I need an ABS Scanner!

[kooldude1992]

Hello fellow GJ users.

I mostly lurk on here. I don't post to much because I only do minor repairs on my car and don't have much to share. (I'm in college for something completely unrelated to wrenching.) It is always interesting reading things here though and I have certainly learned a thing or two.

I have a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire 2.4l SE. I am trying to find an ABS code reader that will work with it. All of the ABS scanners I have found seem to only cover the 2000 or later models.

I've found cheap ABS scanners like the Actron CP9449, and the more expensive Innova models that go for several hundred dollars. No matter the price or model, none of them seem to cover a '97 Sunfire. Only 2000 and later.

My local Goodyear says they will read the code for $50. If I can find a fairly cheap scanner that would work with my car it would pay for itself within a few uses.

Do any of you know of any reasonable priced ABS readers that would work with my Sunfire?

Thanks.

 

[Zeke]

Won't Autozone read the BCM for you? Don't feel bad, the local Jaguar Jerk wanted $180 to hook up to me. He said he'd give me a comprehensive print out and all I wanted was a code.

 

[kooldude1992]

Won't Autozone read the BCM for you? Don't feel bad, the local Jaguar Jerk wanted $180 to hook up to me. He said he'd give me a comprehensive print out and all I wanted was a code.

I've called my local Autozone and Advance Auto Parts stores before. They told me that they only read the basic Check Engine codes, nothing ABS related. I looked at all of the code readers they had in the store as well. None of them will work with my 97 Sunfire.

 

[signcrafter]

This one says compatible with all domestic vehicles 96 and newer.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000YJ053O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[kooldude1992]

This one says compatible with all domestic vehicles 96 and newer.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000YJ053O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I mentioned that one earlier. It's a great scanner for the price. However, by looking at the compatibility list, I saw it only covers Pontiac Sunfire's that are 2000 and later. I have a 1997. Amazon says "Covers all domestic vehicles 1996+" in the description but the manual says "Covers most domestic vehicles 1996+." Sadly, my Sunfire is not included in that.

http://www.actron.com/media/usermanuals/CP9449_0002-000-3043VehicleCoverageChart.pdf

For some reason all of the ABS code readers I find only cover Pontiac Sunfire's 2000 and later. That's why I'm having such an issue.

 

[kooldude1992]

Thanks for all of the responses so far.

 

[Jagmandave]

You don't say where you are, but if you have an automotive trade school or community college near by, they will have a scanner that will read that car.

 

[firebox40dash5]

Check CL or pawn shops for an outdated pro scanner. We've got an old S-O Solus 'brick' at the shop that was purchased for $200. It's only updated to 2006 or something, it's slow, big, and klunky to use, but hell, it was $200 and does bidirectional.

 

[RM209]

Had an ABS issue last summer as well. I bought an Innova 3160 from Walmart.com; they shipped it no charge to their closest store. Works well and is easy to use.

Good luck.

RM209

 

[theoldwizard1]

there is and never has been any government mandated standardization for ABS system error/warning reporting. You are not likely to find a scanner, in your price range, that will do the job.

Best place is a shop that specializes in brakes or the dealer.

 

[mp23]

I've called my local Autozone and Advance Auto Parts stores before. They told me that they only read the basic Check Engine codes, nothing ABS related. I looked at all of the code readers they had in the store as well. None of them will work with my 97 Sunfire.

My autozone read the abs code for me. The actron scanner they sell will read the abs code. IT goes for about 200 bucks

 

[CDD]

What the car is doing or not doing that you need to scan the ABS?

 

[shockwave]

Look at the new actron obd2 Bluetooth scanner compatible with android and iPhones does abs and live data I am told 80 bucks for scanner and 40 for software

 

[Farmall450]

Or try more local shops, like Napa, O'Reilly...
I know I'm not the first to suggest it, but it's a heck of a lot cheaper than 2-500 bucks.

 

[RCStocker]

Innova model 3030 sells for $69.99 and will ready your ABS code. That is a good brand and it should do what you want.

If you can find an Innova that reads code 1 and 2 that has the ABS I would buy it.

You are young and will have many more cars and at some point you will need a good code reader. I know it is more money now but if you can find a combo you will not have wasted $70

 

[Heavy tech]

IMO, take the fuse for the abs out and throw it as far as you can. Problem solved. A new abs valve is likely more than the car is worth.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[kooldude1992]

Thanks for the responses everyone.

The reason I need a scanner is because my ABS light is on. I'll check my local auto stores again just to double check.

Thanks again.


*Edit*


I wanted to ad that I have checked out most of the ABS code readers mentioned. However, when I check the compatibility list, it says that it will only read ABS codes of Sunfires that are 2000 and newer. So I don't think they would work on my 1997.

 

[ndoran]

there are many reasons for the ABS light and many are an easy fix. For some reason on that GM body the code is often for an open circuit on the driver side front wheel. The problem is usually a broken wire into the plug on the harness side. if this is your problem you can buy a replacement connector with a short length of harness. An easy fix if you can solder. It is also easy to chase down.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

Thanks for the responses everyone.

The reason I need a scanner is because my ABS light is on. I'll check my local auto stores again just to double check.

Thanks again.


*Edit*


I wanted to ad that I have checked out most of the ABS code readers mentioned. However, when I check the compatibility list, it says that it will only read ABS codes of Sunfires that are 2000 and newer. So I don't think they would work on my 1997.

If is says it can scan a 1997 Chevy Cavalier, it will do the Sunfire (Same car)

 

[kooldude1992]

If is says it can scan a 1997 Chevy Cavalier, it will do the Sunfire (Same car)

I checked out the Cavaliers as well. All the compatibility manuals for the scanners also say they can only scan a 2000 or later Cavalier. I just wonder what is so different between the '97 and the '00.

 

[kooldude1992]

there are many reasons for the ABS light and many are an easy fix. For some reason on that GM body the code is often for an open circuit on the driver side front wheel. The problem is usually a broken wire into the plug on the harness side. if this is your problem you can buy a replacement connector with a short length of harness. An easy fix if you can solder. It is also easy to chase down.

The ABS light used to come on occasionally. I'd clean the wheel sensors and the ABS ring on the CV joints and it would stay off for a while. Then it'd come back on. I'd clean them, and same thing. Eventually I figured out it was the driver front by cleaning that sensor alone and driving. I put a new sensor on it but the ABS light kept coming on. Now it is just constantly on, even when I clean all of the sensors and ABS rings. I'll have to eyeball the wiring. I'm fairly certain it is one of the front sensors but don't want to put money into new harnesses or sensors if I'm not sure.

Thanks.

 

[Karl_B]

If memory serves, the dealer would use a Tech1 with OBD2 adapter on those models. A quick and dirty test without a scan tool would be to visually inspect the harnesses and if no problem is found, verify sensor output with an AC volt meter. If you find no or low voltage at one wheel, you have at least narrowed it down to that sensor and reluctor ring.

Around here, you could also just stop by the GM dealer and ask nicely if anyone can pull your codes for you before you decide whether or not to bring it in. You might have to wait, but they can usually find someone to do it.