| Author | Message | ||
     Ian Bentley (Ibentley) New Member Username: Ibentley Post Number: 20 Registered: 06-2003 |
My 99 DI goes off warranty in a few months, so I guess its time to buy some diagnostic tools. What OBDII scanners do people use? Is the computer/cable option better? Any brands to avoid? | ||
| marc olivares (Pugs) Member Username: Pugs Post Number: 147 Registered: 12-2002 |
ian here are a few options: R&D Harrison baum automotive otc tools obd2 scan snapon and the list goes on from there. i have the R&D Harrison software and cable for a palm pilot that i keep in my truck. i have used the Baum software on a visor pda and i have a snapon scanner i use at work. the main difference between them all is the technical options like graphing, multiple graph comparison etc... that most novice mechanics wouldn't want to bother with anyway. in my opinion, the pda/palm pilot option is a good way to go. it's portable, doesn't take much room, and can be used in real time without taking up to much room. the laptops are nice but anymore the pda's will do the same graphing with the same colors etc... most of the software for a pda runs about $150 to $300 ( price varies with optional graphing etc..) these are a must have tool for anyone with an OBD2 vehicle. good luck marc | ||
| max garcia (Max_n_erica) New Member Username: Max_n_erica Post Number: 30 Registered: 02-2003 |
Hi all I have found this Innova obdII (INN3100) http://www.etoolcart.com/product.asp?0=203&1=211&3=3794 for $140 but not sure if it is good, bad, or other. Is this worth it or will I be disapointed? | ||
| marc olivares (Pugs) Member Username: Pugs Post Number: 158 Registered: 12-2002 |
max, these types of scanners are actually "code readers" only. in my opinion, they are great for the shade tree mechanic that wants to know what triggered the MIL (engine light), some read codes, some will read and clear codes, but they are not scanners. scanners will give you real time data, will allow you to actuate sensors individually, display graphical sensor data etc... code readers are great, but they are not a scan tool. what every you decide to buy make sure that the software the tool has gives you a text description of what the code means. very helpful for the novice in trouble shooting. and make sure that it is a OBD2 generic, not import/domestic (toyota, GM etc...) The OBD2 generic will have more information on european vehicles. hope that helps, marc | ||
| max garcia (Max_n_erica) New Member Username: Max_n_erica Post Number: 31 Registered: 02-2003 |
Thanks Marc I have been to autozone a half dozen times for a loose gas cap. I think a reader will be fine for me until I figure out more of what I am doing 8^) the one above says "Retrieves both Generic (P0) and Manufacturer specific (P1) diagnostic codes." is the "generic (PO)" The same generic you speak of? Thanks Max | ||
| Justin (Vanroth) Member Username: Vanroth Post Number: 95 Registered: 02-2003 |
Anyone know how well the Autotap universal scanners perform with LR's? I have a v2 Autotap GM scanner with the EFI Live software (for LS1 engines) and love it so far. Autotap now offers an upgrade allowing me to trade in my GM only model for a universal model. It supports vendor specific functions on domestic cars and generic code on import cars. But I still don't know how well it will work with my Disco. Thanks, Justin | ||
| marc olivares (Pugs) Member Username: Pugs Post Number: 165 Registered: 12-2002 |
max, yeah the (PO) and (P1) codes are the ones that you want to be able to read. with that being the case, i'd do it! good luck. justin, the autotap universal units work very well. one of my co-workers have and has been very pleased. marc | ||
| Justin (Vanroth) Member Username: Vanroth Post Number: 99 Registered: 02-2003 |
thanks marc! -justin |
