OBD scanners considered as tools right

[MellyVan]

So, here i am, a complete newby in OBD and or OBD2 scanners... Recently purchased a 2003 Chevy Avalanche (which is pretty uncommon here in Europe).

If any problems might occur, I would want to read the fault codes myself. What is the best deal to do this? I've seen some china made Maxiscan MS509 which seems like it can handle everything, but can it?

And how does it compare to a simple bluetooth OBD module (ELM327) with Torque on my Android? Torque can easily update itself etc, but can i read the same data as on a more advanced system like the MS509?


I know, there are chevy enthusiast forums, but here is where the gearheads and mechanics are right

 

[jfdestree]

The system is pretty much the same for all cars. One of the best thing to do when you plan to service and repair your own cars is to buy a repair manual, like Haynes. You'll find inside the list error codes with all details. Some code readers give you the fault code, but not much else.
Where are your from in Europe?

 

[MellyVan]

I'm in the Netherlands. It seems the android+torque+elm bluetooth option is great, don't know if it can make a decent log etc though?

 

[wornoutoldman]

For the initial outlay $5 (US) for "Torgue Pro" and a $20 (US) dongle, give torque a spin. Great software, more info than you'll likely need, video and other neat features. You won't have regrets. I've had it for a probably two years. Used it on many makes. Very handy.

 

[richfinn]

I use an old Auto x-ray for the few USA based cars I stumble across whilst on patrol. It's pretty good and offers live data/freeze frame/mode £06 as well as enhanced codes on the big 3 USA manufacturers. No ABS/SRS but I can live with that as long as I can make them drivable. It is CAN enabled and will pull transmission and security related codes.