Scanner question

[Coach James]

I'm looking to get a engine scanner. Any preference between Actron and Equus? many thanks.
Coach

 

[SuperKid]

Honestly, if you want to get the most bang for your buck, head to eBay and get a used Snap-On scan tool. The MT2500 is what I have the most experiance with. I don't know about the specific scanners you mentioned, but most inexpensive (aka > $1000) scanners just tell you any codes, then you have to look up what they mean. The MT2500 tells you what they mean, gives you tips on what to look for to fix the problem, can tell you countless things about your vehicle, and many other features. Not to mention it's infinitely upgradeable. If you work on alot of computer controlled vehicles, it's well worth your investment.

 

[Rickster]

Be sure you're getting the correct scanner for your needs. I believe in 1996 they brought in OBD2 and the scanners became more expensive to cover the added codes. Before OBD2 there was of couse OBD1 and those scanners are considerably cheaper. Also for the OBD2 scanners you'll find two price ranges and thats because the EPA requires all manufacturers to support generic codes for their vehicle lines and its cheaper to make a code reader that only reads the generic codes. The more expensive readers in addition to reading the generic codes also will read the additional manufacturers specific codes which will help you in diagnostics. These units often have avaiable manufacturer specific plug in cards or discs. I have also heard there is available computer software that can can be added to a laptop to read codes.

 

[SuperKid]

Be sure you're getting the correct scanner for your needs. I believe in 1996 they brought in OBD2 and the scanners became more expensive to cover the added codes. Before OBD2 there was of couse OBD1 and those scanners are considerably cheaper. Also for the OBD2 scanners you'll find two price ranges and thats because the EPA requires all manufacturers to support generic codes for their vehicle lines and its cheaper to make a code reader that only reads the generic codes. The more expensive readers in addition to reading the generic codes also will read the additional manufacturers specific codes which will help you in diagnostics. These units often have avaiable manufacturer specific plug in cards or discs. I have also heard there is available computer software that can can be added to a laptop to read codes.

Another reason to get the Snap-On. It has upgradable cartridges and mutliple adapters so it can read any vehicles, past, present, and in the future.

 

[Gearhead559]

modis, mt2500 (aka the red brick) solus, genisus, etc..

the cheap(er) 200 ones will give you a code , but some dont let you look at the data stream..but they can be handy around the shop, too help gather quick codes, too see if its something simple! (aka po300 codes are miss fire codes)etc.

 

[chevy302dz]

The cheapest scanner I have found that covers engine, trans, ABS, and airbag is the OTC Nemisys (this is the one I have). It covers obd I and II, shows live data, is upgradable, it will give you the full code descripition (no tips on repair though) and it covers manfacturer codes as well as the global. You can usually buy them with the domestic upgrade included, the import upgrade with the manufactuer codes for asian and european has to be purchased seperately.

 

[thefairlaneman]

My 64 ford for which I made the garage for doesnt require no stinkin scanner!