In The Market For a Basic Scan Tool

[The Critic]

Hey y'all,

I've been gone for a while, but now I'm back. Right now, I am in the market for a low-end scan tool. I have done some research and learned that if I wanted a scan tool with bi-directional capabilities, I would need to spend some serious cash.

Since I'll only be using the scan tool occassionally, it does not make much sense for me to shell out a lot of money for a scan tool that I will rarely use, especially for a college student. So for now, I think my best route would be to purchase a lower-end scan tool for basic code retrieval, then upgrade to a higher-end model at a later time.

I have been looking at this scanner:

http://www.equus.com/product_info.php?product_id=3160&category_id=1_10_7

I can get one of these for $215 shipped. What do you guys think? The only bummer is that it doesn't read ABS codes for my '96 Saturn.

Plus it doesn't have TPMS capabilities. I would prefer to have something with TPMS capabilities-- what's the least expensive scan tool with TPMS capability?

Thanks!

 

[Merkava_4]

That 3160 is just a code reader with DTS definitions isn't it?

I mean it doesn't read live data I don't think.

 

[nissan_crawler]

Some power programmers can read the codes and clear them also. I just picked one up so I can do that. Well, that and the 20hp will be nice, too.

 

[chadster1]

Check out the Auto Link Pro scanners.

http://www.toolsource.com/autolink-al510-obdii-eobd-scanner-p-104606.html

I am not aware of any of the lower end scan tools that have TPMS capability. I would be interested in knowing if one exists as well because I know I could sell some.

BTW, $215 shipped for that Equus 3160 is a smoking deal.

 

[t100]

i have an older model Innova (equus) 3100a. $45 shipped, you can have it before friday.

it can read, clear codes and some. only the back batter cover is missing which doesn't effect the function at all. i bought a ScanGauge II, that's why i'm selling.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Does that Innova only cover Domestic North American cars, or all ODBII cars?

 

[Merkava_4]

only the back batter cover is missing which doesn't effect the function at all.

That's funny because I ordered a battery cover for my buddy's 3100 direct from the factory and it was free. The people over at Equus are nice folks.

 

[t100]

Does that Innova only cover Domestic North American cars, or all ODBII cars?

all my cars are toyota, they should work on any thing after 96 which equipped with OBD2 computer interface. i don't know for sure if it would on jdm cars.

That's funny because I ordered a battery cover for my buddy's 3100 direct from the factory and it was free. The people over at Equus are nice folks.

damn it, my apartment was used to be 20 miles away from their office before i moved to the midwest, never bother to call them or stop by.

 

[The Critic]

Hey t100, I think I'll pass on the offer. But thanks.

So I just looked at the Equus website and discovered that the 3130 is identical to the 3160. The only difference is that it lacks the ABS capabilities. Since the 3160 doesn't cover ABS for my Saturn anyway, I'm probably better off with the 3130, right?

 

[dakota_522]

the one your looking at is a great one to have, alot of guys in the shop i work at use the new auto link that just came out its a two button and there only $80 bucks well worth it and you can also get free updates.

 

[Coach James]

Why wouldn't the 3160 read ABS codes on a '96 Saturn?

Coach

 

[CarCrafter]

If you plan on spending a couple of hundred bucks, take a whiz through ebay and find an OTC Genisys type scantool. These machines were sold under different licenses to MAC, Cornwell and Matco/ I've seen them for as little as $300, sometimes less. I picked up a couple of them myself. One cost me $400 off ebay while the other cost $300 off the tool truck as a trade in sale. I upgraded one of them to version 2.0 a few months back for $40, next time I'll upgrade to 3.0 and get the smart cable so I can access the CAN networks as well. Both of these can access Domestics up to 2004, Asian Imports to 2003, ABS & Airbag 2002. My point is, this will at least have the capability of being updated if you so choose and also be a professional unit. There are alot of guys in our industry who are hurting for cash so there are deals to be had.

 

[The Critic]

If you plan on spending a couple of hundred bucks, take a whiz through ebay and find an OTC Genisys type scantool. These machines were sold under different licenses to MAC, Cornwell and Matco/ I've seen them for as little as $300, sometimes less. I picked up a couple of them myself. One cost me $400 off ebay while the other cost $300 off the tool truck as a trade in sale. I upgraded one of them to version 2.0 a few months back for $40, next time I'll upgrade to 3.0 and get the smart cable so I can access the CAN networks as well. Both of these can access Domestics up to 2004, Asian Imports to 2003, ABS & Airbag 2002. My point is, this will at least have the capability of being updated if you so choose and also be a professional unit. There are alot of guys in our industry who are hurting for cash so there are deals to be had.

Hmm, the only Genisys models that I am aware of cost well over a grand. Could you please provide me with an example of one of these units on eBay? Thanks!

 

[Merkava_4]

Just for y'alls information: I recently had a problem with my Buick that was later determined to be a glitch in the MAP sensor. The "Check Engine" light was not on and there were no codes stored.

A live data reader did not find anything out of the ordinary. It wasn't until a lab scope was hooked up directly to the MAP sensor did the problem reveal itself.

What's my point you say? In that situation, neither a code reader nor a live data reader would've found the problem. You gotta have a live data reader and a lab scope to cover everything.

