Looking to buy OBD2 Scan Tool

[EddieWalker]

It sounds like I'd be better off buying a low end ABS scanner and a sepreate OBD2 scanner. From what I'm reading, they all pretty much do the same thing, so the advantage of the more expensive ones is they offer more features, but those are things that I really don't have a need, or even a clue on how to use.

Is Actron a good name brand? Who else? I'm mostly just sufing around on Ebay for them, but don't have any idea if I'm looking at junk or a good deal. Prices are all over the place too.

Thanks,
Eddie

 

[jdbower]

You may also just be able to Google for ABS light and your vehicle model to find some common things to check. For example IIRC with my truck there's a particular sensor that tends to fail/get dirty which causes the majority of ABS light issues. Since the ABS light already narrows it down to the brake system getting a scanner may not be as cost effective as just checking the common failure points.

 

[CurlyDave]

I have an older one that came from Kragen (auto parts chain in CA) about 5 years ago for ~ $100, I have seen the basic ones on sale for ~$40 lately. Mine worked just fine for getting the code and then I hade to look it up in a book.

If I were buying today I would get this one: Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices.

At the price of the low end code readers today, there is no reason at all to pay someone to read a code for you.

OTOH, there is also no reason to buy one "just to have it around". I figure if I wait until I really need one again, the one I buy then will have the latest codes in it.

 

[Sackett2]

OTOH, there is also no reason to buy one "just to have it around". I figure if I wait until I really need one again, the one I buy then will have the latest codes in it.

Don't worry about "the latest codes" Generally speaking, a older OBD2 code reader would read a newer car. You may not get what is called "manufacture specific codes", but it would give you all basic codes. These codes don't change. A p0300 is always a "random cylinder misfire"

Updated code readers don't give you any new codes, only new cars and any changes as mandated by the emissions laws. So if your buying a new car often, perhaps-

If your code reader does not ask you year/make your car is, than chances are it's using "Generic" mode- The level the federal government requires be available using a standard protocol-and certain info the government requires to be available

Around here on the left coast, some auto stores will read codes for free.

Even tho its required by law-European cars can be a PITA to get to read. If you have a European car and you get any problem-sell it.



As for ABS codes-evaluate how often you get a abs code in the life of the vehicle. They are rare and chances are you can get a abs code reader and use it once. ABS codes are not as controlled by the government-more the manufacture, so commonality between vehicles may be almost none. As many cars as I look at a year, I see a few ABS codes, and I can't justify the cost of a ABS reader.

 

[texbaylea]

No matter what scan tool you end up with the Autotap site is full of very useful technical information concerning the codes and what they mean. Check it out

AutoTap - OBDII Diagnostic Scanner

Vernon

 

[NuBota]

I picked up the Actron Pocket Scan (CP9125) a couple of months ago - $60 at AutoZone - came with PC software/CD for looking up mfg codes. Has the book for standard codes. Nothing fancy - gets the job done....

And easy to use - the teenagers and wife have figured out how to use it so they can tell me what I need to fix on the vehicles they drive - ugh......

As others have said - starts the diagnosis process, so see no advantage of all the other features - AND at 60 bucks, it basically throw-away - a plus when teens get hold of tools....

 

[kenmac]

Eddie, You mabe able to clear the ABS light just by disconnecting the battery cables. I had a truck once with rear ABS & when I would run over a curb with the rear wheels, the ABS light would come on.I could get the light off by taking off the batt. cables

 

[kenmac]

One may give you a o2 sensor code that is a failed o2 sensor, another gives you the same code that is a faulty cat converter.

Funny that you should mention this. Same 2 codes that my mazda are giving. This car has 2 cats. If I remember correctly. It says that the pre cat. is below threshold

 

[Sackett2]

Cat's can be a crap shoot- that where "live data" can be useful, to see if the o2 sensors are switching correctly.

 

[WVBill]

Both of my vehicles (2000 Dodge Ram and 2005 Pontiac Vibe) have digital odometers. On each there is a sequence of switching the ignition key on-off-on-off...etc which will make whatever codes have been set display on the odometer.

Are these the same codes that the basic ODBII scanners y'all are talking about will read?

WVBill