Auto scan tool suggestions

[ModMech]

There are a number of smart phone applications that will retrieve DTCs for "all makes" that are OBD-II compliant.

I purchase "PC" based OEM software as a highly motivated DIY, but not the OEM software device. Reading DTCs for me, is generally a waste of time, I can often tell from the engine's operation where the problem is and that is essentially all a DTC will tell you as well. I then diagnose based on how an internal combustion engine works, taking into account the type of fuel and ignition systems.

The single most important thing to remember is, gas or diesel, they all operate on "Suck, Squeeze, Bang, Blow". the ONLY differences are how each of those are controlled or initiated.

 

[powerscol]

Any thought on this one Innova 3160e Code Reader or the cheaper 3100series. Amazon.com: Innova 316e Code Reader / Scan Tool with ABS, SRS, and Live Data for OBD2 Vehicles: Automotive

I am getting tired of dealers gouging me to read codes (engine check light comes on) I have a 2001 and 2016 Eascape a 2011 Yaris and an 2004 F350 Superduity to check.

 

[George2615]

Any thought on this one Innova 3160e Code Reader or the cheaper 3100series. Amazon.com: Innova 316e Code Reader / Scan Tool with ABS, SRS, and Live Data for OBD2 Vehicles: Automotive

I am getting tired of dealers gouging me to read codes (engine check light comes on) I have a 2001 and 2016 Eascape a 2011 Yaris and an 2004 F350 Superduity to check.

Have your local auto parts store read the codes when the CE light comes on. They do it for free.

 

[Gem99ultra]

Looking for suggestions for getting the codes off my Silverado. I need the air bag capable scanner. My head was spinning trying to find one. Anyone have one they recommend?

I bought the Actron CP9680 for my '97 Silverado as well as some other vehicles that I own. I wanted one that would not only read the codes but give a list of probably failures, keep history, and be portable so I could take reading while driving. I didn't need every bell and whistle ever sold, but I did want a good, easy to use, reliable meter to keep and use for a long time.

 

[drizler]

Same here with the Acton. I get the codes and then look on the net. Fullsizechevy forums will usually have someone who knows how to best address whichever sets of codes show and what they usually mean. It's more voodoo interpretation than science like the old days but works. What's wrong with the airbags? The usual complaint with those is when it got wrecked or somebody removed the steering gear or steering wheel and turned the unrestrained shaft too far breaking the clock spring. Gotta lock the steering wheel centered with the key / steering wheel locked when you repair idler / pitman arms , tie rods .......

 

[Diamondpilot]

I got one 5 years ago off Amazon. It's a stand alone unit for $60. It has a website you can then go to and look up yr, make, model then enter the code to get the common failures.

Great example is my buddies wife had a Lincoln that sometimes would die at a stop light. Pulled the code and it said on the Web site to check the brake booster. Sure enough we found a loose vacuum hose at it which was the culprit.

Whatever you buy get one with live data. Mine can pull water temp, RPM, oil pressure, mapping of sensors, ect.

 

[aczlan]

Any thought on this one Innova 3160e Code Reader or the cheaper 3100series. Amazon.com: Innova 316e Code Reader / Scan Tool with ABS, SRS, and Live Data for OBD2 Vehicles: Automotive
I am getting tired of dealers gouging me to read codes (engine check light comes on) I have a 2001 and 2016 Eascape a 2011 Yaris and an 2004 F350 Superduity to check.

For your Fords, if you have a Windows laptop with Bluetooth, you can get Forscan for free (FORScan Home) add an adapter for $25 (Amazon.com: Forscan Elm 327 bluetooth with Switch OBD2 Can Bus Scanner Wireless Diagnostic Tool: Automotive ) or $80 (Amazon.com: ScanTool 42611 OBDLink MX Bluetooth: Professional OBD-II Scan Tool for Android & Windows: Automotive) and you can do pretty much everything up to and including programming new keys.
If you dont have Bluetooth on a laptop, there is a plug in adapter for $30 (Amazon.com: ScanTool 42581 OBDLink SX USB: Professional OBD-II Scan Tool for Windows: n/a: Automotive).
If you prefer to use an Android phone, their app is $5 ( https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.astech.forscanlite ) and should work with any of the three adapters linked to above.
They also have a iPhone/iPad app ( http://itunes.com/apps/FORScanLite ), but I am not sure of the price as the Apple Store wants me to log in to see a price and I don't have an account.
On the Yaris, for generic code reading with an Android device, I have used a scanner like the $25 one above and the Torque app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torquefree

Aaron Z

 

[Copperhead]

There are a number of smart phone applications that will retrieve DTCs for "all makes" that are OBD-II compliant.

