Recommend me a good obd2 scanner

[toolaholic]

Hi all, I'm still using a OTC that I got on Amazon lightning deal in 2008. Paid about $80. I almost bought this but perhaps I should spend more/get better model:
https://m.sears.com/craftsman-obd2-car-reader/p-00947156000P. The sky's the limit perhaps this : https://m.sears.com/craftsman-obd2-scan-tool-with-abs-airbag-codeconnect-174/p-00939853000P. How much cababikity does a DIYer need?

 

[mrapp23]

I have one of the bosch models, the Bosch 1150 I believe. I bought it when my girlfriends junk infiniti started breaking down every month... It's saved us quite a bit of money being able to diagnose the issue and make the repairs myself.

 

[oldtools]

I don't recommend the $40 one. That is just a code reader with only generic code capability unless that is all you need. I think you may want at least live data. In that case you need a scanner. The basic scanner will provide code (generic) and live data. The more expensive scanner will provide bi-directionality, indepth manufacture specific codes, and much more. The high end scanner is quite expensive. It all boil down to what you need. If you have alot of money to burn, go with high end scanner. If not, go with a basic scanner.

 

[theoldwizard1]

First, ANYTHING except a Craftsman. They will likely be an orphan within a year.

What additional functionality are you looking for ? ABS, SRS ? If those are important, I would lean toward Bosch.

Do NOT pay extra for OBD-I capability. Those vehicles are dying off fast.

 

[cdeer001]

First, ANYTHING except a Craftsman.

I believe the Craftsman scanners are rebranded INNOVA units - http://www.innova.com/wp/

 

[toolaholic]

First, ANYTHING except a Craftsman. They will likely be an orphan within a year.

What additional functionality are you looking for ? ABS, SRS ? If those are important, I would lean toward Bosch.

Do NOT pay extra for OBD-I capability. Those vehicles are dying off fast.

I would like more live data. The only OBD1 Vehicles I would want is a Chevy impala ss 94-96(. Yes 96 is obd2) or a unaffordable 1995 mustang cobra R with the 351(5.8).

 

[454ragtop]

Went thru this about a year ago, got an Autel MD802 All System. Seems to be great bang for the buck, about $225. on ebay at the time, new.

 

[zmotorsports]

Autel or Innova seem to be quite good for the money and do more than merely read codes. Pretty good features for the money in my opinion.

I have my high end Snap-On that I use routinely in the shop but I also purchased an Innova to carry in the Jeep to have on hand. I have had to use it on several club runs and appears to work well so far. I don't see why it wouldn't function just as well for a home DIY'er.

Mike.

 

[bri_man57]

Has anyone one looked into using your phone or tablet for this? I am using a blutooth OBD2 adapter and the torque app on my Android and am very impressed. Codes, real time data, and I'm less than $30 into it (not including the tablet I already had for other uses). Maybe not the most professional setup but it really is cool.

 

[zendriver]

Hi all, I'm still using a OTC that I got on Amazon lightning deal in 2008. Paid about $80. I almost bought this but perhaps I should spend more/get better model:
https://m.sears.com/craftsman-obd2-car-reader/p-00947156000P. The sky's the limit perhaps this : https://m.sears.com/craftsman-obd2-scan-tool-with-abs-airbag-codeconnect-174/p-00939853000P. How much cababikity does a DIYer need?

I was going to suggest HF, but these are a much better deal.

 

[Bobioz1]

Never seen a "good" obd2 scanner. But I do use an Autel AL319 to clear codes sometimes when the job is done. It has live data, freeze frame, manufacture specific codes and a kinda cool obd2 monitor feature. Under 30 clams on Amazon right now.

 

[BajaScout]

Autel or Innova seem to be quite good for the money and do more than merely read codes. Pretty good features for the money in my opinion.

I have my high end Snap-On that I use routinely in the shop but I also purchased an Innova to carry in the Jeep to have on hand. I have had to use it on several club runs and appears to work well so far. I don't see why it wouldn't function just as well for a home DIY'er.

Mike.

I have a 2000 Jeep the is stalling. No codes. Will this scanner help me to troubleshoot? Only stalls at idle. Heard some scanners do not work well with Chrysler products.

 

[AirJunky]

Has anyone one looked into using your phone or tablet for this? I am using a blutooth OBD2 adapter and the torque app on my Android and am very impressed. Codes, real time data, and I'm less than $30 into it (not including the tablet I already had for other uses). Maybe not the most professional setup but it really is cool.

This..... I have Torque displaying a transmission temp gauge in my 05 Chevy Avalanche. It seems to work really well. I found info online about loading Torque with the GM codes. Now it automatically loads any time I start the app.
I also use it to clear codes the ECM has thrown. I seem to get the codes for a dirty MAF or loose gas cap all too often.

 

[ryan20021982]

Also have an Autel not sure the model but it does live data and was around $100 works fine for what I want

 

[454ragtop]

I have a 2000 Jeep the is stalling. No codes. Will this scanner help me to troubleshoot? Only stalls at idle. Heard some scanners do not work well with Chrysler products.

First thing to do is clean the throttle body, bet it's gummed up where the blade meets the housing.

