Scan Tool?

[Eagle7]

Help me pick out a code scan tool. Here's what I think I want:

• PC based - more function for less cost.
• Monitor the current condition of sensor values.
• Compatible with all (most?) OBD-II cars.
• If possible, also compatible with my pre-OBD-II cars.
• Cheap.

Here's what I've got:

• 2002 Honda
• 1996 Chevy truck
• 1995 Ford E-350 Power Stroke Diesel
• 1991 Miata

I've seen some ELM-based scanners that seem to be along the lines of what I'm looking for. Let me know what you like and what fits my needs.

Thanks,

[Darryl Pritchett]

The key word what do you consider "Cheap", secondly do you want it to be bidirectional so it can activate sensors or do you just want to read them. The other problem will be with you 95 Ford Diesel.

[Eagle7]

Cheap - Over $200 it'll probably never happen (because the race car doesn't need it ). Over $100 it probably won't happen soon. Under $80 it might be in Santa's sleigh.

I've never used one of these tools, and I'm not sure what you mean by activating sensors. Doesn't sound like a requirement.

I was afraid that the diesel would be a problem. That's not a show-stopper.

Thanks,

[JLawton]

I bought a cheapo ($40?) from JC Whitney and use it on my 2002 F150 and 97 M3 and it has saved me thousands!! It gets you in the general vacinity of the problem but I guess I've been lucky <knocking on wood> to be able to figure it out or throw cheap parts at it to fix the problem.

[Streetwise guy]

Either buy a code reader from Napa or Autozone or wherever for $50, or spend a couple grand on a real one from your local Snapon or OTC guy. There really isn't a lot of middle ground, unless you find an old one a pro is getting rid of. I am completly unfamiliar with PC based things. Proper ones are real money, I imagine there is something hacked together in a basement for less.

Your Miata won't give much data- the Asians were a bit parsimonious with their datastream at that time. May only flash codes. The Diesel may talk to a generic scannerbut I don't know. I avoid oil burners at my shop.

And I use the phrase "real one" advisedly. There is no substitute for the factory tool for a professional.

[Rabbit07]

Look into Autotap or AutoEnginunity. The later will handle bydirectional stuff.