OBD II scanner
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
OBD II scanner So, thinking that I have 4 hot rods with computer controlled engines, no way to scan 'em at home a diagnose any problems, and with some frustrating trouble with the 6.0 in the Diamond T, I'm going to buy a scanner. I see Auto-Zone has 'em from $59.00 up. Will the inexpensive ones be adequate? Any recommendations for an inexpensive one that would help me out? Not interested in reprogramming, just trying to dx problems as they arise.
Brian
Brian
On The Tree
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 186
Likes: 3
There are several PC based packages that fit financially between hand held cheapies and $$$ scan/tune tools. The first time to you need to record data to find a driveablity problem you'll be glad you did. Also lets you keep your eyes on the road.
Don't want to name names since no idea if any are sponsors here. PM if you need to.
Don't want to name names since no idea if any are sponsors here. PM if you need to.
Teching In
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
I have a pocket style scanner that matco makes, think it was $150
Reads/clears codes but it also reads over 100 data parameters. I've had a couple cheap scanners that just read/clears codes, sold all of them and won't go back.
I use it on a daily basis at work and it does a great job.
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/pr...CAN-SCAN-TOOL/
Reads/clears codes but it also reads over 100 data parameters. I've had a couple cheap scanners that just read/clears codes, sold all of them and won't go back.
I use it on a daily basis at work and it does a great job.
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/pr...CAN-SCAN-TOOL/
If you have and Andriod Smartphone or tablet.. load up "Torque".. and buy a BlueTooth Wireless ODBII connector (Ebay $25.00)..
I use it to monitor, clear code and it has a host load of fun stuff.. (but it can't do programing..), Laprecorder, map/gps, configurable screen. etc..
http://torque-bhp.com/
BC
I use it to monitor, clear code and it has a host load of fun stuff.. (but it can't do programing..), Laprecorder, map/gps, configurable screen. etc..
http://torque-bhp.com/
BC
+1 on Torque... I have Torque PRO, and it's AWESOME. You can datalog, do custom PIID's... It's boss... And less than 50 bucks for Torque PRO and a bluetooth adapter, PLUS a windshield mount.
You can also put some film on the windshield and Torque has a HUD mode.
You can also put some film on the windshield and Torque has a HUD mode.
I use a harborfreigt one, the one that's usually $120 or so. I got it on sale for around $70 with a coupon. It's used mainly for the daily drivers. Got tired of running the car down to the shop for a $10 read. It does okay for basic problems.
I'd shoot for the slightly higher dollar ones that have more options or some good software to use with a lapt top or something when troubleshooting with a swap. Good scanner/software and digi multimeter should get things done.
I'd shoot for the slightly higher dollar ones that have more options or some good software to use with a lapt top or something when troubleshooting with a swap. Good scanner/software and digi multimeter should get things done.
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I have a harbor freight one that I got on sale for something like $25. It is an older model that was only $40 new. I keep it in the door pocket for when buds at work need to clear or read a code. Doesn't data log and only displays the code number so you still need to google what the number means, but for the money it is hard to beat. Throw one in every tool box.
BTW, most part stores will read error codes for free.
Can't say I've ever had a problem that needed data logging. That smart phone solution sounds trick. My wideband does OBDII logging but luckily I have never needed to use it.
BTW, most part stores will read error codes for free.
Can't say I've ever had a problem that needed data logging. That smart phone solution sounds trick. My wideband does OBDII logging but luckily I have never needed to use it.
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I've got a cheap harbor freight too. Works fine for simple codes. I did end up spening about the same for an Elmscan that additionally displays sensor data on my computer. That's very helpful with diagnosing initial issues with swaps.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Thanks for the replies. I don't have a smart phone, (I'm holding out) so that's out. I'm thinking a cheap scanner will have more than I can figure out how to use, so that will probably suffice. I still think I have a fuel delivery problem, so that's the first thing to get straightened out, but a scanner will be nice to have as well.
10 Second Club
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 176
Likes: 1
From: Seattle
Would just get an elm usb cable and there are plenty of free programs out there for this. If you have a laptop it is pretty much the cheapest option. Then you can upgrade software later if you so chose.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
I have an Innova I bought a few years ago off Amazon, I bought a more expensive model because it would also go antilock brakes, and I needed it. It works good, never really had a need for the USB laptop setups but I do think they have some nice features.
I have a pocket style scanner that matco makes, think it was $150
Reads/clears codes but it also reads over 100 data parameters. I've had a couple cheap scanners that just read/clears codes, sold all of them and won't go back.
I use it on a daily basis at work and it does a great job.
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/pr...CAN-SCAN-TOOL/
Reads/clears codes but it also reads over 100 data parameters. I've had a couple cheap scanners that just read/clears codes, sold all of them and won't go back.
I use it on a daily basis at work and it does a great job.
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/pr...CAN-SCAN-TOOL/
Actron makes it for Matco. Advance Auto carries the Actron version for around 120. If you have a little extra, the same scanner with domestic ABS is around 200.
suggest you search in the iPhone play/app store. Search on ODB2 or ODBII scanner. There was a few the last time I played on someone iPhone... most have a charge for installing.
let us know your review of what you find.
BC
let us know your review of what you find.
BC
