"Must Have's" for the Weekend Warrior ...

[kartracer55]

Autozone has a reader ... you want a scanner which does more than just read stored codes ..

The Problem is alot of these cheap Scanners are not CAN Compatable, which is going to become the norm on new vehicles in the next few years... basically MUCH faster onboard computers than OBDII, but they use the same connectors. I use a higher end OTC genysis which is compatible, and I believe the Snap On scanners are compatable as well. The Scanner I use is a few thousand dollars. The software itself is expensive as hell too, making that price even higher.

Basically, the CAN systems are much faster and can process more information. They way it was explained to me (somebody can probably explain this better than I can), Instead of sampling something, such as an O2 sensor, every second, it can get info every few milliseconds. The computer recieves more information more often, almost making it "smarter".

My computer Diagnostic Skills are relativly week. The guys I work with can explain this alot better, and Im sure you can find stuff online if you really wanted too.

Jim

 

[thesubhumans]

Oops, wrong thread.

 

[ImportTuner]

The Problem is alot of these cheap Scanners are not CAN Compatable, which is going to become the norm on new vehicles in the next few years... basically MUCH faster onboard computers than OBDII, but they use the same connectors. I use a higher end OTC genysis which is compatible, and I believe the Snap On scanners are compatable as well. The Scanner I use is a few thousand dollars. The software itself is expensive as hell too, making that price even higher.

Basically, the CAN systems are much faster and can process more information. They way it was explained to me (somebody can probably explain this better than I can), Instead of sampling something, such as an O2 sensor, every second, it can get info every few milliseconds. The computer recieves more information more often, almost making it "smarter".

My computer Diagnostic Skills are relativly week. The guys I work with can explain this alot better, and Im sure you can find stuff online if you really wanted too.

Jim

I'm really happy with my Actron 9145 ... suppose to be able to read CAN vehicles or upgradable ..
http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16150

 

[Canadian Charlie]

A radio to keep you calm when things just don't go right

 

[KingPerformance]

The Problem is alot of these cheap Scanners are not CAN Compatable, which is going to become the norm on new vehicles in the next few years... basically MUCH faster onboard computers than OBDII, but they use the same connectors. I use a higher end OTC genysis which is compatible, and I believe the Snap On scanners are compatable as well. The Scanner I use is a few thousand dollars. The software itself is expensive as hell too, making that price even higher.

Basically, the CAN systems are much faster and can process more information. They way it was explained to me (somebody can probably explain this better than I can), Instead of sampling something, such as an O2 sensor, every second, it can get info every few milliseconds. The computer recieves more information more often, almost making it "smarter".

My computer Diagnostic Skills are relativly week. The guys I work with can explain this alot better, and Im sure you can find stuff online if you really wanted too.

Jim

Now we are getting into something I CAN enjoy.

The basic differences between the multiple different versions of CAN are the data bus. Some are faster then others, and can move more info then others. OBDII is SLOW! CAN systems have been around since the early 80's; it is just getting more and more widely used as time goes on. Every single ECU manufacture has a version of proprietary firm ware/software stored in the ECU. The hardware is similar from company to company. Now, don't take similar and run with it saying I said they are all the same!

CAN is exciting and difficult to work with. Every company wants to protect their investment and absolutely will not allow that information outside of its closely guarded employees. As a result most developed software was done by reverse engineering. There are a FEW examples of the OEM’s working with outsiders, but they charge such absorb anent amounts of money it usually ends up cheaper reverse engineering the product if you have the people available to do so.

A radio to keep you calm when things just don't go right

I can't agree more. A good variety of music is essential as well. I find that when I'm doing something that is tedious some classical music helps sooth, but if I'm just wrenching away on something easy I like to listen to something with some drive to it.

 

[kartracer55]

Now we are getting into something I CAN enjoy.

The basic differences between the multiple different versions of CAN are the data bus. Some are faster then others, and can move more info then others. OBDII is SLOW! CAN systems have been around since the early 80's; it is just getting more and more widely used as time goes on. Every single ECU manufacture has a version of proprietary firm ware/software stored in the ECU. The hardware is similar from company to company. Now, don't take similar and run with it saying I said they are all the same!

CAN is exciting and difficult to work with. Every company wants to protect their investment and absolutely will not allow that information outside of its closely guarded employees. As a result most developed software was done by reverse engineering. There are a FEW examples of the OEM’s working with outsiders, but they charge such absorb anent amounts of money it usually ends up cheaper reverse engineering the product if you have the people available to do so.



I can't agree more. A good variety of music is essential as well. I find that when I'm doing something that is tedious some classical music helps sooth, but if I'm just wrenching away on something easy I like to listen to something with some drive to it.

I dont have much experience with onboard diagnostic's, but I really enjoy it so far. My understanding is fairly limited, but I try and pick up what I can. For me, a reader doesnt do much good, because I want to actually be able to effectivly troubleshoot and fix the problem myself. As I have found out, sometimes this requires more than just reading the codes. I have been told (and experienced myself) that codes can steer you WAY off course.

As for Music, XM keeps me sane at work. XM48 Is good, and XM's talk/comedy stations are great. Opie&Anthony are probably some of the funniest guys ever (they put howard stern to shame) and Ron&Fez are pretty funny too. Highly recommended. I was actually thinking about getting it for my dad for his birthday coming up

 

[Larz]

Hey Kartracer
I 2nd the XM. Being older than you (I just turned 25 for the 2nd time), my tastes are a little different. Im liking the 60's through 90's a lot right now. Listen to it in the office, in the truck, in the shop. Great stuff. I got it for my 2 Stepsons for Christmas. Great gift idea!!

 

[eschoendorff]

Geez... you guys with your hi tech Satelite radio... I just plug in my iPod and go.

 

[-lecroix-]

XM and Ipod user here ... haven't listened to plain ol' FM or a CD in a loooooong time now.

 

[toolfreak]

I keep thinking about getting an ipod since I have an 80 gig hard drive full of music but always manage to spend the money on tools instead.

 

[kartracer55]

XM is worth it for Opie&Anthony alone. Homeless shopping spree, egg-nog challenge, deaf karaoke... you guys who listen know its just so mean you can not stop listening. EVERY show they do gets me cracking up.

 

[Larz]

It's already been mentioned more than once, but a good 1/4" drive socket set is indespensible. Throw in a spinner handle and you have a nut driver set as well. Hard to beat for light duty projects.

 

[Deafautotech]

i love my spinflex mac tool as 1/4in dr ratchet. it is very handy for me where i dont have air tool at garage but i still use it at my work where it is for engine and transmission where air ratchet dont fit area. it is act as ratchet and speed handle combo. i know it is pricy but when i had it break in ratchet mechanical and mac tool guy glad to rebuild it and give me my orignal on instead just give me a new one.....

 

[mulepackin]

It's already been mentioned more than once, but a good 1/4" drive socket set is indespensible. Throw in a spinner handle and you have a nut driver set as well. Hard to beat for light duty projects.

I don't even get close to a home appliance repair project without that, a 4 in one screwdriver and a multimeter.

 

[Larz]

Yep - just replaced a belt and tension pulley on a dryer for a lady that my wife works with. Took my 1/4" socket set with spinner handle and my Klein 5 in 1 screwdriver out of my tool bag into the house and that was all I needed!