Scan Tool Recommendations

[NibbanaBanana]

I'm looking to buy a scan tool. I don't have a smart phone or ipad or anything like that. And I only have an old mac computer, so it has to be a stand alone device.

The feature of being able to graph, store and replay live engine data seems like it could be real helpful in troubleshooting. Also being able to read freeze frame data.

Being able to read ABS codes would be nice, as well as transmission codes. But I'm not sure how much I'd be willing to pay extra for these features.

Just interested in hearing from anybody who has one and their thoughts.

Thanks.
- Nibbana

 

[The Critic]

What year/make/model do you plan to use the tool on?

 

[NibbanaBanana]

Right now, I have
1993 Ford E-350
2002 Ford E-150
2006 Chevy Aveo
2013 Kia Rio

That can change.

 

[The Critic]

How much do you want to spend? I recently bought a Snap-On Solus Ultra with the 15.2 software for $1500 and it has amazing graphing capabilities (better than OE), a reasonable number of bi-directional controls/tests and code reading capabilities for most modules. It's definitely not as good as the OE tool, but for the generalist, it is pretty decent.

 

[Merkava_4]

^ What does a slow reacting, lazy upstream oxygen sensor look like on a scan tool ?

 

[Merkava_4]

Nevermind Critic ... I answered my own question.

Oxygen Sensor Slow Response test (P0134) - Nissan

 

[SHOZ]

A fairly cheap and useful ODBII scanner monitor is the Ultra-Gauge. I have one on my Accent all the time to monitor coolant temp and O2 voltages as well as other parameters. Excellent product and trouble free.

http://www.ultra-gauge.com/ultragauge/

 

[NibbanaBanana]

Nope. $1500 would be way out of my price range. Just about anything Snap On makes is great and I'm sure you can really learn a lot with those graphic capabilities. But that's way more than I can spend. I've gotten by so far on an Actron Pocket Scan which set me back $50 about 10 years ago. It doesn't read ABS codes though and now I have a few ABS vehicles. And, as I said, I'd like to see live data.

I saw a video on the Actron 9580A. The guy said he didn't have a windows computer but he was still able to do a lot of stuff. Looks like they go for just over $100. More in line with what I was wanting to spend.

It doesn't look like the ultra gauge will graph live data. That's one thing I'd like. That would be good to have in the car though. My wife's Kia doesn't even have a temperature gage.

 

[Darris]

What do you experienced users think of Launch CRP123, Launch OBD Book & OTC 3111PRO, not so much for final diagnostic & repair work but just as way for an owner to keep an eye on things with the current car or look for issues when checking out used cars. Overkill or not good enough?

 

[Vikas]

You are lucky, TheCiritc suggested something only in $1500! I was expecting him to recommend something with $10K price tag and $1500 per year subscription.

But when you do not provide the budget, how is anybody going to give you a proper response?

First decide on how much you are willing to spend on it and then look up few Autel, Launch or similar brands on Amazon to get started.

 

[doitmyself]

I apologize if this takes the thread sideways, but it still might be helpful for the OP. Costs aside, can anyone explain the pros and cons of a hand held unit vs. a bluetooth unit used with a tablet, phone, or PC?

Two examples, under $200, that I am interested in:

Innova 3160d: https://innova.com/en-US/Product/Detail/3160d under $200, occasionally much less.

OBDlink MX: https://www.scantool.net/obdlink-mx-bluetooth-scan-tool/ $79, additional software require for some vehicles( CAN?)


Thanks!

 

[Merkava_4]

Not much of a contest there; the Innova stuff is sweet. I like how rugged they are and that easy to read blue backlit screen. I borrowed a 3100 from a neighbor once, that's how I got hooked.

 

[Vikas]

The similar Bluetooth dongles start at $15 or less shipped. With $5 Torque Pro software, most other BT based system will have very hard to justify their price.