 

[1949 caddyman]

^^^^^^^^ I second clean t body!

 

[anndel]

Autel, Actron, Bluedriver (android or iphone) or Innova

 

[scissorman]

I have a Launch CR123 and have no issues with it. It also does ABS, SRS, and transmission codes. They can be found d for around $125 if you look around on the internet. There is a never version that has a slightly larger screen and I believe it's the Launch CR123P if I'm not mistaken.

 

[BajaScout]

First thing to do is clean the throttle body, bet it's gummed up where the blade meets the housing.

Cleaned the throttle body and the IAC. Also replaced the IAC. No luck. Been throwing parts at it for quite some time. Hopefully investing in a scanner will help me determine what the cause is. Shuts down just like you turned the key off so I am thinking it has something to do with the engine management system. Would be nice if I could diagnose the cause vice throwing parts at it. A scanner seems to be a good investment anyways

 

[BajaScout]

Do the scanners need to connect to a PC for software updates? I have a MAC so that may a problem for some scanners. I will have to look at that closely before purchasing.

 

[jblachly]

I bought a low-cost bluetooth module from Amazon and it connects to the Torque pro app on my android tablet. Code reading, resetting, live data, logging. Email reports to yourself! Highly recommend. The wireless module was cheap ($20?) and Torque pro was relatively inexpensive as well, and definitely worth paying for.

 

[BajaScout]

Did some research this morning and decided on a bluetooth unit that would work with my MacBook Pro. I wanted the ability to see live data, export and freeze frame. I chose the Kiwi 3 as it covered most everything you could want to monitor. Not in stock on Amazon, probably means they sell out fast. Bought direct from the manufacturer to avoid any return issues. Manufacture (PLX) has a sale on right now.

http://www.plxdevices.com/Kiwi-3-OBD-Car-to-Smartphone-Connection-p/897346002832.htm

My choice for software will be OBD doctor. Looks like it will work great with a MacBook Pro. I will try the trial version first for free.

https://www.obdautodoctor.com/tour

Total cost will be about $150-$160. A diagnostic check in San Diego runs $100. Seems to be a lot of capability for the price. From what I can see this combo will do most everything with the standard edition of the OBD Doctor software:

https://www.obdautodoctor.com/compare-editions

I will have plenty to learn with this new tool.

Video of the feee OBD Doctor trial version:

 

[Datwyl01]

I need an OBD2 Scanner for my three vehicles (10' Tundra, 06' Tacoma, 09' Corolla). Needs to be more than just a reader. I want to be able to do most of the repairs myself. Needs to be able to read and clear Generic and Manufacturer Specific DTC codes; provide DTC descriptions and solutions (no additional charges or fees), ABS/SRS/TPMS are all highly desired but not necessary. Live data is not a necessity - I think.

Anyone have any luck with these:

Autel AL519 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007XE5LTG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Autel AL619 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0091DJWV0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Innova 3040c https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00W85NZU2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Blue Driver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00652G4TS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Or any other recommendations. Appreciate any feedback.

 

[bushmechanic]

If it'll do what you want, the Scangauge II is an awesome little unit with plenty of live data. You'll just not have output or graphing capabilities. As a scanner and live data viewer, though, it's outstanding.

 

[dnschmidt]

Ratchets and Wrenches just did a YouTube video on this very subject. He's a good dude and I trust his opinions. Here's the link:

 

[Datwyl01]

Looked at Scangauge. Not really what I had in mind. Don't really need anything that's designed to be part of the dashboard. Just something to add to the toolbox.

So, took a look at the video suggested above. Not sure if the difference in pricing is worth having the ABS and SRS features. The AL619 is currently $105 on Amazon. The AL519 is about $60. But it is a good features to have.

Can anyone shed some light on the difference between the autel and innova units?

Blue Driver is a bkue tooth based unit for the smartphone. Not sure if I'm ready to go wireless though. I'm old school.

 

[Datwyl01]

Looked at Scangauge. Not really what I had in mind. Don't really need anything that's designed to be part of the dashboard. Just something to add to the toolbox.

So, took a look at the video suggested above. Not sure if the difference in pricing is worth having the ABS and SRS features. The AL619 is currently $105 on Amazon. The AL519 is about $60. But it is a good features to have.

Can anyone shed some light on the difference between the autel and innova units?

Blue Driver is a bkue tooth based unit for the smartphone. Not sure if I'm ready to go wireless though. I'm old school.

So, still no closer in making a decision since I originally posted. But after reading other blogs, I now have added another option. Basically a cheap clone TIS Cable and software for Toyota. Correct me if I am wrong. Claims to be able to do what I want to do and more - except the more advanced stuff that requires a license key form Toyota to access.

 

[Datwyl01]

Recommendations from another blog site suggested I look into Techstream TIS. The genuine Toyota system runs over $1000 - way outside of my budget. But a few bloggers recommended picking up a much cheaper clone which will do the same basic things, including what I want to do. Costs average below $50.

 

[ehlidaesilva]

I have bought this model Autel AL619 AutoLink? It has good review on amazon. It around 100 bucks and was perfect to me. I bought few other obd2 scan tool and wrote a complete review about the best obd2 scanner.
My personal opinion: It is worth to buy.