Best Scan Tool Question
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 0
From: Brampton, Ontario
Best Scan Tool Question
I'm thinking of purchasing a Scan tool to read codes. What would be the best one to purchase if you were going to use it for more than one vehicle and keep it for many years? I realize this is a broad question, but advice would be appreciated. Is there one for ABS codes also? I hate to borrow tools and in this case I don’t know of anyone that even has one.
Thanks and ask questions please,
Thanks and ask questions please,
#2
For that I would get a laptop and then get AutoTap. Its the best route if you are going to be using a scan tool often and for a long time, the features that come with it are very useful:
www.autotap.com
If you just want basic codes then an Actron is the way to go, this is the more affordable route but at the cost of not getting a data stream of your sensors for lets say diagnosing a faulty sensor whose reading is off. This is best for figuring out the occasional CEL and nothing more:
Actron: http://www.autobarn.net/obdiiau.html - $140
Pocket Actron: http://www.autobarn.net/cp9125.html - $75
Edit: Wrong autobarn links, now corrected.
www.autotap.com
If you just want basic codes then an Actron is the way to go, this is the more affordable route but at the cost of not getting a data stream of your sensors for lets say diagnosing a faulty sensor whose reading is off. This is best for figuring out the occasional CEL and nothing more:
Actron: http://www.autobarn.net/obdiiau.html - $140
Pocket Actron: http://www.autobarn.net/cp9125.html - $75
Edit: Wrong autobarn links, now corrected.
#5
Thread Starter
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 0
From: Brampton, Ontario
I didn't notice the link before, thanks. I noticed this on sale this week and was wondering if it was a good deal. http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortmen...romSearch=true
http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortmen...romSearch=true
http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortmen...romSearch=true
#6
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 29,661
Likes: 34
From: Sheboygan Wisconsin
I just got ProScan from www.myscantool.com It seems OK, but I have not had a chance to really check it out, hope to do that tomorrow. It was only about $90 and that includes cables.
#7
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,448
Likes: 6
From: _Phoenix, AZ_ _WCBF '05, '06, '07 Survivor_ ____NEBF '07 Remnant___
Originally Posted by Maymybonneliveforever
I didn't notice the link before, thanks. I noticed this on sale this week and was wondering if it was a good deal. http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortmen...romSearch=true
http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortmen...romSearch=true
http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortmen...romSearch=true
A code reader can be obtained rathere inexpensively, but will only read trouble codes. A scantool will read trouble codes and also some live engine operating parameters, but will cost at least twice as much as just a code-reader. Also, since you have a '95, I don't know if you have a hybrid protocol. If so, then you need to make sure you have a reader (or scantool) cabale of reading OBD II using an OBD I connector.
#8
Thread Starter
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 0
From: Brampton, Ontario
Originally Posted by Echo SSEI
Links don't work. It is important to define what you really want. Do you want a code reader? or a scantool?
A code reader can be obtained rathere inexpensively, but will only read trouble codes. A scantool will read trouble codes and also some live engine operating parameters, but will cost at least twice as much as just a code-reader. Also, since you have a '95, I don't know if you have a hybrid protocol. If so, then you need to make sure you have a reader (or scantool) cabale of reading OBD II using an OBD I connector.
#9
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,882
Likes: 2
From: Montevideo, MN MWBF '05, '06, '07 WCBF '06 '07 survivor
#10
Thread Starter
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 0
From: Brampton, Ontario
Originally Posted by sonoma_zr2