question about diagnostic scanner

[slimshady_2469]

hello everyone, i am an avid diy'er and find myself doing quite a bit of repairs on the side for family/friends etc. i am wondering which diagnostic tool would be the best to get? ive been looking at the equus models primarily, but i would like to get the most features for my dollar.

i am thinking this one would probably be my best choice: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Equus-3150-Innova-ABS-Professional-Diagnostic-Code-Scanner/14644661

or would i be better off going with this obd1&2 with no abs?
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Equus-3120-Innova-Diagnostic-Code-Scanner/14644658

of course if there is a better option in the 200 and under range please let me know! i do have a laptop that i could use but someone would really have to spell it out like your talkin to a retard for me to understand how to make it work, lol

thanks guys! jesse

 

[greasemonkey44]

both those innova products are fantastic, they pull codes quickly and erase them as well
i was looking at getting one but went with autoenginuity instead. we have a 3150 at work that i used before and it was great, thinking about getting one still
i do work on alot of cars professionally and needed more diagnostic ability and a way to expand if need be so i went with the laptop style scan tool.
if i was a home diy guy i would pick up one of the 3150s without blinking. great simple good explanations and very user friendly.
remember tho just cuz a car threw a code for something doesnt mean thats the problem, researching that specific code online with regard to your vehicle will lead you down the right path in no time.

 

[Lomotil]

remember tho just cuz a car threw a code for something doesnt mean thats the problem, researching that specific code online with regard to your vehicle will lead you down the right path in no time.

+1

 

[not-required]

hello everyone, i am an avid diy'er and find myself doing quite a bit of repairs on the side for family/friends etc. i am wondering which diagnostic tool would be the best to get? ive been looking at the equus models primarily, but i would like to get the most features for my dollar.

i am thinking this one would probably be my best choice: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Equus-3150-Innova-ABS-Professional-Diagnostic-Code-Scanner/14644661

or would i be better off going with this obd1&2 with no abs?
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Equus-3120-Innova-Diagnostic-Code-Scanner/14644658

of course if there is a better option in the 200 and under range please let me know! i do have a laptop that i could use but someone would really have to spell it out like your talkin to a retard for me to understand how to make it work, lol

thanks guys! jesse

I was wondering the same thing. OBD I & II or ABS?

 

[slimshady_2469]

i know the code isnt always the problem. what sort of expandability does the laptop version have? what are a few of the programs out for laptops and where would a guy get the plugs? i could figure out how to use it if it was going to be that much more beneficial. thanks!

 

[mfewtrail]

Go to Equus website and check out the comparison charts if you're set on one of the Innova scan tools. http://www.equus.com/Product/OBDII After you select a scan tool version, there will be a "comparison chart" tab near the bottom of the page.

Note from the charts that the 3150 does not display live sensor data. That may or may not be a deal breaker for you. I would prefer live data as it's a very valuable resource when diagnosing issues.

 

[slimshady_2469]

what about the scantool.net pieces?
http://www.scantool.net/scan-tools/pc-based/obdlink.html
this one looks good to me, but does it do the abs and airbag stuff? it doesnt say anything about either. basically i want the most features/ bang for my buck and under 200 bucks

 

[Gman89]

one thing you should know, is that both Equus 3150 or 3160 don't cover ABS on all cars. I think somewhere in the equus website, it says witch vehicle the ABS works on. You might want to check first before making your decision.

 

[slimshady_2469]

nobody has any suggestions for computer based scanners?

 

[farmmech86]

greasemonkey44 mentioned it, but here it is for those who missed it....................


http://www.autoenginuity.com/

Lots of flexibility for a reasonable price ($250)

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

 

[slimshady_2469]

i did see that, but do you have to buy the respective program for each make of car for the autoenginuity one? id like to buy once and be done other than updates. i like the idea of expandability but not for a 250 initial cost then 100 and up for every make i need to work on. if im wrong about how it works please let me know.

 

[farmmech86]

OBDII is universal - it covers most all makes and models, since 1996. But it is only the emissions-related powertrain systems and sensors. Thats all the Innova can do (well, the 3150 does ABS, but you don't want to mess with that unless you REALLY know what you are doing). Thats all most folks want to do, or know how to do. Thats what the $250 bundle will do.

