Scanner Sweet Spot

[bczygan]

Yes, I know there are 100 scanner threads. But I want to get specific.

Vehicles:
1986 Pontiac 6000
1990 Pontiac 6000
1995 Chevy Astro Van AWD
1999 Ford Econoline E350
2002 Chevy Astro Van RWD

Future vehicles: Who knows. Maybe a 2000 plus Suburban or Tahoe, maybe a Subaru.

I've been running the 2002 Astro up to the corner shop to check and erase codes.

But I would like a scanner for myself. And not just one that reads and erases, but does enough with data to use it to diagnose things. So I think I need the ability to log.

So what's the sweet spot for hardware? And what's the deal with software upgrades?

Guide me.

Bill

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

https://actron.com/content/elite-autoscanner-kit-enhanced-obd-i-and-obd-ii-scan-tool

 

[bczygan]

https://actron.com/content/elite-autoscanner-kit-enhanced-obd-i-and-obd-ii-scan-tool

I can get that CP9690 for $125 and the CP9695 for $175. Is that a better choice?

How about ones that use your laptop? What about software upgrades?

Does everyone concur?

Bill

 

[6PTsocket]

I can get that CP9690 for $125 and the CP9695 for $175. Is that a better choice?

How about ones that use your laptop? What about software upgrades?

Does everyone concur?

Bill

My old auto xray 6000 came with lifetime upgrades. I think that is the same people that make Actron. I have it with my Garmin gps maps, as well. That is a good thing to check on when choosing an OBD tool.


Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Schurkey]

For the record..."Scanner" is a Snap-On trademark. The generic form is "Scan Tool".

I'd rather have a used, professional-grade scan tool than a brand-new consumer-grade tool. The newest vehicle on your list is a 2002. The newest vehicle I own is a 2003. I have a Snap-On "Red Brick" MTG-2500 scanner. My software is good to 2006, and they quit supporting the 2500 in 2009, so that's the newest-possible software.

This is a Snappy MT2500, I sold it three or four years ago for about $200. Had VIN-specific software from '80 1/2 to 2000, I think. The MTG2500 looks about the same, but has one more button and the capacity to graph sensor outputs for two sensors.

 

[454ragtop]

Autel MD802 All System, bought mine new on Ebay $225. I have an MT2500 as well, but you will be amazed how fast time goes by, and it gets more and more obsolete. The latest cartridges for it are pretty hard to come by as well. It would be a good choice for your pre OBD II (pre 1995) stuff though.

 

[dsmnickk90]

I have a mt2500 with the programmable cartridges. It goes up to 04' model year.
I also have a solus pro with 16.4. The mt2500 with get the job done on older stuff but I like being able to graph on the solus.
I recently sold a extra mt2500 I had on ebay for $300

 

[American Locomotive]

For anything post 96 a generic obd2 bluetooth adapter and torquepro is hard to beat. For Fords, the $5 FORScan app is great.

 

[brveagle]

+1 for MT2500 snap on tool. I picked one up awhile ago and can't believe i waited so long to do so. Watch ebay and don't be afraid to spend a little extra on one that has every adapter and cartridge available.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Pre-1996 is OBD-I. Very little capability built into the PCM. IMHO, not worth the extra cost of buying a scanner that can do OBD-I, plus you usually have to buy and adapter.