 

[The Critic]

Understood.

Does anyone have any experience with the OTC Nemisys?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/OTC-...ols?hash=item3ca047673e&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245

 

[krooser]

i wouldn't know a scan tool from a French *****... but my buddy bought this exact Snappy deal for $300.00 on CL... seems to be a good price.

Now pass me the tach/dwell meter and a .019 feeler gauge will ya?

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

i was at costco other day, and they had Basic Scan tool. i forgot how much it was, because i was not interested. but next time i go there, i will look into it.

 

[Danglerb]

Some recent scanner threads. I am pretty happy with both my $40 cheapo two button, and the $45 USB adapter that runs on a laptop (but I will end up spending maybe lots more on better advanced software than the free stuff it came with).

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41272

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40367

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40223

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39455

 

[CarCrafter]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Genisys-OTC-346...ools?hash=item35a3486b24&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.com/GENISYS-OTC-SPX...ools?hash=item335569974d&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.com/SPX-OTC-Genisys...ools?hash=item518c6dbba7&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

 

[a390st]

Reading live data is important sometimes. I have even seen seen codes that the little cheapies wouldn't read (absolutely no codes showed) that were picked up by my Innova 1303. I got it for like 30% off at Sears. That made it not too much more than the little basic readers you can get. It isn't anything special, but it wasn't too expensive and is upgradable to read ABS codes if you want to pay the money.

I would rather have an OTC tool, but I couldn't justify the money for the number of times I actually use a scan tool. Most of what I do doesn't involve CEL's and codes.

 

[CarCrafter]

The Nemisys has a smaller viewing area and has a little less function than the Genisys. If you wanted to expand the Genisys in the future, you can add on 5 gas analyzer and lab scope.. Get the GM SPS package and you can even program keys. The idea is that machine is much more adaptable and easier to unload in the event you didn't want it any longer. On the other hand, if all you ever want to do is retrieve a code, $45 is hard to beat. If you are getting in the business on the other hand, I'd spend your money more wisely.

 

[AutoTech]

Just for y'alls information: I recently had a problem with my Buick that was later determined to be a glitch in the MAP sensor. The "Check Engine" light was not on and there were no codes stored.

A live data reader did not find anything out of the ordinary. It wasn't until a lab scope was hooked up directly to the MAP sensor did the problem reveal itself.

What's my point you say? In that situation, neither a code reader nor a live data reader would've found the problem. You gotta have a live data reader and a lab scope to cover everything.

Thats very true Merkava a good labscope is very important in diagnostics. I use mine alot

 

[AutoTech]

The Nemisys has a smaller viewing area and has a little less function than the Genisys. If you wanted to expand the Genisys in the future, you can add on 5 gas analyzer and lab scope.. Get the GM SPS package and you can even program keys. The idea is that machine is much more adaptable and easier to unload in the event you didn't want it any longer. On the other hand, if all you ever want to do is retrieve a code, $45 is hard to beat. If you are getting in the business on the other hand, I'd spend your money more wisely.

The 5 gas analyzer is probably one of the best add on features of the Genisys. I mostly use mine for misfires, no starts, head gasket testing etc.

 

[fordracing200]

Hey y'all,

I've been gone for a while, but now I'm back. Right now, I am in the market for a low-end scan tool. I have done some research and learned that if I wanted a scan tool with bi-directional capabilities, I would need to spend some serious cash.

Since I'll only be using the scan tool occassionally, it does not make much sense for me to shell out a lot of money for a scan tool that I will rarely use, especially for a college student. So for now, I think my best route would be to purchase a lower-end scan tool for basic code retrieval, then upgrade to a higher-end model at a later time.

I have been looking at this scanner:

http://www.equus.com/product_info.php?product_id=3160&category_id=1_10_7

I can get one of these for $215 shipped. What do you guys think? The only bummer is that it doesn't read ABS codes for my '96 Saturn.

Plus it doesn't have TPMS capabilities. I would prefer to have something with TPMS capabilities-- what's the least expensive scan tool with TPMS capability?

Thanks!

I got the 129.99 actron at sears and am more then happy with it, reads codes, defines them on screen, clears them, and has a section that shows operating systems and whether or not they're functioning. egr, fuel, injectors, etc. etc.

 

[Coach James]

Does the Sears scanner ead ABS codes?

Thanks

Coach

 

[a390st]

The Innova 1303 they sell at Sears can be upgraded to do ABS for $99, I think. It is pretty similar to a 3150 at that point.

 

[krusty the clown]

if you already have a laptop consider autoenginuity

http://www.autoenginuity.com/index.html

i just have the generic obdII for now so it's limmited in functions. if you are only going to be working on one car you can pick up a mfr specific set up for just a little more. the full pro version at $1200 was a little more than i could spend at the time but at some point i'll upgrade. it pretty nice to have the larger screen to watch on test drives as opposed to the smaller hand held. you can also watch it in graph form (like an o-scope) and record it for playback at the shop. for me it was a good $200 invested for the time being.

 

[The Critic]

Picked up a Innova Equus 3130 today. It was simply too good of a deal to pass up-- $60 shipped. The guy had only used it a few time, so the tool is still in great condition.