need solid scan tool without breaking the bank

[Michaeld998]

Hi. i used to own a a foxwell nt elite ( can't remember the exact model ). which didn't have the option
to force drive my fuel pump on my vehicle. lancer 2004 1.6 (4g18).
i'm looking for an affordable scan tool that provides sufficient information and that can actually
provides necessary functions like driving fuel pump for as much vehicles as possible.

 

[F-22]

Honestly have little experience with the diagnostic tools. In general (and especially for home use), wouldn't a laptop with an appropriate cable and appropriate software be the most cost-effective solution?

 

[Michaeld998]

sure i just didn't heard of any of those laptop softwares and how large their vehicle coverage is.
also what functions they offer .. i mean these autel/launch devices are pretty thorough. and just the fact
that you have more interfaces to a specific electronic( door window for example ) can help pinpoint weather
problems are in the motor or in the switch etc

 

[2ndGearRubber]

2004 cars are going to have very limited ability for bidirectional. You would be better off getting wiring diagrams and driving fuel pump fuse or relay output pin with a fused jumper for testing.

 

[richfinn]

Mitsubishi, I would look at the Launch/Topdon offerings. They tend to be pretty comprehensive on Asian models.

They may only go back as far as 2006 though!!!!

 

[midshipmen89]

I think 2ndGearRubber is on the right track - very little will be controllable, but the data stream may be helpful. Frankly, I don't like introducing scan tools into the workflow with my students or apprentices until they can show me they need one. There are quite a few workarounds, saving both time and money, if you know how to read a schematic and have access to good ones.

If you want to go the scan tool route, I've had some good experiences with Topdon, specifically the Phoenix Smart and the Phoenix Plus 2. They offer plenty of "mid range" scan tools for pretty fair prices - if those tools use the same or similar software to the Phoenix lineup, I wouldn't have an issue recommending them.

My current aftermarket daily driver is a Matco MaxFlex Pro. The hardware costs about $2300, but, for the Flex lineup, Macto has forgone the traditional $1000/year software updates. Hot button issue, but they offer a monthly subscription to complete access to specific manufacturer's software. I'm a GM dealer tech, so I pay $16/month for access to GM software, and can buy a one month add on when I have to look at a Powerstroke or a Cummins. Constant software updates improve the tool at least a few times a week, and it hasn't skipped a beat yet. It does need to be connected to the internet to validate your subscription each time it starts up, which is annoying, but it will continue operating after you lose connection on a test drive.

 

[cosmokenney]

I use a bluetooth OBD adapter that connects to the Torque app on my phone for older vehicles.

 

[stevobeavo]

I prefer our launch scanner over the new snap on zeus we also have. Has much more features, seems to get a lot more options for live data, and the live data reaction time is instant, snap on reacts like it's on dial up still.

 

[Banjorear]

My Snap-On dealer and who happens to be my best friend recommended the Autel AL329. It's like $40 on Amazon. Not sure it will do what you need it to do with the Lancer. It's been great.

 

[mikegt4]

2004 cars are going to have very limited ability for bidirectional. You would be better off getting wiring diagrams and driving fuel pump fuse or relay output pin with a fused jumper for testing.

This ^^^
Whichever of the two components, the scan tool or the vehicle's computer, is the lesser sophisticated will be the determining factor. In other words a new fancy scan tool will only be as good as the prehistoric computer that it is reading in the car. BTDT