Scan tool - any recommended?

[djbartu]

I am interested in purchasing a scan tool to read the SES codes on multiple vehicles (mostly for my SHOwagon, however). Can anyone recommend a brand and/or a place to buy one? I know Autozone will check for free, but I've had bad experiences with their employees - they just don't give a damn! I don't want one designed for a professional mechanic, but I don't want the cheapie Harbor Freight model either.

 

[Wess]

What are you looking to spend? The XCal2 can pull and clear codes for your vehicle and others and you get the added benefit of Doug's tuning. Just a thought.

 

[SHOZ123]

Here is an interesting one that will also do some datat logging.

http://www.davisnet.com/drive/products/drive_product.asp?pnum=8221

They also have a cheaper model that will do less datat logging.

http://www.davisnet.com/drive/products/drive_product.asp?pnum=8211

Both will read the codes.

 

[Wess]

Also, the XC2 has a data logger as well. Although you'll need a USB cable and a laptop. I've used to datalog on other OBDII Fords.

 

[djbartu]

Here is an interesting one that will also do some datat logging.

http://www.davisnet.com/drive/products/drive_product.asp?pnum=8221

They also have a cheaper model that will do less datat logging.

http://www.davisnet.com/drive/products/drive_product.asp?pnum=8211

Both will read the codes.

This sounds pretty good - it will do a lot more than I need, but as long as it reads the codes.

Anyone have any experience with it?

 

[djbartu]

Also, the XC2 has a data logger as well. Although you'll need a USB cable and a laptop. I've used to datalog on other OBDII Fords.

I've been waiting for the X-cal group buy, but just for the tuning. I don't know if I need any of the data logging. (And I don't have access to a laptop.)

 

[SHOZ123]

I have not used the Davis auto stuff but have used their weather data collection hardware for years with no problems.

If all you want to do is scan and clear codes then the AutoZone type is better, you do want one that can read Ford specific codes though. Be sure it is compatible with the car and be aware that OBDII is about dead for future use.

 

[Mr. SHO]

My scan tool came from Harbor Freight tools and cost me a whopping $30. Works like a champ, although it will only pull codes that activate the MIL. The ones that don't trigger a MIL require a more expensive tool to retrieve, but then again if they don't trigger the MIL, I don't give a crap about them.

 

[djbartu]

My scan tool came from Harbor Freight tools and cost me a whopping $30. Works like a champ, although it will only pull codes that activate the MIL. The ones that don't trigger a MIL require a more expensive tool to retrieve, but then again if they don't trigger the MIL, I don't give a crap about them.

What problems don't activate the MIL?

 

[Ian Macoomb]

What problems don't activate the MIL?

It's possible to have pending codes. A pending code occurs when the car knows that there's a problem but it hasn't occured enough times to set the check engine light.

I've got an Equus code reader that works on any OBDII car (any '96 or newer). It will read manufacturer specific codes too. Can be had online for $99.

 

[djbartu]

It's possible to have pending codes. A pending code occurs when the car knows that there's a problem but it hasn't occured enough times to set the check engine light.

I've got an Equus code reader that works on any OBDII car (any '96 or newer). It will read manufacturer specific codes too. Can be had online for $99.

How about this Equus from JCW ... with a 10% off coupon it would run about $89 + S&H.
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/...wse/s-10101/Ntk-AllTextSearchGroup?Ntt=obd ii

 

[Mr Anonymous]

For the same ~$100 you can get an Actron CP9135, which in addition to the code will give you the corresponding description of the code so you don't have to look it up separately.

It's the same unit we use at the shop to do free code reads/clears for customers, and it really works great. Probably under 10% of the time do we have to pull out the MT2500 and charge them labor.

 

[w17cfii]

I'm in the same boat, but with a '95. Looks like the Actron CP9015 is my best bet. Anyone agree or disagree? Other recommendations?

 

[w17cfii]

I'm in the same boat, but with a '95. Looks like the Actron CP9015 is my best bet. Anyone agree or disagree? Other recommendations?

 

[ManySHOs]

Manufacturer: EQUUS
Part # EQU-3145

~$40

Purchase the extension cord for it too.
Equus #3896

~$25

Use google to search for it and compare prices.

I own the 3145. I haven't used it yet but it seems nice and will do the job for not too much money. The extension cord is a must IMO. I'll probably order it soon now that I've been reminded of it.

BIG FAT EDIT: You have an OBD II car. This won't work with that. Equus should have something that will though.


Ian

 

[Mr. SHO]

Like I said, Harbor Freight has a cheap effective OBD-II reader. Normally they it's $49, occasionally on sale for $39 or less. I got it for $30 but I haven't seen that price since.

 

[djbartu]

I went with the suggestion from Mr Anonymous ... the Actron CP9135. Very nice tool. I purchased it through Overstock auctions for $90 shipped. I used the "buy it now" option, however you can probably get it for less by bidding and waiting for the auctions to end. Here's the link:
http://auctions.overstock.com/cgi-b...XT=actron&TAB=ALLITEMS&PGNUM=1&CTG=0&x=38&y=7

My code was for running rich on both banks. I cleared the codes and they haven't returned ... yet. I think I'll try cleaning tha MAF.