OBDII Scanners

[Yotaforce]

I'm now searching the market for a good OBD II code scanner and would like to know if anyone has recommendations or gripes for any certain brand. I have read alot of reviews for different brands but they all are very mixed. I don't need to break the bank, but I would like one that would also cover some imports such as Honda and Toyota in addition to Chevy, Ford, and Dodge. I don't necessarily NEED live data, but heck, it would be nice to see changes in data streams as the car is running. What do you guys have to say?

 

[jay50]

Get an OTC OBD2/Global scanner that displays DTCs. Freeze Frame, Mode$6 monitor status and datastream as a bare minimum. Code reader only will not cut it.

Datastream displayed on OBD2 only scanner will be somewhat limited. Some of those scanners now have enhanced data for Fords IIRC.

Not sure what these sell for, but guess around $300?

If you could swing a deal on a Nemisys it would also allow you to access Trans, BCM, etc.

OBD2 will be engine only, for MIL related failures.
HTH

 

[porcupine73]

Also if you're working on any recent model years, get one that supports CAN bus. I have this older actron and a scangauge which have been adequate for my needs (reading codes, clearing codes, checking i/m status), but neither of them is canbus. The scangauge is neat device because it will also display some parameters realtime such as engine coolant temp, intake air temp, etc., it might do freeze frame but I don't remember.

 

[mrsleeve]

I will second the OTC nemisys as you will have better than just generic data in most cases unlike the actorns and like stated above you will get into the trans some what.

 

[ImportTuner]

Also if you're working on any recent model years, get one that supports CAN bus. I have this older actron and a scangauge which have been adequate for my needs (reading codes, clearing codes, checking i/m status), but neither of them is canbus. The scangauge is neat device because it will also display some parameters realtime such as engine coolant temp, intake air temp, etc., it might do freeze frame but I don't remember.

That's the same Actron I have ... fantastic for the price ... highly recommended ...

Oops ... mine is a Actron 9145 ...

 

[83diesel]

3 for Nemisys. Otc is easy to get updates, upgrades and service, Matco and Mac are rebadged OTC for twice the money. Snapon is as good as your dealer and most of them are not reliable and they want even more money for their scanner. Snapon corporates support *****, their answer to everything is who is your dealer or this dealer you should contact. Does not do anygood if the dealer never comes around, not knowledgeable, or does not order the parts/tools you need.

 

[toolfreak]

Another vote for the nemisys, I bought a matco branded one off ebay for $330 and it is good for most vehicles up to 2006. It is fairly simple to use but I have alot to learn with it to use it to its full potential.

 

[jimmycrackcorn]

Auto enginuity PC based scan tool, supports mode6, component tests, freeze frame and you can get specific OE coverage as you need them (they have honda and toyota expansions) . Fairly cheap for the setup, if you have a laptop, your good to go.

just a snap shot

 

[jay50]

AE Proline is great. I've had mine about 6 months. The Ford coverage is 99% of what Ford factory tool covers. I like the ability to get into Ford PATS and adaptives. Also great coverage on AdvanceTRAC/RSC.

 

[Rusty67]

Just looked at the autoenginuity stuff and it looks kewl. I wana call them and talk to them about it as far as PATS and other Ford specific stuff.

 

[scofo]

Hey Jay50, how 'bout an update on the enhanced Ford Autoenginuity equipment? What all did you get? What would you change? Any others with pc-based scantools? Got a new notebook and I work at a Ford dealer now. Upgrading my Solus seems a waste of money and buying a VCM from Rotunda is very expensive for an individual.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Auto enginuity PC based scan tool, supports mode6, component tests, freeze frame and you can get specific OE coverage as you need them (they have honda and toyota expansions) . Fairly cheap for the setup, if you have a laptop, your good to go.

just a snap shot

How much does that cost? I have the RossTech VAG software on my laptop but would like something that could do all cars.

 

[jay50]

Hey Jay50, how 'bout an update on the enhanced Ford Autoenginuity equipment? What all did you get? What would you change? Any others with pc-based scantools? Got a new notebook and I work at a Ford dealer now. Upgrading my Solus seems a waste of money and buying a VCM from Rotunda is very expensive for an individual.

AE just keeps getting better with each new release of software. You will really like the AE Ford software. It has some PIDs that are not available from SO scanners. Good example is the PID for the brake pressure transducer mounted on the mastercylinder on Ford AdvanceTrac equipped vehicles. SO only shows the BOO PID, but AE shows the pressure transducer as well

IMHO, Snappy is starting to loose market share to some of the software/laptop enhanced scanners. AE will take quick action to correct a problem in their software if reported by a user; SO seems to just ignore any reports of problems.

AE software version 6.1 was released last week. Here are some of the hightlights:


Enhanced Mitsubishi support for model years '96 – '07. Coverage includes MFI, AT, ABS, airbags, Immobilizer, and dozens of other controllers. Also released is enhanced Isuzu support for model years '96 – '07. Coverage includes ECM, TCM, ABS, and airbags. Other release highlights are:

•New trouble code model
o Improved Freeze Frame support by allowing custom reporting methods such as GM's

•Failure Records
o Added enhanced Freeze Frame support for Ford and Mazda CAN ECMs
o Added reporting Freeze Frame retrieval progress
o Improved reporting of each controller's status after retrieval completion (trouble codes,no trouble codes, or no response)
o Added support for individual controller selection during the clear request

•Faster Mode 6 reporting by as much as 10x

•Updated German translation

•Enhanced BMW-family support:
o Improved trouble code reporting by removing the SAE designations (for example FC50 will no longer report as P1050 but simply as FC50)

•Enhanced Chrysler-family support:
o Added Tire size programming
o Added more Body and Chassis actuations

•Enhanced Ford-family support:
o Added Tire and Axle configuration support for Powerstroke 7.3L '99 - '03 models
o Added network test for non-CAN controllers

•Enhanced Honda-family support:
o Added CAN system bi-directional controls
o Added ABS Type 4 System Tests and Actuations

HTH

 

[scofo]

Looks like $250 to $1200usd depending on coverage. Didn,t see euro coverage in that $1200 bundle though. Looks like $230ea for Jag, BMW and Rover and 99 for Porche enhanced. What does the RossTech VAG cover?

