What scanner hardware and software

[expfcwintergreen]

I have been making do with a code reader ever since my Actron 9145 scan tool became an expensive paper weight when I installed a CAN chip. After reading recent reviews on Amazon about current Actron scanners, it appears that current scanners are just as update unfriendly as mine is. In Memphis, starting this year, it isn't enough that your car meets the emission specs: there can't be any trouble codes and all monitors have to be working. I need a scanner that will show me the voltages and readings of different sensors. I am no expert at this, but I hope with the assistance of AllData and obd2-codes.com that I can find the information I need to know what to repair on my car. I own and drive a cab and do many of my own repairs plus advise some other drivers on their repairs. I hope I can find the scanner software and hardware to work with my netbook running Windows XP or iPhone or iPad for $500 or less. I need more functionality than a code reader which I already have. Anyone have any experience with such scanner software and hardware that they like? I would also like a dependable multimeter for hopefully less than $100. I want to buy new on everything.

Edit:
Anyone know of any books or websites that will help me interpret the numbers I am getting from the scanner?

 

[nanofrog]

I would also like a dependable multimeter for hopefully less than $100. I want to buy new on everything.

Not sure if you're after special functions or not, but a decent and fairly rugged meter to take a look at is a UEi DM391. Take a look at this video, as it's one of the models reviewed.

Hope this helps.

 

[expfcwintergreen]

Not sure if you're after special functions or not, but a decent and fairly rugged meter to take a look at is a UEi DM391. Take a look at this video, as it's one of the models reviewed.

Hope this helps.

Thank you for the recommendation.

 

[Mmfh]

I asked a similar question not long ago, I'll tell you what I found out. As far as software that you can run from your Netbook, or any PC, http://www.autoenginuity.com/
Autoenginuity seems to be the ticket. I ordered it but it hasn't showed up yet, in a day or so.

I also picked up the little handheld Matco scanner from a guy here in the classifieds. Its only a handheld but it has all of the data streams and will do all of the "Can" stuff. Its to me smaller than what I expected, but its fast and gives all the info you would want from a handheld unit plus all the data. New from Matco they are about $150

Good Luck!

Mm

 

[Ign]

I also just ordered AutoEnginuity. I'm cautiously optimistic, but concerned. From what I've read, if you have ANY problems AE just tells you it's not their software, must be a pirated version. Mine was purchased from a reputable dealer, so it better work. I have it, but yet to install it as I need to find a stand-alone CD drive to get it on my laptop. I wonder if I can load it to a memory stick with my desktop and then take the stick to my laptop?

Also, to the OP, if you have a Droid there's an app called Torq which is around $10 and supposed to be damn near as good as AE or anything else. There are also knock-off code readers on Amazon that have heavily mixed reviews - they either work right off or don't work at all. Amazon will take it back tho.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

Not sure if you're after special functions or not, but a decent and fairly rugged meter to take a look at is a UEi DM391. Take a look at this video, as it's one of the models reviewed.

Hope this helps.

I use that same DMM daily. Very rugged and it is also True RMS for AC.

For software, I use and recommend the AE Proline bundle. I use it daily in my work turning wrenches.

 

[nanofrog]

I use that same DMM daily. Very rugged and it is also True RMS for AC.

The DM393 is the one that adds True RMS capability (only difference between it and the DM391; same otherwise). Adds about $30 - 35USD to the price, so not horribly expensive if you need that feature.

Very good meters for the money. A good lead set will cost just as much, possibly more, depending on the exact set (Fluke, Pomona, or Probemaster that use silicone wire and good attachments). Extech has gone all PVC for their lead sets from what I understand.

Another meter brand that adds a lot of bang-for-the-buck is Agilent's hand-helds. Especially if you catch a sale or rebate program (picked up a U1252B recently on the latter). But I doubt one can be had for $100 new.

There's always eBay (just don't buy a Fluke off of eBay new, as Fluke may not honor the warranty; there's an Authorized Distributor clause). And Lifetime warranty isn't actually lifetime (7 - 10 years; depending on purchase date, EOL date, and availability of spare parts).

Just a few tidbits for those that might be looking for a meter.

 

[Hawk321]

First, you should post your exact car...than I also would recommend a VCDS System...more for VAG cars, but anyway, it has a powerfull obd scanner.

Also read the laws from Memphis again...will not belive that it's forbidden to have absolutly no DTC active...I mean...OBD issues...ok...but almost every car has multiple saved fouts like unlearned keys...bogus issues etc.

 

[Seanbev24]

I would either get Autoenginuity with the package for your specific car make, or I recommend this for a good but basic tool...

http://www.tooltopia.com/otc-tools-3111.aspx

My shop just got one and I really like it. I grab this for quick checks and/or when I'm in the scope mode on my Modis and don't want to swap back and forth. The only thing it doesn't have is bi-directional controls, but nothing does in that price range. You can just go into generic obd2, or enter year/make/model. It can actually graph live data, does abs, and shows top reported fixes for the specific vehicle to help guide you in the right direction.

 

[expfcwintergreen]

First, you should post your exact car...than I also would recommend a VCDS System...more for VAG cars, but anyway, it has a powerfull obd scanner.

Also read the laws from Memphis again...will not belive that it's forbidden to have absolutly no DTC active...I mean...OBD issues...ok...but almost every car has multiple saved fouts like unlearned keys...bogus issues etc.

============

My car is a 2006 Chevrolet Impala LS with a 3.5 flex fuel engine. I looked at the Ross-Tech website for the VCDS system and understood it to say that their software is only for European cars.

I mispoke about the trouble codes: as far as I know it is for emissions only codes.

=============

Thanks for all the suggestions so far everyone.

 

[expfcwintergreen]

Update:
I bought the generic Auto Enginuity hardware and software and the GM enhanced package. Everything looks to function correctly. I will start trying to run down what parts or wiring is causing my trouble codes tomorrow. Thanks to everyone for your advice. I am going to check on the multi-meters next week.