OBDII Scanner

[growe3]

I have a friend who wants to buy an OBDII scanner. My questions are for those who have actually used a OBDII scanner to diagnose a problem.

The scanner will be used by a non-professional, but knowledgable person as a DIYS'er

Is there a particular scanner brand that is preferred?

Why do you think this brand is better than others?

Options that make it easy to use?

Is it limited to a specific make and model?

Thanks, George

[JimD]

George:

I have been using this one for more than 4 years; it has been usefull several times to isolate and confirm powertrain problems. Can read all manufacturer powertrain codes plus other powertrain data streams.

Pull down the software and look at the display options. Laptop with DB9 serial connection required

http://obddiagnostics.com/index.html

[Ranger]

I have found that there are all different kinds out there. I almost bought one for $100+ only to find out it did little more than the one I bought for $40 from Harbor Freight. It only reads codes that set the SES light I believe but that is all I wanted. It's called the CREADER. They are either OBDI or OBDII. I think there may be a special one for certain Japaneese and German cars. The big difference (and price comes when you jump from a "reader" to a "scanner".

http://www.eastcoastefi.com/Creader.htm

http://order.harborfreight.com/EasyAsk/har...15%20PDT%202005

[Scotty]

I have been seriously considering this one:

http://www.autotap.com/autotap_for_windows.html

...but the enhanced version that has these parameters

http://www.autotap.com/enhanced_parameters_gm.asp

The only thing that BUGS me is that sometimes if i am looking for a specific parameter it is not included..they other day I was looking for the twilight sentinal sensor reading and they don't seem to track it.

I am in the process of wiring my garage and have considered a place for my old PC to handle this program..but can't wait to get a laptop

Run the AutoTap DEMO

Here is some good reading

http://www.obdii.com/

[growe3]

Hi guys,

Thanks for taking the time to respond to my questions. I will follow up on your suggestions and look over the scanners that you mentioned.

-George

[97Sevillesls]

I have a Actron Orb II scanner from Autozone. Works well

[Scotty]

Here is an interesting source!

http://www.obdii.com/cgi-bin/forumdisplay....e=75&LastLogin=

[jfreezn]

I got mine from Pepboys in January for $89. It reads all generic codes listed by OBDII. and it RESETS codes. It comes with two decoding manuals, one in Spanish. I have used it on my 98 ML320, my 95 Mustang, and my daughter's 03 Xterra.

Marketed by SPX, a giant conglomerate, The model 3769 Stinger can be seen at www.OTCtools.com. Owatonna Tools has been around a long time.

For those that are wondering, OBDII became mandatory in 96, for all vehicles sold in the US, but was optional in 94 and 95. The 16 pin cable that comes with it is standardized for all complying cars.

Jim in Phoenix

[Scotty]

I have one of those also, its cute, but I am looking for actual real time data for diagnostics, the Cadillac DIC will give you codes and you can erase them easily, WE really don't need a reader.

I bought that $50 reader for my wifes Monte Carlo..and its adequate to get and reset codes.

I posted links above, to Autotap, look at the enhanced real time code list, and watch the DEMOS, that is what I need.... Real Time Info... Look at the DEMOS, and watch the videos, that is what is important..