 

[scofo]

So Jay it looks like you got the whole package, did you go bluetooth? Oh and does the "power balance" feature work well on roadtest for intermitants or do you rely on mode6 data for cyl miss i.d.

 

[jay50]

So Jay it looks like you got the whole package, did you go bluetooth? Oh and does the "power balance" feature work well on roadtest for intermitants or do you rely on mode6 data for cyl miss i.d.

I did not go wireless.
For Ford misfires, mode6 is a good place to look with Fords, but older OBD2 Ford Mode 6 was flaky. I always break out the DSO and get down to business with any misfire conditions

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

my friend has a snap on modus , has about 10g into it , it needs a 7 thousand dollar update now

I only use tech 2 and star scan
if you work at the dealer you get free updates

 

[scofo]

So I noticed "cylinder contribution" test in AE test list, do you have that feature? Have you used an IDS and is it the same as the power balance test in the powertrain test catagory of the IDS? Are you taking any preventitive measure to protect your notebooks usb port from cord strain? At that price I can get AE enhanced domestic coverage for roughly the same as an annual solus update.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

What does the RossTech VAG cover?

VW-Audi cars only. We only paid for the lead, the software is not so legit.

 

[scofo]

We only have 2 shop IDS's and they get spred thin between all the techs. So I would like my own but can't afford the o.e.m. tool at this time. I'd like to stay at Ford but man it is a hell of an adjustment to work at independents for 23+yrs than go to a dealer for peanuts and more admin work than I would have thought.

 

[jay50]

So I noticed "cylinder contribution" test in AE test list, do you have that feature? Have you used an IDS and is it the same as the power balance test in the powertrain test catagory of the IDS? Are you taking any preventitive measure to protect your notebooks usb port from cord strain? At that price I can get AE enhanced domestic coverage for roughly the same as an annual solus update.

I have not used the cyl test so can't compare to IDS. I'm running AE on a Dell latitude 610 with a usb port at the backside. No problem with cord strain but I'm cautious to position the laptop so it will minimize the chance of coming loose.

I have the AE Pro bundle; best bang for the buck. You won't regret getting it

 

[scofo]

Secret message received Moose. I have a data system at home that fell off a truck also

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Screw the OEM software. VW's VAG-COM 5050 is an all-in-one unit that costs $22,000 new. My dodgy copy of RossTechh Vag-Com does the same for the price of a $20 USB-OBDII cable.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Secret message received Moose. I have a data system at home that fell off a truck also

I like to think of it as being very cost-effective..

nudge nudge, wink wink..

 

[scofo]

Thanks Jay, I may go for the Ford enhanced only,soon, to test the water. Do you own your own shop or what?

 

[scofo]

20 compared to 22k! Hell yea, now that is cost effective.

 

[idubvdub]

Awesome thread! I've been meaning to ask about scan tools for some time now, just keep forgetting. Mostly curious about laptop based scan tools as I think it makes more sense.

 

[scofo]

I attended a class on OBD11 diagnosis and gas analization and the instructor had mainly a Ford background. Well any way I had already purchased a Solus and a vantage and a solarity 4channel scope. He shows up with his notebook and I instantly have buyers regret. Had a bad *** 4 channel scope loaded on the pc i think by stingray, then his scan tool software for Ford and Mazda made my solus look like a paperclip stuck in an ALDL. So I'm tryin' to catch up.

 

[Uncle Buck]

That's the same Actron I have ... fantastic for the price ... highly recommended ...

Oops ... mine is a Actron 9145 ...

So, cough up the goods, how much, where sold etc.....

Perhaps that version might be good for a guy like me, I know how to plug these devices in and read them, really I only need one for my own domestic car so how much more than this device would I really need? Or for that matter could I really justify buying?

 

[ImportTuner]

So, cough up the goods, how much, where sold etc.....

I bought mine awhile back but it's down to $100 at Amazon ... CAN compatible and live data ...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00020BM2S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[atommota]

Screw the OEM software. VW's VAG-COM 5050 is an all-in-one unit that costs $22,000 new. My dodgy copy of RossTechh Vag-Com does the same for the price of a $20 USB-OBDII cable.

I wasn't able to find the USB-OBDII cable sold alone on their website...Any idea where I can pick just the cable up at? Is there a generic USB-OBDII cable out there?

Tim

 

[Joey-D]

I have the otc nemisys scan tool and love it. I am own a car dealership and use it for everything. Problem lies in it only does domestic enhanced. So only american cars can have the abs,srs,tcm, ect read and foreign can only get basic obdII codes. You can purchase the Asian update for a couple hundred, but was wondering if anyone else had the unlock code that I could get from them. In other words, I need to unlock the usa asian enhanced 2008 on my otc nemisys. Can you help?