Originally Posted By: Vikas
I am making an assumption that currently you have no scanner at all. Please correct it if I am wrong.
When you are talking about low prices scanners, you are going to get the so called "enhanced PID" list but it is still generic. Most of them will have the manufacturer specific DTC decoder but that just makes life little easier. One can always google the Pxxxx code to get the meaningful string.
The custom or manufacturer PID and bidirectional control means you are in a different strata of the scanner market. On top of it, if you want SRS and/or ABS you would be paying lot more.
Let us assume that you were given the Autoengunity package including the GM enhanced support free. What exactly would you do with it so that you can actually correct whatever problem that you are having? You might be able to ascertain that TCC lockup is not working. What happens then? Don't you take it to the shop? Won't they run their own diagnostics on it and charge you for their time? I really think that if you have performance or drive-ability problems with your GM automatic transmission and it bothers you enough, then you should bite the bullet and take in. But I thought you wanted a good scanner regardless. If you are shopping for the best, you will have nothing as you will keep on rejecting better solutions.
The $50 Autel that I had been pushing will not help you with the GM automatic but it will talk to all of your cars, including European ones and will give you lots of data. If you do not have a standalone CAN capable scanner today, then you owe it to yourself to get one.
I will see what I would buy if I had $400 to spend on a scanner and I will give the reasoning behind my choice(s) later.
If you are willing to spend $400, prepare to spend $450 and get the cheap one first. Once you realize the limitation of that you can buy the next one. The worst that can happen is that you will have an extra scanner which you can just keep it in one of your vehicle.
Youve got some great point here. My angle is twofold - besides my scangauge, I dont have a scanner - certainly not a real one. One that gives live data that lets me see stuff like TPS, coolant temp sensor, O2 sensor readings, etc. would be valuable for general diagnosis.
Even if I cant command TC solenoid closure, Id like to be able to see that status. Is that item's status not something that a basic scanner can do?
Youre right, a shop is ultimately going to have to scan it themselves. But if it is something stupid like a brake switch, TPS, or solenoid going bad, I can DIY, and Id prefer to. If it is something worse, it would be good to have some level of situational awareness.
And in the longer run, for stuff like re-registering batteries on my BMW, something more capable is of interest too. Like a BT Scan tool.
My needs are many, and it drives my confusion on how to go... THanks for your insight!