I purchase "PC" based OEM software as a highly motivated DIY, but not the OEM software device. Reading DTCs for me, is generally a waste of time, I can often tell from the engine's operation where the problem is and that is essentially all a DTC will tell you as well. I then diagnose based on how an internal combustion engine works, taking into account the type of fuel and ignition systems.

The single most important thing to remember is, gas or diesel, they all operate on "Suck, Squeeze, Bang, Blow". the ONLY differences are how each of those are controlled or initiated.

That is what I like about the BlueDriver app. Not just a code reader. It also will do real time graphing and such of engine operation from single and multiple data sources and will export that information to other devices. Such as cylinder timing advance in real time graph mode. Also seeing graphing of O2 sensor operation on the fly as you operate. Both short term and long term fuel trims, and other aspects. And you can send the data via email or other devices. Not bad for a free app and $100 OBD module.

Review on it.....

Mini Tool Reviews: #5 BlueDriver- Great Low Cost Bluetooth Scan Tool - YouTube

 

[aczlan]

For your Fords, if you have a Windows laptop with Bluetooth, you can get Forscan for free (FORScan Home) add an adapter for $25 (Amazon.com: Forscan Elm 327 bluetooth with Switch OBD2 Can Bus Scanner Wireless Diagnostic Tool: Automotive ) or $80 (Amazon.com: ScanTool 42611 OBDLink MX Bluetooth: Professional OBD-II Scan Tool for Android & Windows: Automotive) and you can do pretty much everything up to and including programming new keys.
If you dont have Bluetooth on a laptop, there is a plug in adapter for $30 (Amazon.com: ScanTool 42581 OBDLink SX USB: Professional OBD-II Scan Tool for Windows: n/a: Automotive).
If you prefer to use an Android phone, their app is $5 ( FORScan Lite - Android Apps on Google Play ) and should work with any of the three adapters linked to above.
They also have a iPhone/iPad app ( http://itunes.com/apps/FORScanLite ), but I am not sure of the price as the Apple Store wants me to log in to see a price and I don't have an account.
On the Yaris, for generic code reading with an Android device, I have used a scanner like the $25 one above and the Torque app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torquefree

Aaron Z

One note, the app will read and clear codes (such as ABS codes), but it will not let you do things like module testing or key programming that the computer program does.

Aaron Z

 

[powerscol]

For your Fords, if you have a Windows laptop with Bluetooth, you can get Forscan for free (FORScan Home) add an adapter for $25 (Amazon.com: Forscan Elm 327 bluetooth with Switch OBD2 Can Bus Scanner Wireless Diagnostic Tool: Automotive ) or $80 (Amazon.com: ScanTool 42611 OBDLink MX Bluetooth: Professional OBD-II Scan Tool for Android & Windows: Automotive) and you can do pretty much everything up to and including programming new keys.
If you dont have Bluetooth on a laptop, there is a plug in adapter for $30 (Amazon.com: ScanTool 42581 OBDLink SX USB: Professional OBD-II Scan Tool for Windows: n/a: Automotive).
If you prefer to use an Android phone, their app is $5 ( FORScan Lite - Android Apps on Google Play ) and should work with any of the three adapters linked to above.
They also have a iPhone/iPad app ( http://itunes.com/apps/FORScanLite ), but I am not sure of the price as the Apple Store wants me to log in to see a price and I don't have an account.
On the Yaris, for generic code reading with an Android device, I have used a scanner like the $25 one above and the Torque app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torquefree

Aaron Z

Thanks Aaron Z
Unfortunately I dont have a laptop or smart phone - lets just say I am smart phone challenged :shocked::confused3:. I have a basic cell phone that is off most of the time. Thus I am looking for a hand held scanner. George2615 - thanks for the tip. Ill haft to check here to see if they are customer friendly. Napa did not offer when I was in.