Auto scan tool suggestions

[George2615]

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.

Advance Auto and Autozone in my area will scan your vehicle. NAPA did not.
Dealers and most garages scan but charge a fee.

 

[truckdiagnostics]

autoenginuity | Unleash the Diagnostics Power Built into Your Vehicle
above is the best I have found aftermarket. It is scale able... read OBD codes then add expansions for the various makes. It can be complicated and has a learning curve. If you add the expansion you can actuate components and read all the modules which I like. Next step after this would be OEM software.

 

[94BULLITT]

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.

This is a really nice little scan tool that does generic code(like most entry level scan tools).

Amazon.com: Autel AutoLink AL319 OBD II & CAN Scan Tool: Automotive

 

[Barnbuilder]

Forscan might be. Sorry about that.

 

[Scotty Dive]

I just ordered the autel al619 which does abs and srs. Auto zone and advanced do not read codes beyond engine codes. I called two each of those stores and confirmed. My local mechanic and dealers all charge to read the code, so a hundred bucks I have a scan tool on the way

 

[WilliamBos]

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

Thank you for posting that. Will see if my crapdroid phone will be compatible with the app.

 

[drizler]

One thing to consider is getting one that will tell you when it's reset the codes and is ready to test again. This is for those typical idiotic gas cap evap codes that haunt most older vehicles and make getting it inspected a PITA if you are in a place like Neuyorkistan where they hook up to DMV. The only way to cheat those guys is to reset it and drive it till it's reset then be right at the inspection station so it clears .......for another year.
Most of the cheap ones like mine won't do this so you can get robbed blind fixing useless nonsense to please the bureaucrats at your expense. If you come up against something like this having one of these features makes it all so much easier.

 

[CurlyDave]

autoenginuity | Unleash the Diagnostics Power Built into Your Vehicle
above is the best I have found aftermarket. It is scale able... read OBD codes then add expansions for the various makes. It can be complicated and has a learning curve. If you add the expansion you can actuate components and read all the modules which I like. Next step after this would be OEM software.

I have this one for several years and it works pretty well. The software is not cheap, but you get what you pay for...

 

[truckdiagnostics]

One thing to consider is getting one that will tell you when it's reset the codes and is ready to test again. This is for those typical idiotic gas cap evap codes that haunt most older vehicles and make getting it inspected a PITA if you are in a place like Neuyorkistan where they hook up to DMV. The only way to cheat those guys is to reset it and drive it till it's reset then be right at the inspection station so it clears .......for another year.
Most of the cheap ones like mine won't do this so you can get robbed blind fixing useless nonsense to please the bureaucrats at your expense. If you come up against something like this having one of these features makes it all so much easier.

fyi, most evp systems only activate when you are between 1/4 and 3/4 of a tank. So, fill it up clear the code go to the dmv, it won't start to suck a vacuum on the tank until it get to 3/4. the auto e scan tool i mentioned above will actuate the evap components if you purchase the enhancements for your OEM. EVAP is a REAL headache. I will admit I have some vehicles I have given up on......

 

[94BULLITT]

I just ordered the autel al619 which does abs and srs. Auto zone and advanced do not read codes beyond engine codes. I called two each of those stores and confirmed. My local mechanic and dealers all charge to read the code, so a hundred bucks I have a scan tool on the way

You should be happy with that one. Autel makes good stuff. I thought they made an cheaper scan tool that did ABS and airbag. I looked the other night but I did not see it. I'm glad you found that one. If the cord is too short on it you can buy an extension.