The extra modules give you access to EVERYTHING - all the vehicle-specific codes and what not. About like they have at the dealership. It lets you REALLY screw stuff up. Hahahaha


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

 

[farmmech86]

So for $250 you could do the basics on most any make and model since 1996, and do the REALLY detailed stuff (like Crank Variation Learn or Injector Flow Rate Programming or lots of other things that I have no business doing ) for different makes and models at a $100 or so a pop.

 

[MechManiac]

OBDII is universal - it covers most all makes and models, since 1996. But it is only the emissions-related powertrain systems and sensors. Thats all the Innova can do (well, the 3150 does ABS, but you don't want to mess with that unless you REALLY know what you are doing). Thats all most folks want to do, or know how to do. Thats what the $250 bundle will do.

The extra modules give you access to EVERYTHING - all the vehicle-specific codes and what not. About like they have at the dealership. It lets you REALLY screw stuff up. Hahahaha


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

Sure it's "Universal"? I have a European market 2004 BMW X5 (diesel) and so far Launch Tech USA said they're not sure if the coding is different to the USA market cars, and that their lower end product may not be of use to me. I agree with you on the screwing up part. If you don't know a lot, an advanced module could make life worse for you if you poke around in the wrong areas....Sorry to be intruding on the thread!

 

[slimshady_2469]

dont be sorry, thank you for your input! the more i can learn the better! so would the scantool.net one i linked to in post #7 be similar to the autoenginuity one minus the manufacturer specific stuff?

 

[farmmech86]

You are right MechManiac. I should have specified - all cars sold in the U.S. since 1996 have OBDII. Its a federal law. Your European model is probably different. I forgot the "worldwide" part of www!

Also, don't forget, if you work on things older than 1996, you are in a whole 'nother ballgame.

 

[greasemonkey44]

never used anything but AE, the verus at work, and the equus at work
you seem to have already sold yourself the scantools.net, so go for it. Youll only be out like 130$, i would look up reviews and stuff, and check ebay.
i will warn you that ive never heard of that tool or site. quite a few techs use AE and launch products, good luck man.


to the rest speaking of getting in trouble, heard if the car or reprogramming tool loses power while flashing it you can f it up bad

 

[jay50]

OBDII is universal - it covers most all makes and models, since 1996. But it is only the emissions-related powertrain systems and sensors. Thats all the Innova can do (well, the 3150 does ABS, but you don't want to mess with that unless you REALLY know what you are doing). Thats all most folks want to do, or know how to do. Thats what the $250 bundle will do.

The extra modules give you access to EVERYTHING - all the vehicle-specific codes and what not. About like they have at the dealership. It lets you REALLY screw stuff up. Hahahaha


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

Autoenginuity is the first scanner I use at work; the Virus just sits in the corner collecting dust like the POS it is.

 

[MechManiac]

You are right MechManiac. I should have specified - all cars sold in the U.S. since 1996 have OBDII. Its a federal law. Your European model is probably different. I forgot the "worldwide" part of www!

Also, don't forget, if you work on things older than 1996, you are in a whole 'nother ballgame.

Yes and different right now means I have to look to the UK for compatible scanners around the 200-300 mark....

 

[slimshady_2469]

im not sold on anything right now. im looking for my best option for under 200 dollars though so please let me know what my best options would be for around that price range.

 

[MechManiac]

Slim, everyone has their own opinions in this matter. I am in the same situation as you with me being in need of a scan tool except that I'm willing to go a little higher in price.(300). What I've come to realize is that if I ask too much...I get too many responses...some valid, and some not. I ended up contacting the various manufacturers (via email) and asked them if their product will do what I need it to do. Some said yes, some no. I short listed it, crossed my fingers and took a shot.
Research directly with the manufacturer's support dep't. For example, I found that I hardly/almost never do transmission or ABS work so I considered a product under 200 that will only do engine work... in the event my "friend"/ customer has work like that to do, I'll recommend someone to them...I'll loose out $$ for the job, but I won't loose a friend.