worked great, and she has 1 ABS code. Figured I would follow up to my previous post.

 

[DakotaMan]

Good luck...on my truck, I haven't found one to work. I even tried to pay a brake shop to scan the ABS code and they said it doesn't connect.

 

[Caparris]

Good luck...on my truck, I haven't found one to work. I even tried to pay a brake shop to scan the ABS code and they said it doesn't connect.

What vehicle?

 

[Myth]

I have an Autel Diaglink which has same functionality (for one manufacturer) as 802 but cheaper, If you need more manufacturers you can buy software for $5 a brand. I have Subaru which I used to diagnose my Forester’s ABS light. It give me correct code as well as real time data, that helped me pin point the issue in minutes. I just bought a new Honda Odyssey and will buy Honda software shortly.

 

[guy48065]

What about the "Torque" app + Bluetooth OBD adapter? Can it do ABS by adding a plug-in? There's a LONG list of plug-ins but I have no idea which give additional functionality.

 

[Showkey]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Bottom line it varies with manufacturers, models and years........one size does NOT fit all.
Many times the apps are the least likely to have complete functionality or access to modules or devices and few if any will have bidirectional communication and command functions.