Looking for a scanner

[kanz]

I’m looking for a scanner that can do the following. Abs bleed/live data that shows what the correct values should be when performing tests/ cam retard timing. Also something with free lifetime updates. Am I asking for to much? lol.
I’m mostly using it on a 97 Tahoe but would like to have the ability to use it on the newer GM vehicles.

 

[ford46guy]

OBDLink MX+ is very good. There are so many around now. (not sure if it can bleed though).

 

[Hootbro]

Good Luck on the free updates. What are you looking to spend? There is some decent scanners from TOPDON and AUTEL in the $200 to $400 range that will cover what you want but cost will depend if you expect to want bi-directional control functions and if wanting a Bluetooth dongle or wired tether to the OBDII port. TOPDON will usually have two years of updates and AUTEL one year.

I will say that when looking to get your first true scanner that is above OBDII reader only, you want to get the best you can afford first time out. Settling for a lower end one with less capability, you will soon wish you had the spent the coin for a more featured one if you intend to expand your skill set of working on a vehicle.

 

[martinq]

Not a big fan of the OBDLink MX+. It's the most expensive adapter I have but I don't like the software as it's pretty clunky. The adapter seems very good though and I can use it with other software unlike the BlueDriver adapter.

 

[martinq]

I'm looking for the same thing (bi wireless tablet, lifetime updates) but I don't think it exists.

I tried the Topdon ArtiDiag 800BT (~ $600 CDN) and it was a joke. Small screen, clumbsy UI, inconsistent language, chingrish and crashes. So glad I bought it on Amazon and could return without penalty.

This is my suggestion. Save your money and watch the prices on returnable scanners in your price range (CamelCamelCamel or similar). Pull the trigger as soon as you NEED one and return it if it's giving you any grief.

Look at Launch, Autel, Thinkcar, Topdon, etc but make sure you can return without penalty.

2yr free updates are pretty common and I think that's good enough as long as you don't loose functionality afterwards.

The hands on experience will be valuable regardless what you get, just don't get stuck with a stinker.

 

[dubber09]

For newer GM vehicles you'll want CAN FD capability.
I have a little older Xtool D7 and like it, came with 3 years of free updates and renewals are reasonably priced. Paid C$464.25 before taxes etc in Jan 2023 for brand new one.
Newer Xtool D7S is reasonably priced at ~US$360 and comes with CAN FD, 3 years of free updates. Updates come almost daily and their support is quite responsive and good. There is D7W model with wireless capability but it's more expensive.

 

[vavavroom]

I have a sub-$200 Foxwell NT530 scan tool that lets me cycle the ASB control unit during bleeding. The device walks me through the required steps.

 

[Trav]

Look at Otofix, made by Autel. I have the D1 Pro and it does everything I need 90% of the time, when it cannot I use OE scan tools.
Don't look at Amazon they are a grand and more but here you can get them much cheaper and are legit.

https://otofix.store/products/otofi...zrH2sXfMCnKiNJISNrlc140AqacH2aKvkOmsd3ajfdbEe

 

[hrv]

Inova 5610....

 

[vwmaniaman]

Autel 610 is bi-directional. Does ABS pump too.

 

[Donald]

If it's a Ford then Forscan is what you want.

 

[wtd]

I’m looking for a scanner that can do the following. Abs bleed/live data that shows what the correct values should be when performing tests/ cam retard timing. Also something with free lifetime updates. Am I asking for to much? lol.
I’m mostly using it on a 97 Tahoe but would like to have the ability to use it on the newer GM vehicles.

I have two 98 Chevy trucks and I will tell you that a lot of the cheaper scanners do not have the Cam retard PID that you need to set the Cam offset on these trucks. I have an Innova 5610 that is a $350 scanner that doesn't have the PID to set it. My Otofix D1, Thinktool Pros, and Launch X431 scanners do have the PID but these are all $500+ scanners. My old AutoXray 6000 scanner also has the PID and is what I used prior to me owning these other scanners. My more expensive scanners will also do ABS bleed and have all of the live data for it.