Recommendations for a scan tool

[bob_the_builder]

So I have been doing a lot of reading on the site recording scan tools but am still a little confused on the type to go with so I am looking for some help. I am just a weekend diy guy that enjoys working on my own personal cars. I would really like to add a scan tool to my toolbox but not sure the best one to get. Within the family I have 8 GM cars I look after. They range from 1999 to 2011. The majority are Silverado's but I do have a camaro and equinox in the fleet. Right now my budy has been letting me borrow his code reader (an inexpensive ebay one) and it has been a big help however I find that it is very limited. If I am going to spend the money on one I would like it to be bi-directional. For example the last time I replaced the brake lines on my Silverado I needed a scan tool to cycle the abs unit. Or I replaced the throttle body and needed a scan tool to reset the throttle position since it did not relearn itself from driving. These types of things you cannot do with just a code reader.

I have been looking at and reading reviews on the Snap on Solus and Ethos. Are there other scan tools that I should be looking at for the type of work I am doing? Also I know that the units have to be updated. Is it possible to purchase the scanner now and then just update it a few years later when I add a new vehicle to the fleet or do I have to do it each year.

Thanks

Bob

 

[GTA Matt]

The Ethos doesn't offer bi-directional control, it is a very glorified data reader. The solus is a very nice scan tool, with bi-directional control and excellent gm coverage. Updates are expensive however for just a home user. I would recommend you look at the Autel Maxidas. Can do almost everything the snap on scanners can do and has automatic wifi updates, and is much cheaper. I have both the autel and snap on scanners (Verdict, same software as the solus), and a tech2. On gm vehicles, my go to is the snap on, simply due to the ability for me to save and print data. Coverage is so good between the 2 tools that I generally only need the tech2 for programming.

 

[regguy1]

GTA Matt is pointing you in a good direction.....
This one is very good OE style with Bi directional controls and reasonably priced:
http://www.autel.us/Products/ds708.htm

You can buy a US supported model here, and if you first sign up for their email list you get a 10% discount code to use on your order: http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-18542-diagnostic-scan-tool.aspx

Here's thread I started before I bought mine: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=218565

PS: They just announced an OS (V 6.13?) update that allows you to have free updates after initial period:

 

[joe_padavano]

I got a used OTC Genysis on ebay years ago. I've had to upgrade the software occasionally as I get newer cars. For a 2011 vehicle you'll pretty much need the latest versions. For older vehicles, the older versions of the software are fine and much less expensive. The Genysis is bidirectional and will perform most of the factory tests and calibrations (ie, it will perform the Crank Position Sensor learn function on my 99 K3500). It will also perform tests like selective injector disable to let you see what cylinder is misfiring.

 

[Brownsfan]

If you have all gm vehicles then I would get the Tech2. It is going to be pretty expensive though. I think OTC makes a "aftermarket" tech2 I could be wrong though. I needed one last week to turn on cruise control functions after installing a aftermarket data bus cruise control. Good thing my buddy owns one.

 

[dirtbikedude]

I agree with regguy1. the Autel Maxidas is a great multi-directional tool. I have done several service bleeds on GM's with zero problems... and I have made quite a few bucks reprogramming new key fobs for people with it. I have had mine for about a year, but when I purchased it my sales guy said you can do the update whenever you want, skipping a year or two is not penalized.

 

[regguy1]

I agree with regguy1. the Autel Maxidas is a great multi-directional tool. I have done several service bleeds on GM's with zero problems... and I have made quite a few bucks reprogramming new key fobs for people with it. I have had mine for about a year, but when I purchased it my sales guy said you can do the update whenever you want, skipping a year or two is not penalized.

It also has good build quality, doesn't look or feel like a cheap unit
And if you notice in my thread link above several people have pointed out that Maxidas copied GM Tech 2 software

 

[scaron]

have you considered an equus innova? they have a pretty nice line of OBD tools; some of them are available fairly inexpensively rebadged as Craftsman, or you can find a deal on an innova on amazon or ebay.

 

[joe_padavano]

If you have all gm vehicles then I would get the Tech2. It is going to be pretty expensive though. I think OTC makes a "aftermarket" tech2 I could be wrong though. I needed one last week to turn on cruise control functions after installing a aftermarket data bus cruise control. Good thing my buddy owns one.

The OTC Genysis does everything a Tech2 does except flash the PROM. It also works for other makes besides GM.

 

[bob_the_builder]

I still have been going back and forth on the scan tools right now. Does anyone have any experience with Autoenginuity? I saw it on an episode of Truck U and looked alright for the price. It says it has bi-directional control if I get the GM specific package. I figure I would be into the tool for $450-$500. From what I can see the major negative is that it runs on a laptop which some people say is not portable and takes a long time to boot up. As a DIY this is not really a negative for me.

Also does anyone have experience with the OTC 3111Pro. I know it does not offer bi-directional support it appears to be a very nice compact code reader.

Bob